Whole School Curriculum Statement Intent

At Park Schools Federation, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, develop knowledge and skills, and build strong foundations for future learning. We believe children should understand not only what they are learning but also why it matters. Each subject is carefully sequenced so that key concepts and knowledge are revisited regularly, allowing children to embed learning deeply and make meaningful connections. We place equal value on subject content and on wider disciplinary concepts — for example, learning about the Ancient Greeks while also exploring the concept of democracy, or studying rivers while also developing fieldwork skills. Vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited throughout, ensuring children can talk confidently about their learning.

Implementation

• Each unit begins with enquiry-based lesson objectives framed as questions to spark curiosity.
• Teachers use flashback questions at the start of each lesson to revisit and strengthen prior learning.
• Units are fully mapped to the National Curriculum, ensuring full coverage.
• Each unit identifies key concepts and knowledge that are revisited year on year, building progressively.
• A strong focus on key vocabulary enables pupils to use precise subject language.
• Opportunities for creativity, discussion, and practical application are embedded throughout.
• Where meaningful, units link to local history, geography, and culture so that learning is relevant to our children’s lives.

Impact

Our curriculum ensures that pupils:

• Retain and apply knowledge over time.
• Build confidence in using subject-specific vocabulary.
• Develop disciplinary understanding — e.g. thinking like historians, artists, geographers, scientists.
• See connections across subjects and between the past, present, and future.
• Leave our school ready to succeed at secondary school and beyond, with a secure foundation of knowledge, skills, and cultural awareness.

Subject Statements

English

At Park Schools Federation, we place reading and writing at the heart of our curriculum, recognising them as the essential skills that unlock learning across all subjects. Through a consistent approach to phonics, fluency, comprehension and high-quality literature, alongside engaging, purposeful opportunities to write, we ensure every child becomes both a fluent reader and a confident writer. Our curriculum is designed to inspire a love of books, broaden vocabulary, and develop the ability to communicate effectively for a wide range of purposes. Regardless of background or ability, children are supported and challenged to achieve their potential, leaving our school with the literacy skills, confidence and enjoyment that will enable them to succeed in the next stage of education and beyond.

Mathematics

At Park Schools Federation, we intend for all our pupils to develop a love of maths and enjoy the excitement and challenge that mathematics brings. The aim of our primary mathematics curriculum is to deliver an engaging, balanced mathematics curriculum which is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they know more, remember more, and understand more. We intend for our children to become fluent in key mathematical facts and to ensure that they have secure number sense. We want our children to reason and explain mathematically; we aim for these fundamental skills to be embedded to allow our children to be confident when solving problems. We are doing this as we believe that our children should have the strongest possible chance to develop and deepen their mathematical thinking in a way that makes them stand out in their future.

History

Our history curriculum develops chronological understanding and a sense of identity by connecting local, national, and global history. Pupils explore significant individuals, events, and civilisations, while also revisiting big ideas such as democracy, monarchy, and settlement. Every unit is framed by enquiry questions and supported with flashback recall to strengthen memory. Children learn to use evidence, compare time periods, and understand cause and consequence. Local history, such as the history of mining in Shirebrook, provides relevance and context.

Geography

Our geography curriculum helps children understand the world around them — locally, nationally, and globally. Pupils study places, people, and environments, with opportunities for fieldwork in the local area. Units revisit core concepts such as place, space, environment, and sustainability. Lesson objectives are framed as enquiry questions, and flashbacks build retention over time. Vocabulary and map skills are embedded progressively, so that children move from understanding their own locality in KS1 to exploring global issues such as climate change in KS2.

Art

Our art curriculum develops creativity, imagination, and technical skills. Pupils explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media while studying a diverse range of artists from different times, cultures, and backgrounds — including local links. Units are built around enquiry questions and revisiting key concepts such as colour, line, texture, and form. Vocabulary is explicitly taught, and pupils reflect critically on their own and others’ work. By KS2, children apply skills in increasingly ambitious projects, building a portfolio of expressive and informed work.

Design & Technology (D&T)

Our D&T curriculum equips pupils with practical and creative skills to design, make, and evaluate products. Units cover structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems, and cooking and nutrition. Children are encouraged to solve problems, make decisions, and adapt their designs. Flashback questions help them recall prior learning, while key concepts (such as strength, stability, or nutrition) are revisited across the years. Where appropriate, children learn about significant designers and innovators from diverse backgrounds, making links to local industry and history.

PE

Our PE curriculum develops physical literacy, confidence, and teamwork. In KS1, the focus is on fundamental movement skills and enjoyment of activity. In KS2, children build on these foundations with sport-specific skills, gymnastics, dance, athletics, and outdoor games. Each unit revisits key physical concepts such as balance, coordination, agility, and tactical thinking. Flashback questions and progressive skill development ensure children see their improvement over time. We aim for all pupils to leave school with a positive attitude towards physical activity and lifelong health. Music Our music curriculum enables children to perform, compose, listen, and appraise with increasing confidence. Pupils explore different traditions, genres, and historical periods of music, from Tudor madrigals to WWII morale songs, to street-inspired rap and protest music. Key concepts such as rhythm, texture, structure, and notation are revisited year after year. Flashback questions strengthen memory, while vocabulary is carefully built. Links to art and history deepen relevance, and children are encouraged to use music for expression, celebration, and reflection.

Science

Our science curriculum (utilising White Rose Science) builds curiosity about the natural world and develops children’s understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics. Through hands-on enquiry and investigation, pupils learn to ask questions, collect evidence, and explain their findings. Vocabulary and key concepts are revisited throughout, helping children make connections across topics and see how science impacts daily life and the wider world.

Computing

Our computing curriculum (utilising Teach Computing) prepares pupils to be safe, confident, and creative digital learners. From coding to online safety, children develop computational thinking and digital skills that build year on year. By revisiting key concepts and vocabulary, they learn how technology works, how to create digital content, and how to use technology responsibly in a connected world.

Religious Education (RE)

Our RE curriculum (utilising Discovery RE) encourages children to explore and understand a range of religions and worldviews. Through enquiry-based questions, pupils revisit key themes such as belief, worship, community, and values as they progress through school. They learn about similarities and differences between faiths, reflect on how belief shapes lives, and develop respect and tolerance for others. By the end of KS2, pupils can talk confidently about different religions and reflect on their own ideas and identity, preparing them to contribute positively to life in a diverse society.

PSHE & RSE

Our PSHE and RSE curriculum (utilising Jigsaw PSHE) equips children with the knowledge and skills to lead healthy, safe, and happy lives. Through themes such as relationships, health, citizenship, and personal growth, pupils revisit key ideas as they move through school, developing confidence, resilience, and respect for others. Lessons encourage discussion and reflection, helping children to make positive choices, understand diversity, and prepare for the changes and challenges of growing up.

Languages

Our languages curriculum (utilising the Language Angels curriculum) gives pupils the opportunity to learn Spanish from Year 3 onwards. Through songs, games, speaking, listening, reading, and writing, children develop the confidence to communicate in another language. Key vocabulary and grammar are revisited each year, helping pupils build a secure foundation. By exploring Spanish culture alongside the language, pupils develop curiosity, respect, and an international outlook, preparing them to continue language learning in secondary school.