Thomas Whitehead Academy

The National Curriculum

National Curriculum

The National Curriculum is a framework used to ensure that teaching and learning is balanced and consistent in key stage 1 and key stage 2. It seeks to build on the foundation provided by the areas of learning in the Early Learning Goals. In Early Years and key stage 1, phonics skills are developed through daily lessons, following the 'Little Wandle.' programme.  

The National Curriculum sets out the subjects taught as well as the knowledge, skills and understanding required in each subject. It also provides standards or attainment targets in each subject and these are used by teachers to help measure your child's progress and plan the next steps in their learning. In accordance with the law, the school curriculum meets all the requirements of the National Curriculum, plus the requirements for Religious Education set out by the local authority.

Core Subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Science

Foundation Subjects

• Art and Design
• Computing
• Design and Technology
• Modern Foreign Languages 
• Geography
• History
• Music
• PSHE
• Physical Education
• Religious Education

Our Curriculum 

‘Let Your light shine’ Matthew 5:16

Intent

Our aim is to create a broad and balanced curriculum which not only delivers skills and knowledge but is creative and expressive. To ensure that language acquisition is a primary focus and that children are able to talk meaningfully about their learning.

We have judiciously chosen a thematic approach to learning with Cornerstone Curriculum which is delivered through Imaginative Learning Projects (ILPs). It is based on the belief that children learn better when they are encouraged to use their imagination and apply their learning to engaging contexts. Cornerstone Curriculum is used primarily for delivering skills and knowledge in foundation subjects Science, Geography, History, DT and Art.

Implementation

Our curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure optimal coverage and progression. This is evident in our subject progression and vocabulary documents. The Medium Term Plans provide the teaching sequence, enhanced learning opportunities, cross curricular links and enrichment and also wider writing opportunities so that children are able to apply transferrable skills in English to the wider curriculum. Each project starts with a BIG QUESTION to elicit prior knowledge and to inform teacher planning. During the project evidence of practice and retrieval tasks are planned for consolidation. At the end of a project a two-page spread is completed answering the BIG QUESTION to showcase children’s learning. As well as memorable experiences, workshops and trips the children partake in a Class Assembly which focuses on their learning in Humanities through drama, dance and singing. Parents are well informed on what is being taught with termly topic maps to show coverage, how they can support at home and homework project tasks. Alongside Cornerstones Curriculum is our Personal Development Curriculum, this is an extension of our projects focusing on character development and citizenship. The PDC has 6 core strands to develop citizenship within our Project based curriculum; Our World, Our Future, Our Culture, Our Wellbeing, Our Contribution and Our Community.

Impact

We review learning after each lesson through formative assessment strategies; sticky learning, retrieval techniques, gamification. Each term summative assessment data is populated on Cornerstones Curriculum on completion of a project. Subject leaders analyse the data, capture pupil voice, book looks, lead CPD on subject area and observe the teaching of leading subject. Termly audits are carried out with 1:1 support from the senior leadership team to monitor and assess the delivery of each subject. We have found that children are able to talk expressively and confidently about their learning. They are remembering more and able to recall more about the knowledge and skills they have learned through purposeful links.