Statutory Curriculum

In Derryhale, the curriculum involves all the learning experiences offered to pupils in terms of curricular and extra-curricular provision. It includes the spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of each pupil under our care.

At Derryhale, we take seriously the responsibility to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all children, and we aim to give every child the opportunity to experience success in learning and achieve as high a standard as possible.

We aim to provide every child with learning opportunities for them to develop as:

• Individuals
• Contributors to society
• Contributors to the economy and the environment

Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities and Cross-Curricular Skills

At the heart of the curriculum lies an explicit emphasis on the development of thinking skills and personal capabilities for lifelong learning and for operating effectively in society. The thinking skills and personal capabilities identified in the NI Primary Curriculum are:

• Managing Information
• Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
• Being Creative
• Working with Others
• Self-Management

This is combined with a focus on the development of the cross-curricular skills of:

• Communication
• Using Mathematics
• Using ICT

The Six Areas of Learning

The NI (Primary) Curriculum is divided into the following six areas of learning:

1. Language and Literacy (including talking and listening, reading and writing)
   We seek to develop foundational Literacy skills from an early stage. The three main areas of communication are reading, writing and talking & listening. P4-7 pupils are all enrolled in the Accelerated Reader programme.
2. Mathematics and Numeracy (focusing on the development of mathematical concepts and numeracy across the curriculum)
   We seek to encourage an understanding of number using real-life contexts. We seek to develop robust problem-solving skills as well as a fluent recall of number facts. The areas of study within Mathematics and Numeracy are handling data, measure, number, processes and shape & space.
3. The Arts (including Art and Design, Drama and Music)
   We celebrate The Arts and encourage a range of learning experiences in art and design, music and drama. Annual Christmas concerts and Carol Services provide a focus in celebrating the artistic endeavour and talent of our pupils.
4. The World Around Us (focusing on the development of knowledge, skills and understanding in Geography, History, Science and Technology)
   The World Around Us covers the individual subjects of Geography, History, Science and Technology. In each class, a different World Around Us topic is studied each half-term. These topics provide meaningful cross-curricular learning and teaching contexts in other areas of learning.
5. Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (focusing on emotional development and mutual understanding in the local and global community)
   P.D.M.U. gives opportunity for specific attention to be given to pupils’ moral and emotional development. Topics covered involve positive relationships, health and safety, moral thinking and values-based learning. Each month, a school value is chosen as a focus across the school.
6. Physical Education (focusing on the development of knowledge, skills and understanding through play and a range of physical activities)
   Children take part in weekly Physical Education (P.E.) lessons using the CoreNI scheme. Pupils in P5 to P7 attend weekly swimming lessons at South Lake Leisure Centre from September to May. We partner with external coaches and organisations and facilitate after-school clubs (e.g. football, hockey, multi-sports) to offer a balanced sports programme.

Religious Education

Non-denominational Religious Education is available to all children. This programme follows the core curriculum. Collective worship in the form of assembly takes place on Wednesdays. Local church ministers and youth workers visit school to lead weekly assemblies and for an annual RE visitation each spring.