Science
Intent
The study of science ignites children’s excitement and curiosity about the world around them. As such, May Park Primary School aims to provide a high-quality science education that develops children’s knowledge and understanding of our world, through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
At May Park Primary we create learners who work scientifically and are curious, they ask and answer questions. Pupils at May Park Primary participate in practical experiments, are engaged and scientifically explore the world around them. Pupil’s benefit from hands on activities, well-resourced and planned lessons with clear lesson outcomes.
Our curriculum develops links between the subject of science and the real world, supporting cross-curricular learning. Pupils at May Park develop a use of scientific vocabulary and are able to recall relevant scientific information. Our pupils develop their scientific skills such as prediction, questioning, testing and checking results. They are curious learners, who are keen to explore the world around them.
It is through science enquiries, our pupils develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science and work scientifically to answer questions about the world around them.
The science curriculum at May Park equips children with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications for science, today and for the future.
When studying Science May Park pupils:
- Celebrate achievement through making good progress in scientific understanding.
- Develop a respect for science as a study of the world around us.
- Explore equality, cultural awareness and diversity within science
- Show curiosity, by formulating and asking questions about the world around us.
- Are creative in their approach to demonstrating their scientific knowledge and understanding.
- Show resilience, by embracing challenge when mistakes are made.
Implementation
Working scientifically is embedded progressively across the science curriculum, with biology, chemistry and physics content applied by focusing on key features of scientific enquiry. Pupils learn to use a variety of approaches and work scientifically to answer relevant scientific questions, seek answers to these questions, collect, analyse and present data.
Scientific enquiries include:
- Observing over time
- Pattern seeking
- Identifying, classifying and grouping
- Comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations)
- Researching using secondary sources.
We implement our science curriculum through the Plymouth Science Scheme. The curriculum is made up of 6-week units. The scheme of work includes:
- Pre learning, from previous year groups and lessons.
- Cross curricular links across modules
- Detailed lesson plans with knowledge, working scientifically and scientific enquiry objectives.
- Embedded working scientifically assessment.
- Hands on learning in each lesson with easy to follow slides.
- Metacognative approaches which include mini quizzes, recapping, revisiting knowledge.
- Knowledge quizzes at the end of each unit.
- Full resources included with differentiation in working scientifically skills.
Impact
- Children become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions and find things out for themselves.
- Children are enthusiastic, resilient and motivated scientific learners
- Children retain knowledge that gives them the foundations for understanding the world.
- Children have a richer vocabulary which will enable to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
- Children have an awareness of the full range of scientific careers and pathways available to them and will be keen to pursue STEM subjects at secondary school and beyond.
Geography
Vision
At May Park Primary we aim for children to understand that learning about the world and the people and cultures that inhabit it has never been more important, our geography curriculum reflects the diversity of our school. Children develop a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes, and the impact we have on the environment. As children progress, their growing knowledge about the world helps to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Our geography curriculum is enhanced by trips and visitors, as these bring the curriculum alive to our children and create lifelong memorable experiences. 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 May Park Primary 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 May Park Primary, 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 May Park Primary 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.
Using 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.
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.
Computing
Vision
At May Park Primary we recognise that computing is now an integral part of our everyday lives. We believe that every child should feel included and encouraged when engaging in computing education. We aim to provide a high-quality computing curriculum that will engage, support and challenge pupils so that they are well equipped and prepared for modern life.
Intent
At May Park Primary our intention is to provide a high-quality computing education that equips pupils to use computational thinking to understand and change the world. Children are taught the principles of computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. We aim for children to build on this knowledge and understanding so that they are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems, and a range of content. We hope to enable children to become digitally literate so they can actively participate in a digital world, so they can think, work, and speak like a computer scientist.
Implementation
Our computing curriculum is taught through the Nation Centre of Computing Education framework (Teach Computing). This provides structured lessons with assessments at each key stage. It is built around an innovative progression framework where computing content has been organised into interconnected networks. The units for key stages 1 and 2 are based on a spiral curriculum, this allows themes to be revisited and prior knowledge to be consolidated and built upon. The framework supports us in delivering fun and engaging lessons, which help to raise standards and allow all pupils to achieve to their full potential.
The Teach Computing curriculum is structured into units for each year group, and each unit is broken down into lessons. Units can generally be taught in any order, with the exception of programming, where concepts and skills rely on prior knowledge and experiences. Lessons must be taught in numerical order
Impact
Our Computing curriculum measures to what extent pupils:
- can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology
RE
Vision
May Park Primary has a rich and diverse community and children are proud of their heritages. At May Park Primary, Religious Education is essential in enabling children to reflect on their own beliefs and values and to be respectful of the beliefs and values of others through understanding their traditions and practices. We provide them with the tools to enable them to have respectful discussions about the different major world religions, making links between these religions and challenging stereotypes.
Intent
At May Park we intend 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
May Park Primary deliver RE through the Locally Agreed Syllabus and scheme of work set by South Gloucestershire Council. Enquiries are taught through three strands, Believing, Expressing, and Living. Each new unit in R.E is launched with a question and each lesson will give the children new knowledge and skills to allow them to offer an informed opinion on the question in the final lesson at the end of the topic. Knowledge will be built upon as each topic progresses and as topics are covered throughout the curriculum. Lessons are delivered 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. The impact of our RE curriculum will be measured through observations during lessons, pupil books and exit quizzes.
Latin
Vision
At May Park as part of our KS2 curriculum we have chosen to teach Latin. We believe that Latin provides many additional rich language opportunities for a community that already speaks many languages. Latin compliments the teaching of grammar as it supports children to develop and deepen their knowledge of spelling and vocabulary through learning Latin roots of English words. Moreover, the study of Roman and Greek civilisations allows an insight into significant cultures that have formed the basis of modern Western culture. Learning Latin provides a strong foundation to language learning in KS3 and beyond and empowers the learning of languages such as Spanish and French.
Intent
At May Park Primary we aim for all children to continue to develop interest and a positive curiosity about foreign languages, finding them both enjoyable and stimulating. Learning a second language, and in many cases a third language, also offers children the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity and so forming a better awareness of self and others.
Implementation
From Year 3 to Year 6, we deliver the aims of the National Curriculum through a Latin programme (Maximum Classics). Children receive weekly Latin lessons, that includes both language learning and classics, allowing them to make substantial progress in the language. Lessons provide opportunity for pupils to practice and develop, in a balanced approach, their spoken and written language. Children understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings, orally and in writing.
Our KS2 pupils take part in a weekly Latin lesson following the ‘Maximum Classics’ scheme of work. Through these lessons, our pupils:
- write Latin words, phrases and sentences to communicate meaning
- develop an appreciation of the Latin language and culture
- develop an understanding of etymology and the relevance of this and the words we use in modern English
- increase their knowledge and understanding of English grammar and spelling
Latin lessons are divided into two distinct sessions. The first being language instruction; repetition of previous learning, deliberate practise and an introduction to new learning. The second session is based on a cultural element usually consisting of fact learning and an experience such as cooking a Roman menu or designing and making Roman mosaics.
Impact
Children at May Park will become confident speakers of Latin. Their language learning will be enriched by developing an understanding of the Latin roots of words. They will be aware that language has structure and that the structure of languages can vary. They will transfer their knowledge of language successfully to KS3 and beyond.
Art & Design
Vision
Art is a highly valued subject, art lessons are designed to challenge, enthuse and inspire children, whilst deepening their learning in cross-curricular studies. We encourage children to develop their own unique styles by making individual art while learning about world artists.
Intent
At May Park our Art and DT curriculum intends to inspire creativity, self-expression and encourages our children on their creative journey. We intend to nurture the natural curiosity of young children and inspire them to learn about the world they live in. We aim to foster a life-long love of Art and DT by opening a world of diverse artists, architects, designers, and artistic experiences, a world where they can develop their own ideas and designs, using their creativity to develop their own artistic process and produce pieces they are proud of.
Implementation
We implement our art and design curriculum through Kapow. This is designed with four strands that run throughout:
- Making skills
- Formal elements (line, shape, tone, texture, pattern, colour)
- Knowledge of artists
- Evaluating
These strands are revisited within every unit with increasing complexity in a spiral curriculum model to allow pupils to revise and build upon their previous learning. The curriculum develops childrens’ knowledge and understanding of key artists and art movements through ‘Every picture tells a story’ Units and direct links to artists. Our art and design curriculum is timetabled in blocks at the end of a term to allow pupils to build on the skills and knowledge they are developing.
Impact
The curriculum is designed so that children are involved in evaluation, dialogue, and decision making about the quality of their outcomes and the improvements they need to make. This enables children to talk confidently about their own learning journey and how they can improve.
The scheme includes formative and summative assessment opportunities with a unit quiz and knowledge catcher that is used at the end of a unit.
The expected impact of our curriculum is that children will:
- 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.
Children’s learning journeys are recorded in sketch books that move with them as they progress through school.
PE and Sport
Vision
At May Park Primary we aim for children to desire an active lifestyle through the enjoyment of sport. Our PE curriculum inspires activity, resilience, and a determination to learn new skills. We have exceptional facilities for children to develop their PE skills and enhance their prior learning. We hope that children discover an ever-increasing range of sports, begin to love a sport or sports of their choice and build an intrinsic wish to have a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Intent
At May Park Primary we intend for our PE curriculum to provide opportunities for children to develop teamwork and leadership skills. Our curriculum is inclusive and supports all children in developing confidence in physical activity to support their health and fitness. We intend for our children to develop their understanding of the way in which they can use their body, equipment, and apparatus safely, imaginatively, and effectively. Our PE curriculum makes links with Science and PSHE to help children understand the importance of physical activity, having good nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle and how these can impact positively on emotional wellbeing.
Implementation
Our PE curriculum follows a scheme of work from Get Set 4 PE, which is closely aligned to the National Curriculum. This scheme supports a clear and sequenced progression of skills and knowledge, both within each year group and from one year to the next. Children take part in twice weekly PE lessons in a wide range of sporting activities.
Swimming lessons are also provided for KS2 by qualified swimming teachers to support children in being able to competently, confidently and proficiently swim a distance of at least 25 metres. After school sports clubs are also offered to pupils to enhance the sports provision on offer and provide children with an opportunity to further develop their skills. At lunchtimes, KS2 children also can participate in physical activity.
Impact
Pupils will:
- Enjoy their learning in PE and have high expectations of themselves in order to achieve their best.
- Learn and develop new skills and work hard to master those shown to them.
- Develop an understanding of a range of sports and fitness activities
- Learn the importance of taking care of their physical and mental health.
- Learn how to show good sportsmanship and encourage others to do well.
- Learn how to work collaboratively and individually.
- Use a range of PE vocabulary correctly.
- Develop their competences in using a wide range of sports equipment.
- Take responsibility for their own health and fitness.
- Learn to reflect on their progress towards mastering key skills in PE.
- Be provided with the opportunity to take part in after school sports clubs.
PHSE & RSE
Vision
At May Park Primary, 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 May Park Primary 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. PSHE is at the core of all we do and enables our children to become independent, confident, healthy and responsible members of society, as well as developing the ‘whole child’ intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually.
Implementation
We have adopted the Jigsaw scheme of work which aims to develop the ‘whole child’ through a spiral curriculum. We implement the Jigsaw approach from Nursery to Year Six. PSHE is taught through Jigsaw’s six half termly units with each year group studying the same unit at the same time to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in:
- Being Me in My World
- Celebrating Difference
- Dreams and Goals
- Healthy Me
- Relationships
- Changing Me (including sex education)
Learning in each topic then takes place during weekly whole class Jigsaw lessons which explore the different themes. Our PSHE delivery ensures the children explore the diverse beliefs, values and attitudes that individuals and societies hold. It helps pupils to develop themselves, their understanding of the world, and their ability to communicate their feelings.
A key part of our curriculum is Relationships and Sex Education and our delivery of RSE enables our children to learn how to be safe, and empowers them to have healthy fulfilling relationships, both now and in their future lives.
Through our whole-school approach to PSHE, it is our belief that excellence in these areas will lead to high aspirations across the curriculum and beyond in later life. We aspire for the children to view themselves as life long learners who can always aim for the stars.
Impact
By the time children leave us they will:
- Demonstrate kindness and respect towards themselves and others.
- Have the courage and ability to try new things, challenge themselves and persevere.
- Take responsibility for their actions.
- Have a good understanding of how to stay safe, healthy and how to develop positive relationships now and in the future.
- Understand the emotional and physical aspects involved in RSE at an age-appropriate level.
- Be able to understand and manage their emotions.
- Be able to look after their mental health and well-being.
- Have an appreciation of what it means to be a positive member of a diverse, multicultural society.
- Demonstrate and apply the British Values of Democracy, Tolerance, Mutual respect, Rule of law and Liberty.
- Be able to approach a range of real-life situations and apply their skills and attributes to help navigate themselves through modern life.
- Be inspired to reach for the stars
Music
Vision
At May Park Primary we believe that it is important for all our children, from Early Years to Year 6 to have the opportunity to play, sing and perform in a variety of contexts. It is our vision that in music we provide children with as many opportunities to progress and excel within their creativity. We want pupils to enjoy and look forward to their music lessons. Our inspiring bespoke music curriculum encourages pupils to believe in themselves and their musical ability whilst developing their self-confidence. We aim to provide a range of opportunities for all children be able to play at least two instruments during their time at May Park.
Intent
The National Curriculum for music aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Perform, listen to, review and evaluate music
- Be taught to sing, create and compose music
- Understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated.
At May Park we intend for children to gain a firm understanding of what music is through listening, singing, playing, evaluating, analysing, and composing across a wide variety of historical periods, styles, traditions, and musical genres. We aim for children to appreciate the language of music by learning about and appraising a variety of pieces of culturally diverse music from great composers from across the world and through the ages. Children will develop their understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music through listening, singing, playing, and composing. The May Park Music curriculum aims to support children to seek opportunities to progress with music beyond the classroom – by providing them with the skills, confidence, knowledge, and resilience to do so.
“Music is the cornerstone of the broad and balanced education that every child should receive. It touches hearts and minds, it celebrates and challenges, and it connects us and moves us.” (The Power of Music to Change Lives: A National Plan for Music Education. 2022)
Implementation
There is a bespoke curriculum designed with a clear progression of skills for singing, listening, composing, and performing. Each year group is provided with detailed lesson overviews for each week in each unit and children attend a weekly music lesson. This lesson encompasses listening, composing, and performing opportunities. Listening opportunities either focus on the genre, the era or exemplifies the skill being taught. Embedded within every lesson are the opportunities for children to demonstrate their skills of composition and performance. From year 2 to year 6 all children are taught to play the ukulele for a term and from year 1 to year 6 all children are taught to play the recorder for a term. Children also use and play the glockenspiels throughout their musical teaching, along with other untuned percussion.
When studying Music, May Park pupils:
- Celebrate the achievement of musicians throughout history and from across the world as well as becoming a musician themselves
- Learn to show respect for other musical cultures and periods of music, and how to respect other musicians and performers.
- Explore equality in music across the world.
- Show curiosity about the how music has changed over time how to create/use different sounds for varying purposes.
- Be creative in composing and improvising new music.
- Show resilience in developing new skills as a musician.
Impact
Children have access to a securely planned music curriculum, which allows children to discover their own areas of strength, as well as areas they might like to improve upon. It enables children to learn from a rich musical palette and be able to build on musical skills year on year. It builds fundamental musical abilities such as: achievement, self-confidence, interaction with and awareness of others, and self-reflection. Recall of prior learning takes place sequentially and next step quizzing supports sticky learning in all aspects of the musical curriculum.
Children enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose- either as listener, creator or performer. They can dissect music and comprehend its parts. They can sing and feel a pulse. They understand how to further develop skills less known to them, should they ever develop an interest in their lives. End of term year group sings and concerts including the annual summer extravaganza, ensure that children are confident performers. They showcase the impact of the school’s high-quality music provision.