Our Curriculum Design

At Cullercoats Primary School, we are committed to providing a curriculum that is ambitious, inclusive and reflective of the needs of all our learners. Our curriculum is bespoke to our school, shaped by our locality, coastal heritage and the rich experiences available in our community. It has been carefully designed so that every child can learn well, know more, remember more and do more. Built on strong subject knowledge and effective pedagogy, it offers a well-sequenced, inclusive and evidence-informed education for every pupil.

Ambitious and Inclusive for All

Our curriculum sets high expectations for every child, regardless of starting point or background. We believe all pupils have the right to access rich and challenging learning experiences. Through adaptive teaching, purposeful support and well-structured learning, we ensure barriers are reduced and that all pupils,  including those with SEND and additional needs, can thrive.

A Carefully Sequenced Journey

Our curriculum is deliberately planned from Early Years to Year 6 with clear progression in knowledge, skills and vocabulary. Learning builds over time, enabling children to make meaningful connections and deepen their understanding as they move through school.

We prioritise:

• Key concepts that grow in complexity over time
• Deliberate practice, allowing regular revisiting and strengthening of learning
• Clear end points so pupils are well prepared for their next stage of education
• Disciplinary knowledge, enabling children to learn “as historians”, “as geographers”, “as scientists”, and more

A Curriculum Rooted in Locality, Heritage and Experience

Our curriculum is designed to celebrate what makes Cullercoats unique. We are extremely proud of our local area and this pride is woven through our subjects, topics and enrichment opportunities. Children learn through authentic, meaningful experiences that bring the curriculum to life.

These include:

• Trips to our surrounding beaches and coastline
• Working with local artists and musicians
• Visits to the TVLB (Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade) and participation in the Cullercoats Festival
• Engaging with the Watch House, Dove Marine Laboratory, the local quarry, church and our local library

And many more outdoor learning opportunities across our community

These experiences deepen pupils’ understanding of their environment, culture and heritage. They allow children to learn with purpose, make stronger connections in their learning and develop a secure sense of belonging.

A Strong Foundation in Reading, Writing and Maths

Literacy and numeracy sit at the heart of our curriculum.
From the earliest stages, pupils develop secure foundations in:

• Phonics
• Reading fluency and comprehension
• Writing composition
• Mathematical understanding

As a Voice 21 school, Oracy is a key focus. We prioritise high-quality talk that builds confidence, vocabulary and communication skills. Through partner talk, discussions and presentations, pupils learn to express ideas clearly, listen actively and articulate their thinking.

Handwriting and spelling provide the technical accuracy pupils need to develop as fluent, confident writers.

These essential skills help our children thrive, belong and achieve, supporting success across the whole curriculum.

Evidence-Informed Teaching

Our teaching is guided by research, including Rosenshine’s Principles and evidence on memory, cognition and adaptive practice. Lessons are designed to maximise understanding and long-term retention, using modelling, scaffolding, questioning and retrieval practice so pupils know more and remember more over time.

Adaptive Practice and Support

We prioritise high-quality, adaptive teaching. Teachers make skilled and responsive adjustments within lessons to meet the needs of all learners. This ensures every child can participate fully in the curriculum and that learning remains accessible, challenging and engaging.

A Broad, Balanced and Enriching Experience

Alongside strong foundations in English and Maths, pupils benefit from high-quality learning across:

• Science
• History and Geography
• Art and Design Technology
• Music
• Physical Education
• Computing
• PSHE and RE
• French

Through trips, visitors, workshops, performances, outdoor learning and themed events, we nurture curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.

Play and Outdoor Learning – Our Platinum OPAL Approach

As a Platinum OPAL school, we value high-quality play as an essential part of childhood. OPAL enhances our curriculum by promoting creativity, problem-solving, resilience and collaboration. Outdoor play strengthens social skills, builds confidence and supports wellbeing. It also provides meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen understanding across subjects.

Character, Values and Personal Development

Our curriculum promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, as well as their wellbeing, resilience and sense of community. We teach children to be respectful, responsible and compassionate citizens, ready to contribute positively to society.

Impact: How We Know Our Curriculum Works

We measure the success of our curriculum through:

• Progress pupils make in each subject
• Quality of outcomes in books and Seesaw
• Pupil voice showing confidence, enjoyment and understanding
• Consistent standards across the school, supported by Local Authority moderation
• Secure knowledge, strong communication skills and transferable skills

Our aim is simple: to empower every child to thrive, belong and achieve—leaving Cullercoats Primary School confident, knowledgeable and ready for their next stage of learning and life.