What Are Curriculum Drivers, and Why Are They Important?

At our school, curriculum drivers are the key principles that shape and guide everything we teach. They are the core values that influence our decisions about the curriculum and ensure that it is tailored to meet the needs of our pupils. Curriculum drivers help us focus on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes our children need to succeed—not just in school, but in life. These are the golden threads that hold our curriculum together. Each of the drivers is key in every subject area and teachers ensure they play a role in all learning.

Our curriculum is built around four carefully chosen drivers:

1. Reading
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. We believe that being a confident, fluent reader unlocks learning in every subject and opens doors to imagination, knowledge, and future opportunities.

2. Oracy
The ability to speak clearly and listen effectively is essential for learning and life. By prioritising oracy, we help our pupils express themselves confidently, articulate their thinking, and engage meaningfully in discussions. They learn through talk, and they learn how to talk in a range of situations.

3. Understanding of the World
We want our children to be curious, informed, and connected to the world around them. This driver encourages pupils to explore diverse cultures, global issues, history, science, and geography—building their awareness of how the world works and their place within it.

4. Attitude to Learning
A positive attitude to learning is the foundation for success. We aim to develop resilience, independence, and a growth mindset in our pupils so that they approach challenges with confidence and a willingness to keep trying.

By embedding these drivers throughout our curriculum, we ensure that our teaching goes beyond the basics. We are committed to developing well-rounded learners who are not only academically successful, but also confident, thoughtful, and ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.

By the time the children reach the end of their learning journey at Instow Community Primary and Preschool, we want: