Overview of Our Curriculum

Our Approach

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

Our curriculum drivers

Through our curriculum, we aim to develop children’s communication, resilience and understanding of the wider world. Teachers select learning opportunities, resources and activities to develop these skills across the whole curriculum. 
Our curriculum drivers were developed in response to research conducted by the University of Birmingham into Character Education.

The study identified that in order to become flourishing individuals and have a flourishing society, people need to develop four sets of virtues that can broadly be grouped into: intellectual virtues, moral virtues, civic virtues and performance virtues.

Having carefully considered the needs of our children, we constructed a progression of knowledge, skills and experiences to support our children on their journey to become flourishing individuals.

Our Curriculum drivers:

Worldly Knowledge
Exploring the world and broadening horizons to foster a deeper understanding of the wider world. Our curriculum inspires curiosity and equips children with the knowledge they need to thrive in a diverse and interconnected society.

Ambition
Encouraging every child to dream big and work towards achieving their goals. Through carefully chosen learning opportunities, we cultivate the drive and determination needed for children to reach their full potential.

Communication
Building the skills to express thoughts, connect with others, and inspire change. Our curriculum prioritizes effective communication as a foundation for success in both personal relationships and professional endeavors.

Resilience

Developing the strength to rise above challenges and the courage to persevere. By nurturing resilience, we empower children to approach life’s obstacles with confidence and adaptability, ensuring long-term growth and success.

Phonics & Reading Schemes in Operation: Twinkl Phonics