Curriculum
Here at Copthorne Community Infant School, we are proud to offer a wide range of experiences to every child.
The information on this page will tell you more about what your child will learn during their time with us, through our broad and balanced curriculum.
Each term begins with a WOW Day—a burst of excitement designed to ignite curiosity and launch our new topics in unforgettable ways. From stepping into role‑play worlds to hands‑on exploration with a visit from Jungle Jo, these special days help our children feel the thrill of learning from the very start.
Across the year, our pupils dive into a wide range of in‑school sporting challenges, including favourites like Tough Rower and Ozzy Obstacle, where teamwork, resilience and joyful competition take centre stage.
Our calendar is packed with experiences that make childhood feel magical. Families join us for Christmas and Summer Fayres, and our much‑loved Grandparent Tea Parties bring generations together in a heart‑warming celebration of community. Excitement reaches new heights when the Fire Brigade visits, giving children the chance to explore real equipment and learn about the people who keep us safe.
As the weather warms, we bring the seaside to school with our Summer Beach Day, complete with fish and chips, ice lollies, water play and sun‑soaked fun.
Later in the year, the school hall transforms into a world of laughter and storytelling when the pantomime comes to us—an experience the children talk about long after the curtain falls.
We hope to make 'Everyday a New Adventure' for all of our budding learners.
Curriculum Overviews and Key Experiences
Phonics and Reading
At Copthorne we teach Phonics for 30 minutes each morning, using the Twinkl Phonics Scheme.
Our reading scheme consists of texts which link directly to our phonics scheme - 'Rhino Readers'. Children also take home a book of their choice from our school library each week, in order to encourage a life-long love of reading and the opportunity to engage with new reading materials at home.
We recommend that children read their Rhino Reader books at least three times a week at home, as we know this has a positive impact on a child's fluency and enjoyment. We have a whole school reward system 'Book Worms' where children earn a different coloured badge once they have read 3 times or more at home, every week for 90% of the term.
Please click the link below to find out more about Phonics and Reading.
English & Handwriting
All classes from Reception to Year 2 have a daily Literacy/English lesson.
KS1 have a daily 15 handwriting lesson.
Please click on the link below to see our:
Maths
Mathematics is taught in each year group everyday. In Reception class, we follow the NCETM (National Centre of Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics). This mastering number scheme of work follows the development matters framework and the Early Learning Goals.
In Year 1 and 2, we teach the National Curriculum Objectives in line with the White Rose scheme of work. We also reach the NCETM Mastering Number daily sessions each afternoon, which support the children's fluency and reasoning.
Please click on the link below to see our:
Maths Overview
Science
Year 1 & Year 2 have weekly Science lessons. This is taught through practical hands on & experiments. Reception Science comes through cross curricular links and forest school.
History & Geography
We aim to develop pupils understanding of their local and national history / geography. They are given this opportunity to develop these skills through field work. This field work takes place around the school grounds and local community. We also invite community groups into school to share their local historical knowledge with the children.
PE
The children experience an afternoon of PE a week. This is often ran by a PE specialist. They can learn a variety of skills including, Dance & Invasion Games. We also take part in external competitions and run extra-curricular clubs.
Computing
Music
Art & Design
Design & Technology
RE
PSHE
Reading and Homework
One piece of homework, relating to an area of the curriculum that your child has engaged with, alongside one piece of phonics homework will be sent home each week on a Friday. We ask that the homework is returned to the class teacher on a Thursday, ready to be marked and re-created for Friday again.
We also ask that parents read their child's Rhino Readers reading books with them, at least three times a week. These will be collected in on a Friday, and changed if they have been engaged with.
Please find our homework policy below.
Making our curriculum accessible for all
We want all members of our school community to feel a sense of belonging within the school and wider community family and to know that they are respected and able to participate fully in school life.
We hold the belief that all members of our school family are of equal worth. All children share a common entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum which meets their social and learning needs.
Our curriculum is accessible for everyone. We are complying with the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs & Disability Act 2014.
We hope you enjoy reading about our broad and balanced curriculum, if you have any further questions please email info@copthorne.derbyshire.sch.uk and we will forward your query to the Curriculum Co-Ordinator
© 2026 Copthorne Community Infant School 
Rodgers Lane Alfreton - Derbyshire - DE55 7FF
01773 832362