At Whipton Barton Federation, we are committed to providing a forward-thinking, inclusive education that nurtures the potential of every child in our community.

Our school vision, Where Brilliance Flourishes, reflects the core values that underpin everything we do: excellence, bravery, and citizenship. We believe that brilliance begins with these values, and we strive to empower every child to embrace learning, achieve their personal best, and build their emotional, social, and physical well-being.

Excellence is at the heart of our curriculum. We encourage every child to strive for personal success, fostering a love of learning and building a strong foundation for future achievement. Through high expectations and a commitment to quality teaching, we inspire pupils to reach their full potential, laying the groundwork for success beyond primary school.

Bravery is of equal importance. We encourage pupils to embrace challenges, advocate for their beliefs, and grow through meaningful experiences and diverse enrichment opportunities. Whether through academic hurdles, social interactions, or personal development, we create an environment where children feel confident to take risks, learn from mistakes, and develop resilience. Bravery, for us, is about giving pupils the courage to face the unknown and to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

Citizenship is a cornerstone of our approach to education. We promote kindness, respect, and responsibility, ensuring our pupils understand the importance of being thoughtful, active members of both the school community and the wider world. By teaching these values, we equip our pupils to make a positive difference, be considerate to others, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through fostering responsible citizenship, we help pupils understand their role in shaping a kinder, fairer world.

Our curriculum is designed to be ambitious, broad, and balanced, ensuring that all pupils have access to a rich and varied educational experience. We have developed a curriculum that drives progress with rigorous progression of knowledge and skills across all subjects. This ensures that pupils are well-equipped for academic success at secondary school and beyond, while also building a life-long love of learning.

The curriculum is grounded in the strongest available evidence (focusing, in particular, on research from cognitive science) about how children learn and retain knowledge. Subject leaders, teachers, and subject experts work together to plan a curriculum that builds logically from one year to the next, ensuring pupils develop a deep, long-lasting understanding of what they learn. This curriculum provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for pupils to become independent learners and confident, responsible citizens.

We approach curriculum design at three levels: the intended curriculum (what we want pupils to learn), the implemented curriculum (the resources and materials used to deliver the curriculum), and the enacted curriculum (how our skilled teachers bring the learning to life). This structured approach ensures that each pupil receives a coherent and engaging education, where knowledge and skills are taught in a way that is meaningful and exciting.

In addition to academic learning, we place a strong emphasis on developing cultural capital. We prepare our pupils to become internationally-minded citizens who contribute positively to society by providing a range of enrichment opportunities, such as school trips, residentials, and visits from experts. These experiences deepen pupils’ understanding of the world around them and help them become well-rounded individuals.

We also make sure that learning is connected, with rich opportunities to link subjects and build on previous knowledge. Our curriculum makes sense and has purpose, ensuring that pupils understand how their learning fits together. We also take full advantage of our local area, considering its history and how it has shaped the present, providing our pupils with a strong sense of place and identity.

What we want for our children: 

• To develop awe, wonder, and a lifelong love of learning in a range of subjects.
• To be curious, motivated, and excited about coming to school.
• To adopt fundamental British Values and be responsible citizens with strong moral standards, contributing positively to society.
• To develop a sense of their own nationality and culture, while respecting and learning about others, especially those throughout Modern Britain.
• To be brave: to try new things without fear of failure.
• To collaborate: to learn with and from others.
• To talk about their learning and to know and remember more.
• To be resilient, resourceful, develop meaningful relationships, and reflect upon their learning.
• To see that making mistakes and taking risks is a good thing.
• To embrace challenges and develop a growth mindset.

Through our carefully structured curriculum, we ensure that every pupil is given the tools to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We are confident that at Whipton Barton Federation, Where Brilliance Flourishes is a lived experience that shapes the education we offer, preparing our pupils to excel in their chosen fields and contribute positively to the world. By embracing excellence, bravery, and citizenship, we inspire our pupils to make a lasting impact on their communities and the wider world.