At Sparkenhoe we are constantly reviewing and adapting a bespoke curriculum to ensure that the breadth, balance and relevance of it matches the changing needs of our diverse school population.
It follows the statutory guidelines set out by the government in the National Curriculum (2014).
In English we teach our youngest children a scheme of synthetic phonics, based on the principals of Letters and Sounds, which provides them with the foundations to begin to read and write. Throughout Key Stage 1 these skills are built upon and consolidated, moving towards reading fluency and comprehension and taking the next steps in writing. In Key Stage 2 the children read a wide range of relevant texts and use these as a basis for writing pieces in different genres. They apply skills learnt in English when writing in all curriculum areas. Alongside this curriculum sits a whole school culture of reading for enjoyment both at home and at school.
In maths, we follow the Maths No Problem scheme of work. This is based on the Singapore approach to teaching maths using the mastery teaching approach. The focus is on teaching to mastery by exploring a topic fully using the concrete, pictorial, abstract approach. The scheme emphasises problem- solving and pupils using their skills to develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
The Foundation Subjects are taught through a custom, broad, balanced and stimulating curriculum which prepares our children for life in 21st Century British Society. Science, physical education, French, music, RE, PHSE and computing are taught discretely. PHSE is also integrated through all school activities.
A culture of oracy is embedding across the school and is a key element of all subjects.
History, geography, art and design and design and technology are combined into a connected curriculum. This is enriched by a carefully planned programme of hands on experiences. These motivate, inspire and give practical learning opportunities to bring subjects to life and allow children to contextualise their learning.
Foundation Subjects have clearly defined outcomes for individual units of work that give the curriculum a real purpose.
Each subject has a rationale which details the journey the children's learning takes at Sparkenhoe.