At East Acton primary, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through a rich and inclusive curriculum, we aim to equip our pupils with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Our approach reflects our commitment as a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and an Eco School, ensuring that pupils understand their rights, respect the rights of others, and contribute positively to local and global communities.

Intent

Our enquiry-based curriculum is built around big questions that spark curiosity and encourage children to become active, independent learners. It is broad, balanced, and ambitious - carefully sequenced to develop a deep body of knowledge alongside strong foundational skills that underpin all learning We place particular importance on securing core skills in communication, reading, writing and mathematics, recognising these as essential foundations that enable pupils to access the wider curriculum and achieve their full potential.

We aim to nurture the whole child by promoting cultural capital and personal development, ensuring that every pupil experiences a wide range of opportunities that broaden their horizons and enrich their understanding of the world.

Our curriculum is rooted in the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) - particularly the right to an education that develops every child’s personality, talents, and abilities to the full (Article 29). Children learn about their rights and the rights of others, fostering respect, empathy, and a strong sense of global citizenship.

It is also shaped by the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development, enabling pupils to explore real-world issues such as climate action, reduced inequalities and responsible consumption, and to understand their role in creating a more sustainable and just future.

Implementation

Learning at East Acton is structured through meaningful, enquiry-based units and high-quality teaching that make learning purposeful and engaging. Staff plan carefully to build on prior knowledge, make connections across subjects, and ensure progression throughout each key stage.

A strong emphasis is placed on the explicit teaching and reinforcement of foundational knowledge and skills, particularly in reading, writing and mathematics, to ensure all pupils develop fluency and confidence over time.

Our teaching is underpinned by evidence-informed approaches, including Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, which support effective learning through:

• clear explanations and modelling
• small steps in learning
• regular questioning and checking for understanding
• guided practice and independent application
• systematic review to support long-term memory

These approaches ensure that knowledge is embedded securely and that pupils are able to apply their learning with increasing independence.

We value all areas of the curriculum, including the arts, humanities and physical education, as essential to a well-rounded education. Educational visits, visitors and enrichment activities bring learning to life and strengthen pupils’ understanding of the world.

Our teaching and learning practices actively promote children’s rights, encouraging participation, respect and responsibility (Articles 12, 13 and 15). Through meaningful links to the Global Goals, pupils engage with global challenges such as sustainability, equality and environmental responsibility, empowering them to see themselves as active global citizens and change-makers.

Impact

The impact of our curriculum is reflected in pupils who embody our school values - they are lifelong learners, confident, and motivated to continue their learning journey well beyond primary school. Our children develop as global citizens, showing respect, empathy, and responsibility towards others and the world they live in.

As a Rights Respecting School and an Eco School, our children grow as global citizens, demonstrating respect, empathy and responsibility towards others and the environment. They understand the importance of sustainability, fairness, dignity and equity, and are able to make informed choices that positively impact their communities and the wider world.

Through regular assessment, reflection, and high expectations, we ensure all pupils make strong progress from their starting points. Our curriculum outcomes are carefully monitored and evaluated to meet high standards of quality education and personal development.

By the time they leave East Acton, our pupils are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to succeed academically and personally - ready to make a meaningful contribution to society and to help build a fairer, more sustainable future.