Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our pupils are offered a broad range of experiences to extend their understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Knowledge, skills, attitudes and values are developed to prepare the children for the next stage of learning (Key Stage 1 and 2 ready and secondary ready), and enable them to be successful in the community and the wider world. We believe that effective learning takes place when there is considerable emphasis on active involvement alongside opportunities to explain and clarify thinking. We make meaningful connections across subjects. The school expects everyone to develop and show a sense of responsibility and self-discipline whether alone, together, at work or at play, and to support policies on equal opportunities. We actively promote the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs to prepare our pupils for life in modern day Britain. We also incorporate careers awareness activities into our teaching to further help to prepare our children for their future.
Our curriculum drivers are:
Equality, diversity and tolerance: We believe that celebrating difference is essential for fostering acceptance and understanding. Our children learn to value the rich diversity within our school and the wider world, developing respect for all and an appreciation of what makes each individual unique.
Creativity and critical thinking: We nurture curiosity and imagination, encouraging children to generate new ideas and think deeply. These skills empower them to solve problems, innovate and adapt – preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Global citizens: We aim to develop children’s understanding of how they can make a positive difference in the world. Through active citizenship and a sense of responsibility both locally and globally, they learn to contribute to a fairer, more sustainable future. By connecting with nature and exploring environmental issues, they become guardians of our planet.
Future-thinking: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are central to equipping children for the world they are growing up in. We help them navigate the digital landscape safely and respectfully, while making meaningful links between STEM and wider learning. Our approach includes raising awareness of future careers and the role these subjects play beyond the classroom.
Wellbeing: Pastoral care underpins everything we do, ensuring children learn in a safe, warm and welcoming environment. Through outdoor learning, a comprehensive PSHE curriculum, and a whole-school commitment to mental health, we promote positive relationships and support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Our curriculum complies fully with our duties in the Equality Act 2010, and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, ensuring that the curriculum is accessible for those with SEND.
Phonics and early reading
Pupils in Foundation and KS1 are taught phonics for reading and writing using the Essential Letters and Sounds framework and a range of reading schemes to ensure that children develop a love of reading alongside developing key reading and comprehension skills. Please click here to view the Phonics and Early Reading Policy.
Reading
Our curriculum is built on a foundation of rich, diverse and wonderful books. No other skill is more important than reading; it is the gateway to all other knowledge.
At Menston Primary, we are committed to teaching our pupils to become skilled readers who develop a comprehensive understanding of words, language and texts as they move through school. They learn to read and then read to learn. Our aim is to ensure that pupils develop a love of reading so that they can read for purpose and for pleasure. We provide children with a range of reading opportunities and strategies in order to do this.
Writing
“A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and, through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them.”
DfE National Curriculum, 2013
Writing is a complex skill that combines transcription and composition. Transcription requires pupils to spell quickly and accurately by understanding phonics, morphology (word structure), and orthography (spelling patterns). Composition involves generating, articulating, and organising ideas clearly for a reader, with an awareness of audience, purpose, and context, supported by a growing vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. Writing also depends on fluent, legible, and increasingly speedy handwriting.
At Menston Primary School, we aim to achieve these ambitions through a sequenced, progressive, and engaging English curriculum. Reading and writing are interwoven so that children develop the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively, experiment with language, and write with clarity and purpose across a range of contexts and audiences.
“Pupils should learn to write effectively for different purposes and audiences, selecting language that shows an understanding of the reader.”
DfE Writing Framework, 2025
Further details about the structure, format, and progression of our writing curriculum can be found below.
Mathematics
Our mathematics curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils develop a deep, secure and progressive understanding of mathematical concepts. Teaching is rooted in a Mastery approach, which promotes consistency, coherence and depth of learning. This is underpinned by a strong emphasis on mental maths fluency, enabling pupils to recall and apply key facts efficiently and confidently.
Our curriculum intent is to ensure that pupils become fluent, competent and confident mathematicians who can reason logically, communicate mathematically and apply their knowledge to solve problems in a range of contexts, including real‑life situations. Carefully planned opportunities for reasoning and problem solving are embedded within lessons to promote deep understanding and challenge all learners.
We place a strong emphasis on making meaningful connections within mathematics and across the wider curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to explore, investigate and apply their mathematical knowledge, allowing learning to be reinforced and transferred effectively across subject areas.
The mathematics curriculum is delivered through high‑quality teaching and well‑sequenced learning, supported by trusted schemes such as White Rose Maths and Oak National Academy. These resources support teachers in ensuring progression, addressing misconceptions and providing appropriate challenge, while enabling adaptation to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and those who require additional support or greater-depth challenge.
Impact is seen in pupils who are confident in explaining their thinking, who can select appropriate strategies and who demonstrate resilience and independence when tackling mathematical challenges. Regular assessment for learning ensures that teaching responds effectively to pupils’ needs and secures strong outcomes over time.
To support learning beyond the classroom, pupils can access Oak National Academy resources at home by selecting their year group. These maths -at-home lessons provide valuable opportunities for consolidation, retrieval and further practice.
Parents and carers can find out more about the Oak Academy maths curriculum by clicking here.
Curriculum Statements and Overviews
Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you would like to know more about the curriculum. Members of the public may request information via the school office: office@menston.mlt.co.uk
