“Academic excellence creativity and social intelligence”. These values drive everything at Charles Dickens Primary School. This school isn’t just a place of learning. It is a community hub in the heart of London.
Charles Dickens Primary School gives each of these values equal weighting. Through a knowledge-rich curriculum the school offers engaging teaching. Great relationships and strong partnerships ensure that Charles Dickens is the best possible primary school experience for every child.
The curriculum is broadly traditional. It reflects the multicultural community. Its unique London location is also reflected. Subject specialists carefully craft the curriculum. They ensure children progress with language knowledge and experience. This is to show a broad and deep understanding of each subject. Children begin by learning about the world. They learn what has come before. They also learn the importance of writing. The goal is to empower them to change the world.
Children’s historical learning begins in Early Years. They focus on the familiar. This includes their own pasts and those of their families. The curriculum is structured chronologically. In Year 1 children look at pre-history and dinosaurs. They then study stand-alone units. These are the History of Flight and Gunpowder Fleabites and Flame. In Year 2 the chronological strand continues. They study the Stone Age and Ancient Egypt. History comes to life. They experience a Great Fire of London walk. They also visit the Golden Hind and Leeds Castle. These fire children’s imaginations. They enable them to empathise with the lives of children in different eras.
In Key Stage Two the story of Britain is interwoven with ancient civilizations. This continues in a largely chronological order. Children explore migration empire civilization continuity and change. They also explore cause and consequence similarity difference and significance. Immersive role-play experiences enhance learning. Trips to Butser Ancient Farm and the Ancient Technology Centre take place. Visits to the Ragged School and the Cabinet War Rooms develop understanding. They explore life in Britain in different eras. They study ancient civilizations of Rome Egypt Benin and Greece. These studies are supported by museum visits. They visit the British London and Horniman museums. Children express their learning through drama art discussion and writing. Many units are built around an enquiry question. This gives a clear focus to learning.
The creative arts sit proudly in the school’s provision. A large arts teaching team exists. Strong partnerships with arts organisations support learning. These reflect the commitment to teaching music art drama and dance. In each subject children have time experiences and freedom. They can apply their learning. They create beautiful works. These are showcased each term in open house events with parents. Public performances and exhibitions also take place.
The school wants children to be happy. It also wants them to develop a wellbeing toolkit. They can take this into adolescence and adulthood. The approach is built around self-knowledge. Then having the right words is important. This is so they can describe a feeling its cause and how to feel better. Children are given responsibilities freedoms a voice and the opportunity to lead. The UNICEF rights of the child are lived throughout the school. As such it was designated a UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold School in January 2019.
Charles Dickens Primary School is located on Toulmin Street in London. You can contact Maria Faherty with your enquiry at office@charlesdickens.southwark.sch.uk. The phone number is 020-7407-1769.
So as you pass by remember the values that underpin this school. Academic excellence creativity and social intelligence. They shape the education and experiences of its students.