Curriculum
Wider Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact
It is our intention to create lifelong learners who have enthusiasm and curiosity. This is achieved by using an enquiry based approach where learners are required to taking an active role in their learning by thinking deeply, asking and answering questions and building knowledge.
Our wider curriculum is largely based on Learning Challenges. It follows the programmes of study from the National Curriculum for History and Geography, Art, DT, Religious Education and Music.
PSHE (Personal Development) is based on the SCARF programme. Physical Education follows the Head, Heart, Hands model of delivery and meets the National Curriculum aims.
Each Learning Challenge begins with a prime question as the starting point. A series of subsidiary learning challenges are then planned. Planning to use knowledge organisers as part of home learning will help to get parents and carers directly involved in their child's learning, these are shared prior to each half term to parents via Class Dojo.
Each of the learning challenges have been carefully planned to develop knowledge, skills and understanding that in turn ensure learning is progressive and continuous. Every opportunity should be made to help children apply their literacy (reading, writing and oracy), numeracy and computing skills throughout the learning challenge.
Every attempt has been made to ensure that all content absolutely meets our context. It is hoped that by taking starting points from the children's context, History and Geography is brought to life and be viewed as exciting and interesting.
Time for children to reflect or review their learning is central to the Learning Challenge process. Therefore, the final subsidiary learning challenge is handed over to the learners to reflect on their learning. The idea is that they present their learning to an appropriate audience making the most of their oracy and ICT skills. Initially, children may require a great deal of direction, but as they become more confident and skilled this should lessen. This concludes the learning challenge, however regular opportunities to reflect should be included over the weeks of the enquiry. Also, continued enquiry should be encouraged for example, through books being made available in class book areas, access to the academy library, knowledge organisers displayed in class and sent home, learning revisited in consequent learning challenges and year groups. This style of delivery will allow pupils to transfer key knowledge to long-term memory. Our medium term planning documents are sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before and pupils can work towards clearly defined end points.
Additionally, we have identified trips, visits and visitors to further bring learning to life.
To this end our curriculum will equip our pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.
'It is the essential knowledge that pupils need to be educated citizens, introducing them to the best that has been thought and said and helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement.'
National Curriculum
Example of prime learning challenge, pre-learning tasks, subsidiary learning challenges and reflection.
Prime Question |
How did the first flight change the world? |
Pre-Learning Task |
Knowledge Organisers shared |
Subsidiary Learning Challenge 1 (LC1) |
Where have you travelled to and how did you get there? |
LC2 |
How did people travel long distances before there were aeroplanes? |
LC3 |
Who invented the first aeroplane? |
LC4 |
How have aeroplanes changed over the years? |
LC5 |
Cross curricular DT link What do you think aeroplanes might look like in the future? |
Reflection |
Cross curricular Art link How can we use collage to show the evolution of aeroplanes? |
For more information about our curriculum, please contact Mr Watson, our Primary Phase Leader - 01204 332533 or email primary@boltonstcatherinesacademy.org.uk
Curriculum Overviews
EYFS
Year 1
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | ||
Year 1 | History | What was life like when our grandparents were children? | Who were L S Lowry and Peter Bruegel? | Did the great fire make London better or worse? | |||
Geography | Our School | Why can't a meerkat live in the North Pole? | Where do the wheels on the bus go? | ||||
Art | Colour Chaos | Nature Sculptures | LS Lowry | ||||
DT | Moving Pictures - Traditional Tales | Our Fabric Faces | Sensational Salads | ||||
Music | Nursery Rhymes | Nativity | Chime Bars | Chime Bars | Sounds of Nature | Assessed Performance | |
Science | Everyday materials | Seasonal Changes: Autumn and Winter | Animals including humans | Seasonal Changes: Spring and Summer | Plants | ||
Computing | Computer Skills DL / IT |
Word Processing IT |
Painting IT |
Programming Toys CS / IT |
Programming with Scratch Jr CS Using and Applying IT |
Online Safety DL |
|
PD | Me and My Relationships Feelings Getting help Classroom rules Special people Being a good friend |
Valuing Difference Recognising, valuing and celebrating difference Developing respect and accepting others Bullying and getting help |
Keeping Safe How our feelings can keep us safe – including online safety Safe and unsafe touches Medicine Safety Sleep |
Rights and Respect Taking care of things: Myself My money My environment |
Being My Best Growth Mindset Healthy eating Hygiene and health Cooperation |
Growing and Changing Getting help Becoming independent My body parts Taking care of self and others |
|
RE | God - What do Christians believe God is like? | Incarnation - Why does Christmas matter to Christians? | Creation - Who made the world? | Salvation - Why does Easter matter to Christians? | Islam - Who is Muslim and how do they live? | Gospel - What is the good news Jesus brings? | |
Longitudinal | How can you create patterns using leaves in the style of William Morris - Science/ Geography noticing changing seasons - drawing and printing | How can we make a winter landscape - drawing - Science/ Geography noticing changing seasons | How can you use art to show the changes of spring - drawing and collage - Science/ Geography noticing changing seasons | What would a summer field look like (Van Gogh) - drawing (oil pastels/ range of media) = Science/ Geography noticing changing Seasons | |||
PE | Invasion (FMS Football) | Net/Wall/Court (FMS Dodgeball) | Gymnastics/Dance | Invasion (FMS Netball) | Striking/Fielding (FMS Rounders) | Athletics |
Year 2
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | ||
Year 2 | History | How did the first flight change the world? | Why is Samuel Crompton remembered? | Who were the greatest explorers? Neil Armstrong and Christopher Columbus. | |||
Geography | What would Emma Jane find exciting about our town? | Where would you prefer to live: England or Africa? | Why do we love to be beside the seaside? | ||||
Art | Portraits | Fabricate | Landscapes and Cityscapes | ||||
DT | Fabric Bunting | Pirate Paddy's Packed Lunch Problems | Dips and Dippers | ||||
Music | Renaissance | Nativity | Chime Bars | Chime Bars | Ringtones and Alarms | Assessed Performance | |
Science | Uses of Everyday Materials | Animals including humans | Plants | Living Things and Their Habitats | The Environment | ||
Computing | Preparing For Turtle Logo CS |
Programming Turtle Logo and Scratch CS |
Computer Art DL |
Using the Internet DL / IT |
Presentation Skills DL / IT Using and Applying IT / CS |
Online Safety DL |
|
PD | Me and My Relationships Bullying and teasing Our school rules about bullying Being a good friend Feelings/self-regulation |
Valuing Difference Being kind and helping others Celebrating difference People who help us Listening Skills |
Keeping Safe Safe and unsafe secrets Appropriate touch Medicine safety |
Rights and Respect Cooperation Self-regulation Online safety Looking after money – saving and spending |
Being My Best Growth Mindset Looking after my body Hygiene and health Exercise and sleep |
Growing and Changing Life cycles Dealing with loss Being supportive Growing and changing Privacy |
|
RE | God - What do Christians believe God is like? | Incarnation - Why does Christmas matter to Christians? | Judaism - Who is Jewish and how do they live? | Salvation - Why does Easter matter to Christians? | Gospel - What is the good news Jesus brings? | Creation - Who made the world? | |
PE | Invasion (FMS Handball)/ Tag Rugby | Net/Wall/Court (FMS Dodgeball) | Gymnastics/Dance | Net/Wall/Court (FMS Tennis) | Striking/Fielding (FMS Rounders) | Athletics |
Year 3
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | ||
Year 3 | History | Who First Lived in Britain? | Which significant events have happened in Bolton in the past? | How can we rediscover the wonder of Ancient Egypt? | |||
Geography | What makes the Earth angry? | What is the UK Like? | Which Mediterranean country would you visit? | ||||
Art | Autumn | British Art | Bodies | ||||
DT | Juggling Balls | Mechanical Posters | Edible Garden | ||||
Music | Baroque | Come Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen | Glockenspiel | Glockenspiel - Composition | Games / Storytelling | Assessed Performance | |
Science | Forces and Magnets | Rocks | Animals including humans | Plants | Light | ||
Computing | Presentation Skills IT |
Word Processing Skills DL / IT |
Drawing and Desktop Publishing IT / DL |
Internet Research and Communication IT / DL / CS |
Programming Turtle Logo and Scratch CS Using and Applying IT |
Online Safety IT |
|
PD | Me and My Relationships Rules and their purpose Cooperation Friendship (including respectful relationships) Coping with loss |
Valuing Difference Recognising and respecting diversity Being respectful and tolerant My community |
Keeping Safe Managing risk Decision-making skills Drugs and their risks Staying safe online |
Rights and Respect Skills we need to develop as we grow up Helping and being helped Looking after the environment Managing money |
Being My Best Keeping myself healthy and well Celebrating and developing my skills Developing empathy |
Growing and Changing Relationships Keeping safe Safe and unsafe secrets |
|
RE | Creation and Fall - What do Christians learn from the creation story? | Incarnation/God - What is the trinity? | Gospel - What kind of world did Jesus want? | Salvation - Why do Christians call the day Jesus died ‘Good Friday’? | People of God - What is it like to follow God? | Hinduism - What does it mean to be Hindu in Britain today? | |
PE | Invasion (football) / Tag Rugby | Dodgeball/Dance | Gymnastics | Gymnastics/Dance | Hockey/Cricket (Striking and Fielding) | Athletics |
Year 4
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | ||
Year 4 | History | What happened when the Romans came to Britain? | Why should gunpowder, treason and plot never be forgotten? | What would you have done after school 100 years ago? | |||
Geography | Why is Manchester a cool place to live? | Why are mountains so marvelous? | What would you see with a ticket around the world? | ||||
Art | Fruit and Vegetables | European Art and Artists | Insects | ||||
DT | Battery Operated Lights | Let's Go Fly a Kite | The Great Bread Bake Off | ||||
Music | Brass (BMS - WOPS) Musicianship | Brass (BMS - WOPS) Musicianship | Brass (BMS - WOPS) Learning to Play | Brass (BMS - WOPS) Learning to Play | Brass (BMS - WOPS) School Band | Brass (BMS - WOPS) School Band | |
Science | Sound | States of Matter | Animals including Humans | Electricity | Living Things and Their Habitats | ||
Computing | Scratch Questions and Quizzes CS |
Word Processing IT |
Programming Turtle Logo CS |
Animation IT |
Communication and Collaboration & Using and Applying IT |
Online Safety DL / IT |
|
PD | Me and My Relationships Healthy relationships Listening to feelings Bullying Assertive skills |
Valuing Difference Recognising and celebrating difference (including religions and cultural difference) Understanding and challenging stereotypes |
Keeping Safe Managing risk Understanding the norms of drug use (cigarette and alcohol use) Influences Online safety |
Rights and Respect Making a difference (different ways of helping others or the environment) Media influence Decisions about spending money |
Being My Best Having choices and making decisions about my health Taking care of my environment My skills and interests |
Growing and Changing Body changes during puberty Managing difficult feelings Relationships including marriage |
|
RE | Creation and Fall - What do Christians learn from the creation story? | Incarnation - What is the trinity? | Gospel - What kind of world did Jesus want? | Salvation - Why do Christians call the day Jesus died ‘Good Friday’? | Kingdom of God - When Jesus left what was the impact of Pentecost? | Judaism - How do festivals and family life show what matters to Jews? | |
PE | Invasion (handball) / Rugby | Net/Wall/Court (Dodgeball) | Gymnastics/Dance | Net/Wall/Court (Tennis) | Striking/Fielding (Rounders) | Athletics |
Year 5
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | ||
Year 5 | History | Was the Anglo-Saxon period really a dark age? | Where did all the mills go? | What did the Greeks do for us? | |||
Geography | Why should the rainforests be important to all of us? | I'm a Year 5 Pupil Get me Out of Here | What would it be like to explore Easter Europe? | ||||
Art | Ancient Greece | South and Central American | Plants and Flowers | ||||
DT | Marbellous Structures | Programming Adventures | Super Seasonal Cooking | ||||
Music | Classical | Silent Night (as a round) | Glockenspiel | Glockenspiel - Composition (Bandlab or Avid) | TV Adverts and radio | Assessed Performance | |
Science | Properties and Changes of materials | Earth and Space | Forces | Living things and habitats | Animals including Humans | ||
Computing | Scratch: Developing Games CS |
Flowol CS |
Radio Station IT |
Internet Research and Web Design IT |
3D Modelling: Sketch Up IT Using and Applying CS / IT |
Online safety IT / DL |
|
PD | Me and My Relationships Feelings Friendship skills, including compromise Assertive skills Cooperation Recognising emotional needs |
Valuing Difference Recognising and celebrating difference, including religions and cultural Influence and pressure of social media |
Keeping Safe Managing risk, including online safety Norms around use of legal drugs (tobacco, alcohol) Decision-making skills |
Rights and Respect Rights, respect and duties relating to my health Making a difference Decisions about lending, borrowing and spending |
Being My Best Growing independence and taking ownership Keeping myself healthy Media awareness and safety My community |
Growing and Changing Managing difficult feelings Managing change How my feelings help keeping safe Getting help |
|
RE | Creation and Fall - Creation and science: conflicting or complementary? | Incarnation - Was Jesus the Messiah? | Islam - What does it mean to be a Muslim in Britain today? | Salvation - What did Jesus do to save human beings? | Kingdom of God - What kind of king is Jesus? | Gospel - What would Jesus do? | |
PE | Invasion (football) / Tag Rugby | Net/Wall/Court (Dodgeball) | Gymnastics / Dance | Invasion (Netball) | Striking/Fielding (Cricket) |
Athletics |
Year 6
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | ||
Year 6 | History | Were the Vikings always vicious and victorious? | Why should we remember the Maya? | How did Britain change from William the Stone Age to William the Conqueror? | |||
Geography | Why are rivers important to humans? | How is our world changing? | What's so special about the USA? | ||||
Art | Wildlife Birds | The Seaside | North American | ||||
DT | Automata Animals | Felt Phone Cases | Global Food | ||||
Music | Romantic / 20th Century | O Come All Ye Faithful | Glockenspiel | Glockenspiel - Composition (Bandlab or Avid) | Film Scores | Assessed Performance | |
Science | Light | Living Things and Their Habitats | Electricity | Evolution and Inheritance | Animals and Humans | ||
Computing | Scratch: Animated stories CS |
Spreadsheets IT |
Kodu Programming / BBC Microbit (new 2025) IT / CS |
Online Safety & Using and Applying (1 lesson) |
Using and Applying Project – Game Product IT / CS |
Film-Making IT / CS |
|
PD | Me and My Relationships Assertiveness Cooperation Safe/unsafe touches Positive relationships |
Valuing Difference Recognising and celebrating difference Recognising and reflecting on prejudice-based bullying Understanding Bystander behaviour Gender stereotyping |
Keeping Safe Understanding emotional needs Staying safe online Drugs: norms and risks (including the law) |
Rights and Respect Understanding media bias, including social media Caring: communities and the environment Earning and saving money Understanding democracy |
Being My Best Aspirations and goal setting Managing risk Looking after my mental health |
Growing and Changing Coping with changes Keeping safe Body Image Sex education Self-esteem |
|
RE | Creation and Fall - Creation and science: conflicting or complementary? | Incarnation - Was Jesus the Messiah? | God - What does it mean if God is holy and loving? | Salvation - What difference does resurrection make to Christians? | Hinduism - Why do Hindus try to be good? | People of God - How can following God bring freedom and justice? | |
PE | Invasion (handball) / Tag Rugby | Hockey / Dance | Dodgeball / Gymnastics | Net/Wall/Court (Tennis) | Striking/Fielding (Rounders) | Athletics/Orienteering & Bikeability |