Learning at Mark Cross CEA Primary School
Mark Cross CEA Primary School is a mixed year group setting with a Reception Class, a Year 1/2 class, a Year 3/4 class and a Year 5/6 class. Having a mixed class structure has meant that we have had to think really carefully about the learning experience that we wanted our pupils to have.
We decided to implement a topic based approach, creating a bespoke curriculum with high quality literature at the heart of each learning journey. We began by mapping out the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum across a two year cycle, grouping elements together to ensure that children have lots of opportunities to revisit core concepts and build on their prior knowledge. Each term, children explore their learning through carefully planned ‘journeys’ that are designed to provide them with a range of engaging experiences as they progress through the school.
On the whole, the same learning is delivered to all children in a given class with challenge and stretch provided as needed. There are exceptions to this, particularly with some aspects of Maths (and English in Key Stage 1) where classes may be split according to any year group specific objectives that need to be delivered. We also appreciate that each class and each child is different and are fortunate enough to have the space and staff which enables us to be flexible, working with individuals or groups of children as needed.
Below is a summary of some of the key learning within each year group. More detail can be found on the class pages or by opening the curriculum overview or subject progression documents at the bottom of this page.
Hedgehog Class - Reception
Squirrel Class - Year 1 & 2
Owl Class - Year 3 & 4
Fox Class - Year 5 & 6
