Curriculum Years 3-8

The pupils' considerable overall sucess results from both a varied and innovative curriculum. Pupils' attitudes to learning are exceptional and promote their excellent progress.

ISI EQI Report June 2021

At Dolphin, both children and staff enjoy a rich love of learning. Our curriculum is challenging and innovative, allowing children to experience their education hands-on, and providing frequent opportunities for them to discover and explore their environment. As a result of our commitment to Learner-Centred Education, mutual respect exists between our pupils and teachers: questions can be asked; ideas can be challenged; and knowledge can be seen as an action to undertake together, rather than an item to be gifted.

Pupils are encouraged to think creatively, to reflect on the world around them and to appreciate how their learning pieces together in a cross-curricular way; in so doing, they develop essential skills for life. Our DPQ programme encourages children to enact our Core Values and to experience first-hand how traditional classroom learning can be applied and manipulated in a real-life setting. Subject specialist teaching, beginning in Nursery and becoming comprehensive from Year 3, is delivered by staff who are passionate about their specialism, thus inspiring the children to explore and enquire. Children of all abilities are given a plethora of opportunities to explore a broad curriculum, including additional clubs and activities, enabling them to identify and develop their talents. 

Within small classes, our children experience a varied approach to the curriculum, allowing for individual learning needs to be met, whilst developing independence and self-motivation. Most importantly, our children are given the freedom to learn and encouraged to develop lifelong learning habits such as responsible risk-taking, persisting, flexible thinking, and responding to everything they discover with humour and awe.

By the time they leave us, each pupil will have undertaken an individual academic journey but our overriding philosophy is clear from the outset: that they will fulfil their true potential, add value to their lives and feel confident enough to use their voice.