Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and then expanded to meet the unique personalities and talents of our pupils. Skilled teachers deliver exciting, engaging lessons that nurture a love for learning. At Bolnore, learning is progressive, organised around termly topics with cross-subject connections to deepen understanding. We focus on creating memorable, hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.
DFE Information on the National Curriculum
Parents Guide to the National Curriculum
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Art
Art
Art
Our art curriculum covers both traditional and modern techniques, such as drawing, painting, collage, clay modeling, 3D sculptures, and photography. Pupils learn key artistic vocabulary and about famous artists from around the world. They look at how to connect art with other subjects, while developing their own creativity. -
Computing
Computing
Computing
Our computing curriculum covers basic computer skills and broadens into digital technology. Pupils learn programming, create interactive stories, and design digital content. They all also receive essential lessons in online safety. -
Design Technology
Design Technology
Design Technology (DT)
DT lessons integrate a variety of skills, from woodworking to cooking. Linked to our termly topics, projects include sewing puppets, building kites and space buggies, and cooking themed recipes. Highlights include designing and making products during STEAM and Enterprise weeks. -
English
English
English, Reading, and Writing
We use the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, with daily sessions for Reception to Year 2. This approach has led to significantly better phonics and reading results than both local and national averages. Resources like flashcards, magnetic letters, and daily paired reading help build fluency and comprehension. Our classrooms are rich in language, and books are central to our learning. We encourage reading a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction, with lessons that involve exploring stories, poetry, and plays. Pupils also have opportunities to perform plays, helping them build confidence and communication skills. As one pupil said 'I like it at our school because there is so much reading...in the classroom, the library, with friends and at home. Books are excellent!' -
Forest School
Forest School
First and Best Forest School
At Bolnore, our on-site Forest School is a standout feature that sets us apart from other schools, offering a truly special learning experience for our pupils. As part of our regular curriculum, the Forest School provides an educational approach designed to inspire children through meaningful outdoor activities. It's here that pupils immerse themselves in the natural world, learning invaluable skills like survival techniques, risk management, and problem-solving, all within a safe and supportive environment.
What makes our Forest School experience so unique is the hands-on nature of all the activities led by a trained Forest School Team. Children are given the opportunity to use real tools, learn how to tie knots, identify local plants and wildlife, and even build shelters. One of the most exciting aspects is learning how to build and cook on a fire—lessons that build confidence, independence, and a deep connection to nature. Additionally, practical life skills such as map reading, road safety, fire safety, and cooking are seamlessly integrated into the outdoor curriculum, making these lessons both engaging and essential.
Bolnore is proud to be recognised as a beacon of excellence for our Forest School provision. Schools from across the region regularly visit us to observe and learn from our model, a testament to the success of our program and the dedication of our staff.
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Geography
Geography
Geography
Our geography curriculum focuses on places, maps, the environment, and comparisons. Pupils study locations from the UK to distant countries, explore environments like rainforests and oceans, and learn orienteering. They also gain an understanding of weather and environmental issues, enhanced by workshops, events, and trips. -
History
History
History
Our curriculum spans from the Stone Age to the Space Race, with engaging experiences and workshops. Our children learn about famous people from the ancient and modern world such as Boudicca and Neil Armstrong. -
Maths
Maths
Mathmatics
We believe everyone can enjoy and excel in maths. Our mastery-based approach involves progressing from hands-on maths with real objects to pictorial representations, and finally to abstract symbols. Pupils develop problem-solving skills and are encouraged to justify their methods. Frequent fluency lessons improve quick recall of basic number facts including multiplication and division facts, enabling pupils to approach complex problems with confidence. -
Music
Music
Music
In music, pupils explore a variety of styles and learn the foundations of music-making, including terms, notation, and the workings of choirs and orchestras. They play instruments like the recorder, ukulele, and percussion, and sing in ensembles. As they progress, pupils advance in composition and performance, often in front of their peers and parents. -
Physical Education
Physical Education
At Bolnore, we take pride in offering a wide range of sporting opportunities, fostering participation and positive sporting behaviours both in and outside of school. Our active playtimes are supported by play leaders who use the equipment and playground markings to help all children have fun and keep active too.
We use the 'Real PE' program to ensure all children, regardless of ability, develop a positive relationship with physical activity. Our PE lessons focus on six key areas: balance and coordination, flexibility and strength, team games, dance, outdoor activity, and performance. We apply these through various sports like athletics, football, netball, cricket, tag rugby, swimming, and Forest School sessions. Expert coaches also lead clubs during, before and after school such as netball and football, and we celebrate pupils excelling in specific sports.
Our pupils participate in a wide range of sports festivals and competitions organised by Hurst Education Trust and Mid Sussex Active. These include football, tag rugby, cross country, athletics, boccia, kurling, cricket, and tennis. We are particularly proud of achieving the prestigious Platinum School Games Mark for two consecutive years (2022/23 and 2023/24), which recognises our commitment to sports development and competition at both school and community levels.
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RSHE
RSHE
Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE)
Taught in an age-appropriate way, topics range from feelings and healthy eating to safety, relationships, and reproduction, enhanced by events like Anti-Bullying Week and Mental Health Awareness Day. -
Religious Education
Religious Education
Religious Education (RE)
We introduce the five major world religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism) and significant figures like Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on religious freedom, peace, and fairness.Parents/carers have a right to withdraw their child from RE
You must grant requests from parents/carers to withdraw their child, wholly or partly, from:
- Receiving religious education (RE) given in the school in accordance with the school’s basic curriculum
- Attendance at religious worship in the school (note: sixth-form pupils can choose for themselves to opt out of religious worship)
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Science
Science
Science
Our science curriculum fosters curiosity and a deep understanding through hands-on experiments, from making smoothies to setting up rockets. Pupils engage in memorable activities like plant dissections, bug hunts, and tree investigations during Forest School lessons, making learning both exciting and practical. -
Spanish
Spanish
Spanish
Starting in Year 3, pupils learn Spanish, progressing from simple words to conversational fluency and presentations by Year 6.
