Wider Curriculum - Evidence based approach
Active Travel Encouragement
At Furness, we actively promote an active and sustainable approach to travel, encouraging students to walk, cycle, or scoot to school whenever possible. This initiative not only enhances physical fitness but also contributes to reducing congestion and pollution around the school.
Evidence:
● Active Travel Register: Students sign in daily to track their active travel habits, fostering a sense of responsibility and motivation. Students with the most active journeys win a medal.
● 'Be Bright, Be Seen' Initiative: We encourage children to decorate their bikes and scooters with bright and colorful materials, increasing visibility and safety.
● Cycle to School Week and Big Walk and Wheel: These annual events promote active travel through fun and engaging participation, inspiring students and families to adopt healthier commuting habits.
● Golden Status Award with TfL: As a testament to our commitment to active travel, we have achieved this prestigious recognition by demonstrating a robust and effective active travel plan.
Daily Physical Activity Opportunities
We believe that physical activity should be an integral part of the school day, ensuring students remain engaged, energetic, and focused from morning until home time.
Evidence:
● Breakfast Provision: Our morning sessions provide children with the opportunity to engage in structured physical activities in the playground, helping them start the day on an active and positive note. Children have the opportunity to engage in DT activities, Art/Drawing, and Football on a daily basis.
● Soft Start Play: Students can choose between competitive (e.g., table tennis) and non-competitive (e.g., basketball) activities before lessons begin, promoting inclusion and enthusiasm for physical movement.
● Break Time Structured Activity Stations: A range of supervised activities cater to different interests, from traditional sports to interactive movement-based games that support child development and teamwork.
● Music Lunch Clubs: In addition to physical activity, we offer music-based lunch clubs where students can explore their creativity, develop rhythm, and collaborate with peers in a fun and engaging environment. These clubs provide an alternative way for children to express themselves while fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
● Playground Buddies and Young Leaders: Older students take on leadership roles, distributing equipment in the KS1 and KS2 playgrounds. Young Leaders organize weekly sports challenges, with prizes awarded to top performers, fostering engagement and motivation.
● After-School Activity Clubs: We offer a diverse selection of clubs for Years 1-6, focusing on skill development, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Some clubs are specifically tailored for pupil premium students at no cost, ensuring accessibility for all.
● Wraparound Care Physical Activities: Children attending our after-school provision are encouraged to participate in outdoor play and organised sports, extending their opportunities to be active beyond the regular school hours. Children build and design with Lego and create intricate and imaginative pieces through craftsmanship.
Initiatives to Promote Healthy and Active Lifestyles
Beyond structured physical activity, we implement various initiatives aimed at embedding lifelong habits of health and well-being among students.
Evidence:
● Yearly Cycling Training for Year 5: Every student receives cycling safety training from an external company, learning essential road safety skills while gaining confidence in riding on public roads.
● Healthy Eating Week: This dedicated week educates students on the nutritional value of different foods, the benefits of balanced diets, and how dietary choices impact overall health and performance.
● Public Health Initiatives: Oral health checks provide students and families with essential education on dental hygiene, contributing to long-term well-being.
● Tuck Shop with Healthy Snack Options: A daily provision of nutritious snacks at break times encourages students to develop positive eating habits and make informed dietary choices.
External Partnerships
We collaborate with various organisations to provide enriching physical education experiences, exposing students to new opportunities and inspiring them beyond the classroom.
Evidence:
● UCFB Partnership: University students lead sports and physical activity sessions, helping pupils develop physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership skills. These sessions also introduce students to potential careers in sports and higher education pathways.
● Sustrans Environmental Awareness Program: Activities include air pollution walks to measure pollution levels, assemblies on air quality’s impact on health, and collaborative research projects with parents on reducing environmental hazards.
● Newman College Mentoring Program: Weekly visits from Newman College students provide one-on-one mentoring, fostering academic support and positive role modeling for our students.
● Local Tennis Club Collaboration: During the summer, students will have access to our local tennis club, giving them exposure to organised competitive play and opportunities to engage in sports outside the school setting.
Competitions with Local Schools
Competing in inter-school sports events provides our students with invaluable experiences that develop resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Evidence:
● Harris Lowe Partnership: Through Level 2 competitions, students participate in structured inter-school sports events, gaining exposure to competitive environments while strengthening their discipline, character, and determination.
● Annual Sports Day at Willesden Sports Centre: A full-day event held at a professional athletics complex, where students engage in a wide range of sports culminating in a thrilling series of running races and a celebratory medal ceremony. Parents are also encouraged to participate in races, reinforcing family involvement in physical activity.
Supporting Growth Through Additional Provision
At our school, we are committed to ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive. Our additional provision offers targeted support for children in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, helping them develop key skills in a focused and supportive environment.
Evidence:
● Phonics Intervention (KS1): Designed to support early reading and writing skills by reinforcing phonics knowledge. Small-group sessions provide targeted support, ensuring children gain confidence in blending, segmenting, and decoding words. Helps bridge gaps in phonics understanding, leading to stronger reading fluency and comprehension.
● Reading & Writing Support (KS2): Focused sessions help children develop reading fluency, comprehension strategies, and writing techniques. Provides additional practice and support for children who may need a boost in literacy skills. Encourages a love for reading through engaging activities and discussions.
● Mathematics Booster Sessions (KS1 & KS2): Helps students build confidence in key mathematical concepts such as number sense, problem-solving, and reasoning. Sessions are designed to be interactive, using games and practical exercises to reinforce learning. Supports children in developing a strong foundation, preparing them for more advanced topics.
● Speech & Language Support (KS1 & KS2): Helps children develop communication skills, confidence in speaking, and the ability to express themselves clearly. Targeted support for children who need additional help with articulation, vocabulary development, or sentence structure.