New curriculum promises Somerset pupils a more ‘hands-on’ education

Paul JonesFebruary 5, 20260 Comment1

PRIMARY pupils at a Somerset school are set to enjoy more hands-on experiences after staff adopted a new curriculum.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, in Wincanton, has adopted the Kapow Primary programme “to expand its offer to pupils and ensure the very best educational experience for all its children”.

The Kapow curriculum emphasises learning experience days, featuring school trips including hands-on activities for pupils.

“These trips are linked to topics which are taught in school, and trips will include a Viking Day at Carymoor, attending the Fleet Air Arm Museum and a visit to Dorchester Museum to explore Stone Age History,” a spokesperson said.

They said the experiences “encourage creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, helping children make strong connections with their learning”.

“This approach ensures that every pupil enjoys a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum,” they went on. “It works alongside core subjects to deliver learning in areas such as art and design, music, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, and understanding the world.”

Parents and carers will also play a key part in the curriculum’s success, the school said, with ‘Look and Share’ sessions bringing families in to classrooms to celebrate children’s achievements.

Danuta Girton and Sheila Loftus, headteachers at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, said: “We’re very proud of our new curriculum which is already being well received by our pupils. Its focus on the practical, as well as new experiences for the children at our school, allows them to get out into the world and learn by doing.

“This, combined with academic rigour, will help our pupils grow into curious, well balanced young people.”

Ad Helen Taylor, CEO of Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, which runs the primary, added: “We are incredibly proud of the work taking place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School. This new wider curriculum reflects our commitment to providing an education that is rich, engaging and rooted in real experiences.

“By combining strong academic foundations with creativity, community links and hands on learning, the school is ensuring that every child is supported to flourish, develop confidence and discover a genuine love of learning.”