Curriculum Content and Progression

Curriculum

We have designed our curriculum at Staniland Academy to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 where the curriculum is accessible for those with disabilities or special educational needs as well as meeting all of the national requirements of the Foundation Stage Curriculum and National Curriculum and fundamentally, the needs of our pupils.

From the moment pupils enter into Foundation Stage, we work to support them with the key skills they need in order to succeed following the seven areas of learning and development:

Communication and language
Physical development
Personal, social and emotional development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding of the world
Expressive arts and design

We do this with a focus on quality, first hand experiences and prioritising early reading and oracy.

In Key Stages 1 and 2 we offer a broad, balanced and enriched Curriculum which provides the pupils with the skills to equip them for life, work and social responsibility as future adults.

A thematic approach is used, where links between subject areas are exploited to promote the Curriculum in stimulating and exciting ways. Staff work tirelessly to provide work that is suitably differentiated to meet the needs of each and every child.

Ultimately, our children’s learning experiences extend beyond the school day and extensive enrichment opportunities such as after-school clubs, trips (including a residential trip) and visitors are utilised to foster an overall love of learning.

Here at Staniland Academy, we are privileged to serve a diverse community which celebrates differences. Through our teaching, we aim for all pupils gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of a wide range of cultures and religions.

If you wish to find out more about our curriculum, please contact the school office on 01205 365527 and ask to speak to Helen Boyd.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

English

Phonics and Spelling

The teaching of phonics in EYFS and Key Stage 1 is delivered through strong, high quality discrete daily sessions following the Little Wandle programme with regular keep up sessions 1:1 or in groups. The teaching of phonics is a key strategy that is used to help our children to read, write and spell. This is supplemented by the Curriculum spelling requirements as set out in the English curriculum for each year group. At Key Stage 2, spelling is taught using the English curriculum and Spelling Shed programme. Little Wandle sessions are also taught through intervention sessions.

Reading

At Staniland Academy, we know that reading is a powerful tool for learning. It facilitates independence in the quest for knowledge and allows the reader to share experiences, which would otherwise not be encountered. It is a necessary requirement for communication in society. We recognise the need to raise pupils’ attainment in reading.

The school uses a variety of reading schemes to enhance the teaching of reading:

Collins Big Cat
Oxford Reading Tree
Project X Guided Reading Sets
Range of interesting and stimulating texts
Accelerated Reader
Reading Progression with Reading Dogs
Little Wandle Phonics Overview
Reading Spine
English Policy

Writing

At Staniland Academy, we know that writing is an essential tool for all aspects of life after education. Improving skills in writing helps those to become a better communicator overall as well as reinforcing learnt skills in reading. It facilitates independence in the quest for opportunities to be life-long learners as well as prepare them for their chosen career. We recognise the need to raise pupils’ attainment in writing.

Long Term Plans