At Darlinghurst we describe our curriculum using the 3D’s
The Darlinghurst Design, Direction and Difference
The Darlinghurst Design, Direction and Difference
The 3 D’s outline our intent, implementation and impact – The ‘what?’ ‘how?’ and ‘why?’
Our Intent
At Darlinghurst Academy, our curriculum is designed to nurture the whole child within an inclusive, ambitious, and relationally focused learning environment. We believe every child deserves a well-rounded education which ensures that they feel valued, wanted, heard, and respected. Our curriculum reflects our commitment to a child-centred experience that builds strong foundations while developing character and celebrating diversity.
Our Academy Values
Our curriculum is underpinned by five core values that shape every aspect of school life:
• Achievement – Always do your very best; together we will succeed
• Belonging – Be happy and help to make our school a caring, welcoming place
• Confidence – Challenge yourself every day. Ask, discover, explore and create
• Determination – Don’t ever give up; believe you can and you will
• Excellence – A-D leads to E. Achieving excellence together
Curriculum Principles
1. An Inclusive Culture and Ambitious Curriculum
Our curriculum is ambitious, broad and balanced, designed to give all learners the knowledge they need to achieve and thrive in later life.
We remove barriers to learning through:
• Early identification of needs and targeted support
• Differentiated approaches that ensure all children can access learning
• High expectations for every child, regardless of starting point
• Celebration of diversity in all its forms
• A relational approach where strong relationships underpin all learning
2. Holistic Development – Supporting the Whole Child
All staff support pupils to build strong foundations for accessing the curriculum and subsequent success, including academic and personal achievement.
Our holistic approach includes:
• Nurturing environments where emotional well-being is prioritised
• Character education that is woven through all subjects
• Personal development opportunities that build confidence and resilience
• Pastoral care that ensures every child feels safe and supported
3. A Bespoke Curriculum for Academic and Personal Progress
We recognise that every child is unique.
Our curriculum:
• Is coherently planned and sequenced so pupils build knowledge incrementally
• Provides multiple entry points to engage all learners
• Balances core skills development with broader curriculum experiences
• Ensures connections between subjects to deepen understanding
• Uses enquiry and wonder as hooks to inspire learning
Impact
The Difference
With an ambition for all, we strive to make a difference. The curriculum ensures that fundamental skills are secure so that children build fluency and accuracy in basic skills to confidently engage in learning in subjects. Children leave the academy with a broad range of skills and talents – ready for secondary education. The attain well with results above the national average. They participate in the wider curriculum and this continues into their secondary experiences and pathways. Our children are noted for their character and their confidence.
Through experiences and support our children gain a full range of skills and abilities that they need to be successful now and in their years ahead. Their academic and personal development enables them to be respectful, confident and self-assured.
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.
Every child matters. Every child belongs. Every child will succeed
Darlinghurst Direction
Children and staff, follow the Darlinghurst Direction. This mantra is followed to ensure consistency and shared responsibility. The Direction is a guide and outlines the three rules and actions that we take. It incorporates routines and habits, behaviours, participation, support and challenge, ambition and more. Put simply, this is the way we do it here. It links to our relational approach and creates a culture of certainty and consistency.
The predictable routines and lesson structures across the academy provide positive environments for learning. Lesson structures all follow a layered approach. This means children and staff know what is expected of them. Lessons are taught in chunks that support assessment and learning. Parts of the layered lesson include opportunities for children to show what they know, learn and do and to take next steps in learning too.
Children actively engage in learning with talk partners and staff use a repertoire of questioning and feedback strategies for maximising participation. Staff are skilled in a range of ‘actions’ that ensure excellence in the classroom. Within the academy, this is known as the Excellence Framework.
