Foundation Subjects

At Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School, we believe that a broad and balanced curriculum is essential for every child’s growth and learning. Our foundation subjects form an integral part of this curriculum, enriching our children’s education by nurturing their creativity, curiosity, and understanding of the world around them.

What Are Foundation Subjects?

Foundation subjects include a diverse range of disciplines beyond the core areas of English, Maths, and Science. At Radwinter, these subjects are thoughtfully grouped into four key teams to provide a coherent and connected learning experience:

Believing and Belonging: Religious Education (RE), Personal, Social, Health and Relationships Education (PSHRE), and Physical Education (PE)
STEM: Science, Computing, Design and Technology (DT), and Maths
The World Around Us: History, Geography, and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
Creating and Performing: Reading, Writing, Art and Design, and Music

These teams work together to develop a rich knowledge base and a wide range of skills, supporting every child’s holistic development.

Our Approach to Foundation Subjects

We are committed to delivering a curriculum that:

Reflects our Christian Vision and Values: Our foundation subjects are taught through the lens of our core values — fairness, forgiveness, kindness, respect, and service. We encourage children to appreciate diversity, celebrate difference, and embrace life in all its fullness, as inspired by John 10:10.
Fosters Awe and Wonder: Through memorable learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom, children are inspired to explore the richness of the world and develop spiritual awareness, creativity, and critical thinking.
Promotes Inclusion and Individual Progress: We recognise that every child is unique. Our teaching adapts to meet the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring they make exceptional progress from their starting points.
Connects Learning to Community and Environment: Situated in a rural village setting, we take advantage of our local area to enhance learning in geography, history, and environmental studies, helping children understand their place in the world and the importance of stewardship.

Highlights from Our Foundation Curriculum Teams

Believing and Belonging: Children explore their own beliefs and values alongside learning about others through RE and PSHRE, while PE promotes physical wellbeing, teamwork, and resilience.
STEM: We provide hands-on scientific enquiry, computing skills including coding and digital literacy, design and technology challenges, and mathematical problem-solving to build logical thinking and creativity.
The World Around Us: Through history, geography, and languages, children develop an understanding of their local community, the wider world, and cultural diversity.
Creating and Performing: Our curriculum nurtures literacy skills alongside artistic and musical expression, encouraging children to communicate confidently and creatively.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School, foundation subjects come alive through:

Educational visits to museums, historical sites, and natural environments.
Workshops and visiting artists or experts.
Forest School sessions and outdoor learning.
Performances, exhibitions, and community events.

These experiences enable children to develop a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of community.

Supporting Your Child’s Learning at Home

We encourage parents and carers to engage with their child’s foundation subject learning by:

Discussing what they have learned and exploring related topics together.
Visiting local cultural and natural sites.
Encouraging creative activities such as drawing, music, or storytelling.
Supporting safe use of technology and digital literacy.

Discover More

To find out more about our curriculum or any specific foundation subject team, please contact the school office or visit our Curriculum Overview page. We warmly welcome prospective families to explore how Radwinter CofE Primary School nurtures every child to grow and learn together.

In Summary

Our foundation subjects, organised into purposeful teams, are vital to delivering a rich, inclusive, and inspiring education. They reflect our Christian vision of “growing and learning together to embrace life in all its fullness”, equipping every child with knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We are proud to support each child’s unique journey, celebrating their talents and fostering a caring, respectful, and joyful school community.

Radwinter CofE Primary School – nurturing hearts and minds through a broad and balanced curriculum.