Curriculum Overview
Our Curriculum Intent
'We intend our curriculum to support the Trust ambition that we 'inspire learners and change lives'.
We want our curriculum to enable all pupils to become resilient, independent, curious and creative learners and leaders who think for themselves. We plan a broad, enriching, challenging and creative curriculum which uses authentic experiences and project based learning to put pupils in charge of their learning. Pupils' voice is central to our approach and ensuring their positive mental health is our greatest priority.
At the heart of our curriculum is our ARK values:
- Ambition
- Respect
- Kindness
Our curriculum is skills based and knowledge rich. We cover less but in greater depth to ensure mastery of all subjects. Our curriculum should enable all pupils to pursue their future ambitions and goals and go on to lead happy and successful lives.
Each term is given a specific focus:
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Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
Term 4 |
Term 5 |
Term 6 |
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Discover History Themed |
Explore Geography Themed |
Discover History Themed |
Explore Geography Themed |
Discover History Themed |
Explore Geography Themed |
|
Create Terms 1 - 6 Arts Themed |
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Every term key concepts, for example justice and compassion, are carefully selected to create connectedness between subjects. The key concepts link directly to Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education and Religious Education, which are two subjects central to our curriculum.
The children begin each project with an enquiry question that frames the concepts, for example ‘Does adversity always make us stronger?’ As the children develop their core and procedural knowledge they are challenged to apply what they have learnt in increasingly complex ways. By the end of the project the children can articulate their own informed responses to the enquiry question.
A ‘hook’ (e.g. the arrival of a mystery letter containing a challenge in KS1) at the start of each project promotes curiosity and carefully planned ‘WOW moments’ throughout the project provides enriching and engaging learning opportunities for the children. These include trips and visits from knowledgeable experts.
The children work towards authentic and purposeful outcomes which we refer to as a ‘Fantastic Finish’. The Fantastic Finish motivates pupils to produce high quality pieces of work and enables them to demonstrate their excellence. For example, during our Create project (summer 2021), the children worked alongside ‘experts’ to produce artwork including; printing, painting and sculpture. The children’s artwork was then exhibited virtually and shared with the local community, including local artists who were able to critique the work produced.
Core knowledge is covered in-depth and revisited throughout the year and across subjects to ensure that learning is embedded. For example, through pre and post assessments, questions at the start of a lesson known as 'Do Now' and use of knowledge organisers.
Curriculum Outcomes:
- Children reach their full potential and develop their desire to be ambitious.
- Children are kind, respectful and become good citizens.
- Children develop lively, enquiring minds with the ability to question and challenge.
- Children are resilient, independent and are confident in their own worth.
- Children are well-equipped for the next stage of their education journey.
- The pupils go on to become skilled collaborators, innovators and leaders of the future.
At Smarden we have worked hard with all staff to ensure that we have a consistent pedagogical approach so that all children are taught to a high standard across all year groups and subjects.
Every subject is carefully sequenced (in line with the National Curriculum) to enable progression. We have developed Progression of Knowledge Documents for all subjects to ensure that learning is appropriately staged and builds on prior knowledge. This provides the children with the opportunity to revisit core skills and knowledge regularly and embed this learning.
If you would like more information about our curriculum, please contact Mrs Miller (Headteacher) or Mrs Taylor (Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead).