Curriculum Map

There is a clear rationale behind our ambitious curriculum and careful thought and planning has gone into each of our topics of learning to allow for concept progression and links. In Years 1 to 6, pupils will learn a topic that is either a history or geography focus. All other subjects (except for SMSC, RE, PE, Primary Languages and Science) are paired up and taught in alternative terms as well, this ensures we offer a broad and balanced curriculum. It also takes full advantage of our locality and in selecting our areas of study, we consider our local area; what it is now and what it has been through history and how our city and its surroundings have been shaped over time.

For example, prior to learning about Ancient Greece with a history focus in Year 3, they will have learnt about where Greece is, the climate of Greece and compared it to the UK in their geography before this. Pupils are then able to make links between subjects, whilst also having clarity about their learning in history and geography, Pupils also revisit ‘bigger’ concepts such as migration and civilisation, and using their knowledge organisers are able to revisit their prior learning. There is also a bigger emphasis on vocabulary and reading between subjects. This is so that pupils are clear in the meanings of level 3 tier, technical vocabulary that they are learning about, but are then able to able to apply it in other areas of the curriculum. Each term, children will then apply that term’s knowledge and skill to a project or an extended piece of writing/essay.

‘All children should study a broad and rich curriculum. Schools are doing a disservice to their pupils if they are only focussing on English and maths. Experiences and skills gained from the foundation subjects (including Humanities, Art, DT, PE and Music) provide children with a rich variety of knowledge, taking them one step closer to understanding the complex world in which we live.’

– Amanda Spielman Ofsted Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills

We expect learning to have context, with rich learning opportunities that link to and build upon previous learning to enable children to develop transferable knowledge and skills. We pride ourselves on offering all Educational Visits and Trips free of charge for all families, to ensure we provide enriching, first hand experiences to all children.

Our Curriculum Cohesion section of the Curriculum Map integrates built in opportunities, much like our Educational Trips and Visits, that involve us to go out into the local community and implement the school’s values, as outlined in the ethos statement; going out into the world and do well, but more importantly go out into the world and do good. The impact of our curriculum will be seen in not only in measurable attainment and progress but that Ernesettle Community School creates polite, well-mannered caring members of our school community.