How we teach
Across the school we focus on the basics — reading, writing and mathematics — alongside a rich and varied wider curriculum. Lessons are carefully sequenced so that knowledge builds year on year, and children regularly revisit prior learning so that it sticks.
Reading is at the heart of everything we do. From the first day in Reception, children follow a systematic phonics programme, and as they move up through the school we work hard to grow keen, fluent and discerning readers.
Subjects at Birchwood
An overview of how we approach each subject across Key Stages 1 and 2. Subject leaders are happy to talk about their plans in more detail — please get in touch via the school office.
English
Reading, writing and oracy underpin everything we do. Children read for pleasure every day, and our writing curriculum builds from sentence-level work in Key Stage 1 to sustained, purposeful writing in Year 6.
Mathematics
We follow a mastery approach, with daily maths lessons that combine fluency, reasoning and problem-solving. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking and to look for patterns and connections.
Science
Hands-on enquiry is at the centre of our science teaching. Children learn to ask questions, plan investigations, gather evidence and draw conclusions — building scientific knowledge alongside the skills of working scientifically.
Foundation subjects
History, geography, art, design technology, music, computing, PE, RE and PSHE are all taught as discrete subjects with their own progression of knowledge and skills, while making thoughtful links across the curriculum where they help children remember more.
Personal development
Beyond academic learning, we focus on the habits and dispositions that help children thrive — resilience, collaboration, independence and respect for others. PSHE, RSE and our wider enrichment offer all play a part.