One Curriculum

English is an essential part of the One Curriculum because, through development of literacy and oracy skills, it facilitates success across all subjects. English teaches our pupils to communicate ideas and to listen to and learn from others. Through study of English, our pupils are exposed to challenging and diverse literary works that broaden an understanding of human nature and our relationship with the world around us.

Maths is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it provides an effective way of building an independent and resilient mental discipline, encouraging logical reasoning and mental accuracy. In addition, mathematical knowledge can be used and applied in everyday life, as well as playing an important role in other school subjects such as science.

Science is an essential part of the One Curriculum because Science is a way of thinking; developing an understanding of the world around us and how we fit into the universe as a species and how technological advancements will enable the progress of humanity and environment.

English is an essential part of the One Curriculum because, through development of literacy and oracy skills, it facilitates success across all subjects. English teaches our pupils to communicate ideas and to listen to and learn from others. Through study of English, our pupils are exposed to challenging and diverse literary works that broaden an understanding of human nature and our relationship with the world around us.

Maths is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it provides an effective way of building an independent and resilient mental discipline, encouraging logical reasoning and mental accuracy. In addition, mathematical knowledge can be used and applied in everyday life, as well as playing an important role in other school subjects such as science.

Science is an essential part of the One Curriculum because Science is a way of thinking; developing an understanding of the world around us and how we fit into the universe as a species and how technological advancements will enable the progress of humanity and environment.

Spanish is an essential part of the One Curriculum because, as pupils develop their ability to speak and understand, read and write in Spanish, so increases their understanding of a culture and people beyond their own. Language learning unlocks the opportunity for global travel, communication and partnership, as well as honing critical, logical and expressive thought.

Geography is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it equips pupils with unique skills which will aid their personal and educational development.  They broaden their understanding and knowledge of the world around them, becoming deeply conscious of the diversity of our planet as well as the challenges facing their and subsequent generations.

History is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it helps pupils to become curious and passionate about history and to deepen understanding of the past.  Pupils will develop and extend knowledge of the past of their local area, Britain and the wider world, and of the wide diversity of the human experience.

Spanish is an essential part of the One Curriculum because, as pupils develop their ability to speak and understand, read and write in Spanish, so increases their understanding of a culture and people beyond their own. Language learning unlocks the opportunity for global travel, communication and partnership, as well as honing critical, logical and expressive thought.

Geography is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it equips pupils with unique skills which will aid their personal and educational development.  They broaden their understanding and knowledge of the world around them, becoming deeply conscious of the diversity of our planet as well as the challenges facing their and subsequent generations.

History is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it helps pupils to become curious and passionate about history and to deepen understanding of the past.  Pupils will develop and extend knowledge of the past of their local area, Britain and the wider world, and of the wide diversity of the human experience.

The broad function of the Combined Cadet Force is to provide a disciplined organisation, so that boys and girls may develop powers of leadership. Cadet training promotes the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance, and a sense of service to the community. It is firmly believed that the self-discipline required in service life is equally important in the civil life of the nation today.

Forest School is an inspirational place that offers children regular opportunities to appreciate and enjoy woodlands.

At Gad’s Hill School we have our very own Forest School in an area of the school grounds that is a truly magical spot. It is just right to cultivate an understanding and respect for natural places from a young age.

We are passionate about nurturing children’s creative talents; we encourage children to express themselves and to get muddy.

Through Forest School sessions the children develop a host of skills including team building, overcoming challenges and discovery of the outdoors. We embrace the weather and children are able to observe the seasonal changes. Nursery, KR and K1 have weekly Forest School sessions with our Forest School leader. A session may include den making, toasting marshmallows or hunting for bugs. It varies and is child-led.

The other areas of the school use the amazing facilities at every given opportunity.

Computing is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it prepares pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand the changing world we live in. Computing has educational links to maths, science, DT (STEM), and provides understanding of both natural and artificial systems. Computer Science is the core of computing, in which pupils are taught the fundamentals of computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this core knowledge and understanding, pupils are then equipped to use information technology to create and manipulate programs, systems and a range of digital content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate and are able to use, express themselves and develop their ideas through technologies.

The broad function of the Combined Cadet Force is to provide a disciplined organisation, so that boys and girls may develop powers of leadership. Cadet training promotes the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance, and a sense of service to the community. It is firmly believed that the self-discipline required in service life is equally important in the civil life of the nation today.

Forest School is an inspirational place that offers children regular opportunities to appreciate and enjoy woodlands.

At Gad’s Hill School we have our very own Forest School in an area of the school grounds that is a truly magical spot. It is just right to cultivate an understanding and respect for natural places from a young age.

We are passionate about nurturing children’s creative talents; we encourage children to express themselves and to get muddy.

Through Forest School sessions the children develop a host of skills including team building, overcoming challenges and discovery of the outdoors. We embrace the weather and children are able to observe the seasonal changes. Nursery, KR and K1 have weekly Forest School sessions with our Forest School leader. A session may include den making, toasting marshmallows or hunting for bugs. It varies and is child-led.

The other areas of the school use the amazing facilities at every given opportunity.

Computing is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it prepares pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand the changing world we live in. Computing has educational links to maths, science, DT (STEM), and provides understanding of both natural and artificial systems. Computer Science is the core of computing, in which pupils are taught the fundamentals of computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this core knowledge and understanding, pupils are then equipped to use information technology to create and manipulate programs, systems and a range of digital content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate and are able to use, express themselves and develop their ideas through technologies.

Food Preparation and Nutrition is an essential part of the One Curriculum because young people learn how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating to their school and home lives, whilst understanding the social contexts within which eating takes place. Food Nutrition instils a love of cooking in pupils and will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life, whilst developing an awareness of where our food comes from and its environmental impact.

Having a knowledge of healthy eating plays an important part in physical and mental wellbeing throughout the various stages of life. Learners have an opportunity to develop a cultural awareness of different cuisines and eating patterns as they learn to become integrated members of society. Pupils learn a broad range of skills from various disciplines such as science, geography, design and technology, mathematics, English and history.

Art and Design is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them with knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. Pupils develop their social and cultural understanding of artists in the past, present and looking to future trends. Pupils can express themselves in creative and original ways using a range of materials, techniques and processes to create personal and meaningful outcomes.

Design and Technology is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it gives young people the skills and abilities to engage positively with the designed and made world and to harness the benefits of technology.  They learn how products and systems are designed and manufactured, how to be innovative and to make creative use of a variety of resources including digital technologies, to improve the world around them. Design and Technology is a logical and creative subject allowing pupils an opportunity to apply what they learn in maths and science to their outcomes.

Design and Technology is a practical and rigorous subject which encourages learners to use their creativity and imagination to solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Learners have an opportunity to consider their own and others’ needs, wants and values in this process.

DT develops a broad range of subject knowledge and draws on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing, geography and art.

Food Preparation and Nutrition is an essential part of the One Curriculum because young people learn how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating to their school and home lives, whilst understanding the social contexts within which eating takes place. Food Nutrition instils a love of cooking in pupils and will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life, whilst developing an awareness of where our food comes from and its environmental impact.

Having a knowledge of healthy eating plays an important part in physical and mental wellbeing throughout the various stages of life. Learners have an opportunity to develop a cultural awareness of different cuisines and eating patterns as they learn to become integrated members of society. Pupils learn a broad range of skills from various disciplines such as science, geography, design and technology, mathematics, English and history.

Art and Design is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them with knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. Pupils develop their social and cultural understanding of artists in the past, present and looking to future trends. Pupils can express themselves in creative and original ways using a range of materials, techniques and processes to create personal and meaningful outcomes.

Design and Technology is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it gives young people the skills and abilities to engage positively with the designed and made world and to harness the benefits of technology.  They learn how products and systems are designed and manufactured, how to be innovative and to make creative use of a variety of resources including digital technologies, to improve the world around them. Design and Technology is a logical and creative subject allowing pupils an opportunity to apply what they learn in maths and science to their outcomes.

Design and Technology is a practical and rigorous subject which encourages learners to use their creativity and imagination to solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Learners have an opportunity to consider their own and others’ needs, wants and values in this process.

DT develops a broad range of subject knowledge and draws on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing, geography and art.

The purpose of the Physical Education curriculum is to inspire a life-long love of sport and physical activity. As a department we will promote opportunities for all, through a range of inclusive activities throughout their time here at Gad’s Hill School. Pupils arriving with us at any stage will develop knowledge and understanding of key skills necessary to take part in a variety of sports as well as leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

Music is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it enables all pupils to engage in the unique experience of music making, leading to an understanding of important musical processes and knowledge. Pupils who perform music develop their resilience and determination through practice and rehearsal, their confidence and courage through performance and their emotional intelligence in conveying the feeling of a piece.

Drama is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it encourages pupils to think and act creatively, which then develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in all areas of learning. Through drama, pupils are encouraged to take responsible roles and make choices – to participate in and guide their own learning.

The purpose of the Physical Education curriculum is to inspire a life-long love of sport and physical activity. As a department we will promote opportunities for all, through a range of inclusive activities throughout their time here at Gad’s Hill School. Pupils arriving with us at any stage will develop knowledge and understanding of key skills necessary to take part in a variety of sports as well as leading a healthy, active lifestyle.

Music is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it enables all pupils to engage in the unique experience of music making, leading to an understanding of important musical processes and knowledge. Pupils who perform music develop their resilience and determination through practice and rehearsal, their confidence and courage through performance and their emotional intelligence in conveying the feeling of a piece.

Drama is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it encourages pupils to think and act creatively, which then develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in all areas of learning. Through drama, pupils are encouraged to take responsible roles and make choices – to participate in and guide their own learning.

The purpose of PSHE (personal, social, health & economic) and RaW (religion & worldviews) is to ensure pupils are equipped with core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the main world religions, the core ideas of seminal philosophers, and an understanding of psychology in order to explore their own beliefs, provoke challenging questions, and develop respect for others.

The purpose of PSHE (personal, social, health & economic) and RaW (religion & worldviews) is to ensure pupils are equipped with core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the main world religions, the core ideas of seminal philosophers, and an understanding of psychology in order to explore their own beliefs, provoke challenging questions, and develop respect for others.