At Caldecote Primary School, our curriculum is designed to embody our vision of being a Happy, Healthy, High-Achieving school where every pupil achieves their very best. We are committed to providing a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum that equips all children with the knowledge, skills and personal qualities they need to flourish both now and in the future.

Rooted in our belief that education should develop children as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors, our curriculum is ambitious, carefully sequenced and designed to ensure every child can succeed regardless of their starting point. Through rich and engaging learning experiences, we foster a love of learning, promote wellbeing, build character, champion social justice and prepare children for life in a diverse and rapidly changing world.

Who We Are

Our curriculum reflects the diversity and richness of our school community. Situated on the outskirts of Cambridge, we are a multicultural and multilingual school where children bring a wide range of languages, cultures and experiences. We celebrate this diversity through a curriculum that promotes inclusion, belonging and respect while helping children develop an understanding of both their local community and the wider world.

With a significant number of pupils who speak English as an Additional Language, the development of language, vocabulary and oracy is central to our curriculum. We believe that strong communication skills are fundamental to academic achievement, personal wellbeing and active participation in society.

We are committed to ensuring that every child sees themselves reflected within the curriculum whilst also gaining insight into the diverse cultures, perspectives and opportunities that exist beyond their own experiences. Through carefully planned learning and enrichment opportunities, we broaden horizons, raise aspirations and help children understand their place within an interconnected world.

Educational Experiences - The Caldecote Tree 

The Caldecote Tree represents the complete educational experience of every child during their time at our school. It encompasses everything we plan, teach and provide to develop pupils' knowledge, skills, character and understanding of the world.

The Roots

Our school values provide the foundations upon which all learning is built:

Respect • Responsibility • Resilience

The Trunk

Our curriculum is organised around six overarching The Caldecote Big Ideas:

• Peace & Freedom
• Equity & Social Justice
• Sustainability & Environment
• Participation & Citizenship
• Health & Wellbeing
• Diversity & Identity

The Big Ideas act as conceptual threads that connect learning across subjects and year groups. They help children make meaningful links between knowledge, deepen their understanding of the world and develop the values, attitudes and understanding needed to become informed, compassionate and active members of society.

Through exploring these themes, pupils learn about themselves, others and the wider world. They consider different perspectives, understand rights and responsibilities, explore the relationship between people and the environment, and develop an appreciation of the diversity, challenges and opportunities that shape modern life.

The Branches

Our personal development drivers, which promote opportunities for every child to grow as:

• Successful Learners who are curious, knowledgeable, articulate and motivated to achieve their best.
• Confident Individuals who understand themselves, value their wellbeing and approach challenges with resilience.
• Responsible Citizens who show respect for others, celebrate diversity and contribute positively to society.
• Effective Contributors who collaborate, lead, communicate effectively and apply their learning in meaningful contexts.

The Leaves

Our core curriculum offer, which provides pupils with the powerful knowledge, skills and understanding they need to succeed academically and personally.

The Fruits

Our enrichment curriculum, which enhances learning through wider experiences, leadership opportunities, cultural capital and community engagement.

Both our core and enrichment curriculum are connected through the Caldecote Big Ideas, ensuring that learning is meaningful, relevant and prepares pupils for life beyond school.

Why Our Curriculum is Designed This Way

We recognise that children are growing up in an increasingly diverse, interconnected and rapidly changing world. We believe that every pupil is entitled to access powerful knowledge that takes them beyond their own experiences, enabling them to understand the world, think critically and participate fully in society.

Alongside academic achievement, we aim to nurture curiosity, resilience, empathy, responsibility and leadership. Through our curriculum, children develop the knowledge, understanding and values needed to thrive within multicultural communities and contribute positively at local, national and global levels.

Our curriculum therefore provides the context through which pupils grow as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors, preparing them for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

Enriching the Curriculum

Our curriculum is further enhanced through a range of distinctive Caldecote experiences, including:

• UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Programme
• Character Education Curriculum
• Healthy Schools Programme
• Broadening Horizons Assemblies
• Caldecote Reading Spine
• Eco-Schools Green Flag Award
• Community Partnerships
• Pupil Leadership Opportunities

Together, these experiences ensure that our curriculum acts as both a mirror and a window: enabling children to see themselves reflected in their learning whilst broadening their understanding of the diverse world around them.