Forest Edge Learning Federation
Our Curriculum
At the Forest Edge Learning Federation, we aim to instil a love of learning in every child by creating learning opportunities that are meaningful, relevant and inspire. Through our broad and rich curriculum, we aim to enable every child to develop excellent knowledge and skills across a range of subjects, as well as supporting them to become active members of society with a secure sense of self-worth.
The attention given to pupils’ wider development is something special. Pupils acquire a mature understanding of concepts such as justice, power, diversity and sustainability, and are not afraid to offer a well-founded opinion. They develop confidence and character as they present their learning outcomes to an audience or pitch their ideas to the business world.
- Ofsted November 2023
Our Approach
Our Forest Edge curriculum is divided into three focus terms: Discover, with a history and art focus; Explore, with a science and geography focus; STEM, with a computing, D&T and science focus.
All classes engage in three concept-driven enquiries each year, which are carried over a full term to enable children to explore their project questions in depth and make connections.
All of our projects are carefully planned and underpinned by clear progressions of knowledge and skills, which aim to enable all children, including those with SEND, to make progress across all curriculum subjects. Core knowledge is regularly reviewed through retrieval practice to support retention between projects and across year groups.
“I haven't been here for long, but I like the big projects we do. I never did that at my old school. We get independence and can use our own ideas more.”
- Year 6 child
We believe that all children should have opportunities to produce beautiful, high-quality work for a real purpose and audience, and therefore host a variety of outcome events which share our successes with the school and wider community. These events include KS1 showcasing their artwork at Fordingbridge library, LKS2 showcasing films they have made in the local cinema and UKS2 presenting their ideas for new exhibitions at Winchester Science Centre.
"I liked the speeches event and am so proud of myself for speaking in front of that many people!"
- Year 5 child
We enhance learning within the classroom through a range of enrichment activities such as school trips and visits, forest school sessions, musical performances and concerts, sports festivals and competitions.
“What a fabulous exhibition! Thank you for letting us celebrate the children's work. It was certainly a captivating topic and you can see that in their efforts.”
- Parent Feedback, Year 5&6 Art Exhibition