Curriculum Rationale and Vision

At Smith’s Wood Primary Academy, our newly devised and ever-evolving curriculum places core learning and essential life skills at the heart of its design. It has been carefully developed to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring that every child—regardless of background or starting point—has access to a rich, ambitious and inclusive learning experience.

Our curriculum reflects the unique context of our school community and aligns fully with the National Curriculum for England. It is responsive to pupil need, underpinned by high expectations and continuously refined to ensure it remains relevant, engaging and effective.

The strength and impact of our curriculum have been externally validated, having resulted in two Outstanding Ofsted inspection judgements, demonstrating sustained excellence in curriculum design, implementation and outcomes for pupils.

Curriculum Intent

The curriculum at Smith’s Wood Primary Academy is driven by the following key intentions:

• To provide broad and balanced learning experiences for all pupils
• To embed high-quality Literacy and Numeracy across all areas of learning, with a strong focus on core subjects
• To ensure ICT skills are securely embedded as an integral part of the curriculum
• To meet the needs of all pupils, promoting a thirst for learning and enabling excellent levels of progress
• To promote positive well-being, alongside high academic achievement
• To provide a wide range of sporting opportunities for all pupils
• To offer varied and high-quality music opportunities, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation

Our curriculum is filled with memorable experiences and opportunities for high-quality learning. It is tailored to suit the needs of all learners and delivered within stimulating and exciting environments, ensuring high levels of challenge and consistently strong outcomes.

Curriculum Aims

Our curriculum aims to ensure that pupils at Smith’s Wood Primary Academy become:

• Successful lifelong learners, motivated to achieve and aspire to excellence
• Confident, resilient individuals with strong self-belief
• Equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
• Individuals who make a positive contribution to their community and society

Academic achievement and personal development are valued equally, ensuring pupils are well-prepared for future learning and life beyond primary education.

The Smith’s Wood Child

Our curriculum is designed to develop the Smith’s Wood Child. We aim for all pupils to be:

• Aspirational
• Self-believers
• Engaged and enthusiastic learners
• Motivated to succeed
• Resilient when faced with challenge
• Making better than expected progress
• Inspired by high-quality teaching and learning experiences
• Challenged and supported appropriately
• Excellent communicators, able to express ideas confidently and respectfully

These characteristics are explicitly promoted through high-quality teaching, strong relationships, enrichment opportunities and a positive school culture.

Curriculum Structure and Breadth

Our curriculum is carefully structured and sequenced to ensure progression of knowledge and skills from Early Years through to Key Stage 2.

• English and Mathematics form the core of our curriculum and drive learning across subjects.
• Foundation subjects are taught through well-planned units that build knowledge and skills over time.
• ICT is embedded across the curriculum to develop confident, responsible digital citizens.
• Physical Education and sport promote physical health, teamwork and resilience.
• Music enriches the curriculum, providing opportunities for creativity, performance and cultural engagement.

Inclusion, Well-being and Equality of Opportunity

Our curriculum is inclusive by design and meets the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and those requiring additional support. Appropriate adaptations, high-quality teaching and targeted intervention ensure equity of access and success.

Well-being is a central feature of our curriculum. Pupils learn best when they feel safe, valued and supported, and this is reflected in our nurturing approach, strong pastoral care and positive learning environments.

Impact and Continuous Improvement

The impact of our curriculum is evident in pupils’ strong outcomes, positive attitudes to learning and personal development. The curriculum’s effectiveness has been recognised through two Outstanding Ofsted inspection judgements, highlighting the consistency, ambition and quality of education provided at Smith’s Wood Primary Academy.

We remain committed to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and refining our curriculum to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of our pupils and community.