Reading Intent
At Fairfields Primary School, we place great importance on reading and know that reading can
transport children to different worlds and send them on exciting adventures. Reading is at the heart of all our learning and we view reading as the gateway to success across the curriculum.
We want all children at Fairfields to develop a life-long love of reading as well as develop the skills and fluency that they need to achieve. We promote a love of reading across school through reading displays in classrooms and shared areas, regular library visits, class stories/novels, reading events such as World Book Day celebrations, book fairs and other reading activities across the curriculum, as well as sharing reading at home.
By the time our children leave us at the end of Year 6, we want them to be able to read fluently, with great confidence, understanding and enthusiasm, in any subject so that they have every chance of meeting their full potential as they enter Key Stage 3.
We make explicit links between reading and writing and understand that language acquisition is vital to success as a reader, a writer and a learner. Across school we focus on learning and understanding the meaning of new words in different contexts, which then influences our reading and writing.
Early reading - phonics
As a school we use the Read Write Inc. program as our approach to phonics and early reading. Read Write Inc. is an ambitious systematic phonics program which enables children to read accurately and fluently whilst developing a wide range of vocabulary and a love of stories.
During Read Write Inc. lessons, children learn a new sound each day before practising reading and writing this sound within words. They also revisit previously taught sounds and words to increase their fluency. Within lessons, children are also exposed to ‘red words’. These are words that cannot easily be decoded using their phonics knowledge. In the final part of the lesson, once children are at the level where they can decode simple cvc words, children then read a carefully matched storybook which they read with a partner to develop their phonics and comprehension skills. Children will read these books over several days, focusing on decoding, fluency and comprehension.
Children are carefully and regularly assessed and have a reading book that is exactly matched to their phonic knowledge to ensure that they can succeed at reading. Children begin the Read Write Inc. program in Early Years and will continue to progress through the program in Key Stage One and beyond until they reach a level of fluency where they are able to move off the program.
Phonics Screening
During Year 1, children will undertake a ‘Phonics Screening Check’. This is a statutory assessment that assesses how children decode real and pseudo (nonsense) words.
Any child in Year 2 who did not take the assessment in Year 1, or who did not meet the threshold, will also retake the assessment.
The structure of our lessons ensures that children are ready, confident and excited to show off their learning when it comes to assessment time.
For the academic year 2025/26 the Phonics Screening will take part in the week of Monday 8th June 2026.
For the academic year 2026/27 the Phonics Screening will take part in the week of Monday 14th June 2027.
Daily reading practice
Reading is explicitly taught across the school through daily whole class guided reading lessons in Years 1 to 6. We approach the teaching of reading with great passion and enthusiasm, exposing children to a wide variety of text types and reading opportunities. During our daily reading lessons, children are taught reading skills known as VIPERS (vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval and sequencing/summarising) to support their overall comprehension and help them to analyse a wide variety of texts and genres. Teachers select a breadth of high-quality age-appropriate texts to share with the children, ensuring to include fiction, non-fiction, poetry texts that embrace diversity and inclusivity. Children are also introduced to a range of authors through our class reads, where teachers model reading for pleasure by reading aloud frequently to their classes, exposing them to rich language and classic stories which they may find too challenging to read independently. All classrooms have inviting reading areas for children to spend time reading independently.
How to support with reading at home
As a parent, you play a significant role in your child’s early reading development. Parents who engage their children in books prepare them to become committed and enthusiastic readers. You can transform your child’s attitudes towards reading. Your child will learn to focus and share the enjoyment for the story, they learn how stories start and finish, and how a plot unravels and is solved; they learn that books can transport them elsewhere. Your role as a parent in the teaching of reading remains paramount to your child’s progress and when sharing a book with your child, we ask that you:
- Make reading aloud feel like a treat. Make it a special quiet time and cuddle up so you can both see the book.
- Show curiosity about what you’re going to read.
- Read through the whole story the first time without stopping too much. Let the story weave its own magic.
- Read with enjoyment. If you’re not enjoying it, your child won’t.
- Read favourite stories over and over again.
- Let your child pause, think about and comment on the pictures.
- If you think your child did not understand something, try to explain.
- Talk about the story and the pictures.
- Link the stories to your own family experiences and other stories your child knows.
- Encourage your child to join in with the bits they know.
Writing Intent
At Fairfields Primary School we aim to instil a love of writing in all our children. We want each of our children to develop themselves as authors by teaching them the necessary skills to be successful independent writers and thrive in the next stage of their education.
From Early Years to Year 6 at Fairfields, we teach writing through high-quality, age appropriate stimuli to engage children’s imaginations, promote vocabulary exploration and encourage independent writing. We ensure that children are provided with exciting writing lessons that are carefully sequenced to build on their knowledge and understanding of writing. Children in all year groups are exposed to a wide range of high-quality text types, authors and genres to engage and stimulate their imagination, alongside immersive real-life experiences, such as school visits and film. During their school career, children will write in many fiction and non-fiction styles, including poems, recounts, persuasive texts, stories, letters and news reports.
Our carefully planned writing curriculum has clear progression that teaches, revisits and develops key skills and knowledge for writing at every level and in every year group. We place great importance on vocabulary exploration and ensure that throughout all lessons across the curriculum, children encounter, discuss and use challenging vocabulary within their writing. We want our children to learn that writing enables them to express themselves in different ways and we intend to create writers who can plan, revise and evaluate their own writing confidently for a variety of purposes.
Throughout the Early Years and Key Stage 1 children are taught simple sentence structures with a focus on using capital letters, full stops and ‘finger spaces’ correctly between each word. An emphasis is also placed on children applying their phonics knowledge to help them spell accurately whilst also encouraging the development of clear handwriting, with letters formed accurately and of equal size. In our Early Years and the early stages of Year 1, we fully embrace Drawing Club, a writing approach designed by Greg Bottril that immerses children into a world full of imagination where they build up their writing stamina by writing simple sentences about their own pictures.
In Key Stage 2, build on taught spelling rules, grammatical knowledge and text type. A greater emphasis is placed on children understanding the impact their writing has on the reader and we ensure learning is regularly revisited through cross curricular lessons to help children secure their skills as independent writers. By the time children leave Fairfields in Year 6, we will have provided them with the language and writing skills necessary to be successful as they move into Key Stage 3.
Writing Progression Grid 2025 - 2026
Maths
The 2014 National Curriculum for maths aims for all pupils to:
- become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
- reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language
- can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions
Here at Fairfields Primary we teach mathematics for mastery, an approach that has been inspired by countries such as Singapore. This is an engaging style of maths teaching that enhances mathematical understanding and increases enjoyment for all children.
What is teaching for mastery?
Being taught to master maths means that children are able to develop their mathematical fluency without needing to resort to strategies such as rote learning. They are able to solve non-routine maths problems without the need to memorise procedures.
Since mastery is what we want pupils to acquire (or go on acquiring), rather than teachers to demonstrate, we use the phrase ‘teaching for mastery’ to describe the range of elements of classroom practice and school organisation that combine to give pupils the best chances of mastering mathematics.
Mastering maths means acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. At any one point in a pupil’s journey through school, achieving mastery is taken to mean acquiring a solid enough understanding of the maths that’s been taught to enable him/her move on to more advanced material.
What will you see in lessons at Fairfields?
Concrete, pictorial and abstract (CPA)
Maths can often be seen as difficult because it is abstract. The CPA approach builds knowledge by introducing abstract concepts in a concrete way. It involves moving from using concrete materials, to pictorial representations and then on to abstract symbols and problems.
- Concrete – Concrete is the ‘doing stage’. During this stage, children will use concrete objects to model problems and brings concepts to life by allowing children to experience and handle physical objects. Every abstract concept is first introduced using interactive concrete materials. For example, if a problem involves adding pieces of fruit, children will first handle actual fruit and then will progress to handling resources such as counters or cubes to represent the fruit.
- Pictorial – Pictorial is the ‘seeing’ stage. This is where children will see visual representations of concrete objects to model problems. This encourages children to make the mental connection between the physical object that they have already handled with the abstract pictures, diagrams or models that represent the objects from the problem. Building or drawing a model makes grasping difficult abstract concepts easier for children as they are able to visualise problems to make them more accessible.
- Abstract – This is the ‘Symbolic’ stage. This is where children will use abstract symbols to model problems. Students only progress on to this stage once they have demonstrated a solid understanding of the concrete and pictorial stages. Children are introduced to concepts at a symbolic level, using only numbers, notation and mathematical symbols.
The structure of lessons
As a school, we follow these four steps in every lesson:
In Focus
We begin every lesson with an ‘In focus’ task linked to the learning of that lesson. This is an opportunity for children to put their previous knowledge and skills into practise and to explore a problem creatively through discussion, partner work, the use of concrete resources and jottings in order to reach a solution. Children are then given the opportunity to feedback the ways in which they approached this task and will be challenged to reason their thinking and to deepen their understanding through questioning led by the teacher.
Let’s Learn
The next step in our lesson is Let’s Learn. This is where the children will be exposed to new knowledge and skills and the teacher will scaffold and model the new knowledge to the children. The children will be have opportunities to discuss their new learning and see it in action. Problems will often be rooted in real life contexts so that children can see how maths is used in the real world.
Guided Practice
The children then move on to the guided practice section of the lesson. This is where children have the opportunity to put into practise the new knowledge and skills that they have acquired and to ‘have a go’ whilst being guided by the teacher. Children will move through this section at a pace that is right for them and are able to practise what they have been taught using concrete resources and pictorial representations. Teachers will question in order to guide children and to direct their thinking to reach a solution but with a deeper understanding of the concept.
Independent Practice
This is final stage of the lesson where children are able to practise and show what they have learnt in that lesson. Children have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning creativity through continuous provision and high-quality independent work. They then can move on to the challenges called ‘chilli challenges’ which have 3 levels of difficulty.
- Mild – The mild challenge gives children to opportunity to practise their new skills in similar ways to their workbooks but in different contexts.
- Hot – The hot challenge gives children the opportunity to think a little deeper about their new knowledge and skills and to use reasoning in order to explain concepts in more detail.
- Spicy – The spicy challenge allows children to really deepen their thinking and to explain, prove and justify concepts.
We are encouraging the children to be independent, ambitious learners and self-select the correct level of challenge for them based on their understanding of the concept taught in the lesson.
Maths Progression Grid 2025-2026
Fairfields Progression in calculations
Fairfields Maths Essential Number Skills
Times Tables:
At Fairfields we are committed to teaching multiplication tables in a fun, engaging and systematic way. We introduce each times table with specific lessons involving varied fluency and reasoning activities and then continue to embed them across the year by using rolling number songs and Times Table Rockstars. Learning and becoming fluent with times tables is one of the bedrock skills that will enable children to access and explore all other areas of maths, from fractions to volume. If you would like to support your child further with their times tables journey, we have some fun, age appropriate activities you can do at home as well as Rolling numbers and Times Table Rockstars!
Games to support your child Year 1
Games to support your child Year 2
Games to support your child Year 3
Games to support your child Year 4
Games to support your child Year 5
Useful Websites to support and engage:
The children’s ambition in science is sparked through exciting experiences that bring learning to life. Whether it’s visiting the Space Centre, exploring nature in our local parks or school grounds, or stepping into the Silverstone museum! These moments show our pupils that science is everywhere! Hands-on experiments, STEM clubs, and opportunities to meet real scientists help them see themselves as future innovators. By opening doors to discovery and adventure, we nurture their confidence and drive to explore the world through science.
Every child can be a scientist—exploring, investigating, and discovering together. We work as a team: asking questions, sharing ideas, and listening to each other. Through teaching and learning, we grow curiosity, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging in science. Our children begin to see themselves in the roles of scientists, inspiring them for a brighter future.
We believe that creativity fuels curiosity, so our children are encouraged to ask big questions, explore boldly, and express their ideas in imaginative ways. Through enquiry-based learning, they investigate real world problems and take part in practical experiments that make abstract concepts come alive. Pupils also use iPads to create digital presentations, animations and photography, blending technology with traditional creativity to deepen their understanding and make science truly memorable.
Science is taught through engaging, hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity and exploration. Pupils learn by participating in practical activities and scientific enquiries, such as simple tests and observations, which help the children to build a deeper understanding of the world. This approach promotes the children’s understanding by developing key scientific skills like questioning, predicting outcomes, and drawing conclusions. Our aim is for all children to leave primary school equipped with scientific knowledge, investigative skills, and an enduring curiosity about the world and their place within it.
At Fairfields Primary School, history is taught as a rich and engaging journey that enables pupils to explore the significant people, places and events that have shaped their world. Our aim is to spark curiosity, deepen understanding and equip children with the skills to think critically about the past, while helping them to see how history connects to their own lives today.
Through History, we aim to nurture ambition through a bespoke and sequenced curriculum where knowledge and skills develop year on year. We want our pupils to build strong chronological understanding and make meaningful connections across different topics and periods of study. We provide a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including trips and immersive days – in which we aspire to bring history to life and inspire children to see the subject as exciting and relevant.
History also fosters a strong sense of belonging, by helping children to understand their community, their nation and the wider world. At Fairfields, pupils study local history, such as Stony Stratford and our community’s links to Watling Street, giving them a direct connection to the past beneath their feet. Shared experiences – from themed days and school visits to national commemorations like Remembrance Day or Black History Month – allow pupils to feel part of wider cultural traditions. History also helps children to understand how the past has shaped their families, communities and cultures. By building a secure “mental timeline” of broad developments and historical periods, our children are able to place new knowledge into context, both within history and across other areas of the curriculum. This grounding gives them confidence in their own identity and a sense of connection to the world around them.
We encourage pupils to approach history with curiosity and creativity. We encourage our pupils to investigate sources, developing their ability to ask meaningful historical questions and find evidence-based answers. Excitingly, this is supported by the use of 1:1 devices, which provide opportunities for pupils to create interactive timelines, record their own historical role plays, or give a ‘voice’ to key figures from the past. These digital experiences, alongside practical classroom activities such as debates, roleplay and storytelling, make learning both memorable and inspiring. Whether through technology or hands-on enquiry, pupils are encouraged to think critically, make connections and bring the past to life in imaginative ways.
At Fairfields, we believe history gives children the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to understand both the world and their place within it. By studying British history, global histories and ancient civilisations, we want our pupils to develop a broad worldview and an appreciation of how societies change over time. Trips and immersive, themed days provide memorable opportunities to experience history first-hand, while local studies and community connections strengthen pupils’ sense of belonging. Our aim is for every child to leave Fairfields with curiosity, confidence and respect for the past, ready to contribute thoughtfully to the present and future both in school and beyond.
t Fairfields Primary, our Geography curriculum is designed to inspire ambition, nurture a strong sense of belonging, and encourage creativity in understanding the world around us. Through engaging and purposeful learning, we aim to develop pupils who are curious, knowledgeable and thoughtful about the diverse people, places, and environments that make up our planet. We inspire curiosity about the world through engaging lessons as well as a range of practical educational experiences and enrichment opportunities to enhance our children’s geography knowledge and schemas.
We foster ambition by equipping children with the geographical skills, vocabulary and global awareness they need to confidently explore and understand the world beyond their immediate experience in order to become responsible citizens of the future. Pupils are encouraged to ask big questions, think critically about global challenges, and become confident geographers who can interpret maps, data, and environments with purpose and precision.
A sense of belonging is cultivated through the exploration of local geography and the connections between communities, cultures, and environments. Geography helps children discover their place in the world—locally, nationally, and globally. Our bespoke curriculum teaches our children about their local school community, Stony Stratford and Milton Keynes as well as exploring other cultures, communities, and landscapes. Local walks, field work and educational visits such as Park’s Trust allow our children to explore our local area as well as apply key geographical skills to real life experiences. Our curriculum celebrates diversity and encourages children to see themselves as active citizens with a role in shaping a sustainable future.
Through creativity, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, think like geographers and present their understanding in imaginative and meaningful ways. From map-making and fieldwork to presenting our learning in different ways through our 1:1 devices, our curriculum allows children to collect and present data as well as express their ideas and learning with creativity and confidence.
Our Geography knowledge-based curriculum aims to develop compassionate, and inquisitive learners who are equipped to engage with the world and contribute positively to their local and global communities.
At Fairfields Primary, Design & Technology inspires children to think boldly, problem-solve with purpose and bring their ideas to life. Rooted in our curriculum drivers of Ambition, Belonging, and Creativity, DT provides rich opportunities for pupils to explore, design, make, and evaluate in meaningful contexts.
We encourage ambition by allowing children to aim high, developing resilience and a growth mindset as they tackle design challenges. Through exposure to real-life engineers, inventors, and innovators, pupils learn that their ideas can shape the future and that they, too, can aspire to become designers, makers, and problem-solvers.
DT develops a sense of belonging by fostering collaboration, teamwork and a sense of pride in shared achievements. Children learn to listen to and value the perspectives of others, recognising the importance of designing with the needs of their community and the wider world in mind. By solving authentic problems, pupils understand their role in making a positive contribution to society.
At the heart of DT is creativity, imagination and innovation. Pupils are empowered to generate and refine original ideas, experiment with materials and technology and take risks in their learning. We nurture curiosity, allowing children to explore how things work and to express their own unique solutions through practical, hands-on experiences.
Through DT, our children become confident, reflective, and inventive learners who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and determination to shape a better tomorrow.
At Fairfields Primary School, our Art curriculum is ambitious as it enables children to think, explore and create like real artists while building technical skills and creative confidence. With clear progression across a wide range of media, exposure to diverse artists, and high-profile enrichment days and exhibitions, pupils are challenged to problem-solve, reflect and refine their work.
Art fosters a strong sense of belonging by valuing every child’s individuality while celebrating their contribution to the wider school community. Through shared experiences like themed days, collaborative projects, and exhibitions, pupils feel part of something bigger. Exposure to diverse artists ensures representation and respect, while the visible presence of artwork across school builds pride and ownership in the learning environment.
Art nurtures creativity by giving children the freedom to experiment, take risks and use their imagination. They explore a wide range of media and techniques and are exposed to diverse artists in order to broaden their perspective and inspires them to try new approaches. Children gain a deeper awareness of heritage and the wider world, while hands-on experiences with varied media build practical skills and confidence. Whole-school enrichment events such as themed days and gallery showcases, celebrate creativity and give value to children’s work, while cross-curricular links enrich their understanding of other subjects.
Our Art lessons are structured around a clear sequence: beginning with a starting point or theme, often linked across the curriculum, before exploring a key artist or piece of art to inspire discussion and practical investigation. Children then focus on developing specific skills, techniques and use of materials, building on prior learning to ensure progression year by year. Each unit leads to a final piece, allowing pupils to showcase their creativity and the skills they have developed, while providing a meaningful way to assess their learning. We are able to use technology to enhance our Art curriculum by giving pupils opportunities for digital creativity, such as uploading work to Showbie, adding voice-note annotations, and using draw tools to edit or adapt their art.
PE Intent Statement
At Fairfields Primary School, we strive to create a culture which aims to inspire an active generation to enjoy PE, encourage each other and achieve. Through our scheme Get Set 4 PE, we provide a safe and supportive environment for every child to flourish in a range of different physical activities which is essential in supporting their physical, emotional, spiritual, social and moral development.
Through PE, we aim to nurture ambition, enabling every child to develop the confidence, resilience and determination to achieve their personal best, both individually and as part of a team. We want our pupils to experience success in many forms – from mastering new skills to embracing challenge – so they grow in self-belief and aspire to be active, healthy citizens for life.
PE also fosters a strong sense of belonging, as children learn to work collaboratively, respect differences, and value the contribution of others. Through inclusive and accessible opportunities, we celebrate diversity and promote teamwork, fairness and empathy, ensuring every child feels supported and recognised within their sporting community.
Finally, we encourage creativity by providing opportunities for pupils to express themselves through movement, problem-solving in games, and imaginative approaches in dance, gymnastics and outdoor learning. We value curiosity in physical activity, helping children to see PE as more than sport – but as a space to innovate, explore and find enjoyment in active play.
At Fairfields we offer a dynamic, varied and stimulating program of activity to ensure that all children progress physically through an inspirational, unique and fully inclusive PE curriculum as well as an extensive enrichment offer. We offer children a range of after-school clubs and fixtures which provide healthy competition, building self-esteem and developing confidence. We provide opportunities for children to learn how to stay safe by providing swimming lessons, so children know how to keep safe and meet the National Curriculum requirement of swimming 25m by the end of Year 6.
At Fairfields, we aim for children to develop the necessary knowledge and skills which will have a positive impact on their future by becoming physically active citizens to benefit their long-term health and well-being both in school and beyond.
At Fairfields Primary, our Computing curriculum sparks ambition, fosters belonging in the digital world, and celebrates creativity as pupils explore how technology shapes our lives. Through our bespoke Computing and Coding Curriculum developed as a trust, children become curious, confident and thoughtful digital citizens and have opportunities to practice and enhance their skills through cross-curricular learning. By developing key skills in coding, online safety, and digital literacy, pupils learn how computing connects communities, drives innovation, and opens doors to future opportunities—ensuring every child feels included, inspired, and ready to thrive.
Ambition in Computing at Fairfields Primary is shaped by a forward-thinking curriculum that equips pupils to thrive in a digital world. It centres on three core areas: digital literacy (safe, effective technology use), computer science (how computers work and coding), and information technology (creating content with digital tools). This approach builds computational thinking, creative problem-solving, and independent exploration.
Computing builds a strong sense of belonging by helping every child see themselves in the digital world and empowering them to be creative with technology. Our inclusive curriculum ensures access to devices and tailored support for all learning needs. We celebrate each child’s ideas and encourage self-expression through computing, connecting lessons to real-life interests like games, music, art, and sport. Pupils also take on digital leadership roles, building confidence and responsibility while preparing for future careers in a fast-changing digital landscape.
Computing at Fairfields Primary is a vibrant platform for creativity, where pupils express themselves through a wide range of digital tools and experiences. Multimedia apps like Book Creator and PowerPoint help bring ideas to life through text, images, sound, and video. Digital art sessions introduce drawing, photo editing, and design software, while tools like GarageBand let pupils compose and code musical patterns. By celebrating each child’s unique contributions and connecting them to the digital world, creativity remains central to our computing curriculum.
Our Computing curriculum develops confident, creative, and curious learners ready to thrive in a digital world and contribute to their communities. By exploring digital systems, coding, and online communication, pupils learn to use technology with purpose, empathy, and curiosity—preparing them to shape the future with innovation and integrity.
At Fairfields Primary School, Religious Education plays a vital role in nurturing children’s understanding of the diverse world in which they live. Through an inclusive, thought-provoking and respectful Religious Education curriculum, we aim to inspire curiosity, promote personal reflection and develop pupils’ understanding of different faiths, beliefs and worldviews. Every child at Fairfields will feel a strong sense of belonging in our community and will feel ready to discuss their own faith and beliefs, as well as those around them.
Religious Education supports our children in understanding their place in the world by exploring the beliefs and practices of people both within and beyond their community. Through learning about a variety of religious and non-religious worldviews, children develop empathy, respect and a deeper awareness of others. We want every pupil to feel an embedded sense of belonging – within their classroom, school, and wider society – by recognizing common values such as kindness, compassion, and community across different traditions. Through lessons, whole school events and community celebrations, children see that they are a part of a diverse, caring and respected community.
Religious Education is a space for creative thinking and personal expression. Children are encouraged to explore important questions about meaning, purpose, and belief through drama, art, storytelling, music, enquiry-based learning and our 1:1 devices. These creative opportunities allow pupils to express their understanding in ways that are meaningful to them and to see the beauty in beliefs of others.
Our RE curriculum nurtures ambition by encouraging children to become critical thinkers, thoughtful questioners, and informed members of the wider community. By engaging with complex morals and in-depth questions, pupils develop the skills to consider different viewpoints and articulate their own. We empower children to aspire towards becoming respectful, open-minded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to a multicultural, diverse society.
We actively seek to involve parents, carers, and the wider community in our Religious Education celebrations and learning by inviting families to share their own traditions, beliefs, and experiences. These opportunities and partnerships allow the whole school community to come together in celebration to model to our pupils’ mutual respect and strengthen a sense of belonging for all.
Parents can withdraw their child from some or all of religious education (RE) lessons in primary schools. This right is protected under the education act 1996 and applies to all maintained schools, academies, and free schools in England. Before making a decision, parents should consider the purpose of RE, which is to explore different religious and non religious world views , and to help children develop understanding, respect, and critical thinking skills. Parents should contact the school, submit a formal request, and agree on arrangements on how their child's time will be managed during RE lessons. Schools have a duty to supervise students who are withdrawn from RE, but they are not required to provide additional teaching.
At Fairfields Primary School, our Modern Foreign Languages curriculum inspires children to become confident, enthusiastic, and curious linguists. We believe that learning another language opens doors to the wider world and nurtures respect for diverse cultures and communities. We teach Spanish through the programme Primary Language Network which provides high quality and engaging resources for children in KS2.
We inspire ambition by encouraging all children to see themselves as capable communicators in another language. Through carefully sequenced teaching, children develop the confidence to speak, listen, read, and write in the target language, aiming high as they build skills that will support their future learning and global opportunities.
We develop a sense of belonging as learning a new language helps children recognise the value of communication and community, fostering empathy and understanding of others. By exploring traditions, celebrations, and daily life in different countries, children develop a sense of connection and belonging to both their own community and the wider world.
Children can show creativity as lessons provide engaging and imaginative opportunities for children to experiment with language. Songs, stories, role-play, and games encourage children to take risks, play with words, and enjoy the creative aspects of language learning, while also deepening cultural awareness.
Through our MFL curriculum, children leave primary school with a strong foundation in language learning, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and the motivation to continue their linguistic journey.
At Fairfields Primary School, Music plays a vital role in nurturing children’s ambition, belonging, and creativity as pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, resilience, and a love of music that extends beyond the classroom. We use the Kapow Primary Music Scheme from EYFS to Year 6 to provide lessons which are hands-on, imaginative, and enquiry-driven, encouraging pupils to explore musical ideas through questioning, experimentation, and collaboration.
We encourage ambition through music providing opportunities both through the curriculum and our enrichment offer for children to learn instruments, compose, sing, and perform, helping children set high expectations for themselves. We foster perseverance and pride in achievement, inspiring pupils to value their musical journey and see it as part of their wider potential. Our 1:1 devices project supports personalised learning, giving pupils access to tools that enhance exploration and engagement.
Music develops a sense of belonging by uniting people, and we use it to strengthen our school community and cultural identity. Children experience music from different traditions, genres and cultures through lessons, our Music Genre of the Term and our singing assemblies. Through collective singing, ensemble work, and performances, pupils gain a sense of connection, teamwork, and shared celebration.
Music is a powerful form of expression and creativity and we empower children to use it to communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Our curriculum encourages exploration, improvisation, and composition, giving pupils freedom to create and innovate. By developing critical listening and performance skills, children learn to appreciate music as both an art form and a lifelong source of enjoyment.
Music at Fairfields extends far beyond the classroom. Through inclusive assemblies, extracurricular activities like Rocksteady and Young Voices, and collaborative events with other schools in our trust, children experience the joy of performance and the power of connection. These experiences foster a strong sense of identity and belonging, helping pupils feel seen, heard, and valued. Music at Fairfields is a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and how we grow—one voice, one beat, one community.
At Fairfields Primary School, our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education is designed to nurture ambition, foster a deep sense of belonging, and encourage creativity in every child. We are committed to equipping our pupils with the knowledge, skills, language, and strategies they need to lead healthy, safe, fulfilling, and responsible lives, both now and in the future.
Underpinning everything we do are high expectations of learning, behaviour, and mutual respect. These values are woven throughout our PSHE curriculum and the wider life of our school, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all children feel seen, heard, and valued.
Our PSHE lessons are carefully planned to prepare pupils not only for their future lives, but also for their day-to-day experiences. Through a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils explore a wide range of topics that provide a meaningful context to expand and enrich overarching concepts and transferable life skills. These include: identity, relationships, healthy lifestyles, diversity and equality, rights, change and resilience, and careers.
Through PSHE, our pupils are encouraged to explore, clarify, and, when appropriate, challenge their own and others’ values, attitudes, beliefs, rights, and responsibilities. We aim to empower them to make informed choices, build positive relationships, and navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and empathy.
We deliver our PSHE curriculum using the Jigsaw Programme, a comprehensive and progressive scheme from Reception to Year 6. This spiral curriculum ensures that key themes are revisited regularly and built upon with increasing depth and maturity, allowing children to develop a deeper understanding as they grow.
By the time our pupils leave us, they will have developed a strong moral compass, a sense of their own identity, and the interpersonal and emotional skills needed to thrive in their next stages of education and life. PSHE at Fairfields is not just a subject—it is a vital foundation for the wellbeing, personal development, and aspirations of every child.
