Curriculum

Our thematic curriculum is based on exciting half-termly themes from the Cornerstones Curriculum.

http://www.cornerstoneseducation.co.uk/

More details about the specific topics taught in each year group and the progression of skills throughout the curriculum can be found in the Curriculum Overview and Progression of Skills documents (click the link at the bottom of the page) 

The curriculum for Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) includes the following broad entitlement:

English (including handwriting, guided reading, drama, reading to pupils)

English is taught through a specific literacy lesson every day.

Literacy skills are also developed through thematic work.

As a school, we place a specific focus on speaking and listening in all lessons.

Additionally, each day there is 20 minutes of focussed teaching in the basic skills of phonics or spelling and a ‘Reading Aloud’ session by the teacher at the end of each day.

Mathematics

Mathematics is taught for 60 minutes per day, includes a range of opportunities for children to use, apply skills and concepts in a range of problem solving and real life contexts.

The application of maths into other subjects is also facilitated.

Please see our Calculations Policy in the Parent/ Carer Policies section

Science

Science is taught through thematic work.  Where links to thematic work cannot be made, science is taught in discrete blocks.

Computing

A minimum of 45 minutes per week is spent in the Computer Suite, dedicated to the development of computing skills. These lessons are linked wherever possible to the theme.

Each class also has access to additional time in the Computer Suite and access to laptops.

Online Safety forms an integral part of our computing curriculum and is taught through both thematic work and PSHE.

Physical Education (PE)

A minimum of 2 hours per week is allocated for PE and activity.

Each class is allocated 1 hour for PE lessons focusing on specific skills. These include dance, gymnastics, athletics, games and outdoor adventurous education.

Swimming forms part of the curriculum for Y4 pupils.

Pupils have access to organised physical activity during break and lunchtimes, as well as sports clubs both during the school day and after school.

Swimming

Children in year 4 are offered a 12 week swimming programme at a local swimming baths.

Personal Social Health Education (PSHE), Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL), Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Development (SMSCD)

A minimum of 4 hours per half term are dedicated to the teaching of PSHE and SMSCD, which includes delivery of the SEAL programme.

These principles underpin a strong school ethos which is woven into the fabric of the school through our school rules and core values, which actively promote fundamental British values.

Religious Education (RE)

Concord’s coverage of the RE curriculum is based upon the locally agreed (SACRE) syllabus for RE. The teaching of RE is flexible, including weekly lessons, half day focus sessions and links to other curriculum areas.

All pupils have access to daily Collective Worship.

History, Geography, Art, Music, Design and Technology (D&T)

Thematic lessons are based on exciting half-termly themes from the Cornerstones Curriculum. Theme is taught for a minimum of 3.5 hours per week. The length of teaching time spent on each subject within a theme varies. It could last for an hour per week, or take up the whole allocation.

The application of maths and literacy within the thematic curriculum subjects is actively promoted.

All children in school will learn an instrument in Music lessons on a rolling programme throughout the year.  Instruments include African drumming, recorders and even the ukelele!

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

At Concord, French is taught in every year group.

The teaching of MFL is flexible, including weekly lessons, half day focus sessions and links to other curriculum areas.

MFL may also form part of lessons through the thematic curriculum.

International and Global Dimensions

The global dimension explores what connects us to the rest of the world. It incorporates the concepts of global citizenship, conflict resolution, diversity, human rights, inter-dependence, social justice, sustainable development and values and perceptions.

Every year there are separately timetabled thematic days, activity weeks and events set aside for the study of particular aspects of global awareness, together with links in all themes to the wider international arena, through visits and assemblies.