Our curriculum has been carefully shaped to support children in exploring concepts and issues, preparing them for the future.
There is an increasingly globalised and interconnected world and because of this content and connections are made.
Our connected curriculum ensures our children develop as global citizens confident in skills for their social and cultural capital. It is designed to help children make connections with:
- Each other
- The world
- Local and global communities
- The past
- The future
Children immerse in learning with subject matter that is meaningful and to maximise learning. They are taught within a progression model so that coverage and concepts are taught well in readiness for the next phase in education. The key subjects within a unit of study are:
- Science
- Humanities
- Global Dimension – Climate Change
Each unit of study has clearly defined subject matter.
Plans and provision ensure that threshold concepts are covered and aligned to attainment statements to meet age related expectations. These are known as ‘Milestones’. Children work within their Milestone – age related expectations at key stage one, lower key stage two and upper key stage two.
Lessons are mapped sequentially with links to past learning with I can statements shared with children.
Knowledge organisers are used to support learning and memory recall of key facts and vocabulary.
Each unit of learning has a start and end point that is shared with the children so that they know what they are learning and why.
At the end of each unit review lessons are carried out or assessment tasks.
Children receive a breadth of study and leave Darlinghurst with the knowledge, skills and characteristics to continuing their studies – equipped for learning and life. Connections are made through Outdoor learning, Arts and Designs adding depth to their curriculum.
Our curriculum makes a difference and supports our children within our interconnected world. It creates meaningful connections between subjects:
• Enquiry-based learning that develops scientific thinking
• Local and global perspectives in geography and history
• Cross-curricular links that deepen understanding
• Real-world applications that make learning relevant
• Outdoor learning opportunities that bring subjects to life
The connected curriculum The teaching of subjects is through a progression model. Lessons build on prior learning.
- At the start of each unit children show what they know and remember.
- At the end of the unit children show what they have learned.
- Knowledge organisers are a useful tool to support children in referencing key facts and vocabulary.
- Opportunities to ‘show what they know and can do’ are built into the layered lesson approach.
- We recognise the importance of enquiry and oracy in lessons. Vocabulary and definitions are taught.
- Children engage in scientific and historical/geographical enquiry.
We also know that in the real-world subject matter is not often used in isolation but is connected. This is why we make connections to other subjects to allow children to apply and transfer skills. Connections to outdoor learning, art and design provides practical routes for advancement. It also provides further depth of learning through looking at subject matter through a different context. Within a unit there are ‘I can statement that are used in lessons and assessment so that children acquire the knowledge and skills at each stage. They are taken from attainment targets for each phase – these are known as Milestones. Children work within a Milestone for two years.
Each Milestone includes attainment targets.
- Milestone 1 – by the end of year 2
- Milestone 2 – by the end of year 4
- Milestone 3 by the end of year 6
Attainment is tracked against milestones showing children working at:
- Working within (towards)
- Age related expectation
- Demonstrating greater depth
Science and Humanities
Our curriculum creates meaningful connections between subjects:
• Enquiry-based learning that develops scientific thinking
• Local and global perspectives in geography and history
• Cross-curricular links that deepen understanding
• Real-world applications that make learning relevant
• Outdoor learning opportunities that bring subjects to life
An Eco-School (Green Flag with Distinction)
Our commitment to environmental education includes:
• Environmental science taught throughout the curriculum
• Progressive climate change education for every child
• Sustainable practices embedded in school operations
• Eco-committee led by pupils
• Local environmental projects and partnerships
• Global citizenship perspectives on environmental issues
Click here to find out about how we teach eco-schools…
Art
Our art curriculum:
• Develops creativity and self-expression
• Teaches techniques from diverse artistic traditions
• Provides opportunities to work with visiting artists
• Celebrates children’s artistic achievements
• Connects to other curriculum areas
Outdoor Learning (Gold Award)
We are committed to outdoor learning that:
• Connects children with nature
• Develops environmental awareness
• Builds resilience and problem-solving skills
• Provides hands-on, experiential learning
• Supports our Eco-School commitment