At Clapgate we research, debate and share the best ways to engage, motivate and inspire our children, and consider different teaching approaches to help children develop the skills and attitudes encapsulated in our golden threads.

These are some of the things we believe in at our school:

• A strong emphasis on the creative arts and on a creative approach to learning
• Constant opportunities for children to think independently, express their opinions, develop their own style, develop personal passions and take risks
• Children being encouraged to practise, repeat, reflect, accept constructive criticism, improve and know that they can learn from their “marvellous mistakes”
• High challenge, effortful learning
• Constant opportunities to debate, peer assess, peer teach, take on leadership roles, present in a group, collaborate
• A strong emphasis on pupil voice, oracy and vocabulary development
• The power of stories, drama and real-life experiences to develop empathy
• Rich opportunities to learn about the views and lives of others, reflect on their own beliefs and those of others, develop tolerance and understanding, and explore British values
• Innovative approaches to hook children into learning
• Varied opportunities to conduct research, interpret, reason, enquire and make links across different areas of learning

Our Mission

Throughout school, from Nursery to Year 6, we will:

• Create memories
• Nurture talents
• Spark curiosity
• Raise self-esteem and aspirations
• Motivate children to adopt healthy, active lifestyles
• Equip all children with the skills and attitudes they need to be happy, successful and caring individuals.

Our Curriculum Intent

Central to our decisions about our curriculum and our approach are the key words that form the basis of our learner profile.

These are our golden threads:

• Spark – we want children to be imaginative and creative
• Grit – we want our children to be motivated and resilient
• Team – we want our children to be communicators and collaborators
• Humanity – we want our children to be respectful and caring
• Knowledge – we want our children to be knowledge seekers and keepers.

Key Reasons to Choose Clapgate…

• Happy, respectful, motivated children
• Highly skilled, committed, caring staff
• Rigorous, effective teaching, leading to excellent progress
• A culture of high expectations and celebration of achievements
• An expert therapeutic team and strong pastoral support
• A fun, vibrant atmosphere
• Exceptional classroom environments
• A creative approach to the curriculum with distinctive golden threads
• Strong pupil voice through our arts council, arts magazine, arts radio, school council, outdoor council, play leaders and play buddies
• Fantastic extra-curricular opportunities and community events
• A daily active club before school
• A wide range of sporting activities and an active approach to learning
• Specialist teaching in music, PE and art with a dedicated art room
• Unique opportunities in the performing arts
• A wealth of school trips and residentials, including the opportunity to go to London
• Our therapy dog, Rufus
• Outstanding school grounds including vast playing fields, a nature area, a campfire …circle, animals and allotments