To meet the requirements of the National Curriculum, all classes in Key Stage 1 and 2 follow some set, pre-planned topics – many of these are whole-school themes and some are specific to a class or key stage. Our calendar indicates when the whole-school topics begin (there are about three or four in the year). (We also offer after-school clubs and other extra-curricular activities – encourage your child to join in!)
The ‘topic-based’ approach to the curriculum which we follow at Scholes (Elmet) means that wherever possible, we group our subjects around a broad theme. The topics we choose depend on three factors:
- the content set out in the National Curriculum for each of the subjects
- the interests and needs of the children
- the core values of our school, as set out in our Aims and Ethos and our goal to be a happy and healthy place to learn
For example, our topic ‘Life’ covers lots of Science in the National Curriculum and provides opportunities for our pupils to develop skills in other subjects. In PE, for example, children might think about the effects of exercise on the body and be encouraged to maintain healthy lifestyles, whilst in Art, observational drawing of living things, from plants to people, might be included.
The National Curriculum sets out the minimum content. At Scholes (Elmet), we make sure children learn lots of additional skills, knowledge and understanding. For example:
- we offer a range of after-school clubs and opportunities to learn a musical instrument – these extra-curricular activities go beyond the statutory requirements
- if a class or group show an interest in a particular subject, teachers will try to include this in the school year
- current local / national or international events can provide a great basis for learning – the World Cup or the the Tour de Yorkshire, for example
Not all subjects can naturally ‘fit’ within a topic and so these subjects are usually taught in a discrete way. Religious Education does not usually link with a topic and so it’s taught separately. Not everything in Maths links effectively with a topic and so this often runs separately, but is taught by the same teacher and links are made whenever possible.
Contact school for any specific, up-to-date information which you require.
Our curriculum aims
How we deliver our curriculum
Skills