A shift from topic-led to subject-specific

From September 2021, the St Michael's Curriculum will move away from a topic-based curriculum to a subject-specific curriculum. In the past, each half term's learning has been based around a 'topic', usually driven by one of the foundation subjects such as history. Whilst this enabled lots of joined-up learning to take place, it didn't allow for each subject to be explicitly taught each term. The shift to a subject-specific learning is also underpinned by evidence-based research in schools. By learning in individual subjects, children build clearer fields of knowledge which can then be more easily linked to form strong webs of knowledge, or schemata. 

How often will each subject be taught?

There will be a daily reading, English and maths lesson at St Michael's. Each term, children will then take part in weekly geography or history*, art or DT (Design Technology)*, PSHE (Personal Social, Health and Economic education), RE (Religious Education), science, computing, PE (Physical Education) and music lessons.

* Geography and history, alongside art and DT will be taught alternately for half a term at a time across the year. 

Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact 

Our curriculum is driven by our 'Intent', is 'Implemented' or delivered through the structures identified above for each subject, and the 'Impact' of the curriculum is measured through summative assessments and other monitoring systems such as learning walks and book looks. You will find our Curriculum Intent on the next page.