Curriculum

We follow the same 'Stage Not Age' curriculum as our secondary school in Seaford. Learning is carefully tailored to each pupil's individual needs, strengths and stage of development. Rather than being based solely on chronological age, pupils are taught at the stage that best matches their current knowledge, skills and abilities. This ensures that learning goals are personalised, achievable and meaningful for every child.

English

We aim to foster a lifelong love of reading and provide pupils with daily opportunities to engage with high-quality texts. We use the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, and all pupils participate in daily phonics and reading sessions.

Where needed, pupils receive additional targeted support through interventions such as the Five Minute Box programme. English is taught through a whole-school, topic-based approach, centred around a different focus book each half term. Using CLPE learning sequences, pupils explore engaging texts through role play, discussion, comprehension activities and creative writing opportunities.

Writing is designed to be purposeful and enjoyable, helping pupils apply their developing literacy skills in meaningful contexts. Pupils may write letters, instructions, diary entries, poetry and a range of other text types linked to their learning.

Maths

Our maths curriculum follows the concrete, pictorial and abstract approach, allowing pupils to develop understanding through practical resources and visual representations before moving to more abstract concepts.

We place a strong emphasis on securing key mathematical foundations, including place value and the four operations, before introducing more complex learning. Elements of White Rose Maths are used to support reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Pupils regularly apply maths in real-life contexts, such as collecting and analysing data, measuring distances and using money in role-play situations. We also use Times Tables Rock Stars to develop fluency in multiplication and division facts.

Science

Science is taught through an investigative approach that encourages curiosity, questioning and exploration. Pupils are supported to make connections between scientific concepts and the world around them, helping them understand the impact of science on everyday life.

Practical activities form an important part of learning, including experiments, investigations and hands-on projects. Educational visits and workshops further enrich learning and provide opportunities to experience science beyond the classroom.

Religious Education (RE)

Religious Education helps pupils develop an understanding of different faiths, cultures and beliefs. Learning includes exploring major world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism, alongside opportunities to learn about religious festivals and traditions.

Visits to local places of worship help bring learning to life and encourage respect for different perspectives and communities.

Collective reflection and discussion are embedded throughout the school day, supporting pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and preparing them for life in modern Britain.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

PSHE is taught through the Jigsaw curriculum and is also woven into everyday school life through reflection, discussion and restorative conversations.

We support pupils in developing self-awareness, confidence, empathy and positive relationships. The Zones of Regulation framework helps pupils understand and manage their emotions, while our Golden Rules encourage responsibility, respect and positive citizenship.

Pupils are also encouraged to engage with current affairs through Votes for Schools, providing opportunities to express their views and develop their understanding of the wider world. Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is taught in line with statutory guidance.

Physical Education (PE)

PE plays an important role in promoting physical health, wellbeing and teamwork. Through weekly PE lessons and a range of enrichment activities, pupils develop fundamental movement skills, coordination and confidence.

Activities include team sports, ball skills, fitness, and games that encourage cooperation, resilience and healthy lifestyles.

Topic-Based Learning

We use a topic-based approach to teach a range of subjects, including Science, Art, Design and Technology, Computing, Geography, History, Languages and Music.

Each topic is explored in depth over a half term, allowing pupils to make meaningful connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of their learning. Our London location provides excellent opportunities for educational visits that enhance classroom experiences.

Recent topics have included: The Human Body, Superheroes, Food, Crime and Punishment, London.

Emotional Literacy

The Zones of Regulation

We use the Zones of Regulation curriculum to help pupils recognise, understand and manage their emotions. Throughout the day, pupils are encouraged to identify how they are feeling and use agreed strategies to support their wellbeing and readiness to learn.

Each classroom includes a dedicated calm space where pupils can regulate their emotions and access support when needed.

Celebrating Achievement

We celebrate effort, achievement and positive behaviour in a variety of ways. Pupils earn rewards through our Golden Rules, Dojo Points and We Not Me recognition system, which promotes teamwork, kindness and consideration for others.

Special awards from the Headteacher recognise pupils who have demonstrated exceptional effort, progress or responsibility.

Enrichment

Our enrichment programme provides valuable opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. These experiences help pupils develop confidence, social skills, independence and emotional wellbeing while supporting their academic learning.

Weekly activities include: Urban Adventure Base at Mile End Park (cycling, climbing, caving and canoeing,) Young Volunteers Programme at Stepney City Farm, Forest School, Cooking.

We also organise a variety of educational visits and reward trips. Recent destinations have included London Zoo, the Natural History Museum, the Cutty Sark and Canary Wharf Ice Rink.

Therapeutic Support

Speech and Language Therapy

Our pupils benefit from regular support from Bowden House School's Speech and Language Therapist. Assessments and specialist advice help staff plan learning that meets each pupil's individual communication needs.

Sensory Breaks

All staff are trained in trauma-informed practice. The school day includes planned opportunities for sensory regulation, helping pupils remain calm, focused and ready to learn.

The Sensory Room

Our dedicated sensory room provides a calm and supportive environment where pupils can access individualised regulation activities. This space is particularly valuable during transitions and other times when additional support may be needed.

The Bowden Garden

The Bowden Garden is a peaceful outdoor space developed with the involvement of our pupils. Children have helped to prepare the area, build planters and grow a range of plants and vegetables.

As a quiet green space within the school grounds, the garden provides opportunities for learning, wellbeing and reflection, giving pupils a calm place to relax and connect with nature.

TERM	ENGLISH/TOPIC	TRIP	MATHS	PSHE/SEAL	RE LINKS
Autumn 1	Our Great City Black History	Thames Boat Olympic Park	Place value	Being me in my world (Jigsaw)	Yom Kippar Diwali
Autumn 2	Crime & Punishment	Tower of London The Clink Museum	Addition and subtraction	Celebrating difference (Jigsaw)	Guy Fawkes Remembrance day Hannukah Christmas
Spring 1	Religions of the World	Local Places of Worship e.g. Church, Mosque	Multiplication & division	Dreams and Goals (Jigsaw)	Epiphany Chinese New Year Shrove Tuesday/Ash Wednesday
Spring 2	The Human Body	Science Museum Queen Mary Centre of the Cell	Fractions Decimals	Healthy Me (Jigsaw)	Ramadan/Eid Passover Easter Holi
Summer 1	Food Glorious Food	Pizza Express Supermarket (Morrisons)	Statistics Position and direction Shape	Relationships (Jigsaw)	Vesak Mental Health Awareness Week
Summer 2	Superheroes	The Cartoon Museum (Superheroes workshop)	Time Measurement	Changing Me - RSE (Jigsaw)	Eid