Whole School Curriculum Planning
Please use the links below to see view our curriculum planning.
Art & Design
Intent
Art and design at Millfields Primary School aims to embody the highest forms of human creativity. The primary goal of our art and design education is to engage, inspire, and challenge pupils. We seek to equip children with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent, and create their own works of art, craft, and design. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical understanding of art, think rigorously, and appreciate the role of art and design in shaping our history, culture, and national creativity.
Implementation
Subject Leaders will monitor the effectiveness, processes and outcomes through observing displays, sketchbook scrutinies, pupils discussing their art/design journeys with peers and subject leads to facilitate. We will also ask staff to share best practice throughout the year, and from this, we will ensure that each key stage is covering the necessary knowledge and skills.
Impact
Our Art and Design curriculum fosters creative expression and confidence, allowing each child to feel empowered and valued. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:
A reflection on skills achieved against the planned outcomes;
A public celebration of learning which demonstrates progression across the school- a board which is constantly updated with a range of work from Foundation Stage to Y6;
Pupil discussions about their learning; which includes discussion of their thoughts, ideas, processing and evaluations of work
Sketchbook scrutinies
Monitoring display of children’s work in corridors and classrooms
Computing
Intent
Our intent at Millfields is for children to use the technology associated with the computing subject to broaden their learning beyond their lived experiences. We aim for children to be inquisitive individuals who can use technology to explore, educate and develop. Children will approach projects creatively, using their knowledge and skills to select resources with confidence to enable problem solving in their own unique style.
In addition, by exposing children to a broad and exciting range of technological opportunities throughout their time at Millfields, they will leave our school with the knowledge and adaptability to use technology analytically and artistically.
Implementation
Computing at Millfields is thought of in three strands: information technology, digital literacy and computer science.
E-safety, part of digital literacy, is taught throughout the year at the start of each half term. From this point onwards, in addition to computing lessons, children are exposed to curriculum-enhancing experiences which enrich their cross-curricular learning. Children achieve the objectives of the computing curriculum, while using the technology to maximise their immersion within their learning.
As children progress through the school, creativity is the dominant theme of their computing education. They will enjoy creating animation, image editing, game creation, coding, office processing, video editing and website design to name a few. The children understand how this can not only impact their computing knowledge in school but also enhance future prospects.
Children begin their exploration of technology from Foundation Stage, where they are encouraged to use iPads to explore the world around them.
KS1 will focus on building the fundamental skills in areas of computing that develop across all year groups. Threads that run throughout all year groups are: programming, simulations, creating graphs/information graphics and accessing information on the internet. KS1 also supports the skills needed for animation and game creation.
In KS2, the children will develop these areas further whilst also exploring data logging, online resources, word processing. They develop the use of spreadsheets, presentations, online forms and video editing.
As well as building on these skills from lower down in school, the children will build up the skills and knowledge to become confidently autonomous in their computing learning.
Impact
The impact will show in children’s confidence when using technology. We want children to build resilience when tackling new problems or programmes and use this transferable skill throughout their lifetime, not just at Millfields.
By broadening children’s knowledge, they will leave primary school at an advantage in relation to their cultural capital. Our children will have a more in-depth, wider knowledge of computing and the world around them.
Geography
Intent
Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. At Millfields CE we aim to deliver a high-quality geography curriculum which inspires, in all pupils, a deep curiosity and immense fascination about our wonderful world.
Our approach reflects our school values: we encourage faith in our pupils’ ability to explore and make sense of the world; we promote respect for people, cultures and environments; we nurture courtesy through listening, sharing and valuing different perspectives; and we foster endeavour in developing knowledge and skills through enquiry and discovery.
Children will gain knowledge about local places and physical and human features, as well as the wider world. They will have exciting opportunities to develop geographical skills—using maps, globes, aerial photographs and digital mapping to name and identify countries, continents and oceans. We want children to enjoy and love learning about geography, not just through classroom experiences, but also through fieldwork and high-quality educational visits. Good geography teaching will enable children to provoke and answer questions about the natural and human worlds while developing a greater understanding of their immediate surroundings, our world and their place in it.
Implementation
In order to maintain high standards of teaching and learning in Geography at Millfields, We implement an ambitious curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Through our vocabulary-rich curriculum, children explore the knowledge and skills they need to develop a strong sense of belonging within both the local environment and the wider world.
Our school values are evident throughout: pupils build faith in their learning by tackling enquiry-led investigations; they show respect by considering the impact of human activity on the environment; they demonstrate courtesy when working collaboratively and sharing ideas; and they develop endeavour through problem solving, fieldwork and persevering with challenging tasks.
For example, children in Key Stage One use the local area to follow and create maps, while in Key Stage Two, they build on this foundation to study Europe and the wider world, exploring how humans influence and are influenced by it. Geography, for our children, is an exciting, thought-provoking journey that begins in the early years and evolves through to the end of Key Stage 2.
Impact
As a result of our high-quality geography teaching, we create resilient and independent learners who enjoy meaningful learning experiences and are able to make connections between their own lives, their place in the world and the future they will help shape.
The impact of this curriculum is seen in the way pupils demonstrate our school values: they show faith in their ability to question and explore; they express respect for the world and its
diverse communities; they act with courtesy when communicating their ideas; and they display endeavour by embracing new experiences and challenges.
Children at Millfields leave with a wealth of geographical skills, knowledge and vocabulary, fully prepared for Key Stage 3 and for life as global citizens. Most importantly, they will have developed a love of geography—understanding how their local area connects to the wider world and how they can contribute positively to its future.
History
Intent
At Millfields CE we aim to deliver a high-quality history curriculum that inspires curiosity and fascination about Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our teaching equips pupils with knowledge of the history of our local area, Britain and the UK, and how these have been influenced by and have influenced the wider world.
Through a progressive, engaging curriculum, children will learn about significant aspects of world history, such as ancient civilisations and empires, and consider what these mean for us today. They will explore changes within living memory and beyond, the lives of significant people from the past, and develop an understanding of historical enquiry. Pupils are encouraged to ask and answer questions, showing faith in their ability to think critically, respect for different cultures and perspectives, courtesy in how they share their ideas, and endeavour in their pursuit of knowledge.
Our children enjoy learning about history through classroom experiences as well as through fieldwork and educational visits, which bring the past to life and strengthen their understanding.
Implementation
To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in history, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. History is taught across the year and, where appropriate, is linked to other subjects. Our planning focuses on the knowledge, skills and vocabulary outlined in the EYFS and National Curriculum.
At Millfields, history is valued as highly as core subjects. We believe this is essential in enabling children to gain ‘real-life’ experiences, whether through local studies such as our Port Sunlight topic or through comparing periods and events across the wider world in Key Stage 2. Children are encouraged to show endeavour in their research, respect when handling sources, and courtesy in collaborative discussions.
Impact
The impact of our history curriculum is that children at Millfields are equipped with secure knowledge and historical skills that prepare them for Key Stage 3 and beyond. They will leave us with an appreciation of the past, an understanding of how it shapes our present and future, and the ability to think critically and empathetically about people, events and cultures.
They will also embody our school values: demonstrating faith in their learning, respect and courtesy when considering different viewpoints, and endeavour in striving to achieve their best as young historians.
Science
Intent
Science is a core subject of the National Curriculum and an essential part of providing a rounded education for all our children. At Millfields, we teach science not just to understand the physical, biological, and chemical world, but also as a way to nurture the values that are at the heart of our school: Faith, Respect, Courtesy, and Endeavour.
Through science, we encourage our children to explore the world God created, developing a sense of awe and curiosity about how everything works. By thinking like young scientists, our children will grow in faith as they discover new things, showing respect for the natural world, acting with courtesy towards others in collaboration, and striving with endeavour to reach their full potential. Science lessons will be practical and investigative, giving children the opportunity to ask questions, take risks, and build skills that will help them continue to make progress each year.
By the time they leave Millfields, we want our children to be confident in asking their own questions, investigating them in thoughtful and meaningful ways, and applying their knowledge both in and outside the classroom. Science will be an important part of their lives, as they carry forward the key knowledge, skills, and values needed for secondary school and beyond.
Implementation
Our long-term science plan ensures that we meet all the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum, while also embracing our Christian ethos. Science topics are carefully structured to allow progression across the Key Stages, and real-life examples of scientists—many of whom have made significant contributions to the world—will help raise pupils' awareness of career opportunities. We want to show our students how the values of faith and respect guide the work of scientists, and how courtesy and endeavour are essential in the pursuit of knowledge.
Science is taught weekly, ensuring that children’s knowledge and skills are continually built upon. Teachers will have a clear understanding of what children already know and what they will go on to learn. To support this, our science lead will provide regular professional development and guidance to ensure high-quality teaching throughout the school.
Impact
As children progress through their science education, they will become more confident in the seven key ways of working scientifically, growing in their ability to ask and investigate their own questions. Science will be monitored through assessments, pupil discussions, and observation, ensuring that every child has the chance to demonstrate their understanding and apply their knowledge in different contexts.
We will also allocate time for teachers to share best practices and discuss how to continue improving science teaching in line with Millfields' values of faith, respect, courtesy, and endeavour.
Our aim is for children to leave Millfields with not only the scientific knowledge and skills they need but also the values that will guide them in their future learning and life.
Music
Intent
At Millfields, we want every child to see themselves as musical – able to enjoy, participate in and succeed in music. Through singing, listening and playing a range of instruments, children grow in confidence and develop a life-long love of music.
Music is a powerful way to nurture emotional resilience and well-being. It allows children to express their thoughts and feelings, to celebrate their individuality, and to connect with others. By listening to and reflecting on a wide range of music, children experience moments of awe and wonder, helping them to grow spiritually and to better understand the world around them.
Our school values are at the heart of our music curriculum:
Faith – we celebrate music that inspires, uplifts and deepens our sense of spirituality.
Respect and Courtesy – we value the creativity of others and learn to listen with appreciation.
Endeavour – we practise, persevere and strive for excellence in our musical skills.
Children will develop the knowledge and skills of listening, appraising, improvising, composing and performing so that they can confidently create and share their own music.
Implementation
We use the Kapow Music scheme to provide a clear, structured and engaging approach to teaching music. This helps ensure that every child receives high-quality lessons.
We place a strong emphasis on the correct use of vocabulary so children can talk confidently about music.
Children have regular opportunities to perform and share their music with others, including:
Class music lessons and performances
Whole-school assemblies and Church services
School events
Whole-class instrumental lessons
Impact
We want every child to leave Millfields feeling that music is for them – that they are capable, creative and confident musicians.
We monitor progress through lesson observations, recordings, pupil voice and the use of iPads to capture learning. This helps us check that children are developing musical skills, using key vocabulary correctly and enjoying their learning.
The impact of music at Millfields goes beyond skills – it builds confidence, nurtures well-being, strengthens community, and offers children opportunities for joy, awe and wonder.
Physical Education
Intent
At our school, we want every child to leave with the confidence, skills and passion to enjoy being active for life. We believe that PE should nurture healthy bodies and healthy minds, helping children to make positive choices about their wellbeing beyond the school gates.
Our vision is that pupils develop:
Physical skills: strength, stamina, coordination and agility to take part in a wide range of activities.
Character skills: teamwork, fairness, communication and respect for others, whether in victory or defeat.
Personal growth: confidence, resilience and courtesy, with a willingness to keep trying and striving for their best.
Life skills: an understanding of how being active links to other areas of learning, health and everyday life.
Through PE, we live out our Christian vision and school values:
Faith – having belief in themselves and others.
Respect – celebrating effort, ability and difference.
Courtesy – learning to play fairly, follow rules and show kindness in competition.
Endeavour – developing determination and perseverance in the face of challenge.
PE at our school is not just about sport—it’s about preparing children for life, inspiring them to stay active, and equipping them with skills they can carry into every area of their lives.
Implementation
Our PE curriculum is carefully designed so that:
In EYFS and Key Stage 1, children focus on mastering the fundamental movement skills—running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing and coordination—through games, dance and activities that are fun, inclusive and engaging.
In Key Stage 2, pupils apply these skills in a wider variety of contexts, including team games, athletics, swimming and outdoor adventurous activities. They learn how to use tactics, strategies and rules to play fairly and competitively.
Every lesson balances three key outcomes:
Physical – developing fitness and skills.
Thinking – problem-solving, making decisions and reflecting on performance.
Social/Wellbeing – building teamwork, respect, confidence and healthy habits.
Children are taught by their class teacher, with additional input from specialist sports coaches to strengthen staff confidence and expertise. Our lessons are structured, inclusive and progressive, ensuring every child can access and succeed in PE.
Beyond the curriculum, pupils have opportunities to:
Take part in sports festivals, tournaments and competitions.
Join after-school clubs and try new enrichment activities
Work with visiting experts to experience exciting activities.
Represent the school and show courtesy, respect and endeavour as ambassadors in the wider community.
Impact
We want all children to leave our school with:
A love of being active and the confidence to take part in physical activity in and beyond school.
The knowledge to make healthy lifestyle choices and understand the impact of exercise on their body and mind.
The social skills to play fairly, encourage others and show respect and courtesy in sport and life.
The resilience to keep trying, the courage to step outside their comfort zone, and the belief (faith) that they can succeed.
We will see impact through:
Children’s high levels of participation and enthusiasm in lessons and clubs
Progress in skills, knowledge and fitness, measured against curriculum expectations.
Strong performance in swimming and in inter-school competitions.
Children being able to talk about their learning, including how they can improve and why being active matters.
Pupils showing our school values in action—faith, respect, courtesy and endeavour—both on and off the pitch.
Ultimately, our aim is for children to foster a life-long commitment to being active, healthy and engaged, carrying with them the character and values they have developed through PE.
Extra Information
PE Kit: Children wear a school PE Kit. It is our belief that if the child looks smart they will perform well and have a positive experience in lessons. EYFS come to school on PE days in their kit and from KS1 onwards, children will get themselves changed in school.
Access to sports experts: Over the period of the year, children will have opportunities to work with PE experts such as Edsential. Children will be given wider opportunities to build character and embed values through regular teamwork activities, competitive sport and Sports Day.
Intra-School Events: Children will have opportunities to compete against children from other schools.
Extra Curricular Activities: Children will have access to PE outside of the school day including clubs, matches and tournaments.
Enrichment opportunities: Children will have the chance to take part in a range of exciting activities they probably won’t have tried before. These are designed to boost enjoyment and engagement. This is a perfect way to build foundations for healthy, active lives.
PSHE
Intent
PSHE is learning right and wrong, understanding feelings and to get on with others.
The intention of the PSHE curriculum at Millfields CE Primary is that children can develop their skills, confidently exploring their personal, social and health education in a safe and child friendly forum. Children are encouraged and supported to express their own views and make informed decisions, creating positive citizens in their community and in the wider world. We help children grow in confidence and give them opportunities to celebrate themselves and form healthy relationships rooted in respect with those around them. Our lessons promote awareness of everyone being different and that this makes us special and unique. We want children to feel free to be themselves and be confident in their life choices.
We strive to embed the skills of collaboration, listening, speaking and writing to enable children to use and apply the knowledge and confidence they have developed in their lessons. Staff lay the foundations for them to develop personally, socially and form healthy attitudes to life and in their relationships. The PSHE curriculum also provides children with the knowledge to help them navigate and contextualise the world around them.
Implementation
We follow the ‘Jigsaw’ scheme and supplement this with My Happy Mind. All our children have regular, weekly PSHE lessons that are timetabled. At Millfields CE Primary, we approach the RSE and PSHE in a faith-sensitive and inclusive way, seeking to understand and appreciate the differences and afford dignity and worth to all pupils, families and the wider community
Jigsaw PSHE supports the development of the skills, attitudes, values and behaviour, which enable pupils to:
· Have a sense of purpose
· Value self and others
· Form relationships
· Make and act on informed decisions
· Communicate effectively
· Work with others
· Respond to challenge
· Be an active partner in their own learning
· Be active citizens within the local community
· Explore issues related to living in a democratic society
· Become healthy and fulfilled individuals
An important part of the Jigsaw PSHE programme is delivered through the 'Relationships' and 'Changing Me' puzzle pieces which are covered in the summer term.
There are four main aims of teaching RSE:
To enable children to understand and respect their bodies
To help children develop positive and healthy relationships appropriate to their age and development
To support children to have positive self-esteem and body image
To empower them to be safe and safeguarded.
Throughout these lessons there is a focus on using the correct scientific vocabulary at each stage. The link below gives a full list of this vocabulary.
Impact
The aim of teaching PSHE is to help children to become informed about their decisions and beliefs and give them confidence to grow through life in a respectful and accepting way. It is about them knowing right and wrong and when to seek help. Mutual respect underpins healthy relationships and knowing that even though others may not share your opinions and thoughts, it is still important to listen and show kindness.
The teaching of PSHE is a forum for supportive discussions that are age appropriate using tools to deliver well planned and thoughtful opportunities that help children to see their role in the world and how others are different and how this is a point to celebrate these differences.
We want children to leave Millfields as citizens of the future who will nurture the world they live in and put their Christian Values first, guiding them to make the right choices no matter how hard it may seem. We want children to be healthy and we see the whole child development as the most important part of our jobs in school.
PSHE has a huge variety of links to the whole curriculum and is the starting point for so many lessons and activities. We are shaping our children to carry on their education and giving them the best life chances we can and it all starts with PSHE.
Design & Technology
Intent
At Millfields, we believe Design and Technology provides a purposeful and creative context for learning, where every child can flourish. Rooted in our core Christian values of faith, respect, courtesy and endeavour, our ambition is to deliver a high-quality curriculum that nurtures children’s enjoyment, curiosity, and sense of purpose in designing, making, and cooking.
Through Design and Technology, children learn to become resourceful, innovative and resilient – developing the wisdom to apply technical knowledge, the hope to see possibilities in their ideas, and the respect to consider the needs of others in the world around them. Our curriculum aims to:
Inspire creative and curious learners who can embrace change with courage and imagination.
Develop children’s technical, practical and evaluative skills so that they can design and create innovative products for a range of users.
Teach the importance of nutrition and enable children to prepare and cook simple, healthy recipes.
Equip pupils with the perseverance and problem-solving skills required to respond to real and relevant problems in a variety of contexts.
By embedding our values throughout, children learn to work respectfully with others, show courtesy in collaboration, and persevere with endeavour when faced with challenges, reflecting the Church of England’s vision for education to enable every child to live life in all its fullness.
Implementation
Our Design and Technology curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure progression of knowledge and skills from EYFS through to Key Stage 2. We use the Kapow D&T scheme to support our long-term progression map, ensuring coverage across food, structures and textiles.
Key features of our implementation include:
D&T taught one half- term of a term, following the research, design, make, evaluate model to deepen children’s understanding.
All year groups covering three key areas per year, with Food Technology taught annually, underpinned by a focus on Healthy Eating and making wise choices about diet.
Opportunities for pupils to explore age-appropriate materials and tools, encouraging respect for resources and developing technical accuracy.
Teachers explicitly planning for and modelling technical vocabulary, embedding it into long-term memory to enable confident communication.
A culture of collaboration where children are encouraged to listen, value others’ ideas, and demonstrate courtesy and respect in group work.
Ongoing professional development for staff, with opportunities to share best practice to ensure high-quality teaching across school.
Assessment through the school’s model, supported by monitoring of booklets, work samples and learning walks, ensuring progress is visible and celebrated.
Through this approach, we aim to cultivate skills, knowledge and to encourage dignity in each child’s work. We respect one another’s contributions, and the perseverance to overcome challenges.
Impact
Our Design and Technology curriculum ensures that children leave Millfields with:
The ability to design, make and evaluate products that meet real needs and reflect increasing technical accuracy.
A secure understanding of nutrition and the ability to prepare simple, healthy recipes, recognising the importance of caring for their own and others’ wellbeing.
The creativity, problem-solving skills and confidence to respond to an increasingly technical world.
Experience of working collaboratively with courtesy and respect, demonstrating resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.
A sense of faith and hope that their ideas, however small, can contribute positively to the wider world.
Progression is carefully monitored and planned so that children develop transferable skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity. These are essential not only for secondary education but for life in modern society. By the end of Key Stage 2, our pupils are prepared to engage thoughtfully with the world, equipped with both practical skills and the Christian values that underpin their character and community.
Modern Foreign Languages
Intent
At Millfields, we believe it is essential that our children are offered a balanced and varied curriculum. The opportunity to experience learning a foreign language is a critical aspect of this aspiration and offers opportunities to explore other cultures. Delivering a high-quality languages curriculum should supplement core subjects, deepening children’s curiosity and understanding of the world they live in. Children should begin to develop the confidence to express ideas in a different language as well as responding to others, using both verbal and written communication. By introducing a modern foreign language in primary school, children will develop the skillset to learn further languages as they progress to secondary school and beyond.
Our ambition is that pupils will learn to:
Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of sources.
Speak with increasing confidence, fluency, and spontaneity.
Begin to construct grammatically correct sentences in response to enquiry questions.
Develop an appreciation of foreign languages.
MFL in our school is taught in accordance with the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages.
Implementation
Children across Key Stage 2 will have access to a high-quality Spanish curriculum following the Language Angels scheme of work and resources. This will allow for progressive development of children’s Spanish skills through regularly taught and well-planned lessons, taught by the class teacher. Children will acquire a growing bank of vocabulary, grammatical knowledge and language skill using age-appropriate topics as a framework. Lessons will ensure appropriate levels of stretch for all children, ensuring pupils learn to continuously build their knowledge and enjoyment of Spanish. Language Angels lessons are categorised by ‘Teaching Type’ making it easier for teachers to identify the most appropriate unit to teach at each stage. This ensures the Spanish being taught is at an appropriate level for the children. Children will gradually learn to listen to and read longer works in Spanish. They will e taught with and without scaffolds, frames and with varying levels of support. Wherever possible, Spanish lessons will link to cross-curriculum themes.
The curriculum is designed to continually revise and consolidate previous learning, across the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Grammar concepts will be gradually introduced throughout all units. A progression map (including grammar) supports teachers in ensuring children are making expected progress in their Spanish learning and are taught grammar at the right time – bring taught discreetly throughout all relevant units. Grammar Explained units support teachers to ensure pupils gain exposure to all appropriate grammar by the end of the primary phase.
Each teaching unit is divided into six fully planned lessons, ensuring coverage of the five key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar.
Teachers are offered appropriate support and CPD opportunities to support them in their teaching of MFL.
Impact
Each unit is designed to support teachers to assess children’s progression against the Key Stage 2 curriculum, using a purpose designed assessment tool from Language Angels. Teachers can use this data to track the progress of individual pupils / groups and target interventions as appropriate. Children will have access to self-assessment tools to monitor and reflect on their own progress.
As well as classroom teaching, children can consolidate the Spanish skills through a range of online games on the Language Angels website.
English
Intent
At Millfields CE Primary School, English is at the very heart of our curriculum and is closely connected to our core values of Faith, Respect, Courtesy, and Endeavour. We believe that strong English skills are the foundation for success in all areas of learning and are essential for our children to become confident, lifelong learners who reflect these values in their communication.
English is not just a subject—it’s a vital skill that children use every day to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings with respect and kindness. Through our literature-rich and carefully planned curriculum, children are encouraged to explore language creatively and thoughtfully, helping them to communicate clearly and confidently in both spoken and written forms.
By fostering a love of reading and writing, we support our children to show endeavour in their learning—working hard and persevering—while also developing a sense of faith in themselves and others, and practicing courtesy and respect in how they listen, speak, and share ideas. This prepares them not only for success in school but for life beyond, where these values will guide their interactions and choices.
AIMS
At Millfields CE Primary, our English curriculum aims to develop not only strong language skills but also to nurture our school values of Faith, Respect, Courtesy, and Endeavour through every aspect of learning. We aim:To ensure English knowledge and skills are developed throughout the whole school curriculum.
To develop English knowledge and skills across the whole curriculum, encouraging children to show endeavour by applying these skills confidently in all areas of their learning.
To immerse our children in high-quality, inspiring texts that foster a love of reading and reflection, helping them grow in faith—trusting in their ability to explore new ideas and perspectives.
To support children in writing clearly, accurately, and creatively, adapting their language and style for different contexts, audiences, and purposes, with a respectful awareness of others.
To broaden children’s vocabulary and spark curiosity about words and their meanings, encouraging thoughtful and courteous communication.
To build confidence and competence in speaking and listening, so children can express their feelings with kindness, listen actively and respectfully, discuss ideas thoughtfully, and present their opinions with courage and politeness.
To ensure all children read fluently, with good understanding, and develop a genuine love for reading that reflects both enjoyment and respect for literature.
To teach children the grammar and linguistic skills needed to communicate effectively in both spoken and written language, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
To develop a fluent, legible handwriting style that children take pride in and use with care and effort, reflecting their endeavour to present their work neatly and clearly.
Implementation
At Millfields CE Primary School, we deliver a world-class English curriculum that is accessible, inspiring, and ambitious for every child. Our curriculum is designed to be progressive from Nursery through to Year 6, ensuring that children build their skills step-by-step with confidence and enthusiasm.
In the Foundation Stage, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the non-statutory Development Matters guidance. Our focus here is on both Literacy and Communication and Language, laying strong foundations that support a smooth transition into the National Curriculum.
From Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 2, our English curriculum is carefully planned around the National Curriculum’s programmes of study. Each year group from Years 1 to 6 covers clear outcomes in Reading, Writing, and Spoken Language, with increasing depth and challenge to develop the children’s knowledge and skills progressively.
To support teaching and learning, we use a range of high-quality schemes and resources that have been carefully chosen to ensure full curriculum coverage and to inspire our children. These include:
Little Wandle Revised Letters and Sounds phonics scheme
EY2P Literacy for Early Years Foundation Stage
Read to Write
Ready Steady Read Together
Spelling Shed
Letter Join handwriting scheme
Our teachers use these resources to create lessons that foster curiosity, confidence, and respect, encouraging children to show endeavour in their learning and to communicate thoughtfully and clearly in line with our school values.
Impact
Our high-quality, literature-rich English curriculum ensures that children at Millfields CE Primary leave school with a strong foundation for life and learning. They develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed at the next stage of their education and beyond.
Children apply their English skills across all subjects, communicating clearly and creatively with respect and courtesy. They read widely and often, enjoying a range of texts that deepen their understanding and spark their imagination. Our pupils read fluently and with excellent comprehension, drawing on a broad vocabulary to express themselves effectively in both
spoken and written language. They also develop a neat, fluent handwriting style that supports their independence and pride in their work.
Progress in English is carefully monitored through ongoing assessment, ensuring every child’s learning journey is supported and continuous. Formative assessments take place regularly during lessons, and progress is shared with parents through detailed end-of-year reports. We use a variety of tracking systems to monitor progress and identify any additional support children may need.
In addition to ongoing assessments, children also take part in statutory assessments to ensure national standards are met:
The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (GLD) at the end of Reception
Phonics Screening Check in Year 1 (and Year 2 if needed
Reading, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling SATs at the end of Year 6
Writing Teacher Assessment Framework (TAF) at the end of Year 6
Through this rigorous and caring approach, our children develop the faith in themselves and others, show respect and courtesy in their communication, and demonstrate endeavour in their learning—ready to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.
Maths
Intent
At Millfields, grounded in our Christian values of Faith, Respect, Courtesy, and Endeavour, we strive for every child to leave us not only equipped with strong mathematical knowledge and skills but also with the character and confidence to succeed in life’s next stages.
We believe that nurturing Faith in their own abilities and in the learning process empowers children to develop resilience and perseverance. Through respectful interactions and courteous communication, children will learn to articulate their mathematical thinking clearly and confidently. We encourage an enduring Endeavour for discovery, fostering a limitless curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
Our aim is to provide inclusive, high-quality teaching and learning experiences that develop reasoning skills and positive attitudes towards maths. By offering equal access to challenging content, differentiated through support and depth rather than task variation, we ensure every child’s potential is valued and nurtured. We place no ceiling on achievement, recognizing that every child’s learning journey is unique.
We have mapped a clear progression of skills to understand children’s current knowledge and the next steps needed for success. At the heart of this is our commitment to building secure relationships, knowing our children’s strengths and challenges, and leveraging the expertise of our staff to create rich, collaborative learning experiences rooted in our school’s values.
Implementation
Our teaching approach is based on the mastery model, where children develop deep and lasting understanding through concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations (CPA). This method supports all learners by making maths accessible and meaningful, reflecting our value of Respect for each child’s learning style and pace.
We use the White Rose maths scheme, adapting it thoughtfully to meet individual needs while maintaining a consistent school-wide approach. This continuity supports respectful and courteous dialogue between teachers and pupils as they explore mathematical concepts together.
In Early Years, children engage in exploration and discovery, underpinned by the NCETM Mastering Number programme and White Rose resources. We encourage children to notice patterns, differences, and relationships in maths, cultivating a spirit of enquiry that reflects our value of Faith—faith in the learning process and in their capacity to grow.
Daily lessons are supplemented by targeted fluency sessions, with a focus on arithmetic skills and times tables, delivered with care and attention. Our use of TT Rock Stars encourages independent practice and celebrates success, fostering a culture of Endeavour and motivation
Impact
As a result of our faith-led, respectful, courteous, and endeavour-driven approach, children at Millfields develop positive attitudes towards maths, enjoying the subject and growing in confidence and resilience. They will master arithmetic skills and apply them fluently and flexibly in a variety of contexts.
Children will be effective collaborators, communicating their reasoning with respect and courtesy, and working both independently and as part of a team. These qualities equip them not only for academic success but for the broader challenges of life.
Our staff will be confident and skilled in delivering maths teaching, continually reflecting and improving through collaborative professional dialogue. This shared expertise ensures consistency and progression across the school.
Together, through our values and high expectations, we nurture lifelong learners who approach maths and life with faith in themselves, respect for others, courteous communication, and an unyielding endeavour to achieve their best.
Religious Education
Intent
At our school, we aim to provide a rich and engaging Religious Education curriculum that encourages curiosity, respect, and reflection. Using the Questful RE scheme, we intend for children to develop a secure understanding of Christianity as well as an awareness of other world religions and beliefs. Over their time at school, children will explore big questions about life, meaning, and purpose, while learning to appreciate different beliefs and values. We want our pupils to leave with a sense of spiritual awareness, the ability to think critically about moral and ethical issues, and a respectful understanding of the diverse world around them.
Implementation
RE is taught weekly in every class as a core part of our curriculum, with lessons that are active, thought-provoking, and reflective. In addition to classroom learning, children also take part in two RE-focused assemblies each week. One assembly explores Bible stories and their meanings, helping children make links between faith and everyday life. The other is a worship assembly through singing, where children engage in collective worship and celebration. As part of our spiritual development programme, children also participate in Lectio Divina, an ancient practice of prayerful reading. During this time, pupils quietly reflect on a short piece of scripture, considering what it means to them and how it might guide their actions.
Impact
Through this rich and varied approach to Religious Education, our children grow in understanding, empathy, and self-awareness. They learn to respect others, celebrate diversity, and explore their own beliefs and values in a safe and supportive environment. The combination of classroom learning, reflective practices, and collective worship helps pupils to develop a strong moral compass and a sense of belonging. As a result, they leave our school as thoughtful, respectful, and compassionate individuals, prepared for life in a diverse and ever-changing world.