Curriculum Intention Statement

At Newlyn School, our curriculum is designed to nurture the whole child, promoting a strong sense of belonging, local identity, and cultural capital. Rooted in our unique Cornish heritage and coastal environment, we celebrate the richness of our community and use it as a springboard to explore the wider world. We believe that every child should feel proud of where they come from and inspired by where they can go.

Our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive, and aspirational. It builds on children’s prior experiences, connects learning to real-life contexts, and prepares them for the future. We aim to ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage children to dream big—to see themselves as future scientists, artists, engineers, musicians, and changemakers. Through meaningful learning experiences, we equip children with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We enrich our curriculum through a wide range of opportunities that bring learning to life and take it beyond the classroom. Our Beach School and Forest School programmes immerse children in nature, encouraging exploration, environmental stewardship, and wellbeing. The High Performance Squad nurtures excellence and resilience in sport, while our Music Enrichment Programme provides access to high-quality musical experiences, performance opportunities, and instrumental tuition.

A vibrant array of extra-curricular activities supports the development of ambition, life skills, and the confidence to try new things. These include clubs for sports, arts, STEM, drama, and enterprise, all designed to help children discover and refine their talents. Our Personal Development programme is woven throughout the curriculum, ensuring children build emotional intelligence, leadership, teamwork, and a strong moral compass.

Trips and visits are integral to our curriculum aims, offering children the chance to experience new environments, cultures, and perspectives. Whether exploring the Cornish coastline, visiting museums, engaging with local artists, or travelling further afield, these experiences deepen learning and broaden horizons.

Children benefit from a carefully planned enrichment curriculum that is sequenced to build on what they already know and prepare them for what comes next. This includes visits, visitors, workshops, and community projects that deepen understanding and broaden horizons. We ensure that every child has access to experiences that develop their character, confidence, and cultural awareness.

Our curriculum is underpinned by our Vision Statement:

Newlyn School is a caring place where the individuality, gifts and talents of all children and adults are nurtured. In partnership with the whole school community, we seek to provide an education of the highest quality, promoting respect for each other and the wider world. We aim to foster aspiration, resilience and independence in our young people so that they are fully equipped to take on life’s challenges. The children’s happiness is at the heart of all we do as we strive to ensure all children meet their full potential. We work together with the aim that everyone can be the best that they can be in everything they do.

Through this curriculum, we aim to develop learners who are confident, compassionate, and curious—ready to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow with a strong foundation in who they are today.