The curriculum develops and deepens pupils’ understanding of the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
We weave British Values throughout our curriculum as follows:
• Democracy – Pupil voice, school council, voting opportunities
• Rule of law – Understanding rights, responsibilities and consequences
• Individual liberty – Making choices, expressing opinions safely
• Mutual respect – Celebrating diversity, challenging discrimination
• Tolerance – Understanding different perspectives and beliefs
Learning and Life Skills
The curriculum develops pupils’ personal, social and emotional development, communication skills and thinking skills.
Our curriculum focus areas are:
• Learning Together
• Becoming Better Learners
• It’s Up To Me
• Knowing Me, Knowing You
• Speaking and Listening
• Think, Think, Think
Active Citizenship and Character Development
Promoting Active Citizens
The curriculum supports pupils to become responsible, respectful and active citizens who can play their part in public life as young people and adults.
Children learn to be active citizens through:
• Leadership opportunities within school and wider community
• Understanding of local and global issues
• Service to others through charity work and volunteering
• Environmental responsibility through our Eco-School status
• Democratic participation in school decision-making
• Playing their part in their own education through self-assessment and target-setting
Character Development
The curriculum develops pupils’ character so that they reflect wisely, learn eagerly, behave with integrity and cooperate consistently well with others.
We develop character through:
• Explicit teaching of character virtues and citizenship
• Role models from diverse backgrounds
• Challenge and resilience-building experiences
• Recognition and celebration of success and strengths
• Learning from setbacks in a supportive environment
Our children develop their personal attributes in their actions and words. We know these as ‘Rainbow Words’.
The rainbow words are: Kindness, Honesty, Humility, Courage, Trustworthiness, Self-Worth, Resilience and Self-Confidence.
The Difference
Our design empowers children to be:
Successful Learners
Encouraging learners to show determination and self-motivate so they can achieve their full potential
Children who are successful learners:
• Achieve their potential academically
• Develop a love of learning
• Build strong foundational knowledge
• Know how to learn effectively
• Take pride in their achievements
Prepared for Change
Building resilience through helping children understand their emotions, their strengths and next steps
Children who are prepared for change demonstrate:
• Resilience and adaptability
• Experience of challenge and success
• Understanding of an ever-changing world
• Skills for lifelong learning
Active Citizens
Enabling children to share their voice in a number of ways and contribute effectively to different communities outside of school, locally, nationally and globally
Children who are active citizens:
• Understand their rights and responsibilities
• Contribute positively to their community
• Care for the environment
• Respect diversity and challenge injustice
• Play an active role in democracy
Confident Individuals
Supporting children to be reflective in their learning, challenging them to find out more and to do more
Children who are confident individuals gain:
• Strong sense of self-worth
• Ability to express themselves
• Resilience to face challenges
• Positive relationships with others
• Emotional intelligence and self-regulation
Effective Contributors
Reflecting on what connects us to the rest of the world and ensuring we support different events, charities and the Darlinghurst culture and ethos
Children who are effective contributors:
• Work collaboratively with others
• Take initiative and show leadership
• Solve problems creatively
• Communicate effectively
• Make a positive difference
So that our children believe in the power of possibility and possess the emotional resilience and character to succeed.
At Darlinghurst Academy, we are committed to providing an education that goes beyond academic achievement. Through our inclusive, ambitious, and holistic curriculum, rooted in strong relationships and our core values, we prepare every child to flourish in school and throughout their lives.