Skip to main content

Our Curriculum

At Chandlers Ridge , our curriculum is ambitious, creative and underpinned by a relentless drive for excellence

Our Curriculum

At Chandlers Ridge, our curriculum is ambitious, creative and underpinned by a relentless drive for excellence, enabling every child to thrive. It is carefully sequenced to build deep knowledge and strong foundations, while promoting imaginative problem solving and deeper thinking. Through high-quality teaching, pupils are encouraged to question, explore and think critically, developing the confidence and curiosity needed to achieve their very best.

Enrichment is at the heart of our approach. Visits, visitors and meaningful experiences bring learning to life, creating memorable opportunities that inspire and engage. Alongside strong academic outcomes, we nurture wellbeing, independence and resilience, ensuring every child prepares not only for the next stage of their education, but for life beyond the classroom. 

further information

If you would like to know more about any curriculum area here at Chandlers Ridge, get in touch via enquiries@chandlersridge.org.uk and ask that your email be directed to the appropriate subject lead. 


SUBJECT

OVERVIEW

Explore each subject below to find out what is taught, how learning progresses and how we build knowledge and skills across the curriculum.

Art

Art at Chandlers Ridge is a vital part of our commitment to developing creative, confident learners. Through our carefully planned curriculum, based on Plan B and enriched with additional experiences, pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials, techniques and ideas. Children are supported to take creative risks, express themselves freely and develop resilience as they refine and improve their work. We place strong value on the creative process, recognising that experimentation, reflection and growth are just as important as the finished piece.

Our curriculum is further enhanced through whole-school exhibitions, visits to galleries, dedicated art weeks and the study of a diverse range of artists. These experiences inspire pupils and deepen their understanding of art in the wider world. Children take pride in their efforts, developing imagination, independence and a strong sense of achievement as they flourish creatively.

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Computing

Computing at Chandlers Ridge equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in an ever-changing technological world. Through our progressive curriculum, based on Teach Computing and enriched with additional opportunities, children develop early programming experiences into more complex coding and problem-solving challenges. Learning is centred on practical application, with pupils using a range of technologies to explore, think and develop digital creativity.

A strong emphasis is placed on online safety and responsible use of technology. Through age-appropriate teaching, SMART online safety and wider discussions including AI, pupils learn to become responsible, informed digital citizens. Enrichment opportunities such as Dares projects and Code Club further inspire curiosity and ambition, preparing children for the future with the skills and understanding to succeed. 

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Design Technology

Design and Technology at Chandlers Ridge is an ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum that develops creative, practical and purposeful learners. Based on the Plan B framework and enriched with a range of engaging experiences, pupils follow the design, make, evaluate process to create meaningful outcomes. Children are encouraged to think critically, collaborate with others and seek creative solutions to real-world problems. Through iterative practice, they refine their ideas, building resilience and confidence as they work across key areas such as structures, mechanisms, textiles, and cooking and nutrition.

Our curriculum is enriched further still through opportunities including STEM Week projects, baking as a stimulus for writing, cookery clubs, Lego clubs and design competitions. These experiences deepen learning, inspire innovation and encourage pupils to take pride in their creations as they develop skills for life. 

Documents

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Reading

Reading at Chandlers Ridge is at the heart of our curriculum, with a clear aim to develop fluent, confident readers who read widely and with enjoyment. We recognise the vital two-way relationship between reading and wider learning: strong readers can access the full curriculum, while rich subject knowledge builds the schemata needed to deepen comprehension. Our approach begins with a systematic, synthetic phonics programme, securing strong foundations for early reading. This is followed by guided reading using carefully matched decodable texts, before pupils progress to structured reading lessons based on Complete Comprehension, enriched with high-quality texts from a range of sources.

Pupils engage in daily reading opportunities to build fluency, alongside class texts that foster a love of reading. A carefully chosen reading spine ensures exposure to ambitious, diverse literature across a wide range of genres. Enrichment such as World Book Day, author visits and our Trust reading magazine further inspire pupils, supporting them to thrive as enthusiastic, lifelong readers. 

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Writing

Writing at Chandlers Ridge is carefully structured to develop confident, accurate writers with a strong sense of purpose and an emerging authorial voice. In the Early Years, writing is rooted in phonics, with children applying their encoding skills to form words and simple sentences linked to a high-quality weekly text. As pupils move through KS1 and KS2, writing is taught through well-sequenced units lasting 2–3 weeks. These sequences balance planning, drafting and editing, while making purposeful cross-curricular links to provide a secure knowledge base without increasing cognitive load.

Each sequence includes engaging stimulus lessons to immerse pupils in content, alongside grammar toolkit sessions, exploration of high-quality models and vocabulary development. Children apply their skills through modelled and independent writing before publishing their final pieces with pride. Enrichment opportunities such as writing competitions, published anthologies, assemblies and author discussions further inspire pupils to flourish as creative, expressive writers. 

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Spelling

Spelling at Chandlers Ridge is carefully planned to ensure consistency, progression and success for all pupils. In Key Stage 1, spelling is closely linked to phonics, forming a key part of children’s efforts to encode and apply their understanding of sounds. In Year 2, there is a strong focus on morphology, supporting pupils to bridge the gap between phonics and more complex spelling rules. Our curriculum, based on Literacy Shed and tailored to meet the needs of our learners, is clearly mapped to support progression across school.

In Key Stage 2, pupils learn a combination of spelling rules and common exception words, supported through regular practice and weekly tests. Successes are celebrated, and targeted support is provided where needed. Strong partnerships between home and school further secure learning, while enrichment such as our annual spelling bee promotes pride, confidence and a culture of excellence.

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Spoken Language

Spoken language at Chandlers Ridge is embedded creatively across the curriculum, providing rich opportunities for pupils to develop and refine their oracy skills. Through discussion, drama, debate and collaborative learning, children are supported to express their ideas clearly and confidently. They are taught to listen attentively, respond thoughtfully and use standard English appropriately. Pupils also learn to adapt their language to suit different audiences and contexts, building confidence as effective communicators.

Our curriculum is enriched through a range of meaningful experiences, including the ‘Spark Speaks’ competition, child-led assemblies, performances and services such as our Easter celebration. These opportunities enable pupils to practise and showcase their speaking skills, fostering confidence, pride and a strong sense of belonging.

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Geography

Geography at Chandlers Ridge begins in the Early Years through Understanding the World, where children start to explore their environment and develop curiosity about the places around them. From Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2, our curriculum is centred on Grammarsaurus, providing a rich, well-sequenced progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary. Key concepts are regularly revisited to secure long-term retention, while enquiry and discussion enable pupils to explore real-world issues and develop a strong understanding of communities and environmental challenges at a local, national and global level.

Our curriculum fosters a sense of responsibility and global citizenship, encouraging pupils to think critically about the world they live in. Learning is creatively enriched through school trips, hands-on experiences such as model making, and creative homework projects, bringing geography to life and deepening understanding. 

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


History

History at Chandlers Ridge begins in the Early Years through Past and Present, where children develop an early understanding of time, change and their own experiences. From Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2, our curriculum is centred on Grammarsaurus, providing a rich and carefully sequenced progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary. Learning is designed to build securely over time, while engaging pupils through creative approaches that capture their interest and deepen understanding.

Pupils are taught to think critically about the past, asking questions, examining evidence and considering reliability and perspective. Through this, they develop as informed, responsible citizens who understand the impact of history on the world today. Our curriculum is enriched through trips, specialist themed days, visiting speakers, VR experiences and the study of real artefacts, bringing history to life in meaningful and memorable ways.  

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Mathematics

Mathematics at Chandlers Ridge begins in the Early Years through the development of number and numerical patterns, laying strong foundations for future learning. Our curriculum, centred on White Rose, is carefully sequenced to build deep understanding and progression over time. We aim to develop fluent mathematicians who can confidently apply their knowledge to a range of reasoning and problem-solving contexts, preparing them for life beyond the classroom. Fluency is strengthened through regular arithmetic practice, including our Tough Ten approach. The use of concrete, pictorial and abstract methods ensures children develop secure conceptual understanding of mathematical principles, contributing to our excellent outcomes. 

Our mastery approach promotes challenge for all, alongside a strong emphasis on accurate mathematical vocabulary, practical exploration and collaborative discussion. Tools such as TTRockStars support rapid recall of key facts while enrichment opportunities, including Number Day, STEM projects, competitions and careers talks, further inspire pupils and bring mathematics to life.

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


French (Modern Foreign Languages)

French at Chandlers Ridge is taught in Key Stage 2, preparing pupils for a smooth transition to our local secondary schools. Our curriculum, centred on Language Angels, is carefully sequenced to support progression in pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. Pupils move from learning key words and structures to building sentences and engaging in short conversations. Regular repetition and revisiting ensure knowledge is securely embedded, while lessons balance speaking, listening, reading and writing. The subject is led by a fluent French speaker. Supported by quality resources with continuous staff CPD, this ensures high-quality modelling and accurate language development.

Through French, pupils develop an appreciation of different cultures and an understanding of how languages connect. Learning is enriched through songs, games and interactive activities, making lessons engaging and memorable while promoting confident communication in an increasingly globalised world. 

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Music

Music at Chandlers Ridge is a vibrant and progressive part of our curriculum, centred on the Kapow scheme and supported by high-quality CPD to ensure excellent teaching. Learning is carefully sequenced, enabling pupils to build knowledge and skills over time. Children explore key composers and musical styles, developing an understanding of music in its wider context. They learn about notation, dynamics, tempo and articulation, while developing their abilities in performance, composition and appraisal. Singing is an important element, woven through lessons, assemblies and wider school life.

Our curriculum is enriched through a wide range of opportunities. Our thriving choir performs in theatres and cathedrals, while RockSteady groups bring energy and enthusiasm to live music-making. Instrumental tuition through TVMS further enhances provision, inspiring pupils to develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of music. If you would like to know more about Music at Chandlers Ridge, get in touch and ask to speak with Mrs Sidgwick-Dawson. 

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Physical Education (PE)

Physical Education at Chandlers Ridge is built on the Complete P.E. curriculum and reflects our commitment to excellence, recognised through our Platinum School Games Mark. We aim to develop physically literate pupils who understand the importance of healthy, active lifestyles. Learning is structured across dance, gymnastics, games and athletics, with younger pupils developing agility, balance and coordination before progressing to more complex skills, team games and competitive sport. High-quality teaching, supported by specialist coaches, ensures pupils build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of fair play.

Our provision is enriched through a wide range of opportunities, including competitive fixtures, inclusive festivals and adventurous outdoor activities such as climbing, axe throwing, den building and fire starting. Through strong partnerships and an extensive club offer, all pupils are encouraged to participate and succeed, fostering teamwork, wellbeing and a lifelong love of physical activity.

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Phonics

Phonics at Chandlers Ridge is taught through our carefully sequenced Chandlers Phonics programme, a systematic approach to synthetic phonics that secures strong foundations for reading. Phonics is taught daily, enabling children to confidently learn and apply the 44 grapheme–phoneme correspondences. Learning begins in Nursery with Rhyme Town, where pupils focus on the seven aspects of Phase 1, with a strong emphasis on blending and segmenting. From Reception to Year 1, children progress through Phases 2–5, with the Phonics Screening Check completed at the end of Year 1. In Year 2, Phase 6 introduces morphology, supporting the transition from phonics to spelling.

Home reading is closely aligned to phonics, with fully decodable books matched to each child’s stage. EYFS/KS1 pupils take home Bug Club books matched to their phase and sound, while KS2 pupils who continue to embed phonics use Rising Stars. Alongside this, children take home other high-quality texts to be read with parents to encourage a love of the written word! Parent workshops and resources strengthen home-school partnerships, and children are consistently encouraged to apply their phonics knowledge across the wider curriculum.

Documents:

Phonics Information for Parents

Phonics Coverage

Phonics Teaching Sequence (Graphemes – Action – Rhymes)

Phonics Teaching Sequence (Phonics Long Term Plans)

Phonics Vocabulary

Book Bank Box Sequence and Letters and Sounds Correspondence


Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

PSHE at Chandlers Ridge is delivered through the Jigsaw programme, providing a robust and carefully sequenced curriculum built on a spiral model. Pupils revisit six key themes each year (Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me) developing deeper understanding over time. The curriculum places strong emphasis on emotional literacy, resilience, mental health and wellbeing, while meeting statutory Relationships Education (RSE) requirements. Pupils learn about healthy relationships, equality and personal responsibility, alongside a strong understanding of British Values.

PSHE delivery centres on key oracy skills featuring discussion, debate and presentation of ideas, enabling pupils to express themselves and reflect on their choices. Learning is enriched through assemblies, themed events (e.g. Black History Month) and responsive content from external partners. For example, Pol-Ed, uses Police data to allow the school to respond to events in the local area in an age-appropriate manner. PSHE links to our Zones of Regulation approach further support pupils in understanding and managing their emotions, helping them to thrive as confident, responsible individuals.

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Science

Science at Chandlers Ridge is designed to inspire curiosity and a deep understanding of the world around us. Our curriculum, based on the White Rose small steps, is carefully sequenced to ensure progression in knowledge and skills. Practical investigation lies at the heart of our approach, with pupils engaging in hands-on experiences that develop both scientific knowledge and ‘working scientifically’ skills, including questioning, observing, researching and drawing conclusions from evidence. We aim to inspire children to see how science can shape the future and their role within it.

Learning is enriched through STEM project weeks, where pupils tackle real-world challenges, alongside visits from local scientists and educational trips. Opportunities such as science club and outdoor learning further enhance engagement, encouraging pupils to explore, discover and develop a lifelong interest in science.

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan


Religious Education (RE)

Religious Education at Chandlers Ridge begins in the Early Years through Understanding the World and builds progressively through KS1 and KS2 using the Kapow scheme. Learning is structured through an enquiry-based approach, encouraging pupils to explore big questions about belief, meaning and purpose. RE plays a vital role in pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, promoting British values such as mutual respect and tolerance. Pupils study a range of religions and worldviews in local, national and global contexts, developing understanding and appreciation of diversity.

RE also provides meaningful opportunities for reflection, allowing pupils to consider their own beliefs, identity and sense of belonging. Learning is enriched through school trips, specialist assemblies and educational visits, bringing faith and culture to life. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from part or all of RE; please contact the school if you wish to discuss this further.

Documents:

Curriculum Long Term Plan



REMOTE

LEARNING

If remote learning is required, Chandlers Ridge provides structured learning opportunities that align with our curriculum and support continuity of education. We use tapestry to support learning in Early Years and strongly encourage parents of Nursery and Reception children to download the app to engage with learning. Remote learning uses the Seesaw platform thereafter.


PHASE

OVERVIEWS

Below you will find important information pertinent to each phase of school. Across school, we have four phases:

  • EYFS (Nursery and Reception)
  • Key Stage One (Years 1 & 2)
  • Lower Key Stage Two (Years 3 & 4)
  • Upper Key Stage Two (Years 5 & 6)

Each phase delivers foundation subject learning on a two-year rolling programme. The phases are made up of 3-4 classes each. Every class is named after an influential person from local history to encourage children to engage with their local context.

EYFS

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provides children with strong foundations for their time in school and beyond. 

In Nursery and Reception, children combine indoor and outdoor learning, balancing purposeful play and carefully planned teaching. 

Following the statutory Early Years Framework, we focus on building secure foundations in language, literacy and number, while nurturing curiosity, independence and confidence. Children are supported to explore, investigate and collaborate, developing the skills they need for a successful transition into Key Stage 1. Classes include Herriot and Stephenson. 

Statutory Assessment:

  • Reception Baseline AssessmentWithin six weeks of children joining Reception – children undergo low stakes assessments on a 1:1 basis – children are not aware that they are being assessed. 
  • EYFS ProfileJune in Reception – children are assessed against 17 Early Learning Goals. Evidence from across the year is used to arrive at judgements.
    • 7 Prime (universal, core aspects of child development)
    • 10 Specific Areas (build upon prime areas to provide essential knowledge for children as they grow) 
    • If children have achieved against 12 specific areas, they are judged to have made a ‘Good Level of Development’ (GLD).

Documents:

Early Years Curriculum

Reading Spine – Nursery

Reading Spine – Reception

EYFS Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement

Phonics for Parents

Reading With Your Child

Nursery Information

Nursery Long Term Plan

Early Writing Progression

Reception Information

Reception Long Term Planning Grid

Reception Writing Overview


Key Stage 1

In Key Stage One, children build on the strong foundations established in EYFS through a carefully planned and supportive transition. Learning is structured across subjects, with a well-mapped curriculum that promotes excellence and deep understanding. A strong emphasis remains on early reading, writing, mathematics and phonics, alongside practical, engaging experiences. Through our two-year rolling programme, pupils in Cook, Patrick and Grey-Thompson classes continue to thrive, develop confidence and grow as independent learners.

Statutory Assessment:

  • Phonics Screening Check Early June – Children are given 40 words (mixture of real words and made-up words) to sound out using the skills in phonics they have learnt progressively from Nursery. The ‘pass’ threshold is usually 32.
  • Phonics resitsEarly June – Year 2 children who did not pass in Year 1 resit the check.

Documents:

Y1 and Y2 Long Term Plan
Reading Spine Year 1
Reading Spine Year 2


Lower Key Stage Two

Lower Key Stage Two marks the beginning of Key Stage 2, where pupils build on their Key Stage 1 learning, deepening understanding and developing greater independence. The curriculum becomes more complex and is carefully structured through a two-year rolling programme, with meaningful cross-curricular links that support deeper thinking and application. Pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, developing confidence, resilience and the skills needed to thrive.

Statutory Assessment: 

  • Multiplication Tables CheckEarly June – Year 4 Children are given 25 multiplications up to 12×12 to answer using iPads. They are given 6 seconds to respond to each question. 

Documents:

Y3 and Y4 Long Term Plan
Reading Spine Year 3
Reading Spine Year 4


Upper Key Stage Two

Upper Key Stage Two is the final stage of primary education, where pupils develop independence, abstract thinking and readiness for secondary school. Building on foundations from Lower Key Stage Two, children tackle more complex concepts and advanced problem-solving through a carefully planned two-year curriculum. As the oldest pupils, they are positive role models, taking on leadership opportunities such as becoming Prime Minister, Play Leaders, Running Clubs, P.E. Monitors (etc.), while enjoying additional responsibilities and privileges that prepare them for the next stage of their journey.

Statutory Assessment: 

  • SATS – May – Year 6 children complete assessments in Reading, SPaG and Maths. Their end-of-KS2 judgements are based on their performance in these standardised tests.
  • Writing & Science – June – In Year 6, teachers make judgements of a child’s portfolio of writing against Teacher Assessment Framework (TAF) objectives. Science is assessed in a similar way. 

Documents:

Y5 and Y6 Long Term Plan
Reading Spine Year 5
Reading Spine Year 6



PASSPORT

FOR LIFE

At Chandlers Ridge Academy, we are proud to be part of Spark Education Trust, where education is about more than what happens in the classroom.

Across our trust, we aim to prepare children for the future through high-quality teaching, a broad curriculum and enriching experiences that help every learner to flourish in life, learning and work.

At Spark, these enrichment opportunities are brought together through our Passport for Life. This programme ensures that all children and young people have access to experiences that support their personal development, build confidence and help them develop the skills and attributes they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The document below outlines the Passport for Life and the experiences we aim to provide for learners across our trust.