Greenwood Academies Trust Primary Curriculum

Central to the curricula in our academies are the fundamental principles that a curriculum should be:

• of quality
• contextualised to reflect the community of the academy
• developing core transferable knowledge and skills
• securing progress in the core areas of reading, writing and mathematics
• broad and balanced
• meeting the expectations set out in the National Curriculum (2014)
• exciting and engaging

We made the decision as a Trust not to centralise our approach to a curriculum or the schemes of work that are used to deliver that curriculum across our Primary academies.

As we work across a diverse number of regions our academies have the autonomy to craft and shape a curriculum that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum 2014 and the context of the community it serves. We ensure that it is fit for purpose through our quality assurance processes and annual academy performance review.

We encourage our academies, their leaders and teachers to be innovative and forward thinking in their approach to planning a purposeful curriculum. In order to achieve this we expect our academies to continually review the effectiveness of their curriculum.

Sunnyside's Curriculum Intent

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, our curriculum is built on five key pillars:

- Aspiring for Excellence

- Enriching Language and Communication

- Cultivating a Strong Community

- Broadening Horizons.

- Building a Knowledge-Rich Foundation

These pillars shape our educational approach, inspiring pupils to reach their full potential and become confident, capable contributors to society.

Aspiring for Excellence

We foster a culture of ambition and perseverance, encouraging pupils to take pride in their achievements and continuously challenge themselves. Through engaging and rigorous learning experiences, we promote resilience, independence, and a love for learning. By instilling a growth mindset, we empower pupils to set high expectations and strive for their personal best in both academics and personal development.

Enriching Language and Communication

A deep understanding of language is the foundation for learning and self-expression. Our curriculum prioritises the development of vocabulary and communication skills across all subjects, ensuring pupils can articulate ideas clearly, engage critically with texts, and express themselves with confidence. Through explicit teaching, meaningful contexts, and rich language experiences, we equip pupils with the tools they need to understand and navigate the world around them.

Cultivating a Strong Community

We believe that a sense of belonging is fundamental to success. Our curriculum nurtures collaboration, respect, and empathy, strengthening connections between pupils, staff, families, and the wider community. Through teamwork, leadership opportunities, and service learning, pupils develop a sense of responsibility and active citizenship, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society.

Broadening Horizons

We inspire curiosity and global awareness by exposing pupils to diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Through engaging literature, immersive learning, and real-world encounters with different traditions and histories, we encourage pupils to appreciate diversity and develop cultural competence. By broadening their horizons, we prepare them to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.

Building a Knowledge-Rich Foundation

We believe that knowledge is the bedrock of learning. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils develop a deep and connected understanding of key concepts across all subjects. By systematically building on prior knowledge, we enable pupils to retain and apply what they have learned, fostering mastery and confidence. We prioritise subject-specific expertise, critical thinking, and the ability to transfer knowledge to new contexts, equipping pupils with the intellectual tools they need for success.

Implementation

• We follow the EYFS Framework and National Curriculum, ensuring a structured and progressive learning journey.
• Subject progression documents guide our long- and medium-term planning.
• High-quality schemes, such as Primary Knowledge Curriculum and Jigsaw, support specific curriculum areas.
• Adaptations are made to meet the requirements of the Equality Act and SEND regulations, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all pupils.
• Our curriculum is enriched through educational visits and enhanced learning experiences that deepen understanding and engagement.

By embedding these pillars, we create a dynamic learning environment where ambition thrives, curiosity flourishes, and every child can shine.