Curriculum
Barnsole Primary School is based in Gillingham, Medway, where we utilise both our location and the cultures around us to achieve our curriculum intent and to promote our core values. 
We provide a rich and varied curriculum that is designed around the needs and interests of our pupils. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported and included, and we work hard to create a positive learning environment where every child can succeed.
Our curriculum goes beyond academic learning. We give children opportunities to develop their confidence, emotional well-being and social skills, helping them to understand themselves and others as they grow.
Communication and relationships are at the heart of school life. Children are encouraged to express their ideas, listen carefully and show respect for others.
Working together is an important part of learning at Barnsole. Through collaboration, children learn to appreciate differences, share ideas and support one another.
We encourage our children to become confident, independent learners who take ownership of their learning. Through an engaging and memorable curriculum, children know more and remember more, helping them to build strong foundations for their future learning.
Our curriculum is drawn from a variety of structures and schemes, all aimed at supporting and enhancing the children's learning experiences. Central to our approach is the Cornerstones Curriculum, from which we have carefully selected topics that resonate with the context of our school, the interests of our pupils, and the broader local community. This ensures that our young learners find relevance and connection in what they study, making their educational journey both engaging and meaningful.
For our budding readers, phonics is an essential pillar of literacy, and we have entrusted the Little Wandle phonics scheme to guide this crucial area. This meticulously designed scheme plays an invaluable role in bolstering our pupils' knowledge and understanding in phonics, ensuring a strong foundation for their future literacy skills.
From Year 2 to Year 6, our approach to reading comprehension is guided by Steps to Read by Literacy Counts. Recognising the importance of a diverse literary diet, this scheme integrates high-quality fiction, non-fiction, and poetry texts. What sets Steps to Read apart is its clear teaching sequence for reading sessions, designed to teach reading skills and strategies in a cumulative manner. Built on evidence-based approaches, it provides a clear roadmap that helps pupils progressively develop their reading skills, supporting both enjoyment of reading and a deeper understanding of the texts they read.
Our writing curriculum follows a clear three-phase approach: immersion, innovation and application. Writing is linked closely to class topics and high-quality texts, which are used as a stimulus to engage and inspire pupils. From Year 1 to Year 6, key writing objectives are taught across each stage. During the immersion phase, pupils build knowledge of the topic, explore different writing genres and develop a strong bank of tiered vocabulary. In the innovation phase, pupils learn about structure and cohesion through shared and guided writing. Finally, during the application phase, pupils write independently, applying the skills, knowledge and vocabulary they have learned to produce their own written pieces.
In the subject area of Mathematics, we use the White Rose Maths scheme to provide a clear, step-by-step approach to learning. Children develop their understanding by working with concrete resources, pictorial representations and abstract methods, helping them to build confidence in Maths and prepare for more challenging concepts as they progress through school.
Our commitment to supporting the personal development of our pupils is reflected in our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) curriculum. From EYFS to Year 6, we follow the Jigsaw PSHE scheme of work. This programme helps children develop emotionally and socially alongside their academic learning, supporting their well-being and understanding of themselves and others.
Alongside this, Religious Education is taught from EYFS to Year 6 using the Jigsaw RE programme. This approach supports children in learning about various religions and beliefs, while encouraging them to reflect on their own values and experiences. Through discussion and enquiry, pupils develop respect for others and a growing understanding of the diverse world around them.
In essence, at Barnsole Primary School, every aspect of our curriculum is thoughtfully curated, ensuring our pupils receive a well-rounded, enriching, and memorable educational experience.