Bideford Learning Community

Creative Curriculum

One of the main objectives of the BLC Web site is to promote good practice in schools, with particular reference to the Creative Curriculum.

The page links below are a reference point for creative approaches to the curriculum already taking place within our Partner Schools. They are intended to give teachers ideas to try or adapt themselves.

Wherever possible, we have included a brief outline of the topic, how it fitted into the curriculum, resourcing information and, where appropriate, contact information.

Examples of work are listed within the subjects they are embedded in. For example, work from Morwellham Quay will be listed under History, even if some of the outcomes fall into art, Literacy or PSHE subject areas.

So far, ICT has not been included as a subject area as, in this instance it will probably feature in a cross-curricular form in other areas.

Partner Schools are positively encouraged to send in contributions, find out how here

Click HERE to search the old Archive or look through the old site here

What BLC partners have done so far:

Abbotsham -
PSHE is a strength of our school. At the beginning of each term, we have a block of days exploring elements of PSHE in classes, family groups, etc. This enables the children to take ownership for the running of the school, particularly in Year 6, where they have opportunities to design the curriculum alongside subject leaders. We have strong family ethos where older children have a definite caring role for the younger ones.

Appledore -
The Foundation Stage is a huge strength in our school; the practice there acted as an inspiration for the rest of the school's creative curriculum, which has been in place for two years. This makes good use of cross curricular links, visits from key speakers, experts and so on. First hand experiences also figure heavily, such as a train ride for Year 2, and an authentic Divalli celebration in school for Year 1.

Clovelly -
We make good use of our local environment; the beach, our maths trail, etc. We have whole school exercise, followed by a time listening to music as a start to each day, which sets the mood for the day.

Hartland -
Changing ways of planning to fit with our small school setting, using the Somerset scheme. This gives a clear structure, progression of skills and links for mixed age classes.

St George's Infants -
We have an element of role-play is almost every unit of work; either a visit out of school or an expert coming in to us. Some of these activities are based in the classrom, supporting cross curricular themes. For example, work around a Grocery Shop for Year 1's. We are now building new links between classes as well, for example older children have written letters to another class inviting them to a fashion show.

St Margarets -
Use of ICT across the curriculum, through the use of teachers planning, assessment, use of new technologies, such as movie creators, visualisers, interactive whiteboards, digital projectors. Digital cameras have also made an impact on children's recording. We are increasing our use of the local area - such as Northam Burrows, which the school overlooks. We are also working with St George's Infants School on developing National Trust properties as educational resources, particularly for topics other than history.

St Mary's -
We have developed ways of giving children reasons to write. This has been successful because everyone has taken up the challenge, enabling early delivery of our targets. Planning has moved to being objective-led, exploiting cross-curriculuar links.

Westcroft -
We have recently achieved the healthy schools award. We have a tradition of providing a wide range of sporting activities. In many subject areas we take learning outside the clasroom, for example coastal studies in geography include walks in the Westward Ho! and Clovelly areas. We are now trying to develop an enjoyment of reading through improved environment, discussions and role-play.

Woolsery -
We have developed the environment as a base for the Science curriculum and natural sciences. We have also developed play areas throughout the school grounds. We use the village as a learning environment, for example, Maths and art trails in the local environment in both Key Stage 1 and 2.

Back to the top