YOUNGSTERS at a primary school in Great Lever cannot get enough of learning.

Not only are the pupils of SS Simon and Jude’s CE School enthusiastic about their lessons — in some cases teachers have been cheered as they walk into class — but they find themselves talking about what they have learnt with their parents and continue their learning independently at home.

For the school has become one of a handful of schools in the borough to introduce The International Primary Curriculum (IPC).

In the six weeks it has been adopted, teachers say they have noticed a difference in children.

Curriculum director Liz Peacock said: “The quietest child has become more confident and taking an active role in their learning.”

The IPC is described as a practical tool for teachers to help children learn, not only academically but socially, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

It is underpinned by ensuring children are knowledgeable as they would be under the traditional methods of teaching and learning, but are also developing skills which will help them through their education and work life.

The new curriculum is also designed to raise aspirations of young people by opening their eyes to a bigger world.

Instead of dividing the day up into different lessons on different subjects, the school now has one theme running through different lessons.

The theme of holidays was chosen to pilot the curriculum in school with the older children. The geography, history and art of the countries were learnt — with young people enhancing their study outside school and in their spare time. Teachers said homework had never been so popular with children fulfilling all tasks set. The unit ended with a travel show where children had to organise their own stands, using their own initiative to sell holidays to the “public”.

Mrs Peacock said: “Through learning like this, children are learning important skills such as research, speaking and listening, working as a team as well as being enterprising. Every single child has got involved.”

She added that the children’s enthusiasm is rubbing off on their parents. Mrs Peacock said: “Parents are becoming more involved in their child’s education which impacts on academic standards. We had 90 parents at the travel event and the children had to work hard to convince parents to buy the holidays, mums and dads did not necessarily go to their child’s stall.”

Headteacher Simon Bramwell believes its introduction will help raise standards at the school.

He said: “The national curriculum fits in with the IPC and it can take account of changes made by the new government.

“This school was given a good mark when it came out of special measures and in three years it will be outstanding.”

The IPC will be rolled out to all years in September.

Children say they are enjoying their new way of learning.

Lily Cameron, aged 10, said: “We researched the different countries. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the countries I had chosen. It was a lot of fun, and I remember a lot of what I have learnt.”

Jugal Chevli, aged 10, added: “I learnt how to do research using the computer. We did work in class and on our own. This really helped me learn.”

schaudhari@theboltonnews.co.uk