Curriculum Diversity and Inclusion
At Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School, our curriculum is designed around the needs, interests and aspirations of our pupils and community. We believe that every child deserves to see themselves reflected within the curriculum whilst also developing an understanding of the wider world. Our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully planned to ensure that all pupils can participate, achieve and develop a strong sense of belonging.
As a Methodist school, our vision and values are the golden thread that run through all aspects of school life. Through our shared values of Ambition, Courage and Respect, alongside Love, Hope and Faith, we encourage pupils to celebrate differences, value diversity and develop into responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
Our curriculum reflects the rich diversity of our school community and the wider world. Pupils are exposed to a broad range of experiences, cultures, beliefs, perspectives and voices through carefully selected texts, themes and learning opportunities.
At RAMJS we include authors from around the world, texts from different countries and opportunities to learn about a wide range of cultures, communities and beliefs. Throughout the year, pupils participate in celebrations and learning experiences linked to different faiths and cultures, including Eid, Diwali and Rosh Hashanah alongside our Christian celebrations. These experiences help children develop understanding, tolerance and respect for others.
Through our use of Big Questions, pupils are encouraged to explore important themes such as identity, fairness, equality, community and belonging. These discussions help children understand both their own experiences and those of others, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
Whilst we are proud of our local community and Lancashire heritage, we also ensure pupils develop a wider understanding of the world around them.
During our Lovely Lancashire topic, pupils learn about the history, geography and culture of our local area. Children explore local landmarks and use our local cenotaph to support their understanding of World War One and World War Two and their impact on Ribbleton and Preston.
At the same time, our curriculum helps pupils understand global issues and their place within the wider world. Through computing, geography and science, pupils explore topics such as climate change, deforestation, sustainability and plastic pollution in our oceans. Learning is designed to be purposeful and interconnected, helping children understand how different subjects relate to real-world issues.
We have even been known to travel to Spain — digitally! Through immersive learning experiences, pupils can explore countries, cultures and traditions that may be very different from their own.
We believe that every child deserves access to the highest quality education, both academically and emotionally.
Adaptive teaching is embedded throughout school to ensure learning is accessible to all pupils. Teachers use a range of strategies to remove barriers to learning, including:
Scaffolding and modelling.
Visual supports and dual coding.
Assistive technology.
Flexible grouping.
Alternative methods of recording.
Explicit vocabulary teaching.
Retrieval practice and overlearning.
Personalised support where required.
High expectations are maintained for all pupils, with support carefully matched to individual need.
The Heart Room forms an important part of our inclusive offer and supports the social, emotional and mental health needs of pupils across school.
Through restorative and relational approaches, children are supported to:
Develop emotional literacy.
Build positive relationships.
Resolve conflict.
Improve self-regulation.
Access support during difficult times.
Whether a child requires support for a few minutes, a session or a longer period, learning continues to be adapted to meet their needs. Activities may be linked to classroom learning, social skills development, emotional regulation or therapeutic interventions such as Lego-based activities and nurture support.
The Nest is our teacher-led SEND provision for pupils with Cognition and Learning needs who require additional support to access the curriculum successfully.
The provision focuses on developing strong foundational knowledge in:
Reading.
Writing.
Mathematics.
Communication.
Independence and learning behaviours.
Pupils benefit from adaptive teaching, small-group support and personalised learning whilst remaining connected to their mainstream class and wider school community. Children accessing The Nest continue to engage with whole-class themes and wider curriculum experiences, with learning adapted to meet individual needs.
The long-term aim of The Nest is to remove barriers to learning, strengthen confidence and independence, and maximise participation within mainstream education wherever possible.
We believe that some of the most powerful learning takes place beyond the classroom.
Our Outdoor Curriculum continues to grow and provides exciting opportunities for pupils to learn through experience. Educational visits, visitors and outdoor activities help children develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence whilst bringing learning to life.
We are committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent pupils from accessing opportunities. Wherever possible, trips and enrichment activities are subsidised so that all children can participate and benefit from these experiences.
We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our pupils and celebrate success in many different ways, both inside and outside the classroom.
At RAMJS, we want every child to leave us with the knowledge, skills, confidence and values they need for the next stage of their education and beyond.
Our inclusive curriculum ensures that all pupils feel valued, represented and supported. By celebrating diversity, promoting belonging and removing barriers to learning, we help children develop into respectful, ambitious and compassionate individuals who are ready to thrive in modern Britain and the wider world.
We believe it is our duty to "do all the good we can", and through our inclusive curriculum, strong values and commitment to opportunity for all, we strive to ensure that every child at RAMJS has the brightest possible future.