Our Curriculum
Curriculum Statement for Sir John Moore C.E. Primary School
At Sir John Moore C.E. Primary School, our curriculum is driven by our vision of ‘Climbing to New Heights Together’—developing the Head, Heart and Hands so every pupil gains wisdom, grows in character, and acts with purpose
Head (Knowledge and Wisdom)
Heart (Character and Compassion)
Hands (Service and Action)
We also instill the character strengths of Growth Mindset, Resilience, Independence, and Teamwork (GRIT) across all aspects of school life. Together, these values shape a rich, balanced, and engaging curriculum that prepares our pupils for future success in school and beyond.
Key Features of Our Curriculum
- Strong Links with Writing: Writing is integrated across the curriculum, with purposeful opportunities for pupils to apply their skills in subjects such as history, geography, and science. This ensures writing outcomes are enriched by their wider learning.
- Vocabulary at the Heart: Teaching high-utility vocabulary is prioritised in every subject. By explicitly teaching and revisiting key terms, we build pupils’ language skills, helping them to articulate their ideas confidently and understand the world around them.
- Cross-Subject Connections: Our curriculum is designed to highlight links between subjects, making learning more coherent and meaningful. For example, historical studies might connect to geographical contexts or scientific advancements, allowing pupils to see the bigger picture.
- Regular Retrieval Opportunities: To ensure knowledge is retained over time, our curriculum incorporates regular retrieval practices. These help children consolidate their learning, strengthen memory, and build confidence in applying their knowledge.
- Blocked Curriculum Approach: We have moved to a blocked curriculum for some of our subjects (Science, History, Georgraphy, Art and DT, and some computing), where pupils focus on one subject for an extended period before moving to the next. This approach allows children to dig deeper into topics, immerse themselves fully in their learning, develops a more comprehensive understanding and allows children to apply more of their learning when writing as they have more knowledge sooner.
- Consistency Across the School: By aligning approaches across year groups and subjects, we have created a consistent learning journey for all pupils. This ensures every child benefits from the same high-quality education and clear progression as they move through the school.
Our new curriculum reflects our commitment to equipping pupils with the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary they need to succeed. By embedding these principles, we aim to inspire a love of learning, foster curiosity, and help pupils connect their education to the world around them.
Click here for our whole school long term overview
Click here for our reception long term plan overview
