Curriculum

Our thematic curriculum is based on exciting half-termly themes from the Cornerstones Curriculum. Staff weave the subjects together to create an exciting and engaging 'Learning Journey' for children. Each journey begins with an immersion day and b

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

English is taught  through a range of lessons and additional interventions every day.

Reading

We have a wide selection of books for children to choose and read independently or with staff. Once a child has completed a text they are expected to take an online quiz to test their understanding of the text. Teachers and the reading lead monitor childrens sucess and coverage and move children up a level/ offer individual support as appropriate. these quizes are available at home as is an online library so that parents can support their children at home.

Literacy Skills is the active teaching of reading comprehension through theme related texts. All classes have a literacy skills lesson daily.

Every class enjoys a class text after lunch each day. Class texts allow children to read more complex texts than they could manage independently and has a focus on developing childrens vocabulary and discursive skills.

Writing

We use Talk for Writing a systematic programe for moving from reading to writing. Children are provided with a model to immitate initially, learn new skills, knowledge which they practice in an innovated piece then move on to invent their own txt applying their learning.

We use texts in our reading and writing that are related to the theme where possible to support children in their understanding and provide opportunities for applying their learning and using new vocabulary in a meaningful way.

For pupils who are not yet systematically applying phonics in their reading/spelling we have daily phonics groups that run alongside literacy skills. These groups are ability based and follow the Read Write Inc. programe. The children are regularly assessed to ensure they are making progress and working at the correct level. Children on the phonics programe are taught reading through a 'Catch Up' phonic based reading scheme designed for older early readers. Once children have mastered phonics and reading fluently we use RWI Comprehension a 14 week programe to move a child from learning to read to reading to learn - children are then ready to work with their peers in class having been given all the skills they need to progress rapidly.

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.

We follow Power Maths a whole class mastery programme designed to spark curiosity and excitement and help children to develop confidence in maths.

See the overview of learning and the strategies used in each year group in maths in the Calculations policies for Lower and Upper KS2 below for more information.

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. They are offered a 12 week swimming programme at the local swimming baths.

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

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. See the overview of learning in RE below.

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.

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

At Concord, Spanish 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.