Foundation Subjects at St. Agnes Primary School
History
“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future” (Theodore Roosevelt)
Intent
The children at St. Agnes understand that History is the study of the past, in particular changes over time that have occurred within human society. We aim to use a chronological and holistic approach to our teaching and learning through relevant and exciting topics which inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. In history, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
In the EYFS, children are taught History through the strand ‘Understanding the World’. Here they begin to make sense of their physical world and their community. In Reception, the children learn how things have changed over time and understand the past through settings and events encountered in books read in class. They use exciting stimuli to provoke discussion around similarities and differences between the past and now.
In key stage 1, our children develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They learn about key people and events and where they fit within the chronological framework taught so far. Our children are able to identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods, and can describe some ways in which we can find out about the past.
In key stage 2, our children continue to build upon their prior knowledge and skills of British, local and world history. They note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop their use of appropriate historical terms. They regularly address valid questions, selecting and organising relevant historical information, as well as devising their own facts about the past.
By the end of their time at St Agnes, we aspire for all of our children to have:
Implementation
There is a strong focus on the use of resources within history lessons, each class uses appropriate resources that will deepen their understanding of different areas of the history curriculum. Carefully planned sequential lessons are taught, which allows our children to regularly build upon their understanding of the past.
In Reception, children deepen their understanding of the world around them through focused activities with an adult and in their classroom through continuous provision. Children are encouraged to discuss similarities and differences between past and present through the use of stories, texts and images they are exposed to. Their classroom environment is carefully planned and resources are chosen to provoke curiosity and fascination, and draw upon previous experience and learning.
In key stage 1 and 2, history lessons enable the children to become familiar with a range of resources and key historical vocabulary. Children are encouraged to ask questions and undertake research, using a variety of sources to find out more about the past. Lessons are well thought out to ensure progression and cumulative learning, and opportunities are regularly created to retrieve prior knowledge. We value to impact of talk and discussion in St Agnes; therefore, lessons are designed to include opportunities for children share their ideas, ask questions and engage in debate.
In order for our children to know more and remember more in each area of history studied, there is a structure to the lesson sequence whereby prior learning is always considered and opportunities for revision of facts and historical understanding are built into lessons. This teaches children to reflect upon what they already know which ultimately helps build a depth to children’s historical understanding. The revision and introduction of key vocabulary is built into each lesson.
Through these lessons, we intend to inspire pupils and practitioners to develop a love of history and see how it has impacted and shaped the world they live in.
At St Agnes we aim to have opportunities for children across the school to share their learning with one another. When possible, children take part in visits to consolidate their learning and make experiences more memorable.
Children are regularly assessed on their understanding of a range of skills and their ability to use new, relevant vocabulary throughout their weekly lessons. At the end of each topic, the children complete quizzes as a form of summative assessment.
Impact
“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future” (Theodore Roosevelt)
Intent
The children at St. Agnes understand that History is the study of the past, in particular changes over time that have occurred within human society. We aim to use a chronological and holistic approach to our teaching and learning through relevant and exciting topics which inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. In history, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
In the EYFS, children are taught History through the strand ‘Understanding the World’. Here they begin to make sense of their physical world and their community. In Reception, the children learn how things have changed over time and understand the past through settings and events encountered in books read in class. They use exciting stimuli to provoke discussion around similarities and differences between the past and now.
In key stage 1, our children develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They learn about key people and events and where they fit within the chronological framework taught so far. Our children are able to identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods, and can describe some ways in which we can find out about the past.
In key stage 2, our children continue to build upon their prior knowledge and skills of British, local and world history. They note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop their use of appropriate historical terms. They regularly address valid questions, selecting and organising relevant historical information, as well as devising their own facts about the past.
By the end of their time at St Agnes, we aspire for all of our children to have:
- An excellent knowledge and understanding of people, events, and contexts from a range of historical periods and of historical concepts and processes.
- The ability to think critically about history and communicate ideas very confidently in styles appropriate to a range of audiences.
- The ability to consistently support, evaluate and challenge their own and others’ views using detailed, appropriate and accurate historical evidence derived from a range of sources.
- The ability to think, reflect, debate, discuss and evaluate the past, formulating and refining questions and lines of enquiry.
- A passion for history and an enthusiastic engagement in learning, which develops their sense of curiosity about the past and their understanding of how and why people interpret the past in different ways.
- A respect for historical evidence and the ability to make robust and critical use of it to support their explanations and judgments.
- A desire to embrace challenging activities, including opportunities to undertake high-quality research across a range of history topics.
Implementation
There is a strong focus on the use of resources within history lessons, each class uses appropriate resources that will deepen their understanding of different areas of the history curriculum. Carefully planned sequential lessons are taught, which allows our children to regularly build upon their understanding of the past.
In Reception, children deepen their understanding of the world around them through focused activities with an adult and in their classroom through continuous provision. Children are encouraged to discuss similarities and differences between past and present through the use of stories, texts and images they are exposed to. Their classroom environment is carefully planned and resources are chosen to provoke curiosity and fascination, and draw upon previous experience and learning.
In key stage 1 and 2, history lessons enable the children to become familiar with a range of resources and key historical vocabulary. Children are encouraged to ask questions and undertake research, using a variety of sources to find out more about the past. Lessons are well thought out to ensure progression and cumulative learning, and opportunities are regularly created to retrieve prior knowledge. We value to impact of talk and discussion in St Agnes; therefore, lessons are designed to include opportunities for children share their ideas, ask questions and engage in debate.
In order for our children to know more and remember more in each area of history studied, there is a structure to the lesson sequence whereby prior learning is always considered and opportunities for revision of facts and historical understanding are built into lessons. This teaches children to reflect upon what they already know which ultimately helps build a depth to children’s historical understanding. The revision and introduction of key vocabulary is built into each lesson.
Through these lessons, we intend to inspire pupils and practitioners to develop a love of history and see how it has impacted and shaped the world they live in.
At St Agnes we aim to have opportunities for children across the school to share their learning with one another. When possible, children take part in visits to consolidate their learning and make experiences more memorable.
Children are regularly assessed on their understanding of a range of skills and their ability to use new, relevant vocabulary throughout their weekly lessons. At the end of each topic, the children complete quizzes as a form of summative assessment.
Impact
- Outcomes in books, evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge.
- Conversations with children demonstrate their excellent learning in the subject and ability to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
- Children are able to make links within and between topics to enhance their overall historical knowledge.
- A wide range of historical artefacts being used to engage children and provide greater depth and understanding to a topic – Each year group has access to a wide range of physical artefacts and books to support their learning, these are used throughout our sessions to ensure interactive and inviting lessons.
- Discussions and activities that go beyond looking at significant people – Children are introduced to a diverse range of people and learn about their differing experiences.
- The use of key vocabulary and children taking ownership of their learning – Children are able to use vocabulary independently in each lesson and can steer their learning towards what they want to find out.
Geography
“Geography is the subject that holds the key to our future.” (Michael Palin)
Intent
The children at St. Agnes understand Geography to be the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. We endeavor for our children to be curious and fascinated about the world around them and to be inspired by their geography learning. Throughout their time will us, the children will be equipped with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments. We want the children at St. Agnes to develop a strong sense place which acknowledges London as a core place in the world.
In geography, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
In EYFS children are taught Geography through the learning strand ‘Understanding the World’, where they can begin to make sense of their physical world and as well as the community they belong to. Our Reception children are given the opportunity to explore their local surroundings through local walks around school as well as taking part in forest school, both of these examples enhance the children’s knowledge and sense of the world around them.
In key stage 1, our curriculum ensures that children develop key knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They are taught subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observations, to enhance their locational awareness.
In key stage 2, our children build on their prior learning. The curriculum extends their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America, enhancing their locational and place knowledge. The location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features is learnt, and the children are able to describe these using their wider geographical vocabulary.
By the end of their time at St Agnes, our children will be equipped with:
Implementation
In lessons, geographical skills are taught effectively. In Reception, children are deepening their understanding of the world around them through focused activities with an adult, in their classroom through continuous provision as well as exploring our immediate locality.
At St Agnes we aim to encourage children’s geographical understanding with a range of exciting topics that build upon their prior learning, as well as ensuring opportunities to make links with what has been previously taught. Thus, ensuring our children become well-rounded and reflective Geographers. Furthermore, the holistic nature of our topics provides many cross curricular links that enable the children to feel they have fully accessed and been exposed to elements of the curriculum in an engaging and relevant manner as well as making their learning more meaningful.
Each class has access to a range of resources that will deepen their understanding of different areas of the geography curriculum.
Visits take place when possible to create instant engagement with the topic, and to ensure that the knowledge becomes sticky for our children. These include experiences of fieldwork that deepen children’s understanding of geographical processes.
Children are regularly assessed on their understanding of a range of skills and knowledge as well as their ability to use new and relevant vocabulary throughout their weekly lessons. At the end of each topic, the children complete quizzes as a form of summative assessment.
Impact
If you were to walk into Geography lessons at St Agnes, you would see:
Intent
The children at St. Agnes understand Geography to be the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. We endeavor for our children to be curious and fascinated about the world around them and to be inspired by their geography learning. Throughout their time will us, the children will be equipped with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments. We want the children at St. Agnes to develop a strong sense place which acknowledges London as a core place in the world.
In geography, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
In EYFS children are taught Geography through the learning strand ‘Understanding the World’, where they can begin to make sense of their physical world and as well as the community they belong to. Our Reception children are given the opportunity to explore their local surroundings through local walks around school as well as taking part in forest school, both of these examples enhance the children’s knowledge and sense of the world around them.
In key stage 1, our curriculum ensures that children develop key knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They are taught subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observations, to enhance their locational awareness.
In key stage 2, our children build on their prior learning. The curriculum extends their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America, enhancing their locational and place knowledge. The location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features is learnt, and the children are able to describe these using their wider geographical vocabulary.
By the end of their time at St Agnes, our children will be equipped with:
- An excellent knowledge of where places are and what they are like.
- An excellent understanding of the ways in which places are interdependent and interconnected and how much human and physical environments are interrelated.
- An extensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary.
- Fluency in complex, geographical enquiry and the ability to apply questioning skills and use effective analytical and presentational techniques.
- The ability to reach clear conclusions and develop a reasoned argument to explain findings.
- Significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity as shown in interpretations and representations of the subject matter.
- Highly developed and frequently utilised fieldwork and other geographical skills and techniques.
- The ability to express well-balanced opinions, rooted in very good knowledge and understanding about current and contemporary issues in society and the environment.
- A sense of curiosity to find out about the world and the people who live there, and therefore a passion for everything the subject includes.
Implementation
In lessons, geographical skills are taught effectively. In Reception, children are deepening their understanding of the world around them through focused activities with an adult, in their classroom through continuous provision as well as exploring our immediate locality.
At St Agnes we aim to encourage children’s geographical understanding with a range of exciting topics that build upon their prior learning, as well as ensuring opportunities to make links with what has been previously taught. Thus, ensuring our children become well-rounded and reflective Geographers. Furthermore, the holistic nature of our topics provides many cross curricular links that enable the children to feel they have fully accessed and been exposed to elements of the curriculum in an engaging and relevant manner as well as making their learning more meaningful.
Each class has access to a range of resources that will deepen their understanding of different areas of the geography curriculum.
Visits take place when possible to create instant engagement with the topic, and to ensure that the knowledge becomes sticky for our children. These include experiences of fieldwork that deepen children’s understanding of geographical processes.
Children are regularly assessed on their understanding of a range of skills and knowledge as well as their ability to use new and relevant vocabulary throughout their weekly lessons. At the end of each topic, the children complete quizzes as a form of summative assessment.
Impact
- Children are able to communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, showing both their skills and knowledge of the subject.
- Children enjoy their topic lessons and gain key understanding, including locational and place knowledge as well as human and physical geography.
- We aspire for children to leave St Agnes being able to discuss geographical issues and to be able to reflect and form their own opinions on matters such as climate change and natural disasters.
- We measure our impact based on pupils’ confidence to ask and explore questions to further their own geographical knowledge and understanding.
- We aim for our children to be inquisitive young learners and citizens who choose to understand global environmental issues and seek to make a personal difference in protecting and shaping the world we share.
- Children will realise that they have choices to make in the world, developing a positive commitment to the environment and the future of the planet. In this way, we prepare our learners fully for transition to secondary school and transition into becoming global citizens.
If you were to walk into Geography lessons at St Agnes, you would see:
- A wide range of physical resources – including atlases, globes, and relevant non-fiction texts will help the children take ownership of their learning and develop their understanding of the subject.
- Relevant trips to extend and engage children within their learning – every half term children experience either a trip to encourage their learning and give hands-on experience.
- The use of key vocabulary throughout the school and children taking ownership of their learning – teaching staff ensure key vocabulary is displayed throughout their lessons and displays. Word banks are also used so that the children are able to access key vocabulary easily, independently and frequently.
Art and Design
‘If you could say it in words there would be no reason to paint’ Edward Hopper (1882-1967), Artist
Intent
At St Agnes we aim to cultivate creative children who are inspired through our delivery of art and design. Our art curriculum is designed to develop individuality in our children’s creations and enable them to explore artists, techniques, and their own creativity.
In Art and Design, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
In EYFS children:
As children progress through key stage 1 and key stage 2, our art and design curriculum ensures that all children:
In the EYFS, our approach to learning allows art to flourish across all the areas in the classroom. In the reception classroom, art plays a big role in our continuous provision. Children are encouraged to explore art through their own interests and they have access to a craft station where they can select their own materials and tools at any time. Alongside this, art is taught in accordance with the guidance for Expressive Arts and Design in the EYFS framework. Focus activities include introductions to new skills and materials that are then available in the children’s independent play.
In key stage 1 and 2, there is a focus on learning new skills and techniques, as well as studying significant artists from a range of diverse backgrounds. For each unit of learning, teachers plan their lessons progressively and coherently. Each lesson allows the children to build on their prior learning and refine previously learnt skills. At the end of each unit of learning, the children’s outcome reflects the journey of learning, using and applying their skills and taking inspiration from the artists they have looked.
Children at St Agnes receive a balanced and varied exposure to the creative arts. We ensure that a variety of materials are incorporated in art lessons with clear progression of skills. This includes the use of oil pastels, chalk, clay, water paints, acrylic paints and more. This ensures children have an open and broad approach to what art can encompass.
Children are assessed formatively: based on process, observation, questioning, participation in our discussions, self and peer assessment.
Impact
If you were to walk into Art lessons at St Agnes, you would see:
‘If you could say it in words there would be no reason to paint’ Edward Hopper (1882-1967), Artist
Intent
At St Agnes we aim to cultivate creative children who are inspired through our delivery of art and design. Our art curriculum is designed to develop individuality in our children’s creations and enable them to explore artists, techniques, and their own creativity.
In Art and Design, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
In EYFS children:
- Explore, use and refine a variety of artistic effects to express their ideas and feelings.
- Return to and build on their previous learning, refining ideas and developing their ability to represent them.
- Create collaboratively, sharing ideas, resources and skills.
As children progress through key stage 1 and key stage 2, our art and design curriculum ensures that all children:
- Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
- Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
- Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.
- Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.
- The ability to use visual language skillfully and convincingly to express emotions, interpret observations, convey insights and accentuate their individuality.
- The ability to communicate fluently in visual and tactile form.
- The ability to draw confidently and adventurously from observation, memory and imagination.
- The ability to explore and invent marks, develop and deconstruct ideas and communicate perceptively and powerfully through purposeful drawing in 2D, 3D.
- An impressive knowledge and understanding of other artists, craftmakers and designers.
- The ability to think and act like creative practitioners by using their knowledge and understanding to inform, inspire and interpret ideas, observations and feelings.
- Independence, initiative and originality which they can use to develop their creativity
- The ability to select and use materials, processes and techniques skillfully and inventively to realise intentions and capitalise on the unexpected.
- The ability to reflect on, analyse and critically evaluate their own work and that of others.
- A passion for and a commitment to the subject.
In the EYFS, our approach to learning allows art to flourish across all the areas in the classroom. In the reception classroom, art plays a big role in our continuous provision. Children are encouraged to explore art through their own interests and they have access to a craft station where they can select their own materials and tools at any time. Alongside this, art is taught in accordance with the guidance for Expressive Arts and Design in the EYFS framework. Focus activities include introductions to new skills and materials that are then available in the children’s independent play.
In key stage 1 and 2, there is a focus on learning new skills and techniques, as well as studying significant artists from a range of diverse backgrounds. For each unit of learning, teachers plan their lessons progressively and coherently. Each lesson allows the children to build on their prior learning and refine previously learnt skills. At the end of each unit of learning, the children’s outcome reflects the journey of learning, using and applying their skills and taking inspiration from the artists they have looked.
Children at St Agnes receive a balanced and varied exposure to the creative arts. We ensure that a variety of materials are incorporated in art lessons with clear progression of skills. This includes the use of oil pastels, chalk, clay, water paints, acrylic paints and more. This ensures children have an open and broad approach to what art can encompass.
Children are assessed formatively: based on process, observation, questioning, participation in our discussions, self and peer assessment.
Impact
- Our children are confident with using a range of resources to create artwork and display a sense of pride in their creations.
- Children are confident to talk about their artwork, reflect and adapt it.
- Skills clearly and demonstrably build up over time. Throughout the academic year and their school career, pupils become more confident in analyzing their work and giving their opinion on their own and other works of art.
- Pupils across the school thoroughly enjoy taking part in Art lessons and high-quality art work is created in a variety of ways. Children develop their curiosity and enquiry skills and understand the significance of art in the world.
- All children will be able to correctly use technical vocabulary and know, apply and subject knowledge, skills and processes required.
- Children will show an increased resilience and determination by attempting more challenging art projects and continuously evaluate and improve upon their art work. They will be able to confidently discuss their art and explain the skills and process they used.
If you were to walk into Art lessons at St Agnes, you would see:
- Clear skills being taught as the learning objective.
- Children using a variety of visual aids/artists’ work as inspiration.
- Sketchbooks being used for designing and planning.
- A range of materials and resources used throughout the year.
- Children confident to express what has gone well in their designs and what can be improved.
- Children reflecting on their own art work and editing where necessary.
- Children using the arts and crafts area in EYFS.
Design Technology
Intent
Our Design and Technology curriculum is inspiring and engaging for all children. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
In Design Technology, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
In the Early Years, we prepare our children by ensuring that they:
In Key Stage 1 and 2, our curriculum ensures that children:
By the end of their time at St Agnes we aspire that all children will have:
Implementation
Our curriculum is designed carefully and coherently to ensure that skills and techniques are built upon progressively across the phases.
In the reception classroom, design plays a big role in our continuous provision. Children are encouraged to explore design through their own interests and they have access to a craft station where they can select their own materials and tools at any time. Alongside this, design is taught in accordance with the guidance for Expressive Arts and Design in the EYFS framework. Focus activities include introductions to new skills and materials that are then available in the children’s independent play.
In key stage 1 and 2, there is a focus on learning new skills and techniques. For each unit of learning, teachers plan their lessons progressively and coherently. Each lesson allows the children to build on their prior learning and refine previously learnt skills. At the end of each unit of learning, the children’s outcome reflects the journey of learning, using and applying their skills and taking inspiration from the artists and designers they have looked at.
Impact
If you were to walk into Design Technology lessons at St Agnes, you would see:
Intent
Our Design and Technology curriculum is inspiring and engaging for all children. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
In Design Technology, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
In the Early Years, we prepare our children by ensuring that they:
- Have repeated and varied opportunities to explore with arts and crafts, practising with small tools. This allows them to develop proficiency, control and confidence.
- Engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials.
- Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paint brushes and cutlery
- Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function
- Share their creations, explaining the process they have used
In Key Stage 1 and 2, our curriculum ensures that children:
- Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently
- Participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
- Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
- Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
- Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.
By the end of their time at St Agnes we aspire that all children will have:
- Significant levels of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes
- An excellent attitude to learning and independent working
- The ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others
- The ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs
- The ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely
- A thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products
- The ability to apply mathematical knowledge
- The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically
- A passion for the subject and knowledge of, up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.
Implementation
Our curriculum is designed carefully and coherently to ensure that skills and techniques are built upon progressively across the phases.
In the reception classroom, design plays a big role in our continuous provision. Children are encouraged to explore design through their own interests and they have access to a craft station where they can select their own materials and tools at any time. Alongside this, design is taught in accordance with the guidance for Expressive Arts and Design in the EYFS framework. Focus activities include introductions to new skills and materials that are then available in the children’s independent play.
In key stage 1 and 2, there is a focus on learning new skills and techniques. For each unit of learning, teachers plan their lessons progressively and coherently. Each lesson allows the children to build on their prior learning and refine previously learnt skills. At the end of each unit of learning, the children’s outcome reflects the journey of learning, using and applying their skills and taking inspiration from the artists and designers they have looked at.
Impact
- Our children are confident with using a range of resources to design and make products and display a sense of pride over their creations.
- Children are confident to talk about their products, reflect on their designs and adapt them.
If you were to walk into Design Technology lessons at St Agnes, you would see:
- Clear skills being taught as the learning objective.
- Children using a variety of visual aids and existing products as inspiration.
- Sketchbooks being used for designing and planning.
- A range of tools and equipment used throughout the year.
- Children confident to evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
Computing
"Technology is best when it brings people together." Matt Mullenweg, Social Media Entrepreneur
Intent
We aim to prepare our children for a rapidly changing world through the use of technology at St Agnes. Our computing curriculum is designed to enable the children to use computational thinking, computing skills and creativity to further understand our world, and prepare them effectively for secondary school and beyond.
In Computing, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
We use the Kapow Scheme of Work for Computing.
This lays out all the key concepts, skills and understanding in a series of carefully organised units of work - one each half term for each year group. The scheme of work builds skills in a clear progression from Year 1 to Year 6. More infroamtion can be found here:
At the core of our computing curriculum is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, we intend for our children to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. We aim to ensure that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
By the end of their time at St Agnes, we aspire for all of our children to be able to:
Implementation
Computing skills are taught both discretely and cross-curricularly, supporting other areas of learning across the school. This begins in the Early Years. The children’s learning of key computing knowledge and skills is taught through a balance of direct teaching and opportunities in the children’s continuous provision.
This foundation is build upon in Key Stage 1, when the children are taught to use equipment and software confidently and purposefully, to communicate and handle information and to support their problem solving, recording and expressive skills. In Key Stage 2, our children extend their use of computing that they use for communication, investigation and programming and work to understand how to communicate safely. Our planned curriculum for digital literacy that includes online safety is broad in covering a range of issues including understanding current issues such as ‘fake news’.
Impact
If you were to walk into Computing lessons at St Agnes you would see:
"Technology is best when it brings people together." Matt Mullenweg, Social Media Entrepreneur
Intent
We aim to prepare our children for a rapidly changing world through the use of technology at St Agnes. Our computing curriculum is designed to enable the children to use computational thinking, computing skills and creativity to further understand our world, and prepare them effectively for secondary school and beyond.
In Computing, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
We use the Kapow Scheme of Work for Computing.
This lays out all the key concepts, skills and understanding in a series of carefully organised units of work - one each half term for each year group. The scheme of work builds skills in a clear progression from Year 1 to Year 6. More infroamtion can be found here:
At the core of our computing curriculum is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, we intend for our children to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. We aim to ensure that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
By the end of their time at St Agnes, we aspire for all of our children to be able to:
- Code for a variety of practical and inventive purposes, including the application of ideas within other subjects.
- Connect with others safely and respectfully, understanding the need to act within the law and with moral and ethical integrity.
- Understand the connected nature of devices.
- Communicate ideas well by using applications and devices throughout the curriculum.
- Collect, organise and manipulate data effectively.
Implementation
Computing skills are taught both discretely and cross-curricularly, supporting other areas of learning across the school. This begins in the Early Years. The children’s learning of key computing knowledge and skills is taught through a balance of direct teaching and opportunities in the children’s continuous provision.
This foundation is build upon in Key Stage 1, when the children are taught to use equipment and software confidently and purposefully, to communicate and handle information and to support their problem solving, recording and expressive skills. In Key Stage 2, our children extend their use of computing that they use for communication, investigation and programming and work to understand how to communicate safely. Our planned curriculum for digital literacy that includes online safety is broad in covering a range of issues including understanding current issues such as ‘fake news’.
Impact
- Computing has a very high profile at our school. Our children are confident using a wide range of hardware and software, and are diligent learners who value online safety and respect when communicating with one another.
- Google Classroom is used by children to access and complete their home learning. This ensures that the children are equipped with the relevant skills and are proficient at accessing remote learning when required.
- Online Safety maintains its high profile at St Agnes.
If you were to walk into Computing lessons at St Agnes you would see:
- Proficient users of technology who are able to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Computing hardware and software being utilised to enhance the learning outcomes of our children, across the curriculum.
- Clear progression in technical skills.
- A learning buzz as children engage in lessons using a wide range of skills for programming, instruct floor robots, prepare online safety presentations
- Pupils work is evidenced in books at least 4 times per term
- Pupils talking about their learning and showcasing their learning using correct vocabulary
- Pupils showing their improvements with their work, being able to evaluate with greater precision
Music
“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” Gerald Ford
Intent
At St Agnes we aim to engage and inspire our children to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.
In Music, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
Our Music curriculum begins in the Early Years where the children’s artistic and cultural awareness is developed to support their imagination and creativity. Within the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning, children are able to sing and perform a range of well-known nursery rhymes and songs.
In Key Stage 1, we aim for our children to:
In Key Stage 2, we aim for our children to:
By the end of their time at St Agnes, we aspire for our children to have:
Implementation
Our music curriculum ensures that children have weekly music lessons and singing in Collective Worship and performance opportunities.
Music lessons in KS2 are taught once a week by our music lead. These lessons revisit prior learning, both from previous year groups and within the year’s teaching, to ensure that knowledge and skills are learnt cumulatively. We also participate in the annual Young Voices Children’s choir at the O2 arena, a Christmas carol concert and end of year variety show.
We focus on making music an enjoyable, relevant experience that builds on the children’s interests and experiences. We are committed to providing the children with opportunities to sing, compose, play instruments together and also to excel as an individual.
Impact
The impact of our Music curriculum can be measured and evaluated in a number of ways:
“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” Gerald Ford
Intent
At St Agnes we aim to engage and inspire our children to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.
In Music, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
Our Music curriculum begins in the Early Years where the children’s artistic and cultural awareness is developed to support their imagination and creativity. Within the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning, children are able to sing and perform a range of well-known nursery rhymes and songs.
In Key Stage 1, we aim for our children to:
- Use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes
- Play tuned and untuned instruments musically
- Listen with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music
- Experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music.
In Key Stage 2, we aim for our children to:
- Play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and playing musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression
- Improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music
- Listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory
- Use and understand staff and other musical notations
- Appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians
- Develop an understanding of the history of music.
By the end of their time at St Agnes, we aspire for our children to have:
- A rapidly widening repertoire which they use to create original, imaginative, fluent and distinctive composing and performance work.
- A musical understanding underpinned by high levels of aural perception, internalisation and knowledge of music, including high or rapidly developing levels of technical expertise.
- Very good awareness and appreciation of different musical traditions and genres.
- An excellent understanding of how musical provenance - the historical, social and cultural origins of music - contributes to the diversity of musical styles.
- The ability to give precise written and verbal explanations, using musical terminology effectively, accurately and appropriately.
- A passion for and commitment to a diverse range of musical activities.
Implementation
Our music curriculum ensures that children have weekly music lessons and singing in Collective Worship and performance opportunities.
Music lessons in KS2 are taught once a week by our music lead. These lessons revisit prior learning, both from previous year groups and within the year’s teaching, to ensure that knowledge and skills are learnt cumulatively. We also participate in the annual Young Voices Children’s choir at the O2 arena, a Christmas carol concert and end of year variety show.
We focus on making music an enjoyable, relevant experience that builds on the children’s interests and experiences. We are committed to providing the children with opportunities to sing, compose, play instruments together and also to excel as an individual.
Impact
The impact of our Music curriculum can be measured and evaluated in a number of ways:
- Children’s increased acquisition of musical skills and progress, laid out in the Music National Curriculum and progression of skills document
- Children’s enhanced progress and confidence in singing through collective worships and performances
- Links with the local and wider community are enhanced through musical performances.
- Children listening and responding to a wide range of music, varying in length and complexity and responding in a variety of ways.
- Children highly engaged and motivated in practical music activities, singing, playing instruments and composing.
- Children using specific musical language during the lesson to express and develop their ideas.
- Children working co-cooperatively and collaboratively to create and enjoy a wide range of music experiences including music games, playing in ensembles, composing and singing in parts.
P.E.
Intent
We aim to develop our children’s physical development with diverse, engaging and practical P.E. teaching. Our exciting curriculum focuses on the progression of core skills in a variety of indoor and outdoor P.E. sessions, while introducing our students to a variety of different sports. Our children become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Our PE curriculum also supports our Catholic distinctiveness, embedding values such as kindness and self-control.
In P.E, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
Our Early Years provision lays the foundation for future learning in PE by ensuring that children:
In key stage 1, our PE curriculum ensures that our children:
In key stage 2, our PE curriculum builds on prior learning to ensures that our children:
By the end of their time at St Agnes, our children will be equipped with:
Implementation
At the centre of our curriculum is a focus on the development of core skills that are applicable in a variety of sporting disciplines. This core skill-set allows the students to confidently access the different sports that the school provides in lessons, in clubs and in teams.
We use the Rising Stars Champions scheme to ensure the National Curriculum is covered effectively. This scheme provides comprehensive, skill-based guidance for teachers, while still allowing them the space and scope to utilise their sporting expertise in lessons. This is complemented by outside professionals - SG Sports – who deliver specialised CPD for staff.
In the Early Years, physical development is taught through a discreet PE lesson weekly and through their free-flow play and continuous provision. Assessment of the children’s skills is done throughout the week using pedagogy appropriate to reception child: child-led and adult led activity.
In keys stage 1 and 2, our children receive two lessons of PE a week – one indoor and one outdoor, allowing teachers to meet all aims of the National Curriculum. Furthermore, the curriculum is seasonally organised to reflect the weather and sporting calendar to capitalise on interest in certain sports. Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 receive swimming lessons for a term each year.
Extracurricular clubs and activities are organised throughout the school year to allow our children to employ their skills in discipline specific scenarios and competitively against other schools .
Impact
If you were to walk into a P.E. lesson at St. Agnes, you would see:
Intent
We aim to develop our children’s physical development with diverse, engaging and practical P.E. teaching. Our exciting curriculum focuses on the progression of core skills in a variety of indoor and outdoor P.E. sessions, while introducing our students to a variety of different sports. Our children become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Our PE curriculum also supports our Catholic distinctiveness, embedding values such as kindness and self-control.
In P.E, we are clear that Intent is the knowledge and skills the children acquire in our curriculum, which builds towards clearly defined end points.
Our Early Years provision lays the foundation for future learning in PE by ensuring that children:
- Show an ability to follow instructions involving several actions.
- Are confident to try new activities and show independence, resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge
- Understand why we need rules for some games that we play
- Manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs, including dressing, going to the toilet and understanding the importance of healthy food choices
- Work and play cooperatively and take turns with others
- Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others
- Demonstrate strength, balance and coordination when playing
- Move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing
In key stage 1, our PE curriculum ensures that our children:
- Master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and co-ordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities
- Participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending
- Perform dances using simple movement patterns.
In key stage 2, our PE curriculum builds on prior learning to ensures that our children:
- Use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination
- Play competitive games and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending
- Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance
- Perform dances using a range of movement patterns
- Take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team
- Swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres
- Compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best.
By the end of their time at St Agnes, our children will be equipped with:
- The ability to acquire new knowledge and skills exceptionally well and develop an in-depth understanding of PE.
- The willingness to practise skills in a wide range of different activities and situations, alone, in small groups and in teams and to apply these skills in chosen activities to achieve exceptionally high levels of performance.
- High levels of physical fitness.
- A healthy lifestyle, achieved by eating sensibly, avoiding smoking, drugs and alcohol and exercising regularly.
- The ability to remain physically active for sustained periods of time and an understanding of the importance of this in promoting long-term health and well-being.
- The ability to take the initiative and become excellent young leaders, organising and officiating, and evaluating what needs to be done to improve, and motivating and instilling excellent sporting attitudes in others.
- Exceptional levels of originality, imagination and creativity in their techniques, tactics and choreography, knowledge of how to improve their own and others’ performance and the ability to work independently for extended periods of time without the need of guidance or support.
- A keen interest in PE. A willingness to participate eagerly in every lesson, highly positive attitudes and the ability to make informed choices about engaging fully in extra-curricular sport.
- The ability to swim at least 25 metres before the end of Year 6 and knowledge of how to remain safe in and around water.
Implementation
At the centre of our curriculum is a focus on the development of core skills that are applicable in a variety of sporting disciplines. This core skill-set allows the students to confidently access the different sports that the school provides in lessons, in clubs and in teams.
We use the Rising Stars Champions scheme to ensure the National Curriculum is covered effectively. This scheme provides comprehensive, skill-based guidance for teachers, while still allowing them the space and scope to utilise their sporting expertise in lessons. This is complemented by outside professionals - SG Sports – who deliver specialised CPD for staff.
In the Early Years, physical development is taught through a discreet PE lesson weekly and through their free-flow play and continuous provision. Assessment of the children’s skills is done throughout the week using pedagogy appropriate to reception child: child-led and adult led activity.
In keys stage 1 and 2, our children receive two lessons of PE a week – one indoor and one outdoor, allowing teachers to meet all aims of the National Curriculum. Furthermore, the curriculum is seasonally organised to reflect the weather and sporting calendar to capitalise on interest in certain sports. Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 receive swimming lessons for a term each year.
Extracurricular clubs and activities are organised throughout the school year to allow our children to employ their skills in discipline specific scenarios and competitively against other schools .
Impact
- Pupils will leave St. Agnes with a varied skillset, a confidence in a variety of sports and a body of competitive experiences to take to their next school.
- Pupils will enjoy being physically active and value it contribution to a healthy lifestyle.
If you were to walk into a P.E. lesson at St. Agnes, you would see:
- Cumulative skills progression between and within lessons.
- Each lesson has a skill that is taught and then utilised in different ways.
- Questions are used to assess physical effects of exercise, tactics and for student feedback throughout the lesson.
- Children are given the opportunity to praise and critique there and others performances, abilities and development.
- A variety of resources being used throughout the lesson.
- All children engaged, stretched and enjoying their P.E. lesson.
Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
Intent
A high-quality languages education should foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. At St Agnes Catholic Primary, we are committed to ensuring that teaching enables pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. We recognise that competence in another language enables children to interpret, create and exchange meaning within and across cultures. Our school has a very diverse cohort; we have families from many different countries. These families then speak over 30 different languages at home. We are fortunate enough to have many children who already speak their home language and English, and on some occasions a third language because of time they have spent in another country. A focus on language and communication is evident to all of our children, who see first-hand the importance of being able to communicate in another language in order to learn and engage in our society. We are committed to ensuring our MFL teaching provides the foundation for learning further languages, as well as the means to access international opportunities for study and work later in life. We aim to provide an appropriate balance of spoken and written language that will lay the foundation for further foreign language teaching at KS3.
Implementation
Children are formally introduced to Spanish in KS2. Children are gently introduced to some spoken Spanish vocabulary. Each class has a timetabled weekly Spanish lesson of 30 minutes.
Lessons across the Key Stages support the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing:
• Children are taught to listen attentively to spoken language and respond, joining in with songs, rhymes and games.
• Children develop an appreciation of a variety of stories, songs, poems and rhymes in Spanish that are delivered through the curriculum content, as well as by a native Spanish speaker and within the wider school community.
• Knowledge and skills in Spanish are progressive from one year to the next and are mapped across the school, in line with our scheme of work.
Cross curricular links have been identified and the school’s own context is considered as part of curriculum planning, including, for example, how the grounds of the school and local resources can be used to enhance and enrich Spanish learning.
Impact
Through the high quality first teaching of Modern Foreign Languages taking place we will see the impact of the subject in different ways:
If you were to walk into Spanish lessons at St Agnes, you would see:
Intent
A high-quality languages education should foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. At St Agnes Catholic Primary, we are committed to ensuring that teaching enables pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. We recognise that competence in another language enables children to interpret, create and exchange meaning within and across cultures. Our school has a very diverse cohort; we have families from many different countries. These families then speak over 30 different languages at home. We are fortunate enough to have many children who already speak their home language and English, and on some occasions a third language because of time they have spent in another country. A focus on language and communication is evident to all of our children, who see first-hand the importance of being able to communicate in another language in order to learn and engage in our society. We are committed to ensuring our MFL teaching provides the foundation for learning further languages, as well as the means to access international opportunities for study and work later in life. We aim to provide an appropriate balance of spoken and written language that will lay the foundation for further foreign language teaching at KS3.
Implementation
Children are formally introduced to Spanish in KS2. Children are gently introduced to some spoken Spanish vocabulary. Each class has a timetabled weekly Spanish lesson of 30 minutes.
Lessons across the Key Stages support the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing:
• Children are taught to listen attentively to spoken language and respond, joining in with songs, rhymes and games.
• Children develop an appreciation of a variety of stories, songs, poems and rhymes in Spanish that are delivered through the curriculum content, as well as by a native Spanish speaker and within the wider school community.
• Knowledge and skills in Spanish are progressive from one year to the next and are mapped across the school, in line with our scheme of work.
Cross curricular links have been identified and the school’s own context is considered as part of curriculum planning, including, for example, how the grounds of the school and local resources can be used to enhance and enrich Spanish learning.
Impact
Through the high quality first teaching of Modern Foreign Languages taking place we will see the impact of the subject in different ways:
- Children will be provided with opportunities to communicate with each other in Spanish.
- Children will be given the opportunity to look at other languages – particularly if children are bi-lingual.
- Children will learn how language skills can be applied to a range of languages.
- Children will become aware that language has structure, and that the structure differs from one language to another.
- Children will develop their language through development of the four key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
- Children will enrich their language learning by developing an understanding of the Spanish culture.
If you were to walk into Spanish lessons at St Agnes, you would see:
- The use of key Spanish vocabulary throughout the school and children taking ownership of their learning – teaching staff ensure key vocabulary is displayed throughout their lessons and displays. Word banks are also used so that the children are able to access key vocabulary easily, independently and frequently.