Curriculum Overview
In Key Stage 1, we teach the foundation curriculum through a thematic approach linking to an overarching theme. This way the children are immersed in the topic and are allowed to apply their knowledge in many different ways and through many different mediums. We teach the curriculum through the use of high-quality texts.
In Key Stage 2, we block disciplines into Driver topics, Secondary topics and Tertiary topics. By blocking topics children are given time to explore, understand and manipulate in-depth a carefully selected progressive knowledge curriculum. We accompany each topic with a high-quality text which is linked to the driver. This gives children opportunities to make conceptual links to the driver as well as being exposed to incidental learning opportunities which arise within the books.
We feel that by focusing on a single disciple at a time we can immerse the children in the topic. Also, we believe that children need to be able to identify the subject being taught so that they can apply the necessary skills. By blocking the units, children will also be able to build upon prior knowledge from the previous lessons and they will be able to use and apply the key vocabulary and understanding set out on the knowledge mats.
As a school, we have created a bespoke curriculum which builds on prior knowledge from previous years and previous subjects. We do this to ensure that the knowledge outlined in the progression document for each subject is embedded by the time they leave the school. Alongside this, we have created a progressive vocabulary system which exposes children to tier 2 and 3 words, developing their vocabulary. This is evident in the 'knowledge mats' that accompany each unit.
Example half term in KS2
Example Knowledge Mat
