Subject Information
Please click on a subject title below to find out how each subject is taught in each year group.
Curriculum Topic Maps - Spring 2024
Curriculum Topic Mats Autumn 2 - 2023
Art
Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.
Computing
Computing and I.C.T. in education improves engagement and knowledge retention. When ICT is integrated into lessons, students become more engaged in their work. This is because technology provides different opportunities to make it more fun and enjoyable in terms of teaching the same things in different ways.
I.C.T. skills are important for life, as the skills children leave school with, may lead to a career that, as yet, does not exist.
Children need to know how to stay safe online as technologies develop. They learn that their digital footprint is free to view for the rest of their lives and so are taught to.
At St Columb Major Academy, we recognise that skills and learning gained through the teaching of Computing could assist them in everyday life and inspire children to think about their future.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Design Technology
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. 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. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
At St Columb Major Academy, we recognise that skills and learning gained through the teaching of design and technology could assist them in everyday life and inspire children to think about their future.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Geography
'The study of geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exist across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.'
Barack Obama
At St Columb Major Academy, we aim to develop pupils’ curiosity and wonder about the world around them by planning and facilitating a broad and ambitious cyclical curriculum that provides opportunities for all pupils to be immersed in their surroundings.
Pupils will begin their geography learning journey by exploring their immediate surroundings (school) then at a local level (St Columb Major and nearby places) before deepening their understanding of place and location by learning about a range of places; nationally and globally, to help develop and strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the Earth’s physical and human processes.
We aim to give our learners strong geographical knowledge, good enquiry skills, the ability to use a range of maps, the skills to collect and analyse data and the ability to communicate information in a variety of ways. A whole school specific area of focus is to develop and improve fieldwork skills, knowledge of the world and their place within it.
We want our pupils to have respect and interest in their world and subsequent geography learning, which is purposeful, progressive, and engaging. Our pupils will gain knowledge and skills through high-quality teaching, both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers will assess pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills by assessing starting points and measuring progress, against specific curriculum components.
We deliver an inclusive curriculum which accommodates and supports the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL). Teachers and support staff plan for and adapt pedagogy to the needs of our pupils to further support their understanding and attainment in Geography.
History
At St. Columb Major, we approach History with curiosity and questioning minds, giving pupils the opportunity to explore their responses to a range of historical knowledge and understanding. Pupils consider the attitudes of people and how these have changed over time and develop skills of reasoning and enquiry to identify how historians know what to believe.
Pupils will have opportunities to explore significant people, visit relevant places and talk to experts so that they can further their experiences. Pupils are encouraged to challenge their view of themselves, their community, and the wider world, offering a critical view to explore if what history tells us is true.
We endeavour to provide exciting and challenging influences that bring history alive and make links that consolidate and further their understanding throughout the journey through the past. With every passing year here at St. Columb Major, we want children to be inspired, enriched and in awe of all there is to find out about what came before and how that impacts on us today.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special
Maths
Our intent is:
• For all pupils to have a positive attitude towards the subject.
• For all pupils to make links between the mathematics they learn at school and real-life applications.
• For all pupils to have an understanding of the interrelatedness of the subject and make links between all areas of the subject, thereby developing coherent mathematical thinking.
• For all pupils to have the knowledge, reasoning and problem-solving skills necessary to achieve age-related expectations. • For all pupils to make at least expected progress.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Modern Foreign Languages
At St Columb Major, our Modern Foreign languages curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ curiosity and fascination with languages that will remain with them throughout their lives.
We aim for our learners to be able to listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding .
To explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words.
To be able to engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others. To be able to speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures.
To begin to develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases.
To feel confident enough to present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences.
To be able to read carefully and show an understanding of words, phrases and simple writing.
To be able to describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Music
Music provides the rhythm to life and, therefore, we aim:
• To develop the exposure and awareness of music, and an understanding of different genres.
• To develop an exciting musical culture within the school.
• Through progressive and effective planning, children start using informal and formal recording / notation.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Personal, Social, Health & Economic
Our curriculum begins with our children’s first-hand experiences building on each child’s starting points and develops, year-on-year, building from the school community to the wider world and beyond.
This is planned through a creative and thematic approach to learning, where topics are designed to complement and build on one another, with clear progression in skills and knowledge and links, so that in subsequent year groups, they will be able to explore concepts deeper, applying their knowledge in different contexts.
Children leave our school as well-rounded citizens ready for the wider world with a knowledge of healthy relationships, lifestyles, money and aspirations for their future.
We want our children to be happy, to know how to look after their own well-being, to encourage positive mental health.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Outdoor Learning
At St Columb Major Academy, we have decided to weave outdoor learning and forest school into the children's curriculum because we know that children learn more, remember more and engage with learning when they are in the outdoors. Learning outside creates an active, fun and challenging learning experience that ultimately helps learning to make sense and supports children's engagement. Being outdoors is also beneficial to children's mental well-being and physical health as they are learning in an active and sensory way in a natural and calm environment with ample space around them. Children work collaboratively and problem solve together to achieve challenges. This also supports children's language development as they discuss and negotiate ideas and thinking with a range of sensory stimuli to support vocabulary. All subjects can be taught outdoors and the ever-changing environment provides natural resources to support children's learning experiences. Children learn survival skills such as den building, fire lighting, cooking and using tools alongside respecting and utilising nature.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this. The multi-sensory outdoor environment supports the needs of all our pupils.
Reading
At St Columb Major Academy, we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion. One of our priorities is helping children read and develop their all-important comprehension skills. We recognise the importance of nurturing a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts. We want to inspire children to be confident in the art of speaking and listening and who can use discussion to communicate and further their learning.
We believe that children need to develop a secure knowledge-base in English which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum. We believe that a secure basis in literacy skills is crucial to a high-quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of society.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
At St Columb Major Academy, we use the ‘Read Write Inc’ phonics programme designed by Ruth Miskin to teach early reading. The structured programme helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. At the core of the programme is the lively and vigorous teaching of synthetic phonics. Children learn the 44 common sounds in the English language and how to sound-blend words for reading (decoding) at the same time as developing handwriting skills and spelling (encoding).
We have found that by using the Read Write Inc. programme, children experience success from the very beginning of their reading journey. Lively phonic books are then closely matched to their increasing knowledge of phonics and as children re-read stories their fluency increases. The stories include prompts to support thinking out loud and discussions, helping children develop the skills they need to be successful storytellers.
Read Write Inc. lessons are fun and engaging and all staff who deliver the reading sessions are fully trained. The lessons are taught daily and pupils are regularly assessed and grouped to enable appropriate challenge and pace throughout the programme.
The systematic teaching of phonics has a very high priority throughout the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and beyond. At St Columb Major, we value reading as a key life skill, and are dedicated to enabling our pupils to become lifelong readers. We acknowledge that children need to be taught the key skills in segmenting and blending to be equipped with the knowledge to be able to complete the phonics check at the end of year 1. We also value and encourage the pupils to read for enjoyment and recognise that this starts with the foundations of acquiring letter sounds, segmenting, and blending skills.
It is important that children are motivated to read at home regularly; when their reading opportunities increase, so does their fluency and stamina, which in turn increases their enjoyment of reading. Therefore, the link between children’s motivation to read and reading for pleasure is reciprocal. Furthermore, we know that reading pleasure is beneficial not only for not only reading outcomes, but for wider learning enjoyment and mental well-being. Thus, we work hard to foster a love of independent reading and build communities of engaged readers. We understand the significance of parents and carers in supporting their children to develop both word reading and comprehension skills, so we endeavour to build a home-school partnership which enables parents and carers to have the confidence to support their children with reading at home.
Reading is at the very heart of our curriculum. We are committed to promoting a love for reading and not only giving children opportunities to read in English lessons, but in the wider curriculum too.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Religious Education
The intent of our Religious Education curriculum is to help pupils to engage confidently, constructively and reflectively with beliefs, values and lifestyles in a religiously diverse world, and to ensure that pupils acquire a specific understanding and knowledge of religions in Cornwall in the present day, and how religious traditions have shaped the identity of Cornwall.
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Science
Our vision for science here at St Columb Major Academy is to develop children’s natural curiosity and inquisitiveness in the world around them.
We want children to approach the world around them scientifically: asking questions, thinking like scientists, and learning about the world around them.
Our goal is to inspire our children through an engaging and purposeful curriculum, fostering a life-long love of science and valuing its purpose in both the world around them and their future.
We aim to achieve this through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum that the children will follow across their time at our school. By developing pupils’ knowledge, working scientifically skills, enquiry skills, vocabulary and cultural capital, we aim to help pupils succeed as they progress through education and later in life.
We are passionate in our belief that science is a subject for each and every pupil, regardless of their background. They can achieve the key knowledge, skills and inspiring learning experiences that will equip them to be life-long, excited scientists.
This underpins our values as a school, where everyone can achieve their aspirations in an inclusive, diverse and aspirational environment.
At St Columb Major Academy, we implement the national curriculum for science to ensure that all pupils:
• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• develop an understanding of the nature, processes, and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future (National Curriculum 2014).
We will strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talent, and those learning English as an additional language (EAL), and we will take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
Writing