At Graven Hill Primary and Preschool, our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious, carefully designed to ensure that every child develops secure knowledge, essential skills and a genuine love of learning. Rooted in the National Curriculum, our approach is shaped by high expectations, thoughtful sequencing and a clear understanding of how children learn best over time.

Our curriculum aims to inspire curiosity, build resilience and equip children with the knowledge and understanding they need to succeed—both now and in the future. Learning is purposeful, connected and meaningful, enabling children to make sense of the world and their place within it.

Core Subjects

Our core subjects form the foundation of children’s learning:

• English
  Developing confident readers, articulate speakers and skilled writers through rich texts, explicit vocabulary instruction and purposeful writing opportunities.
• Mathematics
  Building deep conceptual understanding, fluency and reasoning so children can apply mathematical thinking with confidence and precision.
• Science
  Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking through systematic enquiry, hands‑on investigation and the development of key scientific knowledge and vocabulary.

These subjects are taught with clarity and consistency, ensuring children revisit and deepen their understanding as they progress through the school.

Foundation Subjects

Our core curriculum is enriched by a wide range of foundation subjects that broaden children’s experiences and deepen their understanding of the world:

• Computing
• History
• Geography
• Design & Technology
• Art
• Music
• Physical Education
• French

Each subject is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure that knowledge builds logically over time. Children are taught the essential concepts, skills and vocabulary needed to think like historians, geographers, artists, designers and musicians—not just to complete activities, but to understand disciplines in depth.

Religious Education

We teach Religious Education in line with the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus, supporting children to explore a range of beliefs, values and worldviews with respect, curiosity and openness. Through RE, children develop understanding, empathy and the ability to reflect thoughtfully on their own beliefs and those of others.

How Learning Comes to Life

Learning at Graven Hill is brought to life through:

• Practical, hands‑on experiences
• Carefully planned cross‑curricular links
• High‑quality discussion and questioning
• Explicit teaching of subject‑specific vocabulary
• Opportunities to apply knowledge in meaningful contexts

These approaches help children connect new learning to what they already know, strengthening understanding and long‑term retention.

A Curriculum That Grows With Our Community

As a growing school, we continually refine and develop our curriculum so that it reflects:

• Our unique setting and community
• The needs and strengths of our children
• Research‑informed best practice
• High expectations for all learners

Our curriculum is designed not only to meet statutory requirements, but to prepare children for the next stages of education and for life beyond the classroom—developing confident, knowledgeable and thoughtful young people who are ready to contribute positively to the world around them.