Foundational Knowledge

Principles of Foundational Knowledge at Clapham and Patching C of E Primary School

At Clapham and Patching C of E Primary School, strong foundations are at the heart of every child’s learning journey. As a small and nurturing school, we know our pupils and families well, recognising that children join us with a wide range of starting points, experiences, and strengths. Our contextually based curriculum sits at the centre of our teaching and learning, ensuring that teaching and learning is meaningful, relevant, and carefully tailored to our unique school community.

Our curriculum clearly identifies the end points we want children to reach, alongside the essential foundational knowledge and skills outlined within the EYFS and National Curriculum that prepare our pupils for their next stage of education. We carefully build knowledge step by step, giving children secure skills in reading, writing, mathematics, communication, and wider curriculum subjects. Through our love of outdoor learning, pupils apply and deepen this knowledge in real-life contexts — measuring and problem-solving outdoors, developing language through exploration and storytelling in nature, and building resilience, teamwork, and curiosity through hands-on experiences such as Forest School.

Across all key stages, assessment plays a vital role in ensuring every child succeeds. Teachers quickly identify misunderstandings and respond early, providing additional teaching and practice where needed. Any gaps in foundational knowledge are recognised and addressed so that children can confidently move forward in their learning. We provide frequent, high-quality opportunities for pupils to practise and apply key skills so that knowledge becomes fluent and secure over time.

Our teaching approaches are carefully chosen to match both the subject being taught and what children already know. We recognise that pupils are often working at different stages of the curriculum, and our small school enables us to focus support where it is needed most. Within our caring Christian environment, children feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and develop a lifelong love of learning. By nurturing strong foundations academically, socially, and spiritually, we ensure every child is well-prepared for the next stage of their education and for life beyond the classroom.

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