Curriculum Statement
Before designing your curriculum, it can be useful to reflect on the underlying principles and purpose underpinning it. The Curriculum Statement tool can be used as a framework to stimulate discussion and achieve consensus around this.
Tip: When the document has been completed, click Preview to see the completed version, then Save. The document can then be downloaded and used as a school (private) or published document. Schools may wish to review this document annually.Intent and Big Ideas
This section is for recording the broad set of principles which help develop a common understanding of the purpose and intent of your curriculum. Principles in this section can go beyond the academic and reflect children’s intellectual and personal development.
The page also shows the Big Ideas which underpin the Cornerstones Curriculum.
The page can show the school’s logo (click the Browse button to select a file) and Mission Statement (enter text in the box).
Once completed, the document can be published on the school’s website (click the Published option at the bottom of the page).
Questions that could be discussed include:
- How does our school’s context, ethos, faith and pupil profile affect our curriculum values and aims?
- Are there any barriers to learning for our pupils and how should our curriculum reflect these?
- What are our key beliefs about the nature of our curriculum offer? What do we aim to achieve?
- Are there any specific approaches or curriculum organisational factors that influence our curriculum?
- What characteristics do we believe makes an effective, ambitious and engaging curriculum for our pupils?
General Principles
This tab is for recording more detailed descriptions of the school’s curriculum intentions and principles.
The left side of the screen shows some exemplar statements that could be used or used to stimulate discussion. These can be dragged and dropped into the text box on the top right of the page, where they can be amended as required.
The school’s own general principles can be created if required (click in the create your own principles box and type, then click the blue Add box).
The text box at the bottom of the page allows for an explanation of the purpose of the principles chosen. The text can be previewed by clicking the Preview button.
Questions which could be discussed could include:
- Which values, attitudes to learning, teaching and learning approaches, and skills do we want pupils to encounter as they move through school? Why?
- Which skills and knowledge do we aim to teach our children before they leave school and how do we aim to achieve this?
- Which overarching themes and concepts do we want our pupils to experience at this school? Why?
SMSC/FBV
This tab is for recording the school’s principles in Spritual, Moral, Social, Cultural education and Fundamental British Values.
The left side of the screen shows some exemplar statements that could be used or used to stimulate discussion. These can be dragged and dropped into the text box on the top right of the page, where they can be amended as required.
The school’s own principles in these areas can be created if required (click in the create your own principles box and type, then click the blue Add box).
The text box at the bottom of the page allows for an explanation of the purpose of the principles chosen. The text can be previewed by clicking the Preview button.
Questions that could be asked include:
- How does our school’s curriculum match the school’s ethos and faith?
- What are the school’s priorities for non-academic pupil development?
Well being
This tab is for recording the school’s principles with regard to pupil wellbeing.
The left side of the screen shows some exemplar statements that could be used or used to stimulate discussion. These can be dragged and dropped into the text box on the top right of the page, where they can be amended as required.
The school’s own principles in these areas can be created if required (click in the create your own principles box and type, then click the blue Add box).
The text box at the bottom of the page allows for an explanation of the purpose of the principles chosen. The text can be previewed by clicking the Preview button.
Questions which could be discussed include:
- What aspects of personal development do we aim to promote through our curriculum?
- What are the school’s priorities for pupil wellbeing and how will our curriculum help us achieve these?
Pupil Voice
This tab is for recording the school’s principles with regard to pupil voice.
The left side of the screen shows some exemplar statements that could be used or used to stimulate discussion. These can be dragged and dropped into the text box on the top right of the page, where they can be amended as required.
The school’s own principles in these areas can be created if required (click in the create your own principles box and type, then click the blue Add box).
The text box at the bottom of the page allows for an explanation of the purpose of the principles chosen. The text can be previewed by clicking the Preview button.
Questions which could be discussed include:
- How does our curriculum support pupil voice?
Pedagogy
This tab is for recording the school’s principles with regard to pedagogy.
The left side of the screen shows some exemplar statements that could be used or used to stimulate discussion. These can be dragged and dropped into the text box on the top right of the page, where they can be amended as required. The example statements reflect the pedagogy which supports the Cornerstones curriculum.
The school’s own principles in these areas can be created if required (click in the create your own principles box and type, then click the blue Add box).
The text box at the bottom of the page allows for an explanation of the purpose of the principles chosen. The text can be previewed by clicking the Preview button.
Questions which could be discussed include:
- How does the pedagogy in our school support pupil achievement?
- What do we believe about the best ways to help children learn?
Enrichment
This tab is for recording the school’s principles with regard to enrichment opportunities.
The left side of the screen shows some exemplar statements that could be used or used to stimulate discussion. These can be dragged and dropped into the text box on the top right of the page, where they can be amended as required.
The school’s own principles in these areas can be created if required (click in the create your own principles box and type, then click the blue Add box).
The text box at the bottom of the page allows for an explanation of the purpose of the principles chosen. The text can be previewed by clicking the Preview button.
Questions which could be discussed include:
- How does the enrichment offered at the school positively affect learning?
- What types of enrichment do we offer and why?
Entitlement editor
This tab is to record the types and frequency of enrichment activities planned for pupils. It allows schools to ensure a breadth of different types of activity, to plan for equality of opportunity with regards to frequency of activities, to match the timing and type of activities with planned projects. It also allows for activities to be budgeted for.
Types of activity can be matched to the Memorable Experiences outlined in projects or to specific lessons or required skills and knowledge contained within them.
Rows can be renamed, re-ordered or deleted. New rows can be added by clicking the blue + symbol at the bottom of the page. The number of sessions can be increased or decreased by using the drop-down symbols.
Questions which could be discussed include:
- What types of enrichment activities do we believe are important for our pupils at each stage of their school experience?
- Is there an equal/appropriate distribution of enrichment across the school?
- Are we providing opportunities to develop cultural capital for our pupils?
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