Foundation Subjects
Art
Intent
At Elmgrove, Art and Design inspires creativity, self-expression and a love of visual language. Pupils explore ideas, materials and techniques to develop artistic skills and confidence. By Year 6, they are independent, reflective and imaginative artists - becoming confident, imaginative and reflective young artists.
Implementation
A progressive curriculum builds skills in drawing, painting, collage, printing and 3D work. Pupils use sketchbooks to record ideas and reflections. Independent and group projects encourage creativity and ownership. Inclusive teaching and ongoing assessment ensure all pupils succeed. Assessment is through observation, discussion, sketchbooks and final outcomes.
Impact
Pupils are confident, creative and expressive. They use art language to reflect on their work, show clear skill progression, value diverse artists and take pride in their creations.
Design and Technology
Intent
At Elmgrove, Design and Technology fosters creativity, problem-solving and practical thinking. Pupils design and make purposeful, functional and engaging products. By Year 6, they are confident, reflective and resourceful designers — becoming innovative and skilled designers.
Implementation
A progressive curriculum follows the design process: research, design, make and evaluate. Pupils complete units on mechanisms, structures, textiles, food and electrical systems, linking learning to other subjects. Projects promote creativity, teamwork and safe use of tools. Assessment is ongoing through observation, discussion and outcomes.
Impact
Pupils are confident, creative problem-solvers who apply technical skills effectively, work well in teams and understand how design and technology shape the world around them.
French
Intent
At Elmgrove, our French curriculum develops key language skills and fosters a love of languages and cultures. Pupils build confidence in listening, speaking, reading and writing, develop secure vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, and appreciate how language connects to identity and diversity. By Year 6, they have a strong foundation in French and confidence to continue learning at secondary school— becoming curious, confident and culturally aware linguists.
Implementation
All KS2 pupils have weekly French lessons that build progressively on prior learning. Lessons develop core language skills through engaging topics, songs, games and role-play. Key vocabulary and grammar are regularly revisited, with support for all learners, including those with SEND. Progress is assessed through participation, written work and observation.
Impact
Pupils are confident, motivated language learners who communicate clearly in simple French, understand key grammar and vocabulary, and show curiosity and respect for other cultures.
Music
Intent
At Elmgrove, we aim to inspire creativity, self-expression and a lifelong love of music. Every child experiences the joy of music through listening, performing, composing and appraising. By Year 6, pupils:
• Enjoy and gain confidence in singing, performing and creating music.
• Experience music from a range of styles, times and cultures.
• Use musical vocabulary accurately.
• Appreciate music as personal and cultural expression.
Implementation
Music is taught through progressive lessons developing listening, singing, notation and composition skills. Pupils explore diverse genres, perform with voices and instruments, and make cross-curricular links. Choirs, instrumental lessons and performances build confidence, teamwork and creativity.
Impact
Pupils are confident, expressive and creative musicians who perform, compose and appraise with enjoyment. They value musical diversity and understand music’s role in culture and well-being. Through our engaging curriculum, pupils remember more, do more and love music for life.
Computing
Intent
At Elmgrove, our Computing curriculum helps pupils become confident, independent and responsible digital citizens. Pupils learn to:
• Find, evaluate and use information effectively.
• Communicate and collaborate safely online.
• Understand key computer science concepts such as logic, algorithms and programming.
• Use hardware and software purposefully.
• Develop problem-solving and computational thinking.
• Act responsibly and ethically online.
By Year 6, pupils can navigate the digital world with curiosity, creativity and integrity — becoming creative and resilient users of technology.
Implementation
Our progressive curriculum, aligned with the National Curriculum and NCCE framework, covers digital literacy, computer science and information technology. Pupils learn through hands-on programming, problem-solving and research tasks, working both independently and collaboratively. Online safety is embedded throughout. Progress is assessed through discussion, observation and practical outcomes.
Impact
Pupils are confident, capable and responsible digital learners. They can code, create, solve problems and communicate safely online, understanding the importance of digital ethics and safety.
Science
Intent
At Elmgrove, our Science curriculum is hands-on and inquiry-based, encouraging pupils to explore, question and understand the world around them. We aim to nurture curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Pupils:
• Build scientific knowledge and skills through investigation and experimentation.
• Ask questions, think critically and solve problems.
• Observe, record and analyse scientific phenomena.
• Understand science’s relevance to everyday life.
By Year 6, pupils are inquisitive, confident and ready for future scientific learning.
Implementation
Our progressive curriculum follows the National Curriculum and combines direct teaching with practical, investigative work. Pupils study biology, chemistry and physics through engaging topics, developing independence, teamwork and mastery over time. Assessment is ongoing through observation, discussion and recorded work.
Impact
Pupils are curious, confident and independent scientists who apply knowledge to explore and solve problems. They show clear progression in understanding and a lasting curiosity about the natural world. Through this curriculum, pupils remember more, do more and understand more.
Geography
Intent
At Elmgrove, our Geography curriculum inspires curiosity about the world and its people. Pupils develop knowledge of places, environments, resources and human and physical processes. They:
• Build geographical knowledge and skills through exploration and enquiry.
• Understand key physical and human processes.
• Appreciate diverse cultures and environments.
• Think critically about geographical questions.
By Year 6, pupils are confident, inquisitive and knowledgeable about the world, including their local area of Harrow.
Implementation
Our progressive curriculum follows the National Curriculum, combining knowledge, skills and enquiry. Pupils study physical and human geography in local (Harrow), national and global contexts. Fieldwork and local studies allow hands-on exploration of their surroundings. Independent and collaborative projects, practical tasks and enquiry questions develop curiosity, critical thinking and teamwork, with knowledge and skills revisited to ensure progression.
Impact
Pupils are confident, enthusiastic geographers who apply skills to explore places and environments, including their local area. They demonstrate clear progression, curiosity and critical thinking, becoming capable and confident learners of geography.
History
Intent
At Elmgrove, our History curriculum helps pupils understand how the past has shaped the present. Children develop a sense of identity and a chronological framework through the study of significant events, people and cultures. They:
• Develop historical knowledge of local (Harrow), national and global history.
• Ask questions and make connections across time.
• Investigate and interpret artefacts and primary/secondary sources.
• Think critically and communicate learning confidently.
By Year 6, pupils are inquisitive, reflective and knowledgeable about the past.
Implementation
Our progressive curriculum follows the National Curriculum and enquiry-based learning. Pupils explore chronology, significant events, people and changes over time, using artefacts and sources to develop interpretation skills. Lessons include discussion, research and collaborative work. Knowledge and skills are revisited to ensure progression and retention. Local history of Harrow is studied through fieldwork, trips, workshops and professional visits, building cultural capital. Assessment is through observation, discussion, written work and practical investigations.
Impact
Pupils are confident, curious and enthusiastic historians. They can interpret sources, make connections across time and communicate their learning effectively. Pupils demonstrate clear progression in historical knowledge and thinking, with an appreciation of their local history and broader cultural heritage.
RE
Intent
At Elmgrove, our RE curriculum celebrates the diversity of religions and worldviews. It develops pupils’ understanding of beliefs, cultural practices and their impact locally, nationally and globally. Pupils:
• Appreciate and respect different beliefs, values and cultures.
• Develop spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness.
• Explore how religion and worldviews shape people and communities.
• Reflect on their own values, identity and sense of self.
By Year 6, pupils are open-minded, respectful and thoughtful about the world.
Implementation
Our progressive curriculum follows the Harrow agreed syllabus. Pupils study principal religions and worldviews in local and global contexts, engaging in discussion, reflection and enquiry-based activities. Independent and collaborative tasks build understanding and empathy, with knowledge and skills revisited to ensure progression. Assessment is through observation, discussion, written work and reflection.
Impact
Pupils show respect and understanding for diverse beliefs, demonstrate progression in knowledge and critical thinking, and develop a strong sense of identity and moral awareness. They communicate learning thoughtfully, becoming open-minded, reflective and culturally aware individuals.
PSHE
Intent
At Elmgrove, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) supports pupils to become kind, respectful and responsible members of society. Through the Jigsaw scheme, pupils develop intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually, gaining knowledge and skills to understand themselves, others and the wider world. By Year 6, pupils are confident, empathetic and able to make positive choices.
Implementation
Our progressive PSHE curriculum follows the Jigsaw scheme of work. Lessons cover topics including health and wellbeing, relationships, living in the wider world, and personal safety. Pupils engage in discussion, reflection, role-play and collaborative tasks, building knowledge, skills and resilience over time. Activities are inclusive, revisiting key concepts to ensure progression and understanding. Assessment is through observation, discussion, reflection and practical tasks.
Impact
Pupils are confident, empathetic and responsible learners. They make informed choices, work well with others, demonstrate resilience and respect, and understand their role in school and the wider community. Through this curriculum, pupils remember more, do more and understand more — becoming thoughtful, capable and socially aware individuals.
