The Great School Framework

A great school’s curriculum instils in children a love of learning and supports the acquisition of knowledge and understanding. Its intent is to develop learning skills and to foster positive character traits. It supports the growth of lively, enquiring minds and pupils’ ability to question and argue rationally. Great schools have a clear and bespoke curriculum vision. They are able to meet the needs of the accountability framework whilst being imaginative, brave and creative in their approach to designing their own bespoke educational provision.

The curriculum is carefully and purposefully designed in a coherent and sequenced fashion which meets the needs of pupils.  It takes each pupil from the desired end point for students in the school (whichever key stage that may be) backwards - and builds up incrementally from pupils’ starting points and experiences.

A great curriculum helps pupils to understand the world in which they live, and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations, enabling them to enter the wider world as active and responsible participants in society. It provides pupils with the opportunity to learn, practise and apply skills that will prepare them for careers in a fast-changing world. Pupils are provided with cultural opportunities beyond their prior experience which widen their horizons: trips, activities, visitors, speakers, fieldwork, extra-curricular sessions and other activities that enhance learning.

A great curriculum provides memorable experiences and rich opportunities for high-quality learning and wider personal development.