Tywyn’s Curriculum
We are passionately committed to providing our pupils with the best possible start in life. We are driven to equip every child with the knowledge, skills, values and experiences they need in order to become resilient, responsible and happy citizens of the changing world they live in. We believe that all children deserve to succeed, and our ultimate goal is to nurture, articulate, well-informed children who are prepared for life’s many opportunities and challenges.
Our Approach
Children learn to make sense of the world by exploring their immediate environment, local area, Wales and the world on a global scale. Children learn about how the past has impacted the present and will successfully shape their future in a world that is changing. Our selected subject content support children to develop their knowledge of complex issues, giving them an informed voice in a changing world. Our curriculum empowers children to live our values and to be the voice of a better future for our community, our nation and our world.
Curriculum Intent
At Tywyn Primary school we want the best possible learning experience for our children. We aim to ensure that all learning is relevant, accessible and meaningful. Our Curriculum is inclusive, and all pupils receive a high-quality education via a rich, rigorous, ambitious and broad curriculum. It reflects the changes in our community through the topics we learn, the texts we share, the trips we experience, the visitors we meet and the links we make within our community.
Curriculum Summary for Tywyn Primary School
At Tywyn Primary School, we follow the Curriculum for Wales, a curriculum designed by teachers to meet the needs of all young people. Our curriculum has been developed collaboratively with input from senior leaders, staff, pupils, parents, carers, and the wider community, ensuring that it reflects a shared vision and the unique needs of our learners. This collaborative process fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ownership for the success of every pupil.
Our overarching goal is to help learners become:
- Ambitious, capable learners who can apply their knowledge and skills effectively.
- Enterprising, creative contributors who can solve problems and adapt to new situations.
- Ethical, informed citizens who understand their responsibilities and make a positive contribution to society.
- Healthy, confident individuals who have the resilience to face challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
The curriculum is built around six Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs):
- Expressive Arts
- Health and Well-being
- Humanities
- Languages, Literacy, and Communication
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Science and Technology
In addition to the AoLEs, we place great emphasis on experiential learning, particularly using outdoor environments. The outdoors is an extended classroom where children engage in a wide range of activities that promote physical fitness, problem-solving, and an appreciation for nature. Children are encouraged to explore real-world issues such as conservation and sustainability, fostering a love for the environment and promoting hands-on learning.
We ensure that our curriculum fosters progression in literacy, numeracy, digital competencies, and other integral skills. As pupils progress, they engage with increasingly complex and sophisticated content, allowing them to develop both control and independence in their learning. This progression is supported by revisiting and exploring the What Matters statements in each AoLE, enabling learners to deepen their knowledge and understanding over time.
We foster an ethos of challenge and high expectation and deliver our curriculum whilst developing high self-esteem and a respect for others. We believe our children need to develop skills and attitudes that will enable them to learn through challenging and rich experiences, encouraging them to become ambitious, creative learners. Our aim is to ensure they become healthy, confident, resilient and socially adept with the ability to manage theirs and others’ feelings and emotions effectively. We are committed to teaching children to gain a thorough understanding of others’ cultures, beliefs and uniqueness seeking to provide opportunities for experiential and explorative learning; building on what they already know.
Engagement with the Community
We actively engage with parents, carers, and the wider community through regular communication, consultations, and workshops. These partnerships ensure that all stakeholders contribute to the ongoing development of our curriculum, which remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of our learners. By working together, we build a curriculum that fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the local, national, and global community, helping pupils understand their own identities and those of others.
Learning Progression and Assessment
At Tywyn, learning progression is central to our approach. Our assessment practices are designed to support day-to-day learning, as well as capture and reflect on progress over time. By providing regular, constructive feedback, we help learners reflect on their strengths and areas for development. We create a consistent approach to feedback that promotes self-assessment and continuous improvement. The curriculum also supports independent learning, helping pupils to take increasing ownership of their own development.
Continuous Review and Refinement
Our curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains relevant, engaging, and effective in promoting learners’ progress. We conduct continuous monitoring throughout the academic year and gather feedback from pupils, staff, parents, and the wider community to inform our curriculum’s ongoing refinement. Additionally, we carry out a formal review annually, ensuring that we maintain high standards and respond to the evolving needs of both our learners and society.
