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Literacy to Life Skills: A Primary School Curriculum that Grows with Your Child

Author: Ms Florence Thomas, Primary Curriculum & Well-Being Leader

At Lighthouse Primary School, we see each child as a whole person and do not dissociate between academic achievement and character development. Anchored in our strong Christian values, we integrate faith, values, and a dynamic approach to learning, ensuring that each child grows academically, socially and spiritually. 

Our curriculum blends the British National Curriculum (NCE) with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The NCE provides a strong subject-based framework, particularly for literacy and numeracy, with clear learning goals at every grade. The IPC complements this by bringing learning to life through an inquiry-based approach that connects subjects like Science, History, Geography, the Arts, and PE around different themes. 

In IPC, learning is organised through fun and meaningful themes called Units of Work. Each theme connects different subjects – such as Science, History, Geography, Art, Technology, and even International Perspective – so students can explore a topic from many perspectives.

For example: In the Rainforest unit, Grade 4 students:

  • Study rainforest ecosystems in Science
  • Learn about the Amazon and tribal cultures in Geography
  • Explore deforestation in Global Citizenship
  • Create rainforest-inspired art in Art

Each theme begins with an Entry Point – a fun, engaging activity to spark curiosity and set the context – and ends with an Exit Point, a chance for students to reflect, present, or celebrate what they’ve learned.

Using this thematic approach makes learning more engaging and relevant, as it helps students see the connections between subjects and encourages deeper thinking and active learning. That’s why, at Lighthouse Primary School, we believe in an integrated curriculum – one that blends the strengths of both the National Curriculum of England (NCE) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). While the NCE guides our teaching of literacy and numeracy, we intentionally weave its objectives into the broader IPC themes, allowing students to benefit from the best of both worlds.

This integrated approach reflects how the world actually works – interconnected and dynamic, not divided into separate subjects. By connecting multiple subjects around a central theme, students can see the relationships between different areas of knowledge. This approach mirrors real-life scenarios, promoting deeper comprehension and the ability to apply learning in various contexts. 

Our IPC also involves thematic units that resonate with students’ interests. When learners find content relevant and connected to their experiences, their motivation to participate and invest effort increases. Integration encourages students to approach problems from multiple perspectives, fostering critical thinking. They learn to analyze complex issues, synthesize information from various disciplines, and develop well-rounded solutions – skills essential for lifelong learning.

Integrated learning ensures our students grow not just in knowledge, but in curiosity, resilience, and collaboration. These are values at the heart of our school community. 

While we adopted the IPC early on at Lighthouse, we are still in the process of thoughtfully implementing its full framework, ensuring it aligns with the unique context and needs of our school community. Our curriculum is not a static one but a living – an evolving framework. 

As our world changes, so does our approach to teaching. Our teachers are lifelong learners themselves – constantly reflecting, growing, and adapting their practice to ensure that learning remains relevant, engaging, and meaningful for every child.