Napton School

National Curriculum

We follow the National Curriculum and EYFS framework as a foundation, but we adapt it carefully to meet the needs of our children. Our curriculum is designed to be flexible, inclusive and meaningful, ensuring every child can access learning in a way that suits them best. 

Teachers have the freedom to adapt topics and themes to reflect their classes' interests and needs, while maintaining key learning objectives. This flexibility allows teachers to create engaging experiences and revisit important concepts to support long-term understanding. 

We use a range of high-quality schemes to support subject delivery and assessment: 

• Monster Phonics and Salford Reading Test for phonics and reading 
• Literacy Tree for writing 
• Spelling Frame for spelling
• White Rose Education for maths and science
• Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) for multiplication fluency
• Jigsaw for PSHE and RE
• PE Planning for Physical Education

All lessons follow our expected teaching consistencies, alongside the following:

• Use of wonderful worlds to build vocabulary using tiered vocabulary
• Small-step teaching to support understanding and retention
• Opportunities for oracy, discussion and reflection (in a way that works for each class)
• Integration of IDEALS values (Inspire, Develop, Encourage, Aspire, Listen and Safety)

Learning is recorded in a variety of ways: 

• Individual learning journals for early-stage learners 
• Core subject books for structured learning as pupils progress
• Class learning logs across all stages capturing SMSC opportunities, group activities, Thrive moments and EHCP-linked learning

Assessment at Arc Napton 

We use a balanced approach to assessment to understand each child’s progress and next steps. 

• Formative assessments happen daily through observation, discussion and feedback. Live marking is used where possible. 
• Summative assessments include cold writes, reading tests, TTRS battles, phonics quizzes, informal quizzes, and topic reviews. 
• Teacher judgement plays a key role, ensuring assessments reflect the whole child, and not just test scores. 

This approach helps us tailor learning, celebrate progress, and ensure every child is supported to succeed. 

Education pathways and flexible learning programme

We understand that for some children, attending school can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a flexible and supportive approach for children experiencing Emotional-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and requiring a slower transition into school. 

Every child begins their journey with us on a phased transition plan, carefully designed to help them settle in gradually and confidently. This approach benefits both the individual and their peers, allowing relationships, routines and trust to build at a comfortable pace. 

We work closely with families to create a personalised learning plan, which may include reduced timetables, home-based learning, or gradual classroom integration. Our aim is to make school feel safe, welcoming and achievable. 

While formal exams are not a requirement at Arc Napton, pupils may be offered exam-style experiences to help build confidence and familiarity. These are only introduced when appropriate and never imposed – we focus on readiness and not pressure. 

Together, we help children re-engage with learning, through a nurturing environment, consistent key adults and patience. 

Outdoor and physical education

Outdoor learning and physical education are central to our curriculum and ethos. We believe that learning beyond the classroom builds confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being, while supporting physical development and social growth.

Physical Education (PE)

PE supports the whole child - physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.

• Pupils access weekly PE sessions, tailored to their stage of learning and delivered through inclusive, engaging activities.
• Lessons focus on agility, balance, coordination, and teamwork, aligned with National Curriculum expectations.
• Team-building games promote cooperation, peer encouragement, and self-discipline.
• As pupils progress, they are offered group competitive sports opportunities, including inter-class games and sports days.
• We work with external coaches to deliver specialist sessions and broaden pupils’ exposure to different sports and skills.
• Commando Joe’s sports leaders are elected to support lunchtime play, promote leadership, and encourage active engagement.
• PE lessons begin with warm-ups and include clear rules to promote fair play and understanding.
• Teachers use PE Planning to plan and assess, adapting lessons to individual needs and classes.
• Vocabulary is embedded through Wonderful Words, and visuals to support understanding where necessary. 

Lunchtime activities

Lunchtimes at are active, inclusive and pupil-led.

• We offer a wide range of structured and free play activities, designed to be free from gender stereotypes and accessible to all.
• Pupil voice is central — children help shape the games and activities they want to see.
• Sports leaders help set up and run activities, promoting teamwork, fairness and fun.

Forest School and outdoor learning

Forest School is a long-term, learner-led outdoor education process that supports holistic development.

• Pupils attend weekly Forest School sessions throughout the year, experiencing nature in all seasons.
• Activities are adapted to individual needs and linked to curriculum objectives.
• Sessions promote risk-taking, problem-solving, and self-discovery in a safe, natural environment.
• Pupils build resilience, motivation, communication skills, and a deep respect for nature.
• Our Forest School team deliver a two-year cycle of planned activities linked to seasonal events, national themes, and local community experiences.
• Pupils explore local woodlands and natural spaces, and take part in community trips, including visits to places of worship and local landmarks.

Enrichment and curriculum integration

Outdoor learning is woven throughout our curriculum:

• Friday Flourish offers life skills and curriculum-linked experiences such as gardening, first aid, enterprise and outdoor projects.
• Theme Weeks include outdoor elements and encourage pupils to explore wider world issues.
• Pupils are given opportunities to encounter new knowledge through hands-on experiences, exploration and real-world connections.
• Learning is captured through photos, pupil voice, and journals, with assessment recorded online.

Outdoor education is more than an activity - it’s a philosophy. It helps our pupils grow into confident, curious and compassionate learners, ready to thrive in the wider world. 

Life skills

We believe that life skills are essential for helping children grow into confident, independent and capable individuals. Our life skills curriculum is woven throughout the school day and supported by our Life Skills Passport, which includes “30 Things to Achieve Before I Leave” — a set of meaningful experiences chosen by staff who know each child best. 

These skills are taught through Friday Flourish, enrichment activities, and real-world experiences in the local community. 

Life skills are about preparing children for life - giving them the tools to thrive both now and in the future.

Community engagement

We are proud to be part of a warm and welcoming village community. We believe that strong relationships with local people, organisations and schools enrich our pupils’ learning and help them grow into confident, connected and compassionate individuals.

Local partnerships & experiences

We are incredibly grateful to Bob and Pat, who kindly allow us to use their farm for Forest School. Pupils learn about nature, animals and the changing seasons in a real-life setting, and Bob and Pat generously support our children in understanding farming life.

We also work closely with Harry, who gives our pupils the unforgettable experience of helping with lambing and collecting pumpkins — hands-on learning that builds responsibility, curiosity and joy.

Neighbour involvement

We value our neighbours and keep them informed and involved through our Student Council, who share updates and invite them to events. This helps build positive relationships and a sense of shared community pride.

Faith & cultural connections

We have strong links with St Lawrence’s Church, where pupils take part in seasonal celebrations and reflective experiences. We also explore alternative places of worship and community spaces, ensuring our RE curriculum is inclusive and respectful of all beliefs.

School links & transitions

We work closely with local primary and secondary schools, developing relationships that support smooth transitions. Pupils are supported through visits, shared activities and tailored plans to help them feel confident about their next steps.

Celebrations & events

Our community comes together for Easter, Summer and Spring Fayres, where families are invited to celebrate learning and enjoy fun activities. Pupils also take part in charity events, whole-school days like Hello Yellow for mental health, and reward trips for positive behaviour.

Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do - helping our pupils feel part of something bigger and inspiring them to give back.

Enrichment and wider opportunities

We believe that learning goes far beyond the classroom. Our enrichment programme is designed to give pupils meaningful, real-world experiences that build confidence, curiosity and connection with the wider world.

Assemblies & pupil voice

Assemblies are led by pupil voice and shaped by lived experiences. They’re not always delivered in the same way - sometimes they’re reflective, sometimes celebratory, and often interactive. Pupils help choose themes and share ideas, making assemblies a space for expression and community.

Life skills in action

Our pupils take part in practical life skills activities, from cooking and budgeting to navigating public spaces. These experiences are embedded in our curriculum and supported through Friday Flourish, local trips, and our Life Skills Passport — including “30 Things to Achieve Before I Leave.”

Community & cultural capital

We work closely with St Lawrence’s Church and offer inclusive RE experiences, including visits to alternative places of worship and community spaces. Pupils explore different cultures, beliefs and values through real-life encounters and themed weeks.

Career exploration

Even at the primary level, we introduce pupils to the world of work through role-play, visitors, and career-themed activities that spark aspiration and curiosity.

Celebrations & events

We host seasonal Easter, Summer and Spring Fayres, welcoming parents and carers to celebrate learning and community. Pupils also take part in whole-school days like Hello Yellow for mental health awareness and raise money for charities through fun and purposeful events.

Reward & enrichment trips

Positive behaviour is celebrated through termly reward trips, and pupils enjoy regular visits from inspiring guests and local organisations.

Enrichment is about giving every child the chance to explore, experience and grow — always learning, always together. 

Vocational skills offer

We believe it’s never too early to start building real-world skills. Our vocational offer introduces pupils to practical experiences that help them understand the world around them and prepare for life beyond school.

Through our Life Skills Passport and Friday Flourish sessions, pupils explore a wide range of vocational activities including:

• Cooking and nutrition
• Gardening and outdoor enterprise
• Basic first aid
• Cleaning and tidying routines
• Money handling and budgeting
• Teamwork and leadership

We also provide career enrichment opportunities, helping pupils explore different jobs and roles through role-play, visitors, and themed activities. These experiences spark curiosity and help children begin to understand their strengths and interests.

Vocational learning is embedded across the curriculum and supported by community links, including local businesses and organisations. Our aim is to give pupils the confidence, independence and practical skills they need to thrive in everyday life.