Curriculum Subjects - What we cover

---

The British National Curriculum, established to guide the education system in England, is a structured framework that outlines what students should learn at various stages of their education. This curriculum aims to ensure that children receive a well-rounded education, particularly in the core subjects of Maths, English, and Science, fostering essential skills and knowledge necessary for their development.   

The British National Curriculum in Maths, English, and Science is designed to provide students with a robust and versatile education, equipping them with critical skills for continued learning and engagement in an increasingly complex world. 

Through this structured approach, students are prepared not only for academic challenges but also for practical, everyday situations they will encounter in life. 

The Maths component of the National Curriculum emphasises a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to apply them in real-world contexts. Starting from early years education, children engage with numbers through practical activities, progressing over time to more complex topics.   Key areas of focus include: - 

Number and Place Value: Students learn to comprehend and manipulate numbers, establishing a solid foundation for arithmetic. 

Operations: They explore addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, developing fluency in calculations and problem-solving techniques. 

Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages: Understanding how to work with fractions and convert between decimals and percentages is crucial as students move into upper primary levels. 

Geometry: This includes learning about shapes, properties, and the spatial relationships between them, as well as understanding measurement units and their applications. 

Statistics: Students gain skills in data handling, learning to collect, represent, and interpret information effectively.  

By the end of Key Stage 2 (around age 11), children are expected to apply their mathematical knowledge confidently, solve multi-step problems, and reason mathematically, setting them up for more advanced mathematical studies in secondary school.  

The English curriculum is designed to develop key literacy skills which are fundamental to academic success and effective communication. It encompasses four main strands: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, each of which builds on the others. 

Reading: Students are introduced to a wide range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, to foster a love for literature. They learn to decode words, understand vocabulary in context, and analyse themes and characters. By engaging with diverse authors, students are encouraged to appreciate different perspectives and styles.  

Writing: The curriculum emphasises the importance of writing clearly and fluently across various forms, including narratives, reports, and creative writing. Pupils learn essential grammar, punctuation, and spelling rules, and are encouraged to express their ideas creatively and coherently. The writing process is also reinforced with skills in editing and improving drafts.  

Speaking and Listening: These skills are equally prioritised, with emphasis on verbal communication, presentation skills, and active listening. Students participate in discussions, debates, and presentations to build their confidence in articulating their thoughts and engaging with others respectfully.  

By the end of their primary education, students are expected to read and understand complex texts and write in a variety of contexts, equipping them for the challenges of secondary education and beyond.  

The Science curriculum inspires curiosity about the natural world and equips students with the skills needed for scientific inquiry. It encompasses three main disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics, promoting a hands-on approach to learning through experimentation and exploration.  

Biology: Students learn about living organisms, ecosystems, and the basics of human biology, exploring topics like plant growth, animal habitats, and body systems. This foundational knowledge encourages an appreciation for life sciences and the environment.  

Chemistry: The curriculum introduces pupils to the properties of materials, reactions, and the basic principles of chemical interactions. They learn through experiments, observing changes in matter and understanding concepts such as mixtures and solutions. 

Physics: Students explore forces, motion, energy, and the principles of light and sound. They are encouraged to ask questions and conduct experiments that illustrate these concepts, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving.  

Throughout their scientific education, students are expected to engage in practical investigations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analysing their findings. By the end of Key Stage 2, they should possess a foundational understanding of scientific principles, as well as the skills to carry out scientific inquiries effectively.   

At ETIA Academy, we focus exclusively on teaching Mathematics, English, and Science. This approach allows us to specialise and deliver a high-quality education in these core subjects. Here are some positive reasons for this concentrated curriculum:  

Depth of Understanding: By concentrating on a limited number of subjects, we can provide a deeper understanding of the material. Students have the opportunity to engage thoroughly with mathematical concepts, language skills, and scientific principles. 

Skill Development: Mastering these core subjects equips students with essential skills that are applicable in various aspects of life. Math enhances problem-solving and analytical abilities, English improves communication skills, and Science fosters critical thinking and curiosity about the world. 

Foundation for Future Learning: A strong grasp of Maths, English, and Science forms a solid foundation for future education. These subjects are interconnected and provide the basis for many advanced topics in higher education. 

Focus on Essential Knowledge: In today’s world, proficiency in Maths, English, and Science is vital for personal and professional success. By emphasising these areas, we help prepare students for the demands of the modern job market.  

Enhanced Engagement: A streamlined curriculum allows us to dedicate more time to innovative teaching methods, hands-on experiments, and interactive learning experiences that engage students and stimulate their curiosity. 

Improved Academic Performance: With a concentrated focus, students often see better academic performance as they can devote more time and energy to mastering these fundamental subjects.  

By focusing on Mathematics, English, and Science, we aim to equip our students with the critical skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.