Our Curriculum
At Nightingale, we follow the DfE National Curriculum in England: Key Stages 1 and 2 and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is a statutory programme of study and attainment targets for all subjects taught in the Primary phase. How We Learn at NightingaleThis is a statutory programme of study and attainment targets for all subjects taught in the Primary phase. The national curriculum aims to equip all pupils with “the essential knowledge that they need to be educated citizens.”
It provides a core foundation of knowledge upon which our teachers build, enhancing pupils' understanding and skills through dynamic lessons and the broader school curriculum. At Nightingale Primary School, we deliver a creative curriculum that meets statutory requirements through engaging, themed topics.
Each academic year is divided into these topics, and we take learning a step further through Immersion Days — profound, hands-on experiences connected to core texts that help solidify understanding in meaningful ways. By integrating creativity with the national curriculum, we ensure that pupils not only grasp essential knowledge but also apply it through exciting, memorable learning opportunities. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious. It is designed so that knowledge and skills are built purposefully over time — ensuring every pupil is challenged, inspired, and equipped for the next stage of education and life. Each subject page explains:
- Why we teach it (purpose and value)
- What pupils learn (sequenced knowledge and skills)
- How learning builds (pedagogy, progression, and evidence
At Nightingale, learning is a journey. By linking what has been taught before with new challenges, we ensure children make strong progress, develop independence, and leave us ready for the future – curious, resilient, and confident learners.
Click here to open up our current curriculum for 2025/26
Progression overviews show how learning develops from EYFS to Year 6, with downloadable maps available for each subject upon request. Click subject titles to learn more about each subject.English
WhyLanguage underpins thinking and learning. We want every pupil to become an articulate communicator, fluent reader and confident writer who can express ideas clearly and creatively. What
- Systematic phonics through Little Wandle.
- Reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary through quality texts
- Writing crafted through the Discuss–Rehearse–Draft–Redraft (DRDR) cycle
- Grammar, punctuation and spelling are embedded across all writing
- Oracy and performance are woven into every unit
- Knowledge and skills sequenced through Reading and Writing Progression Maps
- Regular assessment using Reading Plus, Accelerated Reader and moderation
- eBooks showcase independent writing and pupil reflection
- EYFS: storytelling, early phonics, emergent writing
- KS1: decoding to fluency; sentence control and purpose
- LKS2: cohesive paragraphs; grammar precision; extended vocabulary
- UKS2: authorial intent; critical response; writing for purpose and audience
Pupils read fluently, write confidently, and articulate ideas with increasing depth, creativity and accuracy across all subjects.
Mathematics
WhyMathematics enables pupils to think logically, reason, and solve problems creatively. We want all children to see themselves as capable mathematicians who understand the patterns and structures that shape the world. What
- Fluency in number, calculation and recall
- Problem-solving and reasoning across all topics
- Conceptual understanding through representation and structure
- Application to real-life contexts and other subjects
- Lessons follow the NCETM Five Big Ideas for mastery
- Diagnostic assessment through IXL Snapshot and Maths.co.uk
- Same-day feedback and intervention secure rapid progress
- Manipulatives and visual models strengthen conceptual links
- EYFS: number sense, pattern, shape and measure
- KS1: number bonds, place value, early geometry and data
- LKS2: four operations, fractions, times-table fluency
- UKS2: ratio, algebra, multi-step reasoning and statistics
Pupils become confident, fluent and flexible thinkers, able to explain reasoning, tackle complex problems, and apply mathematical understanding beyond the classroom.
Science
WhyScience develops curiosity, investigation and understanding of the natural world. Pupils learn to question, observe, test and explain phenomena using evidence. What
- Knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics
- Working scientifically: predicting, testing, recording and concluding
- Scientific vocabulary and diagrammatic recording
- Enquiry-based lessons structured around question → plan → test → observe → conclude
- Practical investigations supported by LbQ assessment and Science eBooks
- Vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to deepen reasoning
- EYFS: observation, exploration, change over time
- KS1: materials, plants, animals, seasonal change
- LKS2: forces, light, states of matter, habitats
- UKS2: evolution, electricity, properties, scientific method
Pupils develop curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to reason scientifically, drawing conclusions based on evidence.
History
WhyHistory gives pupils perspective and identity by exploring how people and events shaped the world they live in. What
- Chronology, cause and consequence, similarity and difference
- Local, national and global historical studies
- Enquiry through sources and interpretation
- Units sequenced by chronology and concept (e.g. power, innovation, belief)
- eBooks used for enquiry writing and comparison tasks
- Vocabulary and timelines revisited to build depth and connection
- EYFS: personal past and family stories
- KS1: events beyond living memory; key figures
- LKS2: ancient civilisations and empires
- UKS2: power, conflict and continuity to the modern era
Pupils think critically about change and continuity, make connections across time periods, and articulate how the past shapes modern life.
Geography
WhyGeography inspires curiosity about the world and promotes responsible global citizenship. What
- Locational, human and physical geography
- Map skills, fieldwork and enquiry
- Understanding place, scale and sustainability
- Concepts revisit at increasing scales — local → national → global
- Fieldwork builds enquiry and map-reading confidence
- Learning applied through persuasive writing and survey projects
- EYFS: immediate environment, simple maps
- KS1: human and physical features; continents and seas
- LKS2: regions, trade and settlement
- UKS2: climate, globalisation and sustainable development
Pupils understand their place in the world, interpret geographical data confidently, and consider sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Art and Design
WhyArt develops creativity, imagination and expression. Through art, pupils explore culture, emotion and visual communication. What
- Skills in drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and digital media
- Knowledge of artists, designers and craftspeople
- Exploration of colour, form, texture and composition
- Practical skills are built from observation to interpretation
- Units linked to artists, movements and cultural themes
- Portfolios evidence progress and originality
- EYFS: mark-making, colour mixing, simple sculpture
- KS1: pattern, shape and basic technique
- LKS2: proportion, composition, shading
UKS2: perspective, expression and personal style
Pupils express ideas confidently through visual media, demonstrating originality, creativity and appreciation of art and design in the wider world.
Design Technology
WhyDT enables pupils to design, innovate and problem-solve creatively and practically. What
- Design–plan–make–evaluate cycle
- Food, textiles, structures, mechanisms and electronics
- Understanding of materials and sustainability
- Projects sequenced from simple to complex control
- Cross-curricular links with Science and Computing
- Evaluation and redesign build resilience and reflection
- EYFS: building and joining materials
- KS1: simple mechanisms and templates
- LKS2: circuits, levers and linkages
- UKS2: motorised and coded systems
Pupils apply design thinking, evaluate solutions effectively, and create innovative products with real-world purpose.
Computing
WhyComputing equips pupils with digital literacy, creativity and problem-solving skills essential for the modern world. What
- Coding and algorithmic thinking
- Digital media and information technology
- Online safety and responsible use
- Progression from exploration to abstraction and debugging
- Annual eBooks showcase projects and coding outcomes
- Tools such as Purple Mash enable purposeful creation
- EYFS: exploring digital tools
- KS1: basic control and online safety
- LKS2: programming, multimedia, collaboration
- UKS2: advanced coding and digital citizenship
Pupils become confident, creative and safe users of technology who can solve problems and collaborate digitally.
Religious Education
WhyRE develops respect, understanding and reflection on faiths and worldviews. What
- Beliefs, values and practices of major religions
- Moral and ethical enquiry
- Comparison, symbolism and meaning
- Questions deepen across year groups
- Reflection captured through written and oral responses
- Links with PSHE and assemblies reinforce respect and tolerance
- EYFS: special places and celebrations
- KS1: belonging and community
- LKS2: symbols, teachings and meaning
- UKS2: diversity, morality and inter-faith understanding
Pupils show empathy, tolerance and awareness of diverse beliefs, contributing to a respectful, inclusive community.
PSHE and Citizenship
WhyPSHE empowers pupils to lead safe, healthy and responsible lives. What
- Relationships, health, safety, citizenship and social impact
- Emotional literacy and resilience
- Rights, responsibilities and personal growth
- Spiral curriculum revisiting core themes each year
- One eBook per term showcases pupil reflection
- Integrated with assemblies and SuperKind social-action projects
- EYFS: friendships and feelings
- KS1: kindness, safety, belonging
- LKS2: managing emotions, inclusion
- UKS2: leadership, digital safety, global citizenship Impact: Pupils develop confidence, empathy and a sense of responsibility, becoming active and caring members of their community.
Music
WhyMusic brings joy, creativity and self-expression, building confidence and teamwork. What
- Singing, rhythm, pitch, notation and composition
- Listening and appraisal across genres
- Instrumental performance and ensemble work
- Weekly practical and theoretical lessons
- Samba, percussion and digital composition units in KS2
- Regular performances build pride and community
- EYFS: exploring sounds and songs
- KS1: rhythm, beat and repetition
- LKS2: notation, ensemble performance
- UKS2: harmony, composition and expression
Pupils perform, compose and appreciate music with confidence, teamwork and creativity, developing cultural awareness and pride.