Like all state-funded primary schools our curriculum is under pinned by the national curriculum and government expectation.
We work towards meeting or exceeding national standards wherever possible.
The compulsory subjects under the National Curriculum are:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- History
- Geography
- Design & Technology
- Art & Design
- Music
- Physical Education (PE)
- Religious Education (RE – although parents have the right to withdraw children from all or part of this aspect of the curriculum)
Our curriculum isn’t just about reading, writing and maths. Where possible we aim to deliver our curriculum with links to other areas and the wider curriculum. Cross curricular in our way.
– it includes a wide range of subjects, and knowing about what your child is studying at school can help you support their learning at home.
These subjects form an integral role in our Creative Curriculum. Our curriculum is planned in consultation with all members
of staff. A Curriculum Working Party, which consists of teaching staff and members of the senior leadership team then collate information gathered. This is then given to staff, to be used to inform planning. Teachers plan learning experiences which promote a cross curricular approach.
Every term children learn about a different theme. Currently our planning cycle is as follows:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A |
This is Britain This is Britain Overview Exploring our country History Geography Art |
Living World Exploring the natural environment Science Geography PSHE |
Buildings Exploring the built environment Design + Technology Maths RE |
| B |
People and Places Exploring our place in the world History Geography Art |
Space and Aviation Exploring our place in the solar system Science Maths Design + Technology |
History of Hackney Exploring the local area PSHE History Geography |
We also teach:
- Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), which we believe is essential for children’s all-round development and self-esteem. This includes Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL), Citizenship and Drugs as well as Sex & Relationships education. In addition to our dedicated PSHE lessons, children also have the opportunity to participate
- in House Time learning experiences on a Monday. The aim of House Time is to continue to promote enrichment opportunities for the children of Colvestone. To develop children’s holistic development, with an emphasis on Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED). Children engage in a range of enrichment activities in House Teams alongside other children from different Key Stages including their own siblings.
- Spanish (as part of the extended curriculum)
Spring Term 2023 - Living World
Our whole school topic for the Spring term is Living World. Children will learn about the wonder of the natural world including different physical features and habitats. They will investigate how humanity interacts with other living things in the world around them and, as future citizens, how they can be better equipped to ensure the future of our diverse and amazing planet.
In Year 1 and 2 children will be learning about jungles, including mangrove and cloud forests. They will also learn about the life and work of George Motteshead (the founder of Chester Zoo). the meteorologist George James Symons and young campaigners, Ellie and Caitlin McEwan.
In Year 3 and 4 the children will focus on rivers. As well as learning about a river's journey, the children will look at the impact of flooding, the importance of keeping ur rivers clean and what it might have been like to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel! Studies on the pioneering work of Gerald Durrell, Mary Anning and Finlay Pringle complete the picture here.
In Year 5 and 6 the learning centres around mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes. The children will find about the achievements of Tenzing Norgay climbing Mount Everest, learn to use maps to find out about Mount Snowdon, how mountains are formed and why some people might choose to live next to a volcano. Additionally, children will investigate the contributions to our understanding of the natural world from Eva Crane, Charles Darwin and Greta Thunberg.
Autumn Term 2022 - This is Britain
In our Autumn term topic This is Britain, the children will learn about the formation and history of the country that they call home. They will be introduced to how the UK has been influenced by many different cultures creating the diverse nation we know today, as well as some significant individuals and formative events in its history. Additionally, children will learn about the four countries of the United Kingdom and make comparisons with some of our European neighbours.
In Year 1 and 2 the children will learn about three very different Queens: Elizabeth I, Victoria and Elizabeth II before going to look at some important historical events in the life of our nation, the Battle of Hastings, the Great Fire of London, Remembrance Day and the Christmas Truce.
In Year 3 and 4 the children begin by learning about prehistoric Britain including the Stone Age and Iron Age. Later on, they will investigate Roman Britain focusing n the relationship between the native Ancient Britons and the Roman settlers.
In Year 5 and 6 the children will throw some light onto the Dark Ages, examining how Britain was settled by the Anglo Saxons everything they brought with them. A study of the Viking invasion and their struggles with the Anglo Saxons completes the picture here.
