At Mulberry Park we follow the EYFS Curriculum in Reception and the UK National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2 which are taught alongside our Learn Together Curriculum.
Please see our curriculum overviews tab for more information.
Our aim is to provide our children with an exciting, engaging, broad and balanced curriculum built around our Learn Together Curriculum and the National Curriculum, whilst following the interests of the children. We believe that children learn best when they experience a varied and diverse range of activities and subjects.
We believe that outdoor learning is very important and we aim to get the children out into the local and wider community as much as possible. We aim to use our school grounds, neighbouring parks and gardens to develop this further whilst taking the children on educational visits further afield to give them wider learning opportunities and experiences.
These curriculum overviews outline the main areas of learning in each year group. We tailor the planning, teaching and learning to the needs and abilities of each child.
For example some children may be learning Maths or English at a higher or lower level than that of their year group.
These overviews are therefore a guide to progression through the subjects and year groups. Please speak to us if you have any queries or concerns.
Reception Class curriculum overview
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At Mulberry Park Educate Together we strive to provide a high-quality education in English.
The study of English develops children’s abilities to listen, speak, read and write for a wide range of purposes, including the communication of their ideas, views and feelings. Children are enabled to express themselves creatively and imaginatively, as they become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories and poetry, as well as non-fiction texts.
It should provide opportunities for all pupils, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, attainment and background. Quality texts are chosen to reflect our diverse community including characters and plots from all backgrounds and abilities. Children gain an understanding of how language works by looking at its patterns, structures and origins. Children use their knowledge, skills and understanding in speaking, listening, reading and writing across a range of different situations and through cross curricular activities.
English is a Core subject of the National Curriculum. It is broken into three strands within the curriculum (Reading, Writing and Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) which is taught following the National Curriculum 2014 and taught within a clearly planned programme using a variety of fiction and non-fiction elements.
We understand the important role families and carers have in supporting their child’s reading and writing and we continue to think of new and innovative ways to develop the home-school partnership.
Children in our Reception class follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum through a play based approach to learning. We are an Early Adopter school of the new Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The curriculum includes the following seven areas of learning:
In an Educate Together school, a daily period of time is set aside for the ethical education curriculum, which is delivered in addition to the National Curriculum. This program is called the “Learn Together” curriculum and is published by Educate Together. It defines the core values of all teaching and learning in the school. It is subject to continuous review and development.
THE ‘LEARN TOGETHER’ CURRICULUM
The programme is divided into four strands: Moral and Spiritual Development, Justice and Equality, Ethics and the Environment and Belief Systems. The curriculum specifically addresses the Educate Together ethos and it is here that the values that the school seeks to model in its ‘characteristic spirit’ are articulated and explained in greater depth.
MORAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
The aim is to help children develop a critical knowledge, understanding and awareness of right and wrong. Teachers aim to develop a strong awareness of social, ethical and moral standards through reflecting on the meaning and purpose of life. The strand should encourage and develop the individual on their journey to inner discovery and empower the child to make informed moral choices.
EQUALITY AND JUSTICE
The general aim of the strand is to develop in children a critical knowledge, understanding and awareness of issues relating to human rights, equality, culture and diversity, social justice and social inclusiveness and to empower them to make a difference.
BELIEF SYSTEMS
This strand explains and explores the major belief systems and life stances in the world in an educational manner, teaching children about these faiths and beliefs without endorsing any particular one as religious truth. This strand of the curriculum is usually very important to ensure that children of all backgrounds feel fully part of the school.
Particular care is taken to represent non-theistic, humanist, atheist and personal life stances as equally valid as traditional religions.
During the year, an Educate Together school may mark – in an age appropriate way – festivals such as Chinese New Year, Easter, Hindu festival of lights (Diwali), Harvest Festivals, Samhain (Halloween), Darwin Day, Ramadan and Eid, Hanukkah and Christmas.
ETHICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The school develops in children a knowledge, appreciation and respect for their environment to empower them to take an active role in its stewardship. The environment is defined to include concepts of social, economic, political and environmental sustainability.
Children are expected to participate in the study of the environment and social issues in their own community and take appropriate action. This may involve setting up an eco-school committee, visiting the elderly, surveying waste, traffic or water use in the area, setting up mini social enterprises and making representations to the local council or political representatives.
The program allows the school to explore the similarities and differences with the older celebrations that underlie many of these festivals. Examples would be how Celtic festivals and practices underpin the way that Easter is celebrated in Britain or the solstice-based festivals that occur in many religions around the end of the year.
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At Mulberry Park Educate Together, we believe every child is a mathematician. As a school we follow White Rose Maths schemes of learning, and are working with Boolean Maths Hub to embed a Maths Mastery approach into all of our Maths teaching. The aim is that all of our children are fluent and confident in their Maths learning.
In Reception, the children have focussed Maths lessons including carpet input and focussed time. Within discovery time the children have access to activities which provide opportunities for children to use and apply their maths to real life situations.
From Year 1, we teach daily Maths lessons following White Rose Maths schemes of learning.
Arithmetic
Teachers teach daily arithmetic to encourage children to be able to recall and apply key Maths facts. In Key Stage 1 we work on embedding the facts in the grid below:
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Our Maths policy
Addition and subtraction calculation policy
Multiplication and division calculation policy
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From Year 1 upwards we follow the National Curriculum which includes a range of subjects, focusing on English and Maths.
Teachers are given the autonomy to plan topics which are of interest to the children. These topics are then carefully thought through to cover a wide range of subject areas. Our topic choices aim to encompass all areas of learning and provide many opportunities to develop our children’s English and Maths skills. English and Maths are taught every day both across various subjects and in discrete lessons.
More information can be found in our Curriculum Overviews or by clicking the link below:
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You have the right to education which develops your personality, respect for other’s rights and the environment.
Article 29 of the UNCRC says that a child or young person’s education should help their mind, body and talents be the best they can. It should also build their respect for other people and the world around them. In particular, they should learn to respect:
• their rights and the rights of others
• their freedoms and the freedoms of others
• their parents
• the identity, language and values of countries including their own.
Education should prepare children and young people for a responsible life in a free society. It should teach them how to live in an understanding and tolerant way that is non-violent and that respects the environment.
Article 2: All children have rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what their parents do, what language they speak, what their religion is, whether they are a boy or girl, what their culture is, whether they have a disability, whether they are rich or poor. No child should be treated unfairly on any basis.
Article 42: You have the right to know your rights! Adults should know about these rights and help you learn about them, too.
RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOLS AWARD
At Mulberry Park ET we have a commitment to our ethos and encourage our children to have an understanding of their rights.
We are very pleased to have been awarded the first stage of Unicef UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA), Bronze: Rights Committed, and are currently working towards achieving silver accreditation.
We are always striving to create the best possible learning environment for our children and this achievement shows that we are committed to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.
We have set up a pupil-led steering group and have an action plan to ensure that:
We recently ran a workshop for parents in the Autumn term to provide more information about the above.
Click Here to view the Summary of the UN Convention of the Rights of The Child
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Article 31: You have the right to play and rest
We are proud to be part of The Daily Mile.
The aim of The Daily Mile is to improve the physical, social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing of our children – regardless of age, ability or personal circumstances.
The Daily Mile is a social activity, where the children and staff run or jog – at their own pace – in the fresh air with their friends. Children can occasionally walk to catch their breath, if necessary, but should aim to run or jog for the full 15 minutes. It has been found to improve not only the children’s fitness, but also their concentration levels, mood, behaviour and general wellbeing.
To find out more click here.
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WHAT IS A VALUES LED EDUCATION?
We all have values by which we and our families try to live our lives by. These can include values such as honesty, trust, respect, kindness, perseverance, justice and so on. At Educate Together we have our 4 core principles and the objectives in the Learn Together curriculum. We use values to teach about this.
Each month we look in depth at one and bring it into all we do. This way the children begin to think for themselves what they, their families, the school and their friends think is important. We find that discussing values helps children to realise that whilst we may all have different beliefs and different cultures or ways of life we actually share much in what we believe in.
By referring back to the values children can begin to think about how to behave and respond to the situations they come across in life. They are helped to understand what is important to their own family and to others. This way they will grow up able to understand and find the shared values with all people they come across.
Are there any faiths or cultures that do not value honesty, respect, friendship or kindness? By sharing and discussing these we realise that we have far more in common with each other than what separates us.
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Our school Mental Health leads are: Natasha Sealy and Angela Gullick
Our Mental Health Governor is: Charlie Long
Mulberry Park Educate Together Primary Academy is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of every child. We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and improve their mental health.
Our Learn Together curriculum, in particular, our Moral and Spiritual strand focuses on supporting children both physically and emotionally to promote positive mental health and we provide a range of opportunities for children to actively support this, including taking part in the Daily Mile.
As a school we actively encourage the children to express and talk about their feelings, including how we can look after our bodies both physically and mentally. The children have opportunities to talk with adults who they are comfortable with in a safe, nurturing environment.
We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses . There is good support available from local and national organisations. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.
The leaflet: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carers provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.
The School – Please talk to us about your concerns, so that we can work together to help your child feel better. In the first instance please speak to your child’s class teacher by arranging a convenient time to meet them. They will then liaise with our Mental Health Lead for further advise and support.
Your GP – A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
The School Nurse – Parents/carers can contact the Bath and North East Somerset School Nurse Service for advice and support on a range of health issues.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) – A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
Off the Record – Counselling service for young people
The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties:-
Young Minds: – Help for Parents – Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544
You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health – leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children
Childline – Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations
Minded for Families – Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers
Happy Maps – Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups including pre-school and primary age
Every Mind Matters – NHS endorsed tips and advice to help children and young people and equip parents with knowledge to support them
Your own mental health and wellbeing is critical to your ability to support your child/children. Being a parent or carer can be difficult, especially if you are facing personal or financial challenges. It can help to talk to someone, such as a friend, family member or your GP, if you feel comfortable doing this. The following organisations can also offer information and advice to help:
The Wellbeing College – Directory and database of groups, activities and courses in the community that can support adult wellbeing.
Talking Therapies – Accessed through G.P or self-referral.
MyScript- Social prescribing service – Available to anyone registered with a GP in B&NES. This service provides support in finding specialist services and community groups to help individuals experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues to take control of their situation.
Bath Mind – Tel: 01225 316199 https://www.bathmind.org.uk/
Samaritans – Tel: free 116 123
NHS Choices: moodzone – Helps manage stress, anxiety, depression. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing
CALM Campaign against living miserably
Livewell B&NES Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs as well as providing useful information for families including Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events.
Rainbow Resource – Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs.
Citizens Advice B&NES – Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.
The information on this page has been provided by B&NES Council Public Health Team
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At Mulberry Park Educate Together Primary we hold a wide variety of events throughout the academic year to celebrate and engage the children in the world around them.
December 2020: We loved having Mark and Ellissa, from The Sports Project, in school. They worked with each class focussing on a range of skills whilst developing our children’s self esteem by setting themselves goals to achieve!
