Our Approach to Teaching and Learning

This is our ‘theory of change’.  It explains what we are trying to achieve for our learners and how we go about it.

Context:  Who we are and where we come from

The foundation of our approach is our understanding of the needs of our pupils.  The school is located in the beautiful Langdale valley in the heart of the Lake District and is very different to the multicultural towns, cities and regions found elsewhere in the country.  As well as the essential skills and knowledge provided by the National Curriculum, it is vitally important that our children have opportunities to expand their horizons and increase their awareness of not just their own, very special locality but also the wider world and its people. 

Approach: how learning outside the classroom underpins our curriculum

At Langdale C of E School we believe that learning can happen both inside and outside the classroom and are fortunate to live and work in a breath-taking, unique, rural setting.  As a school community we aim to inspire and engage our children throughout their time with us by making the most of both the local outdoor environment and places further afield.  Our goal is to provide all our children with the skills and broader experiences they need to become confident, resilient lifelong-learners in an ever-changing world.  You can read more about learning outside the classroom here.

Curriculum: what we teach and what our learner’s experience

We follow the National Curriculum for each subject and tailor the content to reflect the needs of our learners. Because our classes are mixed ages we operate a three-year curriculum to ensure that content is not repeated.  Individual subject content is chosen to compliment the other subjects, creating a coherent pathway through the curriculum.  The formal curriculum is supported and enriched by our After-School Clubs and the Langdale Skill-Tree Passport which provide an essential set of experiences, knowledge and skills that we want Langdale children to have gained by the time they finish Year 6. 

Outcomes: the knowledge and skills our children will achieve

The essential subject knowledge and skills that we are aiming for our learners to achieve at the end of each stage of their learning can be found here.  Our focus on learning outside the classroom means that children will also develop a wide range of personal and social skills, as well as having numerous opportunities to experience the awe and wonder of the natural environment. The values that we hold as a C of E school are reflected in the spiritual and moral development of our pupils. 

Impact:  what we are trying to achieve

Through the Curriculum, the Outdoor Club, the Skill-Tree Passport and our programme of trips and visits we aim to develop children who:

• are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to face the challenges of the next stage of their personal learning journey
• have a broad understanding and awareness of other cultures  
• are safe, competent and independent outdoors
• enjoy being outside to learn and play
• have a connection with the natural environment and understand their role in its future protection
• are resilient, adventurous, socially aware, thoughtful and confident