About this curriculum
We extend learning beyond the classroom with Ocean Conservation Curriculum by incorporating hands-on experiences. Field trips to the National Aquarium, interactions with marine biologists from the Ocean Conservation Trust, and even virtual tours of far-off reefs and ocean floors help transform abstract concepts into concrete understandings. These immersive experiences serve to not only educate but to inspire awe and wonder, fostering a genuine appreciation for the ocean's majesty and complexity.
Intent
We are fortunate to live in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, few cities can rival Plymouth's rich seafaring heritage, its stunning waterfront and natural harbour, and many of our pupils are fortunate enough to have formed strong early memories from spending time by or in the sea which we aim to build on and foster into a desire to enjoy and respect the ocean.
Implementation
Widey Court has actively been involved in the development of The Ocean Curriculum from its early developmental stages in 2019 to it being an integral part of our whole school curriculum today. The Ocean Conservation Curriculum is an exciting innovation, whereby the Trust has worked with its partners to create a scheme of work to study comprehensive and progressive objectives related to the seven global Ocean Literacy Principles. Children enjoy exciting and informative activities, both in school and beyond, which enhance their curriculum knowledge and skills.
Throughout their time at Widey Court, children will work through the 7 Ocean Principles and leave Widey Court with a deeper understanding of the importance of the ocean to us as humans, being able to talk about the ocean in a meaningful and positive way and with the ability to make informed and responsible choices about the ocean.
Each Year team follows one Cross-curricular unit during one half term of their annual curriculum coverage. Each year team chooses the most appropriate time for this to be covered within their curriculum. In addition to this, all year teams will select an appropriate time in the year, usually in the week over World Ocean Day, to access another shorter block of work from a shorter deep dive unit. If aspects of this unit have already been taught, year teams can shorten this and select relevant activities from the Deep Dive unit.
Impact
At Widey Court we have incorporated the Ocean Curriculum into our school’s Curriculum which meets the needs of the children and our families in the school community. Subject leaders work together across the Trust to ensure that each subject has a strong progressive curriculum which matches the National Curriculum, whilst being enhanced by the Ocean Conservation Curriculum. As a school we work to ensure that children develop a passion and understanding and respect for our ocean.
