Creative Curriculum

History and Geography

At Marshlands we teach history and geography to all pupils as part of the curriculum. The subjects are incorporated together to form the basis of our Creative Curriculum.  Our Creative Curriculum incorporates the key elements that we believe are most important for our students to learn and experience during their time with us: the skills that will be most important to them in adulthood. We aim to foster a life-long love of learning, through adopting a practical, hands-on, cross-curricular approach.  So with this in mind we use a thematic approach to teach these subjects and also make links to other subjects where appropriate such as English, Art, Design and Technology, Science, Computing and Music. The study of History makes a valuable contribution to pupils understanding of all aspects of life giving a sense of identify and heritage; we value History in its own right and for its cross curricular links. Through our teaching of history we aim to stimulate pupils’ enthusiasm for, and curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Geography enables pupils to look for relationships between people and places, also to ask questions about the world in which they live. Through our teaching of geography we aim to provide each pupil with geographical knowledge and understanding, so that they can build upon their own experiences and make sense of the world in which they live.

Art and Design

As a school we value and are dedicated to the teaching of Art and Design. We see this as a fundamental part of school life. We are committed to providing an ‘Arts Rich Curriculum’ for our children. We believe that by developing this we can contribute to the quality of our children’s lives both within and beyond school. We see art and design as a means to support learning in a range of ways. The skills that are developed in these subjects can be transferred across the curriculum and thus aid learning.

At Marshlands art and design aims to ensure that all pupils produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.  Pupils become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.  They can evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design. Pupils know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Design and Technology

At Marshlands design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.  Pupils build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.  They critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

As part of their work with food, pupils will be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.