Enhanced curriculum

At The Downs CEP School, we believe in enriching the National Curriculum with activities that encourage children to develop real life skills, both in and out of the classroom.

Using our learning and Christian values, we are developing enhanced curriculum opportunities that will help children to thrive within our school and build skills that they can take forward in their lives.

RSPB Big Bird Watch at Walmer Castle

A group of children were invited to develop their science skills by joining the RSPB at their Big Bird Watch at Walmer Castle.

They learned about the different species of bird, their eating habits and habitats.

Developing our school grounds

We have been working hard to develop our school grounds to enhance the curriculum. Mr Thrower (our enhanced curriculum lead) has developed a phased plan for developing our expansive grounds.

Phase 1: Area established

Continue to develop the courtyard area into a sensory gardening space. This will include a fish pond, planting that promotes a multisensory experience and seating to ensure that small groups can learn in this area. - We have been lucky enough to Kindly receive grant money from Deal Town Council and Walmer Parish Council to help with the development of this area.

Phase 5: Area in development

Create an outdoor classroom. To teach a range of lessons, that cannot be taught indoors.

Phase 2: Area in development

Reclaim the land around the old pond site and prepare the area for chickens. (Whilst adhering to the current guidance around avian flu)

Phase 6: Area actively being developed Purchase and install outdoor musical instruments in an area devoted to the arts.

Phase 3:

Relocate the sports field to the larger area at the top of the school site. Provide new goal posts and sports equipment storage boxes.

Phase 7:

Create a living display at the entrance to the school.

Phase 4: Area established

Develop the smaller, lower field zone into environmentally sound allotments with composting bins.

Phase 8: Area in development

Redevelop the labyrinth area to incorporate a natural pond and spiritual/reflection garden.

Meet the animals

At The Downs, we are very lucky to have animals that enhanced the learning of all children. Research shows that animals help to provide comfort, a sense of responsibility and pride for children.

Please meet our guinea pigs, Flora and Fauna, the rabbits Winnie and Wilbur and our chickens Derek, Beryl, Pamela and Persephone. We also have several fish in our pond.

Good news!

Our Gardening Club have been awarded a Level 1 in the RHS School Gardening Award. We are very proud of all of their hard work!