The Castle Way
At Castle Primary, our aim is to nurture caring, confident and curious learners who feel empowered to shape their own futures. We believe that education should open doors, broaden horizons and give every child the knowledge, skills and character to make informed choices throughout their lives. Our children are encouraged not only to aspire, but to recognise the influence they can have on others, their community and the wider world.
Our curriculum is built around rich, carefully sequenced knowledge that helps children develop a deep understanding of the world and a strong foundation of vocabulary. We know that long-term learning happens when children can connect ideas, revisit concepts and apply what they know with increasing independence. For this reason, our curriculum is designed to help children know more, remember more and do more as they move through the school.
Current research into memory and learning underpins our approach. We ensure that children experience ‘the best that has been thought and said’ in a way that is meaningful, memorable and accessible to all. By building interconnected webs of knowledge, we support children in developing the confidence to think critically, express themselves clearly and make choices that reflect their values and ambitions.
Our Castle Values sit at the heart of this work:
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Respect – enabling children to understand different perspectives and make thoughtful choices in how they treat others.
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Resilience – supporting children to persevere, overcome challenges and build the confidence needed to pursue the opportunities ahead of them.
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Reach – inspiring children to set ambitious goals and believe in the possibilities their education creates.
Together, these values prepare our children to become effective learners and active, thoughtful members of society who understand that the choices they make today shape the opportunities they will have tomorrow.
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Year A and B rolling curriculum 2026/2027 & 2027/2028 | [pdf 307KB] |
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CASTLE PLAYBOOK - Teaching and Learning handbook | [pdf 309KB] |
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CASTLE INCLUSION TOOLKIT - Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision | [pdf 305KB] |
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APPENDICES FOR PLAYBOOK AND TOOLKIT | [pdf 60KB] |
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CASTLE LESSON FLOW - Rosenshine's Principles | [pdf 183KB] |
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Personal Development & Enrichment
At Castle Primary School, we believe that education gives children the power to choose their own path in life, and personal development is central to this. Alongside academic learning, we want every child to grow into a confident, kind and responsible young person who understands themselves, respects others and is ready for the opportunities ahead. Our values of Respect, Resilience and Reach shape this work. Through our PSHE and Relationships and Health Education curriculum, assemblies and the wider life of the school, children learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy, including online, how to build positive relationships, how to manage their feelings and where to turn for help. They learn about democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and respect for people of all faiths and backgrounds, and come to value the differences between people. Children enjoy a broad range of experiences in music, the arts, sport and the outdoors, such as singing in the choir, running the Daily Mile and taking part in the Year 6 residential. These help them discover new interests and develop their talents, and we want these opportunities to be open to every child, whatever their circumstances. Children also take on real responsibility as Playleaders or in the Eco and Gardening teams, and their ideas help to shape the school. All of this rests on a culture of care in which every child is known, belongs and is encouraged to aim high, so that they leave Castle confident, respectful and resilient, and ready for the next stage of their education.
Pupil Leadership Teams
At Castle Primary School, we believe that every child can make a positive difference to our school community. Our Pupil Leadership Teams provide opportunities for pupils to take responsibility, develop leadership skills and help shape the daily life of our school.
Being a pupil leader means becoming a role model for others, working as part of a team and helping to make Castle Primary School the best it can be. Our leadership opportunities are built around our core values of Respect, Resilience and Reach.
What Makes a Great Pupil Leader?
We look for pupils who demonstrate:
- Responsibility
- Kindness
- Helpfulness
- Organisation
- Reliability
- Good listening skills
- Strong teamwork
Most importantly, we want pupils who are enthusiastic about helping others and making a positive contribution to school life.
The Pupil Leader Promise
All pupil leaders agree to:
- Be positive role models
- Treat others with respect
- Attend meetings and carry out duties responsibly
- Work effectively as part of a team
- Listen to the ideas of other pupils
- Take their responsibilities seriously
- Help make Castle Primary School the best it can be
Through our Pupil Leadership Teams, children develop confidence, teamwork, communication and leadership skills while making a meaningful contribution to our school community.