Curriculum Vision
Hethersett Woodside Curriculum Vision Statement
At Hethersett Woodside Primary and Nursery School, our vision is to grow lifelong learners who
care share and shine
Every child deserves to enjoy learning through a rich, inclusive and creative curriculum that is meaningful, purposeful and relevant to their lives both now and in the future.
Our Purpose
We are proud to deliver an unapologetically ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum. Knowledge is valued for its own sake, forming the essential foundation for developing skills, sparking curiosity, and building the confidence to thrive in a changing world. Central to our approach are the values of respect, resilience and responsibility, which underpin everything we do.
What Makes Our Curriculum Distinctive
A Broad and Balanced Approach:
 All subjects are valued equally, allowing children to develop a wide range of knowledge and experiences. Our curriculum is designed so that key concepts are revisited and deepened each year, fostering respect for learning and for the different disciplines we study.
Knowledge Leading to Skills:
Developing disciplinary knowledge sits at the heart of our curriculum design. We recognise that procedural knowledge knowing how to apply and use knowledge is best acquired when it builds on secure and relevant declarative knowledge. Through acquiring knowledge in this way, children develop vital skills across all subjects. This approach helps them become well-rounded, adaptable learners, ready to apply what they know in meaningful contexts and take responsibility for their own progress.
Substantive and Disciplinary Knowledge:Â
Children learn both substantive knowledge (the established facts, concepts and content of a subject) and disciplinary knowledge (the ways in which knowledge is developed, tested and applied within each subject). As a result, children develop the confidence and understanding to see themselves as mathematicians, writers, artists, scientists, geographers, historians, and so much more, showing resilience as they tackle new challenges and respect for the expertise within each subject.
Research-Informed Curriculum Design:Â
Our approach is shaped by the cognitive science of learning. We use evidence-based strategies such as retrieval practice, careful sequencing, and spaced repetition to help pupils know more, remember more, and connect new learning with what they have learned before—encouraging resilience in learning and responsibility for remembering.
Relevant Cross-Curricular Links:
Where appropriate, we make meaningful connections between subjects, further enriching learning while maintaining a strong focus on developing expertise in each discipline, and nurturing respect for the interconnectedness of knowledge.
Inspiring True Learners:
Our curriculum empowers children to be confident, reflective and curious—developing a thirst for new knowledge and a drive to broaden and enhance their skill sets. We encourage every child to approach learning and life with respect, resilience and responsibility.
Developing Cultural Capital
Through our school curriculum, children will develop a cultural capital that is distinct to Hethersett Woodside. Our approach ensures that all pupils gain the essential knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to understand and appreciate their place in the world and recognise the unique value they can add to it.
We celebrate the diversity of our school community and beyond, promoting respect, empathy, and curiosity about the wider world. By exposing children to a broad range of cultural, artistic, historical, and social experiences—rooted in our local context but reaching far beyond—we empower them to:
- Appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds
- Recognise and nurture their own talents and interests
- Understand the responsibilities and opportunities they have as local, national, and global citizens
- Aspire to contribute positively to their community and the wider world
Our curriculum is deliberately designed to broaden horizons and raise aspirations, equipping children with the confidence, knowledge, and values they need to thrive and shine—now and in the future.
Our Commitment Every aspect of our curriculum is built to nurture well-rounded individuals who are respectful, resilient and responsible, as well as compassionate and prepared to contribute positively to their community and beyond. Through this, we create true lifelong learners who are inspired to care, share and shine.