Westwoodside Church of England Academy Curriculum
Curriculum Intent
Rooted in our Christian vision to “Be the light for other people. Live so they will see the good things that you do,” our curriculum places every pupil at the centre of our caring, sharing, achieving school. Positive relationships, grounded in our values of friendship, perseverance, hope, thankfulness, love, compassion and respect, are at the heart of everything we do.
Our ambitious curriculum meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and the Primary National Curriculum, but it also reaches far beyond them. It offers enriching experiences, immerses pupils in progressive knowledge and skills, and equips them with the personal qualities to flourish both now and in the future. At Westwoodside, we see reading as the foundation of all learning; it is a priority so that pupils not only master curriculum content but also experience the wellbeing that comes from a genuine love of books. We want our pupils to articulate their ideas clearly, to listen attentively, and to engage with others respectfully and with confidence.
Through our curriculum, pupils grow into resilient, independent learners, inspired by curiosity and driven by perseverance. They are encouraged to live out our Christian values by showing kindness, compassion and respect, while learning to celebrate diversity within their community and beyond. We want them to be culturally knowledgeable, to understand their local and global world, and to develop high aspirations for the future, recognising that success is achieved through hard work, determination and hope. Ultimately, our ambition is for the pupils of Westwoodside Church of England Academy to be successful and responsible citizens who shine their light in their communities and make a positive difference in the world.
Curriculum Implementation
At Westwoodside, our carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum is designed with the needs and context of our pupils at its heart. We believe that primary school provides the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, so our curriculum is crafted to be meaningful, enjoyable and interconnected. It enables pupils to grow academically, spiritually, socially, physically and emotionally, giving them a strong start in life.
Our curriculum is built on firm foundations of progression and revisiting. Lessons are designed to connect with prior learning, link across subjects, and place knowledge within the wider context of time, place and people. Key concepts are introduced at the right time and revisited in increasing depth so that knowledge secures itself in pupils’ long-term memory. Lessons begin with a ‘flashback’ to check and strengthen prior learning, while explicit teaching of vocabulary ensures pupils become word-rich and able to communicate with confidence.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), including Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), is an essential part of our curriculum. Shaped through consultation with the whole school community, it equips pupils to make wise choices, show compassion, and face challenges with resilience and hope. Taught through the strands of Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me, it underpins the development of our pupils as rounded individuals who understand themselves and their role in society.
We hold high expectations of attendance, achievement and behaviour, and we actively encourage pupils to take responsibility for their learning. Our house teams system and ‘Shining Light awards’ reward positive attitudes, perseverance and kindness, helping pupils to see that their actions and efforts shape their future.
Experiential learning enriches the curriculum further: educational visits, residentials, visiting speakers and use of the outdoor environment bring learning alive and raise aspirations, helping pupils to see themselves as capable of great things. Extra-curricular opportunities in sport, music and the arts provide breadth and balance, ensuring that every pupil can find and develop their strengths.
Staff expertise is key to successful delivery, and professional development is a priority. Subject leaders provide clear direction for their areas, ensuring progression and consistency, while specialists in music, art and sport work alongside class teachers to broaden and deepen provision.
Assessment is woven into everyday practice, with teachers providing timely, subject-specific feedback that moves learning forward. Pupils are taught to take ownership of their progress, developing perseverance and resilience as they strive for excellence.
Curriculum Impact
The impact of our curriculum is seen in our pupils. By the time they leave Westwoodside, our pupils are fluent readers who read for both pleasure and purpose, understanding the importance of reading for their learning and their wellbeing. They can express themselves clearly and respectfully, listening as well as speaking with confidence. They demonstrate independence, resilience and perseverance, showing a curiosity for learning that drives them to know, remember and do more.
Our pupils live out the school’s Christian values. They show kindness, compassion and respect in their relationships, and they embrace difference, celebrating diversity both within our school and in the wider world. They achieve well across a broad and balanced curriculum, meeting or exceeding national expectations by the end of Key Stage Two and discovering talents and interests they can carry forward into secondary school and beyond.
Above all, they leave Westwoodside with high aspirations for the future, inspired by hope and fuelled by determination and thankfulness. They are well-prepared academically, socially and emotionally for the challenges ahead. They understand that their lives have purpose, that their contributions matter, and that by living out our vision they can be a light to others and make a positive difference in the world.
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WWS Full Subject LTP CycleAandB | [pdf 244KB] |
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2025-2026 Currriculum Maps
At Westwoodside, our curriculum is carefully designed so that every pupil can learn, flourish, and shine their light brighter and further each day. The curriculum maps for below for Cycle A (2025–2026) outline the exciting learning journeys planned for each class, showing the knowledge, skills and experiences pupils will build on and deepen as they move through school. Rooted in our Christian vision to “Be the light for other people. Live so they will see the good things that you do” (Matthew 5:16), the maps set out the opportunities pupils will encounter across the year, providing clarity and purpose for their learning. We also hope these maps will give parents and carers a clear window into the learning ahead, helping you to share in the excitement of new topics and support your child’s progress at home. Together, we can nurture creativity, curiosity and a love of learning, enabling every pupil to shine their light brightly for others.
In Oak Class (Year 5/6), pupils will be challenged to think deeply, ask big questions, and take increasing ownership of their learning. Their curriculum has been designed to inspire ambition, broaden horizons, and prepare them for the transition to secondary school. Through rich topics in history, geography, science, and the arts, alongside high-quality reading and writing opportunities, pupils will be encouraged to develop resilience, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility. Our hope is that every Oak pupil leaves Westwoodside ready to shine their light brightly in the next stage of their journey.
In Elm Class (Year 3/4), pupils build on the strong foundations of Key Stage 1 and begin to connect ideas more widely across the curriculum. They will explore fascinating themes in history, geography, art, and science, developing confidence in expressing themselves and working collaboratively with others. With a growing focus on problem-solving and creative thinking, Elm pupils are encouraged to nurture their curiosity and take pride in the progress they make each day. Through these experiences, they continue to learn, flourish, and shine their light more brightly.
In Beech Class (Year 1/2), pupils continue their learning journey with growing confidence as they move into Key Stage 1. They will enjoy a wide range of inspiring learning experiences designed to spark imagination and develop key skills in reading, writing, maths, and beyond. Practical learning, storytelling, and hands-on exploration remain central, ensuring that every pupil feels confident and motivated to try new things. In Pine, we celebrate the joy of discovery and encourage pupils to let their light shine through their growing independence and confidence.
In Pine Class (EYFS), our youngest pupils begin their school journey in a nurturing, stimulating environment where play and exploration are at the heart of learning. Through carefully planned experiences, children develop the prime areas of learning—communication, language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional growth—alongside early literacy and numeracy skills. Every part of the curriculum is designed to build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning from the very start. In Beech, we help each pupil to take their first steps in shining their light.
2025-2026 Currriculum Maps
The National Curriculum, which is our statutory requirement underpins our curriculum design.
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| The National Curriculum |