Curriculum Plans

At Kirkheaton, we believe that every child has the right to a high-quality education that nurtures their academic potential, personal growth, and sense of safety and belonging. Our curriculum is built around three key strands: Academic, Safety, and Personal Development. These strands are underpinned by our core values of Rights, Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility, which guide everything we do.

Academic Curriculum

Our academic curriculum is based on the National Curriculum, but it is far more than a checklist of subjects. We have thoughtfully shaped it to reflect the needs, interests, and aspirations of our children and community. This means that while we meet all statutory requirements, we also bring learning to life in ways that are engaging, relevant, and meaningful.

We believe that every child has the right to access a curriculum that challenges and inspires them. Our Whole School Long Term Plan outlines the progression of learning across all year groups, ensuring consistency and coherence. Each subject is supported by detailed overviews and planning documents that help children build knowledge and skills over time.

For children with additional needs, we provide tailored curriculum coverage to ensure learning is inclusive and specific to their individual requirements. We are committed to equity in education, and our planning reflects this by identifying clear pathways for support and challenge.

We prioritise foundational skills—particularly in reading, writing, mathematics, and science—and ensure these are revisited and built upon each year. Our aim is for children to “do more and remember more,” developing deep understanding and long-term retention. This approach supports the development of resilience, as children learn to persevere, reflect, and grow through their learning journey.

Safety and Personal Development

Alongside academic learning, we place a strong emphasis on safety and personal development. We want our children to feel safe, valued, and confident in themselves and their environment. Our curriculum includes opportunities to learn about physical and emotional wellbeing, relationships, online safety, and how to make positive choices.

Our values of Respect and Responsibility are central to this strand. We teach children to respect themselves, others, and the world around them. Through our values-led approach, children learn to take responsibility for their actions, their learning, and their role in the school and wider community.

Personal development is woven throughout our curriculum—from classroom activities to whole-school events. We encourage children to develop empathy, independence, and a strong moral compass. Our aim is to prepare them not just for the next stage of education, but for life as thoughtful, respectful citizens.

curriculum overview complete.pdf