At Windmill Primary School, our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully designed so that every child can thrive. It is underpinned by cognitive science, recognising that children learn best when new knowledge is introduced in manageable steps, connected to prior learning and revisited regularly so it can be retained in long‑term memory. Our teaching approach reflects this, drawing on well‑established principles of effective instruction, including clear modelling, guided practice and opportunities for independent application. We believe every child deserves a curriculum that builds knowledge securely, nurtures confidence and inspires curiosity.

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Intent

Our curriculum ensures all pupils:

• Gain strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics
• Build a deep and connected body of knowledge across subject disciplines
• Develop excellent communication skills through vocabulary, oracy and structured talk
• Understand their rights, responsibilities and role within the school and wider community
• Experience enrichment that broadens horizons and fuels aspiration
• Receive the support and challenge needed to succeed, including high‑quality SEND provision
• Grow into independent, motivated learners who know how to think, question and problem‑solve

We place particular importance on Early Reading and Early Mathematics, because confident readers and numerate thinkers can access the full curriculum. Children learn within structured sequences that revisit and build on prior knowledge, helping them gradually develop mastery.

As a Rights Respecting School, we nurture character as well as academic achievement. Children learn to value themselves and others, develop resilience and demonstrate respect in all parts of school life.

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Implementation

Our curriculum is delivered through consistent, evidence‑informed teaching that supports all children to learn well. Teachers use approaches that reduce unnecessary cognitive load, ensuring pupils can focus on the most important learning. Lessons include clear explanations, high‑quality modelling, guided practice and regular checks for understanding. These approaches, closely aligned with Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, help pupils make strong progress over time.

Reading

From the first days of Reception, children learn to read through Read Write Inc phonics. This systematic, rigorous programme ensures children quickly secure accurate decoding. Fluency is taught explicitly so pupils can read smoothly, with expression and understanding.

Throughout EYFS and KS1, children experience high‑quality texts, oral storytelling and vocabulary-rich dialogue that build comprehension and background knowledge. In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their reading through CUSP Reading, exploring ambitious texts and developing sophisticated comprehension strategies.

Daily class readers and reading-for-pleasure routines ensure every child sees reading as joyful, meaningful and central to learning.

Writing

Our writing curriculum builds strong foundations in transcription, grammar, vocabulary and composition so children can express ideas clearly and confidently.

• Read Write Inc Spelling provides structured teaching of sound–spelling patterns from Year 2 onwards.
• The CUSP Spelling programme supports pupils to understand word origins, morphology and spelling rules, encouraging them to reason about spellings and apply them accurately.

Automaticity in transcription—secure handwriting and spelling—frees cognitive space so children can focus on meaning, structure and precision in their writing.

Writing is taught through CUSP Writing, which provides:

• Clear teaching of sentence construction and grammatical control
• Explicit modelling of vocabulary choices and authorial craft
• A strong emphasis on oral rehearsal before writing
• Carefully scaffolded opportunities for drafting, revising and editing
• Repeated exposure to genres so pupils can apply learning flexibly and independently

The focus is on clarity and quality, not unnecessary length. Children learn the full writing process, taught step-by-step with guidance gradually released as they become confident, independent writers.

Mathematics

In EYFS and Year 1, pupils participate in the Mastering Number programme, developing secure number sense and fluency. Throughout the school, the GLF Maths Mastery curriculum ensures concepts are introduced in carefully sequenced steps. Practical resources, visual models and clear explanations support deep understanding.

Children regularly engage in reasoning, problem-solving and structured retrieval to strengthen long-term retention. Teaching is scaffolded but challenging, with guidance gradually reduced as pupils gain independence.

Wider Curriculum

Our wider curriculum is built around the ambitious GLF Primary Curriculum, which offers a modern, coherent approach across Art, DT, Science, History and Geography.

The curriculum:

• Builds knowledge progressively, activating prior learning and minimising cognitive overload
• Makes explicit links across subjects while preserving disciplinary integrity
• Uses high-quality models and structured steps to teach complex concepts
• Encourages collaboration through termly final project outcomes
• Provides rich real‑world and STEM‑linked experiences that inspire future aspirations

This curriculum has been refined across GLF schools over several years and offers exceptional depth, coherence and ambition.

Personal Development

Personal development is central to our approach. As a Rights Respecting School, pupils learn to value themselves and others, understand fairness and equality, and make positive contributions to their community.

Our provision includes:

• Leadership opportunities such as school council and peer roles
• A rich programme of trips, visitors and enrichment experiences
• A well‑sequenced PSHE and RSE curriculum supporting emotional literacy and well-being
• A nurturing school culture where every child feels known, supported and empowered

These experiences help children grow into thoughtful, confident and responsible young citizens.

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Impact

We assess impact through what children can remember, explain, apply and create. We monitor progress through pupil voice, work outcomes, lessons, retrieval practice and sustained achievement over time.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at Windmill Primary are:

• Fluent readers who enjoy reading and use it to learn independently
• Confident writers who can craft sentences, organise ideas and refine their work
• Secure mathematicians able to reason, problem-solve and think flexibly
• Articulate communicators with strong vocabulary and oracy skills
• Knowledgeable learners with a clear understanding of each subject
• Responsible citizens who understand their rights and respect others
• Resilient, curious and ready for the next stage of their education

Our curriculum ensures every child leaves Windmill Primary with strong academic foundations, well-developed character and the confidence to embrace future challenges.