At Jacksdale Primary & Nursery School, we believe that a well-rounded, interconnected curriculum is essential for providing our pupils with the foundations they need to thrive, both academically and personally. By teaching a diverse range of subjects, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.  The strands which flow through our curriculum are based on the locality of Nottinghamshire and inspirational individuals, and we have woven retrieval opportunities through each year to enable children to reflect on previous learning and make links to develop future learning.  Enabling these connections will support children's retention in all subject areas.

As a school, we have worked alongside Emma Turner, a renowned curriculum specialist and author of ' Simplicitus – The Interconnected primary curriculum and effective subject leadership; Simplicitus Altius - Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum'.  

Our curriculum is fully aligned with the requirements of the National Curriculum, ensuring that pupils acquire a broad and balanced range of knowledge and skills across all subject areas. However, we have tailored the curriculum to meet the specific needs and context of our school community. Located on the border of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, our catchment area serves predominantly white British families with an above-average proportion of pupil premium children. Attainment on entry to our Nursery is below the national average, and some children lack varied experiences within the wider community and the world, including multicultural experiences.

To address these contextual factors, our curriculum is designed to introduce a diverse cultural awareness through a variety of teaching and learning experiences, educational trips, inspirational visitors, and the utilisation of resources and expertise from our local environment. We also place a strong emphasis on enhancing the educational experience of our pupils through a wide range of outdoor providers and extra-curricular activities that supplement classroom learning.

By taking this holistic and interconnected approach, we aim to provide our pupils with a curriculum that is aspirational, challenging, and relevant to their lives. We believe that this will not only support them in achieving academic success but also in developing the essential life skills and personal qualities needed to thrive in the next stage of their education and beyond.

Our subject-specific visions are closely aligned with the school's overall improvement priorities, as identified in the most recent Ofsted inspection (March 2024):

• In mathematics, we recognise the need to address gaps in pupils' core knowledge and skills, such as number bonds, times tables, and mental arithmetic calculations. By strengthening the coherence and sequence of our mathematics curriculum, we aim to ensure that all pupils can build upon their prior learning and develop a secure understanding of key mathematical concepts.
• In the early years, we are have created a more refined and coherent curriculum that supports children's progression from Nursery to the end of Reception. By providing a clear, sequenced curriculum, we will ensure that all staff have a shared understanding of the knowledge and skills children need to learn, and can better prepare them for the next stage of their education.