Curriculum overview

* Be Caring  * Be Aspirational * Be Respectful * Be Positive * Be Resilient * Be Independent
We dream, then believe. We work together to prepare and persevere to achieve.

The structure of our curriculum is designed to enable pupils to reinforce and build upon prior learning, make connections and develop subject specific vocabulary. There are two cognitive principles that underpin it.

-       that learning is most effective with spaced repetition.

-       that retrieval of previously learned content is frequent and regular.

Our teachers work together to create a flow of learning over the course of a term. Much of their work sits within the context of their Learning Journey meaning English skills are practised through ‘topic’ work and foundation subject knowledge is enhanced and shared through an English context. This generates opportunities for repetition and retrieval of learnt knowledge and skills, ensuring they are fully embedded and for pupils to make connections through concepts, ideas and knowledge. This structure allows our teachers to think carefully about what children need to know by the end of each Learning Journey and the best order in which to teach this. There is a flexible approach to the timetabling of subjects within the timetable. We have found that it may be beneficial in some Learning Journeys to ‘frontload’ one subject at the start of term in order to apply the knowledge in the second half of the term. We find that having a flexible approach means that learning is more meaningful and memorable as its being applied to an end product.

Science is incorporated in the flow of learning when it will best enhance children's understanding of scientific knowledge and concepts. Scientific Enquiry skills are taught throughout the school year.

The teaching of mathematics often sits outside of the flow of learning; however, teachers carefully plan opportunities when pre-taught maths skills can be reinforced and applied through the flow of their learning journeys. We follow the NCETM recommended teaching spine and have used this to develop our long-term maths plan. We ensure children are given opportunities to retrieve previously learnt skills and mathematical knowledge through ‘mini maths’.

Knowledge and skills progression maps have been developed by our staff and subject leaders to ensure clear guidance for staff so that knowledge is built upon and skills are developed and enhanced year on year. These can be found on individual subject pages. Please look at our Curriculum overviews below to get a more comprehensive view of your children’s learning at Rocks Park.