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National Curriculum
We have embarked on a new National Curriculum from September 2014. We have always placed a great emphasis on helping the children make links in their learning through a cross curricular approach and our new curriculum continues this approach. Children are taught through themes that have a distinct subject leading the learning and clear curriculum links to other subjects allowing for greater development of skills within a strong and meaningful context for the children.
At Easterside Academy, we use the ‘Cornerstones’ curriculum model, with 4 stages of learning:
- Engage
- Develop
- Innovate
- Express
This curriculum model provides exciting experiences which inspire the children, encourage independence and resilience in their learning and offer the opportunities to apply their skills in a range of contexts.
Please click on ‘Year Groups’ to find out what topics your child is covering each term.
Engage
At this initial stage of the learning we provide ‘memorable’ and ‘real life’ experiences such as educational visits or visitors. This ‘hooks’ the pupils into the learning and encourages curiosity and inspiring enquiry. Recent visits have included a visit to Anlwick Castle and the Chocolate Factory in York.
Main Elements
- Memorable experience
- Develop interests
- Pose and explore questions
- Explore & Enquire
- Talk and Discuss
- Enjoy
Develop
During the ‘Develop’ stage of the curriculum, the children will acquire further knowledge, skills and understanding.
Main Elements
- Develop Knowledge, Skills, Understanding and Techniques
- Basic Skills
- Study Skills
- Direct Teaching
- Differentiate
- Modelling
- Direct Assessment
Innovate
The ‘Innovate’ phase allows children to use and apply their KSU through a negotiated process facilitated via a provocation.
They are able to self-direct, investigate and explore an aspect of their learning in greater depth. This style of learning promotes independence and builds resilience, as the pupils face challenges and seek ways to overcome them.
Main Elements
- Using and Apply KSU
- Problem Solving
- Develop Imagination & Creativity
- Take a Risk
Express
The final stage is ‘Express’, which gives the children an opportunity to share and disseminate their learning with others. This may take the form of a carnival procession, a school assembly or a musical performance. The collaborative and celebratory nature of this learning is highly inclusive and is frequently shared with parents.
Children
- Application of Knowledge
- Understanding, Skills and Techniques
- Perform
- Produce
- Reflect
- Evaluate
Further information regarding our school curriculum can be found through the team newsletters each term.
