The primary curriculum

The curriculum is everything on offer from school both inside and outside the classroom to enable children to learn and develop.

School assemblies, concerts and visits are just as much a part of the curriculum as the subjects are taught in the classroom.

Salford primary schools meet the requirements of the 1988 Education Reform Act, which prescribes what all pupils in state schools must be taught.

This consists of twelve curriculum subject areas: English, mathematics, science, information and communication technology, history, geography, modern foreign languages, art, music, physical education and citizenship.

The details of each subject are published by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which also publishes schemes of work for each subject. These schemes help teachers to plan how they will teach pupils the required skills, understanding and knowledge.  In addition to this, primary schools have adopted the national primary literacy and numeracy strategies, planning daily lessons for all pupils in these two areas of learning.  The law requires that all schools must also teach religious education and hold a daily collective act of worship, the school deciding on the nature and format of this.

The National Curriculum ensures that all children do the same kind of work. All schools have their own character and traditions but each one is working within the guidelines agreed by the city council to ensure that every child in Salford has access to a full curriculum which:

• develops the whole child
• provides for the needs of individual children whether these are special talents or special difficulties
• make sure each child is given an equal chance in school
• encourages each child to understand and respect the many cultures and faiths in society
• prepares each child to be a member of their community

Religious Education

This is a special and important part of children’s learning. It helps them to understand how beliefs shape life and the way people behave towards one another. All primary schools must offer Religious Education and a daily act of collective worship (group prayers). You can decide whether or not your child takes part.

This page was last updated on 3 October 2009