The Vision behind the Core Knowledge Curriculum

Our Topic Curriculum was first implemented in 2021 and encompasses the following subjects; Geography, History, Design Technology and Art and Design. Topics chosen cover the NC POS. There is a layered coverage model so that some parts are ‘in-depth studies’ and some which are ‘lighter touch focuses’ It is a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum which aims to inspire pupils, promote excellent outcomes for all and overcome inequality of opportunity.

This curriculum has been produced by a curriculum team consisting of members of the school teaching team and an external specialist advisor. This is a curriculum produced by teachers for teachers. 

What is the Intent of our Topic Curriculum?

The knowledge content has been carefully chosen for local relevance and sequenced in a coherent way, ensuring it builds from year to year. In this way, the knowledge in the curriculum is cumulative, constructing firm foundations from which pupils can build conceptual understanding and skills over time. We have been careful to weave in elements that ensure pupils are inspired, inquisitive and that this curriculum promotes independence.

The ultimate intent is that due to the progressive nature of our topic curriculum is that pupils retain high quality knowledge in their long-term memory, knowledge that can be applied across the curriculum and free the working memory to deepen their critical thinking skills year after year.

How is the Topic Curriculum implemented?

Our Topic Curriculum is an enquiry-based model, with enquiry questions scaffolding a sequence of children’s learning through a topic. Progression of skills documents in all four subject areas provide guidance for teaching and ensure the skills taught are progressive and there are age-related expectations for each year group.

Art and Design 

The Art and Design Curriculum Overview provides children with a breadth of inspiring projects that will show children a wide range of art in practice and children will get the opportunity to study a variety of Artists. The different artists chosen are a mixture of genders, ethnicity and race to allow children to identify with a range of inspiring people. The spiral curriculum design allows for progression in core Art and Design skills across the school. 

The National Curriculum programme of study for Art and Design are covered throughout KS1 and KS2. To ensure a broad curriculum provision, core aspects of Art are covered in the Art curriculum at St Oswald’s:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Sculpture/3D Art
• Printing
• Collage

The progression of skills documents in Art and Design provide guidance for teaching and ensure the skills taught are progressive and there are age-related expectations for each year group.

Termly Art projects are taught and appropriately positioned within the topic learning journey. The projects will include an annual painting focus, plus two other projects each year.

Every Year group has a session planner for each project to ensure clear topic links and balanced spiral coverage of Art aspects.