Curriculum Statement
Our Values
We care about ourselves; We care about each other; We care about the world.
Our vision
Every child at Upton will be known, valued and inspired to succeed. Our curriculum is how we make this happen. It is built on our Upton CARES values: Courage, Aspiration, Respect, Empathy and Success.
What we want our children to learn (intent)
- Strong foundations first. Reading, phonics, number and handwriting unlock everything else, so they come first: Read Write Inc. phonics, Mastering Number and White Rose Maths, and Kinetic Letters handwriting.
- Knowledge in a careful order. Every subject has a long term plan, so children build on what they already know, year on year, and remember what they have learned.
- The same ambition for every child. Every child, including children with special educational needs and disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, follows the same ambitious curriculum wherever possible, with the support they need to succeed in it. A small number of children with high levels of need have a personalised curriculum, planned around their individual targets and agreed with their families. Our SEND Information Report explains how we adapt learning.
- Rooted in our community. Children learn about our local history, such as Upton Colliery and Pontefract Castle, and explore the Wakefield district.
- Everyone belongs. Children learn about British Values and respect for others in every year group, and how to keep themselves safe.
How we teach it (implementation)
Our curriculum covers the National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Lessons follow the Upton Way, so children know what to expect: we prepare, present new learning, practise, check understanding and give children the chance to show what they know. Talk is planned into every lesson.
|
Subject |
How it is taught |
|
Phonics and reading |
Read Write Inc. (Fresh Start in Years 5 and 6 for children who need it) and Accelerated Reader |
|
English |
High-quality class texts, with story and talk programmes in the Early Years. |
|
Maths |
Mastering Number in Reception, then White Rose Maths |
|
Science |
Snap Science |
|
History and Geography |
Our own History plan (created with support of the National Historical Association) and Kapow Geography, taught in alternate half terms |
|
Art, DT, Music and RE |
Kapow Primary. In Year 4, children also learn an instrument with Wakefield Music Service. |
|
RE |
Our RE curriculum is planned to meet the Wakefield Agreed Syllabus. We teach it through Kapow Primary, and each unit is linked to a key question from the syllabus |
|
Computing |
Teach Computing Curriculum and Project Evolve for online safety, including our micro:bits |
|
PE |
GetSet4PE |
|
PSHE and RSHE |
OneLife, following the statutory guidance |
|
French (Years 3 to 6) |
Language Angels |
Learning goes beyond the classroom through visits, visitors, clubs, performances and sport. Every week, Reflection Friday and our Safeguarding Question of the Week help children think about values, relationships and staying safe. Optional home learning each week practises reading, spelling, number and talk at home.
What difference it makes (impact)
We want every child to leave Upton as a confident reader and mathematician who remembers what they have learned, who is curious about the world, and who is kind, respectful and ready for secondary school. Teachers check what children know and remember in every subject, and use this to adapt teaching so that every child keeps up.
To find out more about our curriculum, please contact the school office on 01977 650820 or office@upton.wakefield.sch.uk, or speak to your child's class teacher.