Throughout Dar ul Madinah Primary School, National Curriculum objectives are taught through our ‘Dar ul Madinah Curriculum’. The curriculum is exciting and provides our pupils with the opportunity to learn independently, collaboratively and sharing their learning with others through a variety of mediums. National curriculum objectives are covered through different themes throughout the year, some of which are whole school themes, whilst others are specific to the year group.
In Reception, we follow the Early Years Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, published in March 2021 by the DfE. This Framework specifies the requirement for learning and development in the Early Years; it details seven specific areas of learning and development that we must cover in the curriculum. The three prime areas are Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development.
The additional four areas we must support children with, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied, are Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design.
We also include Music and ICT skills in our curriculum. Independent child led learning and play is an important part of the weekly timetable. The amount of time allocated to structured teacher led and whole class teaching increases throughout the year.
In Key Stage 1, the children learn through an exciting curriculum, which is planned and organised in order to promote learning and personal growth and development. It includes not only the formal requirements of the National Curriculum but also the range of additional exciting and creative activities to enrich the experience for the children.
It also includes the ‘invisible curriculum’, in which children learn from the way they are treated and expected to behave. We aim to teach children how to grow into positive, responsible people, who can work and co-operate with others while developing knowledge and skills, so that they achieve their true individual potential. Our timetable is flexible where possible, thus ensuring teachers have the ability to integrate lessons, allowing children to become immersed into learning and achieve the highest understanding. Some specialist teaching is also undertaken in subjects such as Arabic and Islamic Studies.
Throughout Key Stage 1, the learning begins to become more formal in readiness for a smooth transition into the Key Stage 2 curriculum and comprehensive transition activities are planned into the Summer Term of Year 2. Similarly, at the end of Key Stage 2, we aim to prepare our oldest pupils for the transition into Key Stage 3.
For both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 we have long-term curriculum plans. These indicate the topics to be taught in each year group and when. We build on the learning and experiences our children bring from their education in EYFS and the previous year and plans are reviewed on an annual basis.
The curriculum is designed to stretch and challenge, and provide access and opportunity for all children. Teachers will adapt their plans to ensure the pupils are able to meet objectives and consolidate areas as necessary. The curriculum is therefore tailored to be more personalised and is adapted to children’s special educational needs.
We treat children as unique individuals and understand that they develop at different rates. We encourage them to work to their maximum capabilities.
