“Before a child speaks, they sing.

Before they write, they paint.

As soon as they stand, they dance.

Art is the basis of human expression.”

At Ettington, we believe in providing every child with varied and inclusive opportunities to use and develop the gifts, talents and interests they have been blessed with, ensuring that all children are valued, included and supported to embrace “Life in its fullness” (John 10:10).

Although history, geography and art are the key drivers of our Creative Curriculum, we weave our ambitious curriculum across all aspects of learning, ensuring that every child can access, participate in and enjoy their learning as we aspire to ‘Learn for the Fullness of Life.’

We have carefully chosen our topics to ensure that they show children the links between learning at school and real life, whilst reflecting the diverse world in which we live. Links are made to high-quality texts, real-life problems involving mathematical concepts and scientific knowledge to gain a better understanding of the world. We aim to begin each Creative Curriculum topic with an exciting and accessible art-based hook, where we begin to explore new vocabulary, ideas and experiences together.

We understand the importance of extending every child’s vocabulary with topic-specific language and providing the language needed to enable all children to participate fully in their learning. Vocabulary is displayed consistently in all classrooms in a uniform colour, so children can use these words across all subjects. Curriculum overviews and knowledge organisers are used to highlight the vocabulary, knowledge and skills for each topic. These are shared with children and parents to ensure that learning continues at home and that all children are supported to develop their knowledge and understanding.

Through a selection of diverse past and present, local and international artists, craft makers, designers and architects, we aim to encourage and nurture our students’ creativity and artistic skills, helping them to grow with a fullness of life. We believe that ‘Every child is an artist’ and that all children should have the opportunity to experiment, invent and create, whatever their starting point, background or individual need. We will equip pupils with the necessary tools, materials and vocabulary to reach their full artistic and design potential, making appropriate adaptations where needed to remove barriers to learning and participation. We promote a love and appreciation of their own and others’ work, celebrating individuality, creativity and different ways of expressing ideas.

History aims:

• To inspire all children’s curiosity and enthusiasm to learn about the past.
• To understand the diversity of societies and complexities of people’s lives, recognising different cultures, perspectives and experiences.
• To understand their own identities and the challenges of our time, whilst developing empathy and respect for others.

Geography aims:

• To understand natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.
• To inspire curiosity about the world and develop respect and appreciation for the diverse people, cultures and communities within it.

Art and Design aims:

• Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences in ways that are meaningful to them.
• To become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
• To evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design, respecting different forms of creative expression.
• To know about great artists, craft makers and designers from a range of backgrounds, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

A creative and inclusive curriculum is one in which students learn through creative and active teaching strategies. Our aim is to help every child become an independent, self-confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic learner, developing lifelong skills that they can use now and in the future. We recognise that every child is unique and that children learn, communicate and express themselves in different ways. Through an inclusive approach, we seek to remove barriers, celebrate difference and ensure that every child has the opportunity to flourish, contribute and experience success as they ‘Learn for the Fullness of Life.’