"The curriculum is outstanding and includes a rich emphasis on the arts and sport."

Ofsted, November 2011

“My child enjoys every subject due to how they are taught – practical, hands on, informative and interesting lessons which they come home talking about. Use of artefacts in history, science experiments, lots of various media in art.”

“The way the curriculum is taught inspires the children to think and explore further on the topic themselves. Children are motivated to attain knowledge on their own is very important for their lifelong learning.”

“My child seems to enjoy most subjects at school and we feel like the curriculum is taught very well. We like that there are practical lessons taught and we especially like the school’s love of books and author visits.”

Parents' Questionnaire comments, Autumn 2024.

Balshaw Lane's Curriculum

Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2)  follow the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum in England. The curriculum  for the Reception children is derived from the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Our curriculum across school is taught through our bespoke Balshaw Lane Connected Curriculum.  An overview of the curriculum connectors can be viewed by following the link below.

There are photos showing our work in computing, music and sport on the Gallery page in the Children's section.

Balshaw Lane's Connected Curriculum

At Balshaw Lane, we strive to provide an engaging and motivating curriculum, alongside our aim for high academic standards.  We design our curriculum around 'connectors' which link together the learning in different subjects. We find that this makes the learning more meaningful for the children and helps them to make connections to their own experiences and to 'real life'.

The links below explain about our Reading and Phonics work, as well as our Connected Curriculum. There are also copies of the termly Curriculum Letters which go out to each class.

Further curriculum information can be found by following the links below to the DfE's National Curriculum and Early Years curriculum.

“I think the connected curriculum is fantastic. My child enjoys it and I think the connections across subjects helps them understand and retain the learning.”

“There is an excellent curriculum, which our children have enjoyed and learned a lot from. I’m particularly happy with the way subjects incorporate multiple themes, i.e. reading, art, design etc.”

“Good – varied and opportunities to learn about different things; I like that ‘themes’ run through different subjects.”

Parents' Questionnaire comments, Autumn 2024.

Curriculum accessibility

At Balshaw Lane, we ensure that our curriculum is accessible to all children. We make reasonable adjustments on an individual basis for children with SEND. This may also include adjustments for parents who have SEND so that they can fully support their child.

Our Equality Policy and Accessibility Plan detail how we consider protected characteristics in our curriculum and facilities. The Equality Policy can be found on the Policies and Procedures page.

The Accessibility Plan can be found on our SEND page.

National Curriculum

“Excellent curriculum, a lot of thought has obviously gone into what is delivered. Consideration for enjoyment and enrichment alongside ‘lesson objectives.’”

“It is varied and interesting. We think that it is taught in a clear and understandable way.”

“There is a wide variety of subjects taught and pupils are introduced to many different concepts and thought provoking topics.”

“Music – I love that they are taught with an experienced teacher to fully understand all areas of music.”

Parents' Questionnaire comments, Autumn 2024.