How We Learn at Nightingale

At Nightingale Primary School, our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious.
It is designed so that knowledge and skills are built purposefully over time — ensuring every pupil is challenged, inspired, and equipped for the next stage of education and life.

Each subject page explains:

Why we teach it (purpose and value)
What pupils learn (sequenced knowledge and skills)
How learning builds (pedagogy, progression, and evidence)

Progression overviews show how learning develops from EYFS to Year 6, with downloadable maps available for each subject upon request. For a comprehensive overview of our Why, What, and How, download our rationale.

Why, What and How Rationale

English

Why
Language underpins thinking and learning. We want every pupil to become an articulate communicator, fluent reader and confident writer who can express ideas clearly and creatively.

What

Systematic phonics through Little Wandle.
Reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary through quality texts.
Writing developed through the Discuss–Rehearse–Draft–Redraft (DRDR) cycle.
Grammar, punctuation and spelling embedded across all writing.
Oracy and performance woven into every unit.

How

Knowledge and skills sequenced through our Reading and Writing Progression Maps.
Regular assessment using Reading Plus, Accelerated Reader and teacher moderation.
eBooks showcase independent writing and pupil reflection.

Progression Overview

EYFS: storytelling, early phonics, emergent writing.
KS1: decoding to fluency; sentence control and purpose.
LKS2: cohesive paragraphs; grammar precision; extended vocabulary.
UKS2: authorial intent; critical response; writing for purpose and audience.

Mathematics

Why
Mathematics enables pupils to think logically, reason and solve problems creatively.
We want all children to see themselves as capable mathematicians who understand the patterns and structures that shape the world.

What

Fluency in number, calculation and recall.
Problem-solving and reasoning across all topics.
Conceptual understanding through representation and structure.
Application to real-life contexts and other subjects.

How

Lessons follow the NCETM Five Big Ideas for mastery.
Diagnostic assessment through IXL Snapshot and Maths.co.uk.
Same-day feedback and intervention secure rapid progress.
Manipulatives and visual models strengthen conceptual links.

Progression Overview

EYFS: number sense, pattern, shape and measure.
KS1: number bonds, place value, early geometry and data.
LKS2: four operations, fractions, times-table fluency.
UKS2: ratio, algebra, multi-step reasoning and statistics.

Science

Why
Science develops curiosity, investigation and understanding of the natural world.
Pupils learn to question, observe, test and explain phenomena using evidence.

What

Knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics.
Working scientifically: predicting, testing, recording and concluding.
Scientific vocabulary and diagrammatic recording.

How

Enquiry-based lessons structured around question → plan → test → observe → conclude.
Practical investigations supported by LbQ assessment and Science eBooks.
Vocabulary explicitly taught and revisited to deepen reasoning.

Progression Overview

EYFS: observation, exploration, change over time.
KS1: materials, plants, animals, seasonal change.
LKS2: forces, light, states of matter, habitats.
UKS2: evolution, electricity, properties, scientific method.

History

Why
History gives pupils perspective and identity by exploring how people and events shaped the world they live in.

What

Chronology, cause and consequence, similarity and difference.
Local, national and global historical studies.
Enquiry through sources and interpretation.

How

Units sequenced by chronology and concept (e.g. power, innovation, belief).
eBooks used for enquiry writing and comparison tasks.
Vocabulary and timelines revisited to build depth and connection.

Progression Overview

EYFS: personal past and family stories.
KS1: events beyond living memory; key figures.
LKS2: ancient civilisations and empires.
UKS2: power, conflict and continuity to the modern era.

Geography

Why
Geography inspires curiosity about the world and promotes responsible global citizenship.

What

Locational, human and physical geography.
Map skills, fieldwork and enquiry.
Understanding place, scale and sustainability.

How

Concepts revisit at increasing scales — local → national → global.
Fieldwork builds enquiry and map-reading confidence.
Learning applied through persuasive writing and survey projects.

Progression Overview

EYFS: immediate environment, simple maps.
KS1: human and physical features; continents and seas.
LKS2: regions, trade and settlement.
UKS2: climate, globalisation and sustainable development.

Art and Design

Why
Art develops creativity, imagination and expression.
Through art, pupils explore culture, emotion and visual communication.

What

Skills in drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and digital media.
Knowledge of artists, designers and craftspeople.
Exploration of colour, form, texture and composition.

How

Practical skills build from observation to interpretation.
Units linked to artists, movements and cultural themes.
Portfolios evidence progress and originality.

Progression Overview

EYFS: mark-making, colour mixing, simple sculpture.
KS1: pattern, shape and basic technique.
LKS2: proportion, composition, shading.
UKS2: perspective, expression and personal style.

Design Technology

Why
DT enables pupils to design, innovate and problem-solve creatively and practically.

What

Design–plan–make–evaluate cycle.
Food, textiles, structures, mechanisms and electronics.
Understanding of materials and sustainability.

How

Projects sequenced from simple to complex control.
Cross-curricular links with Science and Computing.
Evaluation and redesign build resilience and reflection.

Progression Overview

EYFS: building and joining materials.
KS1: simple mechanisms and templates.
LKS2: circuits, levers and linkages.
UKS2: motorised and coded systems.

Computing

Why
Computing equips pupils with digital literacy, creativity and problem-solving skills essential for the modern world.

What

Coding and algorithmic thinking.
Digital media and information technology.
Online safety and responsible use.

How

Progression from exploration to abstraction and debugging.
Annual eBooks showcase projects and coding outcomes.
Tools such as Polypad and Google Workspace enable purposeful creation.

Progression Overview

EYFS: exploring digital tools.
KS1: basic control and online safety.
LKS2: programming, multimedia, collaboration.
UKS2: advanced coding and digital citizenship.

Religious Education

Why
RE develops respect, understanding and reflection on faiths and worldviews.

What

Beliefs, values and practices of major religions.
Moral and ethical enquiry.
Comparison, symbolism and meaning.

How

Questions deepen across year groups.
Reflection captured through written and oral responses.
Links with PSHE and assemblies reinforce values of respect and tolerance.

Progression Overview

EYFS: special places and celebrations.
KS1: belonging and community.
LKS2: symbols, teachings and meaning.
UKS2: diversity, morality and inter-faith understanding.

PSHE and Citizenship

Why
PSHE empowers pupils to lead safe, healthy and responsible lives.

What

Relationships, health, safety, citizenship and social impact.
Emotional literacy and resilience.
Rights, responsibilities and personal growth.

How

Spiral curriculum revisiting core themes each year.
One eBook per term showcases pupil reflection.
Integrated with assemblies and SuperKind social-action projects.

Progression Overview

EYFS: friendships and feelings.
KS1: kindness, safety, belonging.
LKS2: managing emotions, inclusion.
UKS2: leadership, digital safety, global citizenship.

Music

Why
Music brings joy, creativity and self-expression, building confidence and teamwork.

What

Singing, rhythm, pitch, notation and composition.
Listening and appraisal across genres.
Instrumental performance and ensemble work.

How

Weekly practical and theoretical lessons.
Samba, percussion and digital composition units in KS2.
Regular performances build pride and community.

Progression Overview

EYFS: exploring sounds and songs.
KS1: rhythm, beat and repetition.
LKS2: notation, ensemble performance.
UKS2: harmony, composition and expression.