At Windwhistle we offer children an ambitious, exciting and enjoyable curriculum which is broad and designed to make the teaching and learning experience offered to our children as stimulating and memorable as possible. A knowledge and skills based approach is followed to ensure that all children make progress with their learning as they move through the school which will prepare them for their future. Children of all abilities are provided with opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills through a range of activities and support.   

The curriculum is planned and sequenced in a way that supports their learning during their time at Windwhistle. We also ensure that children accessing afternoon interventions still access a broad and balanced curriculum. We follow the Primary National Curriculum.  At Windwhistle we use Extend Letters and Sounds (a DfE validated programme) which is a systematic, synthetic phonics programme.

We also invest heavily in trips, visitors and activities for the children to support their understanding of the areas being explored. Our evidence shows us that this is an area that children are not always able to experience at home and so we aim to provide them with cultural capital and a broader understanding through these events. This provides regular, vital, hands-on opportunities to deepen their engagement with the theme which will embed their learning in their long-term memory. 

An Inclusive Curriculum 

Windwhistle's curriculum is designed to be inclusive of the needs of each individual child. We ensure that appropriate provision and challenge are in place for every child irrespective of their starting point, so they make progress throughout their time with us. 

We are an inclusive school with a wide range of SEND needs across our school community e.g. autism, dyslexia, ADHD and speech and language. To be inclusive for all children we make adaptations and reasonable adjustments to ensure that our curriculum and pedagogy are appropriate for the age and developmental stage of each child. The school has high levels of children with social, emotional and mental health needs. As a result, we have created a clearly planned and strategic approach to pastoral care, which is not only reactive to the changing needs of our children, but also proactive in anticipating potential support that our children may need. Our pastoral support includes individualised plans for children, nurture, social skills support, mentoring and support for parents and carers.  

If you would like additional information on any area of the curriculum, please speak to Mrs Gregory at the school.