Our Curriculum Intent

Enquiring Minds for Inspiring Futures

At The Palmer Academy we are committed to inspiring the futures of the children we serve through a creative, inclusive and relevant curriculum which enables and encourages them to question the world around them and be curious learners. This results in our children understanding that ‘enquiring minds’ result in ‘inspiring futures’.

Confident, Determined and Respectful

We nurture and support our children and equip them with the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to become confident, determined and respectful young adults who have exciting and ambitious aspirations for their futures.

Academic Success

Palmer children will achieve academic success through a curriculum and ethos which teaches them essential skills and traits for life, such as tenacity, resilience and determination. They leave our school well prepared for the next stages of their education and life in the modern world, with a rich understanding of the subjects they have been taught.

Skills, Knowledge and Values

We provide a range of opportunities for children to move learning from the short-term to their long-term memory, resulting in a deep and connected understanding of the subjects taught and the world around them.  By the time learners leave The Palmer Academy, they have had many opportunities to learn and practise a range of skills, knowledge and values which prepare them to be citizens of the world.

All Embracing and Community Citizens

We respect and embrace all cultures, ethnicities, races, values and beliefs within our community, and celebrate the positive contribution and impact they have on the school. Working together in partnership leads to our children making connections between what we are learning in school and how it relates to the community and world around them.

Our Golden Threads

In delivering our intent we have three golden threads which weave our curriculum together and support the development and growth of our pupils.

Enriched Vocabulary

Our curriculum ensures that pupils gain/develop rich language and vocabulary so that:

  • Pupils can successfully communicate their thoughts and feelings across all subjects.
  • Pupils can articulate what they are learning about and why.
  • Pupils’ vocabulary progresses each year to build upon previous knowledge.
  • Pupils can communicate their ideas.

Citizens of the Future  

Teaching children to be citizens of the future in primary schools is crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging in their communities. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to actively participate in civic life and contribute positively to society. Understanding their role helps children develop empathy, cooperation, and leadership qualities, which are essential for building cohesive communities. Additionally, encouraging aspirations and goal-setting from an early age inspires children to pursue their passions and become proactive, engaged adults.

Skills for Life   

Incorporating life skills into the curriculum is essential for equipping children with practical tools for managing their health and social well-being. Teaching these skills early on helps children develop healthy habits, emotional resilience, and effective communication abilities. These competencies are crucial for navigating everyday challenges, fostering positive relationships, and maintaining mental and physical health. By learning these skills, children are better prepared to lead balanced, fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

Enquiring Minds  

Fostering an enquiring mind in primary school is vital for promoting curiosity and a love for learning. Encouraging curiosity helps children develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyse information and solve problems creatively. An enquiring mindset leads to a deeper understanding of the world, driving innovation and discovery. By nurturing this trait, we prepare children to adapt to an ever-changing world and pursue lifelong learning.

Palmer Powers

There are 6 Palmer Powers which encapsulate the explicit qualities, values, and principles we build in our pupils. Each half term celebrates a specific power.

  • Resilient
  • Independent
  • Focused
  • Responsible
  • Collaborative
  • Enquiring

To read more about our Curriculum, click on this link - Our Curriculum Intent & Golden Threads

Our Curriculum Overviews

Nursery

Click here to view the curriculum - Nursery Curriculum Overview


Reception

Click here to view the curriculum - Reception Curriculum Overview


Year 1

Click here to view our curriculum map - Year 1 Curriculum Overview


Year 2

Click here to view our curriculum - Year 2 Curriculum Overview


Year 3

Click here to view our curriculum - Year 3 Curriculum Overview


Year 4

Click here to view our curriculum - Year 4 Curriculum Overview


Year 5

Click here to view our curriculum - Year 5 Curriculum Overview


Year 6

Click here to view our curriculum - Year 6 Curriculum Overview


11 Before 11

11 before 11 takes our children beyond the usual, to open opportunities in life and inspire them to move forward in their own life’s adventure. 11 before 11 is a set of promises that help our children to be in the driving seat in their own lives. They are a series of seminal experiences that we want every child to have experienced before they leave us to go to secondary school aged 11. We are ambitious for our children to have broad horizons in life and high aspirations for themselves. We want our children to be inspired and challenged so that each one can develop their unique potential to the full.

11 Before 11 Overview