Cramlington Village Primary School begins each term’s curriculum planning well in advance by choosing a “big question” to be placed at the heart of teaching and learning. Recent examples include: What makes a great scientist? (science), Can we beat the greatest invention? (computer science), Where will our stories take us? (the arts), Why is clean and green our perfect dream? (Environment/geography). Dedicated off-site planning days for staff then take place when the term’s teaching and learning is developed, including key learning points, essential questions, activities/projects, and final outcomes.
Each term starts with a WOW event for children and staff to introduce the big questions and themes. These include off-site learning expeditions or in-school visitors. Other elements of planning include the role of the classroom environment (which must be interactive), key texts and literacy links (guided reading and “WAGOLLs” for quality writing), weekly key learning aims, and cross-curricular links (literacy, numeracy, Forest School, PE, Art, PSHE, etc). Each year group (N/R, Y1/2, Y3/4 & Y5/6) has a separate planning day before ideas are shared and further developed.
This workshop will give an overview of the Cramlington approach, how it works in practice, the implications for teachers and school leaders, the benefits the school has seen, how it relates to Ofsted’s new framework, and examples of planned curricula and WOW events across subjects.
The handouts for this session are available by clicking the handout icon on the bottom right-hand corner of the video player.