Our Curriculum

At Manuden Primary School, we provide an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum designed to help every child develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for the next stage of their education.

Our curriculum reflects our vision of “A small school with big ideas – Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams.” We want children to become curious, knowledgeable and thoughtful learners who are able to make connections, ask questions and develop a genuine love of learning.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils build securely on what they already know. Teachers use assessment to identify prior knowledge, address misconceptions and adapt teaching so that all pupils, including those with SEND, can participate successfully and achieve well.

How Our Mixed-Age Curriculum Works

Manuden is a small primary school with mixed-age classes. Our curriculum is therefore carefully organised to ensure that every pupil receives their full curriculum entitlement while avoiding unnecessary repetition.

Our classes are organised as follows:

• Pygmy Owl Class – Reception
• Tawny Owl Class – Years 1 & 2
• Hawk Owl Class – Years 3 & 4
• Eagle Owl Class – Years 5 & 6

Reception follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, subjects are carefully sequenced across our mixed-age classes. Where appropriate, curriculum content is organised across a two-year cycle so that pupils experience the full breadth of the National Curriculum and build their knowledge progressively over time.

Teachers adapt learning according to pupils’ age, prior knowledge and individual needs while maintaining high expectations for every child.

Curriculum by Class

Our current curriculum maps provide an overview of the learning planned for each class.

• Pygmy Owl Class – Reception Curriculum
• Tawny Owl Class – Years 1 & 2 Curriculum
• Hawk Owl Class – Years 3 & 4 Curriculum
• Eagle Owl Class – Years 5 & 6 Curriculum

Curriculum Subjects

Our subject pages explain what children learn, how learning develops across the school and how we support pupils to build secure subject knowledge over time.

English

• Reading and Phonics
• Writing

Mathematics

• Mathematics

Science

• Science

Foundation and Wider Curriculum

• Art and Design
• Computing
• Design and Technology
• Geography
• History
• Languages
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• PSHE and RSHE

Inclusion and Curriculum Access

We are committed to ensuring that every pupil can access and succeed within our curriculum.

Teachers adapt teaching, resources and support in response to pupils’ individual needs while maintaining ambitious expectations. Where pupils require additional support, this is planned carefully so that they can participate fully in classroom learning and develop increasing independence.

Further information about our approach to inclusion can be found on our SEND page.

Finding Out More

If you would like further information about our curriculum, please contact the school office.

Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370