Curriculum

Our Curriculum Vision:

Together we:

Inspire excellence in everyone
(Ambitious, progressive, whole child, experiential, compassionate)

Promote positive relationships
(Whole child, experiential, compassionate)

Model and value good manners
(Whole child, compassionate, ambitious)

Make the world a better place
(Compassionate, ambitious, experiential)

Spread happiness
(Whole child, compassionate, experiential)

At Mary Swanwick, we offer a positive climate where children are encouraged to develop their learning together, practise their skills and become confident learners through ambitious and progressive cross-curricular themes. We have developed a curriculum rich with innovative and exciting learning opportunities built upon our core, underpinning values. Taking a thematic approach, the curriculum has been organised under topic headings for each year group, each topic having a primary subject focus.

Before developing our curriculum, we provided all stakeholders the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the content of the curriculum, agreeing on the knowledge and skills that pupils need in order to be successful. Giving the children a say in what they learn, or at least the context within which they acquire knowledge and learn skills, has given them a sense of ownership – they are more invested in their learning and the learning is more relevant to them. We believe that this has led to greater motivation and positive relationships between children and their learning. The same applies to parents and their involvement can impact hugely on the child’s learning.

Our curriculum is designed with knowledge at its heart and we ensure that we carefully consider children’s needs at every step of their school journey. Knowledge is power, and we do children a disservice, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds if we narrow the curriculum to those subjects that are assessed at end of key stage. At Mary Swanwick, a ‘knowledge-engaged’ curriculum is necessary – that is one that is knowledge based but that also offers the experiences necessary to make that knowledge relevant and provide a context from which to learn. Creative planning ensures that cross-curricular links are made and National Curriculum 2014 Programmes of study for KS1, KS2 and EYFS are allocated to the topics, ensuring breadth and balance in core and foundation subjects. Hooks for learning and experiential learning opportunities engage the children from the beginning, and help to address social disadvantage, while working towards authentic outcomes for each topic provides real purpose which motivates children to produce high quality work. We are mindful to take advantage links of with children’s previous learning to embed and build on skills previously acquired.

Literacy skills are taught within the context of the topic and the focus on written work is central to every topic. We aim to provide opportunities for children to be creative, flexible and innovative in their approach to learning and developing new skills, knowledge and understanding necessary for future success.

At Mary Swanwick School, we actively promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils. We uphold and teach children about the fundamental ‘British Values’ which are defined as: democracy; rule of law; individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs. These values are taught explicitly through Jigsaw PSHE and Religious Education (R.E), assemblies and special presentations while our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for children to explore these values.

Teachers and school leaders assess children’s knowledge, understanding and skills in non-core subjects using a range of strategies: through questioning and observation of pupils, marking books, annotation and sharing of planning and low-stakes quizzes / activities.

For further details about the Jigsaw PSHE curriculum please see below.

During reviews, school staff will work collaboratively to review the vision statement and ambition before analysing progress through each subject in order to ensure that learning is built on and there is clear progression throughout the three key stages. Following each review, all staff should be able to confidently articulate expected outcomes for children at the end of each year and key stage in each subject.

Please download the plans which are relevant to your child and wherever you can, help to support your child’s learning. Please approach your child’s teacher if you need more information on how to support your child at home.

It is important to us that you are fully involved in your child’s learning.

Stakeholder Letter

Curriculum Overview:
2020 Curriculum Map
2019 Curriculum Map
To view our Nursery & KS1 rolling programme click here
Nursery Curriculum Workshop

EYFS (2020/21)