There are 7 areas of learning within the EYFS framework. The framework explains how and what your child will be learning to support their healthy development. Children should mostly develop the 3 primes areas first: Prime Areas Personal, Social and Emotional Development Physical Development Language and Communication These prime areas are the most essential for your child’s healthy development and future learning. As children grow, the prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas. Specific Areas Mathematics Literacy Understanding the world Expressive arts and design More information on - Development Matters The EYFS Curriculum- no changes

Why the Change? The current Government’s view was that the old curriculum was not sufficiently challenging and wanted to: Raise standards Be more challenging and rigorous although the content is actually slimmer than the old curriculum, focusing on essential core subject knowledge and skills such as essay writing and computer programming. Compete internationally Department of Education ‘It's all about trying to compete in the global economy and the forthcoming curriculum "combines the best elements of what is taught in the world's most successful school systems” However, Y2 and Y6 SATS have not been revised for the Summer of 2015 so the Government’s plan has meant that we have 2 curriculum running side by side!

The National Curriculum (programme of study) is a set of key subjects and standards used in maintained/ state primary and secondary schools in England so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject by the end of each year. What is the National Curriculum?

So what are the main changes?

Stronger emphasis on vocabulary development, grammar, punctuation and spelling (for example, the use of commas and apostrophes will be taught in KS1) Handwriting( not currently assessed under the national curriculum) is expected to be fluent, legible and speedy Spoken English has a greater emphasis, with children to be taught debating and presenting skills.

Maths Five-year-olds will be expected to learn to count up to 100 (compared to 20 under the old curriculum) and learn number bonds to 20 (currently up to 10) Simple fractions (1/4 and 1/2) will be taught from KS1, and by the end of primary school, children should be able to convert decimal fractions to simple fractions (e.g = 3/8) By the age of nine, children will be expected to know times tables up to 12×12 (currently 10×10 by the end of primary school) Calculators will not be introduced until near the end of KS2, to encourage mental arithmetic.

Strong focus on scientific knowledge and language, rather than understanding the nature and methods of science in abstract terms Evolution will be taught in primary schools for the first time Non-core subjects like caring for animals will be replaced by topics like the human circulatory system

Computing replaces Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with a greater focus on programming rather than on operating programs From age five, children will learn to write and test simple programs, and to organise, store and retrieve data From seven, they will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet Internet safety taught

Design and Technology has become more important in the new curriculum, setting children on the path to becoming the designers and engineers of the future More sophisticated use of design equipment such as electronics and robotics In KS2, children will learn about how key events and individuals in design and technology have shaped the world. Greater emphasis on cookery with a focus on savoury dishes

Greater use of atlases and maps including O/S maps and digital maps Children are expected to know and locate countries, capitals, major cities, mountains and rivers In depth studies of a European, North/South American country and a region of the British Isles are required

Greater emphasis on British History taught in chronological order from Stone Age to Tudors no longer taught in KS2

Languages Previously not statutory, a modern foreign language or ancient language (Latin or Greek) is mandatory in KS2. Children will be expected to master basic grammar and accurate pronunciation and to converse, present, read and write in the language

Physical Education (PE), Music, Religious Education (RE) The study of these subjects remains largely unchanged.

Also at the core of our curriculum is…..

Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect. Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views. Investigate and moral issues; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the fundamental values of British democracy. Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain's parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

Early in the summer term, senior leaders undertook various training and development in order to assist in developing our own Markland Hill curriculum which not only meets, but enhances the requirements of the new National Curriculum and to ensure that we were well prepared for September.

We considered staff’s strengths and also looked at various products to support our curriculum and purchased Focus and Cornerstones. In addition, there will be themed curriculum weeks, incidental focus weeks beginning in Spring term with Maths and Geography and planned enterprise with a purpose.

As a staff we planned a new exciting launch unit of Fairtrade across school, ranging from EYFS trip to Fork to Farm at Tesco to the Slave Trade in Year 6. The success of this was reflected in the Ofsted report: Pupils are very much aware that their learning has changed and are fully embracing it. Through their Fairtrades theme, pupils explore a wide variety of topics ranging from the Romans in Year 4, farming in Reception and the Transatlantic Slave Trade in Years 5 and 6. All themes provide excellent opportunities for pupils to practice their reading, writing and mathematical skills, engage in creative musical and art-based activities and debate about issues of morality linked to, for example, historical and modern slavery.

Additional quotes from Ofsted: The school is well on the way to fully implementing its outstanding new curriculum, which is already engaging and exciting pupils and supporting their excellent progress. The school’s work to develop all aspects of pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural and social development is exceptionally effective. Pupils are very responsible and are skilled at debating ideas and working together. They have excellent first-hand opportunities to meet religious leaders and visit various places of worship including churches, mosques and Hindu cultural temples. A wide variety of religious artefacts in school, relating to Judaism for example, help to bring learning to life.