Intent – Greenwood Academies Trust

GAT 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 Primary Curriculum Intent

Curriculum Intent

At Sunnyside Primary Academy we believe in ‘Excellence in Everyone’

We Aspire, We Endeavour, We Achieve

Our curriculum is driven by four key pillars: striving for excellence, developing vocabulary, building community, and expanding cultural experiences. These pillars serve as the foundation for our educational approach, empowering individuals to reach their highest potential and become successful contributors to society.

Striving for Excellence:

Our curriculum is designed to inspire pupils to strive for excellence in all aspects of their academic and personal development. We provide challenging and engaging learning experiences that encourage pupils to set high expectations for themselves, take ownership of their learning, and continuously pursue growth. By fostering a growth mindset, we equip pupils with the skills and attitudes needed to overcome challenges, persevere, and achieve their goals.

Developing Vocabulary:

We recognise the fundamental role that vocabulary plays in communication, comprehension, and critical thinking. Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on developing pupils' vocabulary across all subjects and disciplines. Through explicit instruction, meaningful context, and rich language experiences, we enable pupils to expand their word knowledge, enhance their ability to express ideas articulately, and deepen their understanding of complex concepts.

Building Community:

 We believe that a supportive and inclusive community is essential for fostering excellence in education. Our curriculum actively promotes the development of positive relationships, collaboration, and empathy among pupils, educators, families, and the wider community. We provide opportunities for pupils to engage in service learning, teamwork, and leadership experiences that cultivate a sense of belonging, respect, and social responsibility. By building a strong community, we create an environment that nurtures personal growth, well-being, and academic achievement.

Expanding Cultural Experiences:

Our curriculum recognises the importance of global awareness and cultural competence in today's interconnected world. We strive to broaden pupils' horizons by providing diverse and inclusive learning experiences that celebrate different cultures, traditions, perspectives, and histories. Through immersive experiences, multicultural literature, and engaging enrichment activities, we foster pupils' curiosity, empathy, and understanding of the world, preparing them to be responsible global citizens.

Through these curriculum pillars, we aim to inspire pupils to embrace ambition, endeavor, and achievement. Our dedicated educators, in collaboration with parents and the wider community, work together to create a dynamic and enriching learning environment that nurtures individual strengths, fosters a love for learning, and empowers every pupil to excel.

Together, we create an educational journey that prepares pupils to navigate the complexities of the world and make a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others.

 

Implementation

1. We plan using the EYFS Framework and the National Curriculum.
2. Our long and medium term planning is supported by subject progression documents.
3. We use schemes to support some aspects of our curriculum, for example Kapow Primary for PSHE and Music.

Our curriculum is enriched with a number of educational visits and enhanced experiences.

Please see our Class Pages section for more information. 

Our curriculum is mapped over a two-year period.  For 2023- 2024 we are in Cycle A
Curriculum Long Term Plans: