Curriculum Overview

At Valley Gardens Middle School the curriculum  has been carefully planned and structured to build on the skills and knowledge pupils acquire as they move through the school; making sure pupils are both challenged and supported in their learning and prepared for the demands of the next stage of their education and beyond.

Our pupils are at the centre of all we do and they enjoy their learning, make progress and achieve success.  We aim to develop creative, curious and confident learners who have the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead fulfilling lives; becoming responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.  We recognise and celebrate that our pupils are all unique individuals and we welcome and celebrate differences in our School community and in the outside world.  Our core values of Kindness, Resilience, Respect underpin our curriculum and are embedded in the day to day teaching.

Subjects are mainly taught by subject specialists and planned to ensure progression in both skills and knowledge. We utilise expertise from both primary and secondary specialists; allowing us to combine best practice from both areas to create a unique learning experience for our children. The school also offers a wide and diverse extra-curricular programme, including reading groups, debating club, art club, trips and exhibitions of work, instrumental lessons, musical concerts, performance opportunities and musical theatre trips, games clubs and a variety of sport clubs and groups.  These opportunities allow our children to develop and extend their experiences and further their learning in a different environment.

Our PBL provision enhances our curriculum and focuses on areas outside normal study.  We asked our pupils what they would like to learn about and used this information as the basis for the creation of bespoke projects, which are designed to be creative and informative, covering topics pertinent and important to our young people.  Valued partnerships have been established with local community groups and educational establishments through this work.

Our pupils leave Valley Gardens Middle School fully prepared for the next stage of their education, as resilient learners who are confident and independent; they are ready, socially, personally and academically to achieve their future potential.  We feel proud and privileged at the part we play in the development of our children and young people and enjoy hearing of their future success.