Curriculum

POWERFUL KNOWLEDGE

Our curriculum is ambitious, sequential and coherent so that our pupils understand and remember their learning more effectively. We have devised a knowledge-rich curriculum to give our pupils access to the very best curriculum content. This ensures that pupils secure a solid base to build upon as they move through school and into Key Stage 3 and beyond. Powerful knowledge is at the heart of the curriculum. We set out precisely what pupils will know and be able to do in each subject (see individual subject maps); we want our pupils to acquire specialised knowledge in a range of subject disciplines. This will include both disciplinary knowledge and substantive knowledge within each area of study. The curriculum promotes long-term learning and we believe that progress means knowing more and remembering more; as pupils learn the content of the curriculum, they are making progress. The development of the curriculum is underpinned by research on cognitive load theory and the principles of instruction; we expect all pupils to remember their learning into the future. Therefore, we have ensured that there are regular opportunities for the pupils to re-visit and review their learning across all curriculum areas. We make use of knowledge organisers and knowledge notes to ensure children know exactly which information is expected to be learned over the course of their study in a particular subject. We provide opportunities for children to use and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills accumulated through meaningful, exciting and enjoyable contexts. We believe that the most effective way to deliver the curriculum is based around exciting and challenging learning experiences rooted within a strong literacy framework. To prepare the pupils for academic success, a key component to our curriculum is the development of pupils’ vocabulary through explicit instruction.

AMBITION CURRICULUM

At Harpfield Primary Academy, we strive to support and nurture learners who have a rich curiosity for their learning and of the world. We aim to provide all our children with essential life skills and develop their confidence to enable them to believe in themselves. We want each Harpfield child to be ambitious, successful and most importantly; happy. Children should leave us being well-equipped for high school and beyond and confident enough to handle the challenges of the wider world; academically and socially. We aim to develop knowledge, understanding and skills within our children to encourage them to be expressive of their opinions and have the self-belief to drive their views and passions in a way in which makes their lives and those of others better. Our broad and balanced curriculum ensures that learning at Harpfield celebrates and develops children’s individual knowledge, skills and talents and provides each and every child an opportunity to blossom in our care.

At Harpfield, we wish to reinforce the importance of citizenship and British values by ensuring our curriculum offers our pupils the chance to learn about their local environment, culture and heritage. Our core values are at the heart of everything we do; they are: collaboration, respect, equality, ambition, trust, independent, voice, empathy (CREATIVE).

Processes

Our curriculum will have planned:

• WOW experiences including educational visits and visitors
• Links to class novels
• Mastery learning
• Rich connections across the different subjects
• Integration of new and emerging technology
• A focus on the local environment, culture and heritage
• Progressive core vocabulary
• Themed days and weeks
• The six key concepts of creative learning (Knowledge Connected)
• Purposeful links to essential life skills: listening, speaking, problem solving, creativity, staying positive, aiming high, leadership and teamwork

If you require any additional information, please speak to your child’s class teacher.