At Ashbourne Primary School, we believe education should shape both what children learn and who they become.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that all pupils develop the knowledge, skills and the personal qualities needed to succeed in school and beyond. Alongside academic success, we recognise that pupils must also feel confident, resilient and valued in order to thrive.

We have therefore developed a curriculum that is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our pupils and community.

Our curriculum is built around three key priorities, known as our Golden Threads, which run through every subject and every year group from Nursery to Year 6. 

Language and Literacy 

We place language and literacy at the heart of learning because they unlock access to the entire curriculum.

We ensure pupils:

• Develop a rich and ambitious vocabulary
• Read fluently and with understanding
• Communicate clearly and confidently
• Use language to think, explain and learn

Language is explicitly taught across all subjects through reading, talk and writing, ensuring all pupils can access, retain and apply knowledge effectively.

Resilience and Regulation

We teach pupils how to manage their emotions, focus their attention and persevere with learning.

We ensure pupils:

• Develop self-regulation and emotional awareness
• Build resilience and learning stamina
• Approach challenge with confidence
• Engage positively with learning and others

This is supported through consistent routines, explicit teaching of regulation strategies and a strong pastoral approach that prioritises wellbeing.

Belonging and Becoming

We want every child to feel safe, included and valued as part of our school community.

We ensure pupils:

• Develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth
• Understand and respect others
• Experience the wider world beyond their immediate context
• Build aspirations and believe in their future

When children feel that they belong, they are more confident, motivated and ready to learn. 

Read more about our Golden Threads on the PDF attached below.