Curriculum

Intent

At Vittoria Primary School, our curriculum is designed to provide every child with the core and subject-specific knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive academically and socially.  Rooted in the science of learning, our curriculum ensures sequential, cumulative learning that enables pupils to know and remember more.  We prioritise the explicit teaching and secure acquisition of foundational knowledge, particularly in the Early Years and Key Stage 1, recognising that gaps at this stage can widen over time.  Through a 'keep up, not catch up' approach, we identify and secure prerequisite knowledge swiftly so that all pupils can fully access the curriculum.  We are committed to inclusivity; tailoring learning through wave 1, 2 and 3 support for SEND children.  Our intent is to balance the development of key skills with core knowledge, preparing our pupils for the next stage of their education and equipping them with the tools to become critical thinkers, life-long learners and engaged citizens.

Implementation

Our curriculum is implemented through carefully structured, evidence-based teaching strategies.  Lessons incorporate regular opportunities for repetition, rehearsal, and retrieval practice, including flashbacks and reviews at the start or end of lessons.  Formative assessments, such as process and hinge questions, alongside summative assessments like end-of-unit evaluations, ensure teaching is adaptive and data-informed.  This approach allows us to identify gaps and adapt planning to meet the needs of all learners.  Teaching is deliberately structured to secure automaticity in foundational skills (e.g. reading, writing and number) so that pupils' working memory is not overloaded and they can focus on deeper learning.  Where gaps are identified, immediate, targeted support is provided to enable pupils to keep pace with their peers.

To enrich learning and increase children's Cultural Capital, we make cross-curricular links and contextualise knowledge to enable pupils to relate their learning to their own lives.  Our curriculum provides a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, ensuring a broad and balanced education.  Teachers actively tailor lessons to the National Curriculum while fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels supported and challenged.

To develop pupis' communication skills, we use the Voice 21 scheme to foster oracy, encouraging pupils to express themselves confidently, articulate their ideas and engage in meaningful dialogue.  Additionally, we support EAL and SEND learners through the use of visuals, technology and strategies such as Cloze Procedures.  This is integral to our universal wave 1 offer, ensuring all pupils can access and engage with the curriculum effectively.

Impact

The impact of our curriculum is seen in the progress, confidence and curiosity of our pupils.  Pupils develop secure, automatic foundational knowledge that enables them to access increasingly complex content with confidence.  Through repeated practice and well-structured assessments, children develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, allowing them to retain and apply what they have learned.  Our approach fosters critical thinking, creativity and a global perspective, ensuring pupils leave Vittoria Primary School as well-rounded individuals, prepared for future success. By cultivating curiosity and a love of learning, we aim to empower pupils to navigate the world with confidence and resilience.