Our Curriculum
Our vision is that we provide a rich curriculum that is ‘serious fun’: we take learning seriously and the enjoyment comes from success in our endeavours.
Cognitive science research tells us lots of things that can help us support our learners. For example:
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learning is tricky and takes time;
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forgetting is a normal part of learning;
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learning new things is easier if we already know a little bit;
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knowing a bit about a lot of things can help us to make sense of what we read;
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we need to actively remember things in order to store them in our long term memory;
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quizzes and tests are really helpful.
We made use of these findings when we designed our curriculum to support our children to know more and remember more over time. For many subjects, we produce curriculum booklets. These contain the content for each topic or theme. They are designed to support teachers to deliver small steps in a structured way, paying attention to our core teaching approaches:
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Small steps of learning carefully sequenced
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Retrieval time built in to constantly review previous learning
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Reading to learn / learning to read is prioritised
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Checks for understanding built in so that children and teachers can assess progress during lessons
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Writing revolution tasks to reinforce key skills
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Exit tasks to evaluate learning in a lesson / plan for writing
In addition to the booklets, we also produce summary sheets that the children use to keep so that they can review and quiz themselves and their peers.
As we have mixed-age classes, our curriculum is split into year A and year B.
2023-24 will follow Year B.
Science
Science helps children to understand the world and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to explain what they are observing and predict how things will behave.
History
We aim to give children a coherent knowledge and understanding of British history and that of the wider world. This year we have changed our curriculum so that the children in KS2 are able to revisit periods of history, looking at different periods through different lenses.
Geography
Through our geography teaching, we aim to develop the children's fascination and curiosity about the world and its people. We have re-designed our curriculum so that the children can focus on one aspect of the world and deepen the understanding of its human and physical features over time. Upper KS2 will deepen their understanding of the impact of human activity on the world.
Design technology
In DT pupils will use their creativity to solve real and relevant problems. We have enhanced our curriculum and subject expertise by subscribing to the DT Association. We have designed curriculum to help children deepen their skills in one aspect of DT per year group.
Art and design.
This subject enables our children to experience some of the highest forms of human creativity. They will explore the works of various artists and craftspeople through history and cultures. They will be inspired to create their own works in a range of media and will develop their skills over time. We make use of the local art galleries to enrich our work.
Latin
We have chosen to study Latin to provide a linguistic foundation for reading comprehension and an appreciation of classical civilisation. We use the Minimus and Maximum Classics schemes of work to support our learning. We are very grateful to Classics for All for the expert support and training they provide.
Music
Music is one of the highest forms of human creativity. We want to engage and inspire our children to explore and enjoy music in many forms. We capitalise on our proximity to the RLPO and ensue that children visit at least once in each KS.
We use the Charanga scheme of work to support the teaching of music.
PSHE
At Sandbrook, we celebrate and accept our individualities and differences. We learn about how to manage our feelings and relationships so that we can deal with things by using our words. We learn how to be active and healthy citizens.
Computing
This subject enables pupils to develop specific ways of thinking and working. They learn to be digitally literate. The children also learn how to stay safe in an increasingly complex digital world.
Our mixed-age curriculum is desiged with support from the Teach Computing experts.
PE
We encourage our children to develop their physical confidence in a way which supports their long term health and fitness. We make use of Beth Tweddle Gymnastics to support our teaching of early gym so that the children get a good start in the fundamental movements. We develop problem-solving and teamwork through our Commando Joe's sessions.
RE
RE helps us to explore world faiths, our own beliefs and understand how faith can support people in their lives. Through RE we can develop a sense of spirituality, empathy, awe and wonder. We follow the Wirral Agreed Syllabus for RE.
If you would like any further information regarding curriculum content, please speak to your child's class teacher.