Curriculum
At Sandal Magna, our curriculum reflects the diverse community in which we serve. The curriculum provides opportunities for all pupils to learn and to achieve, irrespective of social background, culture, language, race, gender or disabilities. It gives all our pupils a rich understanding of their local area and makes them feel connected to the community they live in. We aim to maximise life choices for every child by implementing an ambitious curriculum which develops confident, articulate and resilient life-long learners. When our children leave the academy, they will be well prepared for their next stage of learning. Our curriculum will introduce them to be best that has been thought and said; and help engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement. We ensure that our children have access to range of knowledge beyond the national curriculum specification and develop pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills as part of the wider curriculum. Spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils is a key part in our curriculum. We strive to foster a sense of community and belonging to our young people as local, national and global citizens. Our Representation Through the Curriculum document helps illustrate how we plan for this across school. We celebrate diversity, ensuring that our children understand similarities as well as our differences and are tolerant of these. This prepares pupils for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life.
For further information about our curriculum, please contact school via email info@sandalmagna.co.uk
Our well-planned and sequenced curriculum is the driving force behind achieving our vision and values for the school. Our Golden Threads in the Curriculum document highlights how well-planned and sequenced the curriculum is.
Accessibility to the Curriculum
The SENCO works alongside class teachers and support staff to oversee SEN provision and monitor the progress of any child requiring additional support. Where appropriate other agencies will be asked to work alongside the school to assess a child and plan for their needs. At all stages parents/carers will be involved in the process.
To ensure all children are able to access the curriculum at an appropriate level and fulfill their potential we take some of the following actions:
- Make adaptations to ensure that all pupils have access to the school curriculum and school activities.
- Support pupils to achieve their full potential despite any difficulty or disability they may have.
- Ensure that staff are aware of pupil’s individual needs and teach in a way that is appropriate for them.
- Provide opportunities for pupils to develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
- Work in partnership with parents/carers, pupils and external agencies to cater for children’s special educational needs and disabilities.
- Make provision for children with SEND to fully develop their abilities, interests and talents.
- Identify special educational needs at the earliest opportunity to ensure early intervention and support.
- Ensure all children with SEND are fully included in all aspects of school life.
- Regularly review policy and practice in order to achieve the best outcomes for all our pupils
More details on how we adapt information, our environment and curriculum can be found in the SEND section of our website.
To support our Mathematics teaching we use White Rose Maths.
In KS1 phonics, the Floppy Phonics Teaching Programme is used to support planning and delivery of synthetic phonics.
In KS2 reading, we use whole class reading and small group reading approches, along with Reading Vipers to support our reading teaching across the key stage.
Early Reading
As a school with such a diverse intake of children, it is vital that our Early Reading offer is of high quailty. It is structured, we thought out and sequenced in a way that allows all children to succeed despite their starting points.
Please read more about Early Reading at Sandal Magna
Please read our Early Reading Plan 2022 - 2023
Curriculum Progression
To view the curriculum progression overview of each subject, please click on the links below:
Curriculum Assessment - Impact Indicators
When assessing foundation curriculum subjects, we use Impact Indicators. These are statements to which pupils attainment can be benchmarked and an assessment made on a termly basis.
Future Careers and Aspirations
Recovery Curriculum - March 2021
After children return to school from the third national lockdown, it is vital that we enable our young people to feel welcome, safe and happy in order to resume with face to face learning. We have careful considered our approach to our recovery curriculum and based it around 3 concepts of Reconnecting, Rebuilding and Reviewing.
Please read our Recovery Curriculum here
Sandal Magna Values
At Sandal Magna we promote the Sandal Magna Values which we want all children to demonstrate while they are in our care. These are:
- Show Respect
- Have Courage
- Have Integrity
- Be Articulate
We celebrate children who show that they not only understand how to be a good person, but can live by these values too.
The Sandal Magna Promise
As part of our cultural capital offer, at Sandal Magna, we promise that every child in our care will have chance to experience 48 different memorable moments. We believe that all children should experience these things during their time at our primary academy. We collect the images and memories in their special book in each classroom.
Despite restrictions during the pandemic, we continue to enrich children's experiences through visitors coming into school and visits off site.
We have a substantial offer of enhancements and experiences to our curriculum offer. Some of the headline trips and experiences are below.
We heavily subsidise trips out and visits into school throughout the year.
British Values / SMSC
Our school curriculum has been created to reflect the promotion of SMSC and British Values through subject areas such as History, PSHE, Literacy and PE, as well as through aspects of SEAL and the ‘Hidden Curriculum’. Our Collective Worship times also reflect the importance of this essential aspect of school life.
According to Ofsted, 'fundamental British Values' are:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.
At Sandal Magna, we believe our key 'British Values' are:
- Respect for the law
- The role of Sovereignty in Britain and patriotism
- Tolerance and equality
- Personal freedom
- Accepting personal and social responsibility
- Freedom of expression/speech
- Our rich history and culture
- Love of sport
- Fair play
- Democracy
English Intent
To be a confident reader and writer is a pivotal skill in life. The foundation of our literacy strategy is phonics, which is taught through Floppy Phonics programme and enables learners to flourish within a culture of continuous improvement. We want all children to be able to read fluently and with good understanding before moving on to the next step of learning. We believe that fluency unlocks a love of reading that is absent when decoding is difficult.
At Sandal Magna, we have diverse school community and many dual-language learners. Oracy and vocabulary are fundamental aspects of our English curriculum as they both feed into developing reading and writing. Our curriculum ensures that pupils have access to texts from the modern era to texts from -our literary heritage so they are able to access a wider range of vocabulary and linguistic conventions modelled by authors. We aim to give children a command of the spoken word and be competent in the art of speaking and listening, making formal presentations and participating debates so they will be articulate, confident and ready to compete in the modern world.
The pursuit of excellence is paramount. In addition to core literacy work with a focus on writing, handwriting and spelling, we encourage high standards of written work across all subject areas, allowing children to develop their talents and thus enabling them to flourish in all areas of life.
Mathematics Intent
We want children at Sandal Magna to be confident, resilient and determined mathematicians who enjoy maths and appreciate its importance as a valuable skill for life. A solid and rigorous approach to arithmetic skills progression ensures our children are well equipped to recall knowledge, tackle year group specific content and to be fluent and confident when reasoning and solving a wider range of mathematical problems. With reasoning skills and vocabulary at the very heart of our Mathematics lessons, we encourage all children to think both independently and in collaboration with others. We celebrate learning from our mistakes and opportunities to unpick, share and prove our Mathematical reasoning in varied contexts. Resilience is fostered and developed, to encourage children to relish every opportunity and rise to the challenges which life offers them.
Science Intent
The National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all children develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. They develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. The children are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, both today and in the future.
We understand that it is essential for scientific vocabulary, knowledge and skills to be acquired through practical, hands on experience in which knowledge is consolidated, applied, tested and built upon. We encourage children to be inquisitive and to ask questions so that they are equipped to enjoy a lifelong interest, appreciation and respect for the world in which they live. Thus, as children grow at Sandal Magna, they gain a deeper understanding of key science concepts and talk about these with increasing scientific vocabulary and confidence in their own subject knowledge.
Computing Intent
With deep cross curricular links, we deliver an exciting and rigorous curriculum that address the challenges and opportunities offered by the technologically rich world in which we live – creating responsible digital citizens who understand how to keep themselves safe online.
Our pupils learn the vocabulary, ideas and principles of computer science that underpin how digital technology works, alongside the practical experience of programming. Preparing children for future study, the workplace and the digital world, our curriculum builds computational thinking by developing real world problem solvers who can confidently use and apply information technology – including through creative and collaborative projects.
Our children are familiar with new technology, and use it across the curriculum to support their learning. Facilities include interactive whiteboards, laptops and iPads.
We equip children with the knowledge and resilience to use digital technologies responsibly and safely in response to current events and changing trends in our children’s online activities, so that our pupils are better prepared for today’s world and the future.
PSHE Intent
At Sandal Magna, we aim to deliver a curriculum which is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they know more, remember more and understand more. As a result of this they will become healthy, independent and responsible members of a society who understand how they are developing personally and socially, and give them confidence to tackle many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. We provide our children with opportunities for them to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. Our children are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community.
History Intent
Our young historians are curious about the past. They develop a coherent knowledge and understanding of the history of our local area, Britain and the wider world - gaining a mature and informed historical perspective. With a strong focus on key vocabulary, pupils develop valuable and life-long skills as they learn how to ask questions and interpret the past. They are equipped with the ability to research, consider evidence and argue a point of view. As they progress through school, pupils develop a secure understanding of chronology, the causes of historical events and the impact that these have had. Highlighting the significance of history, pupils are immersed in the fascinating changes that have taken place in past societies and how their beliefs, cultures and actions have influenced our lives today.
Geography Intent
Through a broad and balanced curriculum that is proudly promoted throughout school, our children have opportunities to study, investigate and explore a variety of geography topics across KS1 and KS2 as well through ‘Understanding of the World’ in EYFS. Creative opportunities for cross-curricular activities encourage our children to be immersed in geography topics, inspiring them to ask big questions about the world around them. In order to answer these questions, they will be able to articulate themselves clearly using subject specific vocabulary, confidently. As pupils progress through school, their growing knowledge about the world will help them deepen their understanding of the importance of both physical and human geography. With a strong focus on our local area, our children are encouraged to understand their community and the changes it has been through. Geography in our school encourages our children to investigate other cultures across the world and compare them to our own. Our geography curriculum will inspire pupil’s curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Art Intent
Art is valued as an important part of our broad and balanced curriculum. Our topics throughout KS1 and KS2 will cover local and global artists, who are both male and female, giving the children a rich and diverse view of art. EYFS will cover Expressive Arts and Design throughout all areas helping to develop imagination, creativity and the ability to use media and materials. Practical lessons will be accessible to all therefore helping to develop engaged, resilient and unique individuals. As our children progress through school, they will learn transferable skills to use in their other subject areas. Our children will learn how to express their feelings and improve their overall well-being focusing on their Personal, Social and Emotional development. Looking at different cultures and places helps to create links closely with other subjects such as Geography and History. By experiencing different skills and vocabulary used by artists, our children will learn about, line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape and 3D form. Lessons will inspire our learners to work collaboratively, be critical thinkers and understand that everyone can be artistic; therefore helping our children to progress into confident and competent learners for the future.
Design Technology Intent
Design and Technology prepares children to deal with tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. It can be found in many of the objects children use each day and is a part of our children’s immediate experiences. At Sandal Magna, we encourage our children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. The subject encourages children to become autonomous and creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. Our Design and Technology curriculum combines vocabulary, skills, knowledge, and concepts to enable children to tackle real problems. As pupils progress through school they are encouraged to reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and its impacts. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing and art, to ensure children experience a broad and balanced curriculum. Our cross-curricular links enable unique talents to be embraced whilst promoting diversity and equality.
Modern Foreign Languages Intent
At Sandal Magna, we celebrate languages and recognise how talented many of our pupils are in this particular area of the curriculum. As dual-language learners, we are lucky that the children get to experience an extensive range of languages throughout school and this makes it such a diverse and special place to be. Through learning a common language, children of all different backgrounds and cultures are brought together to practice the fundamental elements of language learning in a safe and secure environment. Children are able to develop their confidence and oracy skills as well as gaining a deeper understanding into a different culture and the traditions that sit alongside the language. Having the opportunity and the discipline to learn a new language encourages perseverance and determination and greatly improves interactions and social skills. We aim for all of our pupils to leave us with these qualities along with a curiosity, enthusiasm and a love of languages.
Music Intent
At Sandal Magna, we believe that music plays an important part in developing the whole child. Engaging in music helps to increase cognitive function and promotes positive social and emotional wellbeing through allowing the children to express themselves. Throughout our music curriculum, children will have the opportunities to explore the main strands of music making; listening and appraising, composing and performing through a broad range of styles and genres. We aim for children to develop a love of music and for them to believe in their own capabilities and creativity, whilst learning to be critical about their own ideas, those of their peers and also of music written by well-known composers and artists. Music plays a vital role in the wider curriculum also, and is often used as a teaching tool to help children remember important facts in a fun and creative way. As a school, we recognise the value of children having access to high quality musical performances from visiting professional musicians in order for them to be inspired and to show them how music can be enjoyed and experienced by all.
Physical Education Intent
At Sandal Magna, we believe that physical education should develop the mind, body and spirit of each child. PE at our school should promote the emotional well-being of children and allow children to develop positive attitudes towards physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The school will create a supportive environment within PE through a rich, broad, deep and exciting curriculum. Children will be taught and encouraged to use knowledge of technical and tactical skills to make decisions within game scenarios, routines in dance and gymnastics and during swimming lessons. Children will be provided with opportunities to become physically confident, in ways which support their health and fitness and promotes an understanding in children of their bodies in action. We will provide children with opportunities to push their physical limits and compete against their peers physically both within and out of school. From Early Years to Year 6 children should learn about how physical activity and healthy eating can positively impact their life.
Religious Education Intent
Our R.E curriculum works with Understanding Christianity resource and with some units linked to the Wakefield agreed syllabus. It aims to challenge children to learn about a range of religions and non-religious world views whilst considering the big questions of life. At our school, we want to ensure that our children go out into the world with the knowledge and skills to understand the beliefs of others and live in today’s diverse and ever changing world. Our curriculum plans aim to give the children opportunities to learn about religion through art, drama and music as well as through discussion and more formal writing opportunities. We want children at Sandal Magna to feel confident about their own thoughts and ideas whilst remaining respectful of others opinions or religions.
