Themes
We teach the National Curriculum and Early Years Framework through creative themes that excite and inspire the children. However some subjects are taught as stand alone subjects, where this is not possible. We have revised our themes in line with the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1. Throughout Key Stage 1, we follow a rolling two year themed programme. Our themes are enhanced through visits, workshops, theatres, visitors and themed days in school. Also our curriculum in the Early Years Foundation Stage is also based around topics and we follow the Development Matters areas of learning. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and unique to the needs of our children.
Click on the links below to see how we teach our curriculum for each Year Group.
Here is Cycle 1 of our 2-year programme of topics.
Term | EYFS theme | Key Stage 1 theme | |
Autumn 1 | Where would you like to go? | What is an island? | |
Autumn 2 | Would you like to journey under the sea? | How were toys different in the past? Why do we remember? | |
Spring 1 | Do you want to be a superhero? | What was Whitehaven like 100 years ago? |
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Spring 2 | Do you know any real life superheroes? | Do you wish you were here? (focussing on Brazil) |
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Summer 1 | Can a frog live in a tree? | Do all heroes wear capes? |
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Summer 2 | Can a frog live in a tree? | Would you like to be beside the seaside? |
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Here is Cycle 2 of our 2-year programme of topics.
Term | EYFS theme | Key Stage 1 theme | |
Autumn 1 | What makes me special? | Where do we live? |
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Autumn 2 | Who lives in the wood? | Do all castles have moats? |
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Spring 1 | What did the hungry caterpillar eat? | What is weather? |
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Spring 2 | Do you like to cuddle up with a book? | What was the Great Fire of London? |
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Summer 1 | Who put the colours in the rainbow? | Do you wish you were here? (focussing on Australia) |
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Summer 2 | Why were the wheels on the bus round? | What happened to the Titanic? |
Click below to view all of the Parent Information Sheets and Knowledge Organisers for our Topics.
We also plan special curriculum days and weeks focusing on different aspects of the Curriculum. Please find details below from previous years:
Autumn 1 | Creative Writing Week - Pirates take over the school | Creative Writing Week - What's in the egg? |
Autumn 1 | Creative Writing Week - Alien Landing | Maths Problem solving afternoon with Cumbria Primary Teacher Training in Year 2 |
Autumn 1 | Creative Writing Week - author visit linked to Fred the Fire-Sneezing Dragon | |
Autumn 2 | Remembrance Day (Year 2) looking at the History of World War 1 | Remembrance Day (Year 2) and looking at why we wear poppies? |
Autumn 2 | Kindness week looking at PSHE | Anti-bullying week looking at how we should respect each other |
Autumn 2 | Christmas Crafts developing Art and Design |
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Autumn 2 | Christmas nativities developing Performing Arts / Drama |
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Spring 1 and 2 | Bright Stars Project developing our Enterprise skills/British Values |
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Spring 1 | U Dance Festival (Year 2) developing Performing Arts |
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Spring 1 | Number Day |
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Spring 1 | Safer Internet Day developing Computing skills |
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Spring 2 | World Book Day developing a love of reading | U Dance festival (Key Stage 1) developing performing arts |
Spring 2 | Global Christianity Week developing our RE and Geography skills | Global Neighbours week looking at different cultures across the world |
Summer 1 | Hawse End Residential (Year 2) developing outdoor and adventurous activities PE skills |
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Summer 1 | World Fairtrade Day raising awareness of PSHE issues | Whitehaven Music Festival - voice speaking competition |
Summer 1 | British Science Week |
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Summer 2 | PE week including healthy eating (Phunkyfoods) |
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Summer 2 | Whole school art project looking at a famous artist |
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Summer 2 | Year 2 whole school production developing Performing Arts / Drama skills |
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