“The school’s curriculum not only prioritises high academic standards but has an impressive breadth, such as creative design, DT, art, music and space week.  My daughter comes home excited about her learning which is a credit to the teachers.  The connected curriculum really engages her.”

 “Broad curriculum with opportunities for the children to access extra provision e.g. theatre company visits and author visits.  Really enjoyed Space Week and the opportunity to view the children’s work.”

Parents' Questionnaire comments, Autumn 2022

Maths

We use a nationally commissioned scheme to help us teach maths - Maths No Problem! This a mastery approach to maths. More information for parents can be found by following this link

 

https://mathsnoproblem.com/en/parent-videos/

English

 

In English, we base our curriculum on the recommended genres by Lancashire and ensure progression by using the KLIPS (Key Learning Indicators of Performance) inline with the National Curriculum. 

Science

We follow the National Curriculum for science and weave in lots of opportunities for children to experiment and explore in practical ways. In Key stage 2, we use a 4 year rolling programme to ensure that every child has the required progression. 

The Computing Curriculum is an important feature of learning at Balshaw Lane. Pupils learn a variety of key skills and develop responsibility and curiosity in using a range of software programs as they progress through the school. They are taught about editing following reflective practice, animation and programming in addition to many other forward-thinking life skills for a digital world.  Pupils throughout school also learn about internet safety and responsible use of ICT, at an age-appropriate level.

Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. At Balshaw Lane Community Primary, the core of computing is Computing Science in which pupils are introduced to a wide range of technology and resilience-building problem solving.

History

In History, we follow the National Curriculum objectives and use the Lancashire KLIPs (Key Learning Indicators of Performance) to ensure progression throughout year groups. We enrich our History curriculum with educational visits, themed days and weeks, and by exploring history through other subjects e.g. Art and Music.

Geography

 

We follow the National Curriculum guidance for Geography and have carefully mapped the skills to ensure progression. Progression is also informed by the Lancashire KLIPs (Key Learning Indicators in Performance). We also use Geography to explore cultures from around the world.

Art

We love art at Balshaw Lane. As well as following the national curriculum, we find opportunities for children to practise their artistic skill throughout other subjects. We have led art projects with other Euxton schools, for example, our recent faith arts week and have had an enterprise week which led to children displaying and selling their artwork in a pop up art gallery.

Design Technology 

Music

We have a very rich music curriculum at Balshaw Lane. Our music lessons are delivered by a music specialist and are designed to cover a diverse range of eras and cultures. Our children are exposed to a range of famous musicians and genres as part of school assemblies, In addition to the curriculum, we provide after school singing clubs for the children and use The Lancashire Music Service to offer a range of instrument lessons. All of our year 3 children learn an instrument- for the past 2 years this has been the ukulele

“Mrs Bowden is fabulous with music and my children LOVE her singing assembly.  They can’t wait for Young Voices.”

Parents' Questionnaire comment, Autumn 2022.

“My child is fully engaged in each subject and enjoys them.  Lots of practical tasks, using items from the past, musical instruments and fab PE sessions.  They have thrived and found a love for different subjects.  Fully immersive experiences in subjects.”

“Certain subjects have specialist teachers which means my child is taught to a good standard in these subjects.  The curriculum is taught fully and not as secondary to maths/English.  Each subject is equally important and my child loves learning in each one.”

Parents' Questionnaire comments, Autumn 2022