Maths
Vision
At Liden Academy we ensure that all children see themselves as mathematicians and are be able to confidently communicate their knowledge of mathematical concepts across a range of problems and scenarios. We follow the White Rose Small Steps approach from Reception through to Year 6.
Intent
At Liden Academy it is essential that we teach all children how to use different mathematical concepts effectively to prepare them for life. We want pupils to acquire a wide mathematical vocabulary, a solid understanding of arithmetic and be able to solve new problems by effectively applying known patterns and rules they learn throughout their time in primary school.
We want them to work clearly, accurately and fluently with a range of different arithmetic skills. We believe that all good mathematicians refine and edit their skills over time, so we want children to develop independence when applying their knowledge to different scenarios and problem variations. Overall, we want our children to enjoy mathematics in a range of contexts and be able to work with care and pride when faced with different skills and concepts.
Implementation
The White Rose Small Steps break down each key skill into easy-to-follow programs that build on each other sequentially.
The range of concrete, pictorial and abstract examples that we use help children to solidify their understanding of a mathematical concept—ensuring that they are able to adapt their use of skills when presented with varying challenges.
Our lessons follow a pattern of ‘Cold, ‘Freezing’ and ‘Blizzard’ which provides a consistent whole school approach to mathematics. Cold tasks target basic arithmetic fluency, Freezing move into variation whilst Blizzard are about reasoning or problem solving.
High expectations are coupled with careful monitoring and scaffolding, so that children are ready to solve problems independently, using the wide range of mathematics skills they have learned.
Impact
- Pupils will enjoy mathematics across a range of disciplines and feel pride in their work.
- All pupils will have success in their Maths lessons through appropriate scaffold or challenge.
- Pupils will be able to communicate their thoughts accurately.
- Pupils will have a good knowledge of how to adapt their knowledge based on the problem and the context.
- Pupils will leave primary school being able to effectively apply mathematical rules and patterns they have been taught.
- The % of pupils working at ARE within each year group will be at least in line with national averages.
- There will be no significant gaps in the progress of different groups of pupils.
English
At Liden Academy we recognise the central importance of English as a subject in its own right and as one of the most cohesive areas of learning. Gaining and using skills in language not only affects the child’s progress in school, but also has a profound influence upon the course of his or her whole life. We aim to develop pupils’ abilities within an integrated programme of Speaking & Listening, Reading & Writing. Pupils will be given opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of spoken and written English within a broad and balanced curriculum, with opportunities to consolidate and reinforce taught literacy skills.
IMPACT
- To promote a positive attitude to reading, writing, speaking and listening;
- To give children the skills to read easily, fluently and with good understanding;
- To develop children’s ability to become confident users of language, both orally and written;
- To develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information;
- To help children acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language;
- To appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage;
- To ensure children have access to a broad, balanced and creative literacy curriculum;
- To write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences;
- To use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.
Children at Liden Academy will leave Year 6:-
- Reading and writing with confidence, fluency and understanding, using a range of independent strategies to take responsibility for their own learning including self-monitoring and correcting their own errors;
- With a love of reading and a desire to read for enjoyment;
- With an interest in words and their meanings; developing a growing vocabulary in relation to grammatical terminology;
- Understanding a range of text types, media types and genres;
- Able to write in a variety of styles and forms appropriate to the situation;
- Using their developing creativity, imagination, inventiveness and critical awareness;
- Having a suitable technical vocabulary to respectfully articulate their responses in any discussion.
Composition – EYFS to Y6 Progression
Grammar and Punctuation – EYFS to Y6 Progression
Science
Vision
At Liden Academy we recognise that, in an increasingly scientific and technological age, our children need to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes to better prepare them for modern life.
Intent
At Liden Academy our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instil a passion for learning about the world around them.
Our aims are to provide stimulating and challenging experiences to help children secure and extend their scientific knowledge and vocabulary, and for children to be able to make cross-curricular links and to see Science in the real world.
Implementation
We will deliver the Science curriculum primarily through a hands-on, enquiry-based lessons with links through the curriculum and to the real world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences.
We will develop children’s questioning skills and celebrate their natural curiosity. We will teach scientific knowledge hand-in-hand with the skills required to work scientifically.
Impact
A successful approach will lead to a fun, engaging and high-quality science education.
All children can talk about what they have been learning and have progressively built up scientific enquiry skills as well as learning about life processes and living things; materials and their properties and physical processes.
Children will be confident in practicing safe Science by demonstrating a willingness to modify ideas and take risks. They seek to collaborate and work co-operatively with their peers.
Geography
Vision
At Liden Academy we understand how it has never been more important for children to have a comprehensive global understanding of our world and the peoples and cultures that inhabit it. Through this understanding, children will develop respect for the physical world and the vast scope of cultures that make up our diverse planet.
Intent
At Liden Academy our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instil a passion for learning about the world around them and how they can contribute to building a better world.
Our aim is for pupils to study the world as our home, from local to the whole planet, and people’s lives, activities and events across it.
Examine what happens in the natural, physical environment, in human society and the interactions between the two. Know about places, what they are, where they are, what happens, how they change and what the effects are.
Implementation
This will be achieved through the use of a variety of resources. Stimulating regular thematic based activities will provide a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum across the key stages.Varied, engaging activities will ignite a fascination and foster passion for the world, be purposeful, topical and involve geographical enquiry.Experience of subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and the use of geographical skills, including first-hand observation, will enhance their awareness and knowledge and skills
Impact
Children will be inspired to continue to be curious, fascinated and respectful of the world and its people. They will be able to talk and explain features of world, both physical and human and how we have an impact upon it. They will be able to use the skills and knowledge taught and discovered, within their everyday lives, for example having a knowledge of their locality how to navigate their way around it and understand what the wider, global world is like.
History
Vision
At Liden Academy, we recognise that a high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world, and that it will inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past.
Intent
At Liden Academy our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instil a passion for learning about the world around them.
Our aim is that teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.
Implementation
By utilising various resources, children will take part in regular history lessons, taught as a block, that cover the range of objectives across KS1 and KS2 which covers a broad curriculum.
Through the use of a range of resources and the progression of skills, children will build upon prior learning, develop skills and deepen their knowledge across the different aspects of History. Key vocabulary and significant dates should be referred to regularly to develop children’s knowledge and understanding. Each classroom displays a timeline to support the understanding of different time periods studied across the school.
Impact
Children will be able to discuss areas of history in depth such as a significant figure that they have been learning about and link prior knowledge. When in KS2 children will be able to recall and refer to learning that has been built upon across the years. The children will also have knowledge of local history that relates to their topics and develop an understanding of chronology through the identification of key dates and time periods.
Modern Foreign Languages
Vision
At Liden Academy we believe that learning another language is full of rich opportunities to learn about other cultures, places and the world as a whole. Through the use of a relevant, broad, vibrant and ambitious foreign languages curriculum we aim to inspire and excite our pupils to have a genuine interest and positive curiosity towards foreign languages.
Intent
At Liden Academy our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instil a passion for learning about the world and different cultures around them and become lifelong language learners. All pupils will develop a genuine interest and positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them enjoyable and stimulating. Learning a second language will also offer pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity and so forming a better awareness of self and others.
Implementation
Our French curriculum is designed to progressively develop children’s skills in language through regularly taught lessons and high quality teaching using the Language Angels scheme. Children will progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary, language skills and grammatical knowledge organised around age-appropriate topics and themes. These themes form the building blocks of language through which more complex, fluent and authentic language is developed. Children will participate in a range of activities including written, spoken, reading and listening activities.
Impact
In each year group children will experience a growing vocabulary of both nouns and sentence phrases which they are able to speak, understand, write and use in other contexts. This knowledge will enable them to communicate in another language in both written and verbal form. Learning will be progressive and build upon the previous unit and year group skills and knowledge. There will be regular opportunities for children to be challenged through differentiated work. Assessment will take place at the end of each unit and involve the assessment of reading, writing, listening and spoken French
Religious Education
Vision
At Liden Academy we recognise that Religious Education, because of the diversity of our community, has never been as important as it is today. Children should be encouraged to reflect on their own developing beliefs and values and to be respectful of the beliefs and values of others through understanding their traditions and practices.
Intent
At Liden Academy our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instil a passion for learning about the world around them.
It is our aim that all children; know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, can express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews and can gain and use the skills needed to engage with religions and worldviews.
Implementation
Liden Academy is part of the Excalibur Academies Trust. We deliver RE in line with the Locally Agreed Syllabus set by Swindon Borough Council. We use the Discovery RE programme as our scheme of work.
We will deliver RE through lively, active lessons where we employ a variety of teaching methods including art, ICT, music, discussion, the development of thinking skills, drama, and the use of artefacts, pictures and stories.
Where possible we organise opportunities to encounter local faith communities through visits to local places of worship or visits from members of local faith communities.
Impact
Children will be able to describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals.
They will be able to articulate clearly and coherently their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the rights of others to differ.
Collective Worship
As a school in Britain, we are required by law to have a daily act of worship/thought for the day. We have a collective worship policy which parents can read if they want to find out more
Assemblies are planned over the course of each term and will follow broad themes such as ‘People who help us’, ‘British Values’, Inventors, International Festivals and Celebrations. Over the course of the week our assemblies will include:
Singing Practice
The whole school sings/learns a song together!
Celebration Assembly
Our celebration assembly for the whole school take place on Friday. House Points are added up and the Team of the Week is identified. Children who have been spotted as showing their gems will get a certificate in assembly.
Art & Design
Vision
At Liden Academy we recognise that 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.
Intent
At Liden Academy our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instil a passion for learning about the world around them. Our aim is to inspire our children to push their own boundaries of creativity and develop their own ideas and designs so they can use their imagination and creativity to produce work they are proud of.
Implementation
As a school and in accordance with the National Curriculum’s expectations, and achieved through the use of three yearly projects per year group, and whole school craft days. Stimulating activities will provide a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum across the key stages.
We aim to ensure that all pupils:
· Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
· Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
· Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
· Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and
cultural development of their art forms.
Class teachers are responsible for teaching art and design, although there will be times when professional artists/helpers will be involved in the teaching of the topic.
Impact
Our children will enjoy the self-expression that they experience in both Art and Design.
They will show a keen, eager attitude to learn new skills and work hard to perfect those shown to them.
Through a cross-curricular approach, children will express feelings and emotions in art, as well as show their knowledge and understanding in other subjects.
Children will be able to develop ideas from looking at the work of others and famous pieces of artwork giving opinions. They will develop the key skills of commenting, adapting, exploring, collecting and responding.
Art & Design EYFS to Y6 – Curriculum Map
Printing EYFS to Y6 – Progression
Drawing EYFS to Y6 – Progression
Design & Technology
Vision
At Liden Academy, we want to build awareness of the impact Design and Technology has on our real lives and encourage children to become resourceful, enterprising members of our community who will learn the skills required to contribute to future design advancements.
Intent
At Liden Academy we aim to inspire pupils to be innovative and creative thinkers who appreciate the design cycle through ideation, creation and evaluation. Children will take risks through the design process, progressing to become reflective learners who evaluate their work.
Implementation
Through Kapow’s Design and Technology, pupils will respond to design briefs that require the consideration of others’ needs. Each of the 3 projects taught over the course of the year follow the design process which is design, make and evaluate and is underpinned by a specific technical skill which include structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems, digital world and cooking and nutrition.
Impact
After implementing the Design and Technology programme, we expect children will be equipped with a range of skills to enable them to succeed in their secondary education and be ready to be resourceful members of society.
The expected impact will be that children will:
• Understand the functional and aesthetic properties of a range of materials and resources.
• Understand how to use and combine tools to carry out different processes for shaping, decorating, and manufacturing products.
• Build and apply a repertoire of skills, knowledge and understanding to produce high quality, innovative outcomes, including models, prototypes, CAD, and products to fulfil the needs of users, clients, and scenarios.
• Understand and apply the principles of healthy eating, diets, and recipes, including key processes, food groups and cooking equipment.
• Have an appreciation for key individuals, inventions, and events in history and of today that impact our world. Recognise where our decisions can impact the wider world in terms of community, social and environmental issues.
• Self-evaluate and reflect on learning at different stages and identify areas to improve
PE & Sport
Vision
Our vision is for all children at Liden Academy to experience excellent physical education, school sport and physical activity that will lead to life-long participation.
Intent
Our PE curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils develop the fundamental skills and competence to excel in a wide range of physical activities by providing a broad and balanced curriculum with opportunities for all to be enjoyed.
A high quality PE curriculum will develop physical literacy and will allow pupils to learn about themselves, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, self-expression and concepts such fair play and respect. It also contributes to the development of a range of important cognitive skills such as decision-making and analysis, and social skills such as teamwork and communication.
Implementation
Our PE curriculum will be inclusive and ensure that pupils of all abilities access the range of activities we offer and that they are physically active for sustained periods of time in order to encourage them to lead healthy, active lives. There will also be opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles in which they can build character and embed values such as fairness and respect.
A high quality physical education curriculum can inspire all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. Each class will be supported by sessions run by an expert PE coach, in order to develop teachers and children to be successful learners.
We have a dynamic programme of intra and inter school competitions, which will provide opportunities for pupils to participate in competitive sports and activities both in and beyond the curriculum.
Impact
Developing pupil’s skills through PE will allow them to develop and demonstrate the following personal qualities:
• A strong desire to learn and make progress;
• · High levels of dedication, attendance and involvement in PE and school sport;
• · High levels of commitment to PE and school sport;
• Good levels of positive behaviour such as politeness, fair play and helpfulness.
Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE)
Vision
At Liden Academy, we believe that children are all individuals and therefore, we aim to encourage mutual respect, responsibility and foster self-esteem in a happy and caring atmosphere.
Intent
At Liden Academy, our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instil a passion for learning about the world around them.
It is our aim that all children will be ‘lifelong learners’ with the confidence and ability to develop their skills and understanding when having new experiences, meeting new challenges and finding themselves in unfamiliar situations. We offer a nurturing learning environment in which each child is encouraged to develop to their full potential and where their achievements and successes are celebrated and rewarded.
Implementation
By implementing the ‘Jigsaw’ scheme, children take part in weekly whole class lessons focusing on a different theme each term. We embed this through all lessons and across the school. The children are encouraged to use the skills they have learnt in Jigsaw lessons, in and around the school. We link the learning from these lessons to other lessons within the curriculum.
Impact
Children will be able to discuss the Jigsaw piece they are currently looking at and what it involves. They will be able to communicate their feelings and have an understanding of the world they live in. The children will experience the British Values so that they feel like an informed British citizen. Through our Jigsaw programme, we believe we help children become respectful and caring individuals.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)
Vision
At Liden Academy, we acknowledge that every child is entitled to receive RSHE regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, culture, disability, sexuality, language, special needs, disadvantaged and looked after children, as per the DFE guidance.
Intent
At Liden Academy, it is our intention that all children have the opportunity to develop skills in order to empower them to make positive decisions about their mental health.
Implementation
RSHE (Relationship, Sex and Health Education) is taught using the Jigsaw scheme of learning where our children acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they require to prepare them for life. The children’s social, physical and emotional maturity is considered and therefore content will be age appropriate.
Jigsaw is split into six puzzle pieces and the RSHE content is delivered though the ‘Relationships’ and ‘Changing Me’ puzzle pieces, which are covered in the summer term.
Parents will be consulted regarding the content and delivery of our RSHE curriculum. For more information regarding RSHE at Liden Academy, please see our RSE policy.
Impact
Through age appropriate lessons:
The children will have help and support developing positive and healthy relationships;
They will understand and respect their bodies, and be able to cope with the changes that puberty brings, without fear or confusion;
We will support the children to ensure positive self-esteem and body image whilst also understanding the influences and pressures around them ensuring they are safe and safeguarded.
Computing
Vision
At Liden Academy we recognise that computing is now an integral part of our everyday lives. A high quality computing curriculum will engage, support and challenge pupils so that they are well equipped and prepared for modern life.
Intent
At Liden Academy our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instil a passion for learning about the world around them. Computing is an ever growing, integral part of life for us all and will play an ever growing part in our children’s futures. We will provide our children with the skills, creativity, enthusiasm and the understanding of safety to live and thrive in a world increasingly dependent on computing.
Implementation
We will deliver the computing curriculum through a mixture of practical work on the computers and computer theory.
Computing is taught through the Purple Mash scheme of work. The scheme of work supports us in delivering fun and engaging lessons, which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential using the 2Simple Computing software.
Impact
All children can talk about what they have been learning and have progressively built up computing skills and can create programs. They will be digitally literate and will be able to express themselves through information and communication technology, which can be transferred between different subjects.
Children are confident with accessing technology and reporting concerns after online safety has been taught.
Music
Vision
At Liden Academy we recognise that, music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. Our high-quality music education will engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.
Intent
At Liden Academy our intention is to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and instill a passion for learning about the world around them. Music is a powerful language and as such is used as a form of communication across the globe, in a vast expanse of cultures – it evokes emotion, creates memories and ignites passion. Our intent is that children appreciate the language of music by learning about and appraising a variety of pieces of culturally diverse music from great composers which include festive pieces with words that inspire, communicate and educate.
Implementation
To provide a classroom-based, participatory and inclusive approach to music learning through the Charanga scheme of learning. This will be achieved through a range of whole class, group and individual activities, where children have opportunities to explore sounds, listen actively, compose and perform. In lessons children learn to dissect music and understand how it is made, played, appreciated and analysed.
Impact
The engaging and practical nature of the curriculum will promote a love of music, singing and performing.
Children are actively involved in using and developing their singing voices, using body percussion and whole body actions, and learning to handle and play classroom instruments effectively to create and express their own and others’ music.
Children will know the musical notations and vocabulary, how it is applied, and be able to analyse and appreciate music.