Curriculum overview

At Rivers CofE Academy Trust, we provide an ambitious, carefully planned curriculum that helps every child succeed.
We teach important knowledge step by step, while helping children grow into confident, thoughtful and responsible individuals.

What makes our curriculum special?

• Strong focus on real-world learning

• Opportunities to explore big ideas like sustainability

• Enrichment through trips, visitors and experiences

• Clear progression across all subjects

Our curriculum intent

We want every child to receive an extraordinary education that prepares them for life in a changing world.

Our curriculum aims to:

• Build strong academic knowledge in every subject
• Develop life skills such as teamwork, creativity and resilience
• Help children understand their role in the world, including sustainability and equality

We believe all children can succeed, and our curriculum is designed to support every learner.

How our curriculum works

How learning is organised

• Learning is planned step by step, so children build knowledge over time.
• Each subject is organised into clearly sequenced units.
• Teachers regularly revisit key ideas to help children remember more.

How we support learning

• Lessons include discussion, practice and problem-solving.
• Key vocabulary is taught explicitly.
• Learning is linked to real-life contexts to make it meaningful.

Inclusion and SEND

We adapt our curriculum so all pupils can succeed:

• Scaffolded learning for those who need support
• Challenge for pupils who are ready to go further
• Inclusive teaching strategies in every classroom

Bringing learning to life

Enrichment is embedded within the curriculum, with lessons offering opportunities to deepen learning through visits, visitors, use of the local area and activities that reflect pupils’ interests and passions. Find out more about MEE, our exciting programme of enrichment for pupils.

What children achieve

By the end of primary school, our pupils:

• Have strong knowledge of all subjects
• Can apply their learning to solve problems
• Speak confidently using subject-specific vocabulary
• Are ready for the next stage of education

 

The diagram shows our curriculum design and the broad range of subjects. It is built around a central vision of “an extraordinary education for every pupil.” This is supported by strong teaching and learning principles, challenge and high expectations, oracy and digital skills. 

Together, these elements develop pupils’ knowledge, behaviours and thinking so they:

• think and act sustainably
• work collaboratively within and across communities
• demonstrate fairness and equality
• approach challenges creatively, exploring and adapting ideas

Overall, the curriculum connects subject learning with real-world values to shape well-rounded, thoughtful learners.

Subjects we teach

Core subjects

English, Maths and Science follow trusted national schemes. Visit each school's website for more information.

• Phonics and reading: Learning to read is at the heart of our curriculum. We teach phonics daily and ensure all children:

  • • Build strong decoding skills

    • Develop a love of reading

    • Receive extra support if needed

Foundation subjects

Designed by our central team to ensure consistency and quality across all schools.

• History
• Geography
• Art
• Design Technology
• Computing
• Music
• PE
• RE
• Science
• Languages

Early years

In Early Years, children learn through a balance of:

• Structured learning in key areas such as language and early maths
• Adult-led teaching
• Play-based exploration.

What will my child learn this year?

Each year group has clear units of work for every subject. Each subject listing includes:

• A curriculum overview
• Long-term plans
• Progression of knowledge and skills
• Example knowledge organisers

If you would like to find out more about our curriculum, please contact your school office or speak to the subject leader.