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Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

Our Vision

At Bonneygrove and Millbrook Primary Federation, teaching and learning are rooted in a shared commitment to excellence, inclusion, and the development of the whole child. We aim to create a nurturing, ambitious, and engaging environment where every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Across both schools, we are united by a belief that high-quality teaching transforms lives. Our approach ensures that all children, regardless of background or starting point, experience a rich and meaningful education that prepares them for the next stage of their learning journey and for life beyond school.

High-Quality Teaching

Teaching across the federation is characterised by high expectations, strong subject knowledge, and a consistent focus on pupil progress. Our teachers:

  • Plan purposeful, well-sequenced lessons that build on prior knowledge
  • Use clear explanations and modelling to support understanding
  • Adapt teaching to meet the needs of all learners
  • Provide regular opportunities for practice, retrieval, and application

We promote consistency in teaching approaches while valuing professional autonomy, ensuring that all pupils benefit from effective, evidence-informed practice.

An Inclusive Approach

Inclusion is at the heart of our federation. We are committed to ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and able to succeed. Teaching is carefully adapted to meet the needs of pupils with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), disadvantaged pupils, and those who require additional support.

Staff work collaboratively to identify barriers to learning and implement strategies that enable all pupils to access the curriculum and make strong progress.

Curriculum and Learning

Our curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious, with a strong emphasis on foundational learning. We recognise that secure foundations are essential for all future success, and we prioritise the development of key knowledge, skills, and understanding from the earliest stages.

Foundational learning across the federation focuses on:

  • Early reading through the consistent and rigorous teaching of Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, ensuring all pupils develop secure phonics knowledge and become fluent, confident readers
  • Fidelity to the Little Wandle programme, with teaching, practice, and assessment closely aligned to ensure consistency and impact across the federation
  • Handwriting taught through the Little Wandle programme, ensuring a consistent, progressive approach to letter formation and presentation
  • Language development, including vocabulary acquisition and oracy, enabling pupils to communicate effectively
  • Mathematical understanding, securing number sense and fluency as a basis for problem-solving
  • Learning behaviours such as attention, resilience, and independence

These foundations are carefully taught, revisited, and embedded over time, ensuring that pupils develop automaticity and confidence in core skills.

Beyond these core areas, our curriculum is designed to:

  • Build knowledge and skills progressively across all subjects
  • Foster curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning
  • Provide meaningful connections between subjects and real-world experiences

Learning is enriched through a range of opportunities, including trips, visitors, and practical experiences that bring the curriculum to life. We ensure that key knowledge is revisited and embedded over time, enabling pupils to retain and apply what they have learned.

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning across the federation. Teachers use a range of strategies to check understanding, identify misconceptions, and inform next steps in learning.

Feedback is purposeful and timely, helping pupils to understand how to improve their work and take ownership of their learning. We encourage a growth mindset, where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn and improve.

Developing Independent Learners

We aim to develop confident, independent learners who are motivated and resilient. Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Take responsibility for their learning
  • Reflect on their progress
  • Persevere when faced with challenges

Through a supportive and structured environment, children learn the skills they need to become effective learners both in school and beyond.

Behaviour and Relationships

Positive relationships underpin effective teaching and learning. We promote a culture of respect, kindness, and high expectations for behaviour. Classrooms are calm, purposeful environments where pupils feel safe and ready to learn.

Staff model positive behaviours and build strong relationships with pupils, creating a sense of belonging and mutual respect across the federation.

Professional Development

We are committed to continuous professional development for all staff. Through collaboration, training, and reflective practice, we ensure that teaching remains high-quality and responsive to the needs of our pupils.

Leaders across the federation work closely together to share expertise and drive improvement, ensuring consistency and excellence in teaching and learning.

Partnership with Families

We recognise the importance of working in partnership with families to support children’s learning. We maintain open communication with parents and carers, providing guidance and opportunities for them to engage in their child’s education.

Together, we create a strong foundation that supports every child to thrive.

At Bonneygrove and Millbrook Primary Federation, teaching and learning are driven by a shared commitment to excellence, inclusion, and the success of every child. Through high-quality teaching, a rich curriculum, and strong relationships, we ensure that all pupils are equipped to succeed now and in the future.