Overview

What is a curriculum? The curriculum is a framework for setting out the aims of a programme of education, including the knowledge and skills pupils will gain at each stage (Intent); for translating that framework over time into a structure and narrative, within an institutional context (Implementation) and for evaluating what knowledge and understanding pupils have gained against expectations (Impact) Ofsted 2018

At Hardwicke, we follow the National Curriculum which sets out the subjects and standards for Primary and Secondary schools. The National Curriculum provides pupils with an introduction to the essential knowledge that they need to be educated citizens. It introduces them to ‘the best that has been thought and said;’ and helps engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement. In Reception we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (statutory framework) underpinned by Development Matters (2021).

The Curriculum at Hardwicke is carefully planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills are built upon what has been taught before, with clear end points identified. The curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious for ALL of our pupils. At the very heart of the curriculum design is reading. Reading is at the centre and front of the curriculum. ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ Dr Seuss

The curriculum is currently taught through a themed approach to learning which is being reviewed to ensure that the key components are clearly identified, so that the most useful content is taught. The curriculum will ensure that pupils transfer key knowledge to long term memory and that learning builds upon knowledge and skills. Teachers will use assessment effectively to ensure that it informs what to teach next so that learning ‘sticks’ and pupils develop understanding that connects new knowledge with what they already know. Fluency in mathematics, reading and writing are built into the curriculum with regular opportunities to revisit learning which will ensure that children’s working memory is not overloaded and knowledge is deepened as a result.

Regular and rigorous reviews by school leaders will evaluate what has been learned and retained in the long term memory by the pupils at Hardwicke. We are ambitious for ALL pupils, including SEND and disadvantaged, so that all learning builds towards an endpoint and our pupils are ready for the next stage in their education.
Please click on the National Curriculum links below for further information on the EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Curriculum