Wider Curriculum

At Birdwell Primary School, our commitment to curriculum excellence has resulted in an enriching educational experience for all learners. The curriculum has been developed into a coherent and inspiring curriculum that supports the achievement and motivation of all learners. In order to develop this, our curriculum is the cornerstone of our educational philosophy, designed with exceptional care to nurture children’s natural curiosity, ignite their creativity and cultivate ambitious aspirations. It goes beyond traditional expectations, offering a rich variety of experiences that prepare pupils for the complexities of the modern world.

The curriculum is underpinned by the evidence-informed Accelerated Learning Cycle and augmented by purposeful assessment strategies. This approach ensures that our pupils not only know more and remember more but can apply their knowledge with depth and fluency across contexts. It allows children the opportunity to work in depth, giving them the time they need to reflect, consolidate and transfer their learning. This is supported by EEF metacognition research, as it enables pupils to develop their ability to make rapid and sustained progress which is improving standards across the curriculum.

In line with the DFE guidance on providing a broad and balanced curriculum, it is our commitment to provide an education for the whole child. We ensure that all foundation subjects are given appropriate time and prominence within our curriculum. This approach guarantees genuine depth and breadth in learning, moving beyond a narrow focus to cultivate well-rounded and culturally literate individuals. Each subject area is treated with equal importance, allowing pupils to discover and nurture their unique talents and interests across a wide spectrum of core knowledge and disciplines.

It is important that the curriculum we implement has now embedded securely the key concepts, substantive knowledge and disciplinary outcomes children require at all age groups to build up progressively, helping children to grow and develop as they move through school. Our curriculum we have designed has the intent to provide children with the understanding and ability to gather knowledge (which covers History, Geography, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Science, PE, MFL, Music, ICT, PSHE and RE) and supports teachers in inspiring them to develop creative ways of applying this.

There is an emphasis on the importance of direct experience within the curriculum so that teachers draw out and develop children’s thinking and capacities in meaningful contexts and teachers have received support this academic year to incorporate this. This goes beyond the foundations to offer a truly broad and balanced educational experience that comprehensively prepares our pupils for the complexities and opportunities of life in the 21st century. This forward-thinking approach ensures that our learners are not just academically proficient, but also equipped with the adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking skills essential for future success.

Formative assessment is ongoing throughout each lesson. It assesses progress and enables the teacher to make flexible adaptations to their planned teaching.

Arbor MIS is used as a summative assessment to assess foundation subjects. The knowledge is regularly assessed to identify any gaps or misconceptions to be addressed or passed onto the following teachers.

Subject Leadership roles are allocated across school to ensure all subjects are effectively managed and prioritised throughout the year. These staff are responsible for leading and managing quality of education, attainment and standards in their subjects.

For more information about our curriculum offer, you can contact Mr R Swallow at richard.swallow@hcacademytrust.education