Curriculum

Curriculum at All Saints C.E. First School

Our Small School, Big Opportunities

At All Saints C.E. First School, we are proud to be a very small village school with fewer than 30 pupils. Our size is one of our greatest strengths. It allows us to know every child exceptionally well, their gifts, their interests, their personalities and the support they need to flourish.

Because of our small numbers, we teach in mixed-age classes, where children from more than one year group learn together. We see this as a real advantage. Our family-like environment nurtures confidence, kindness and independence, while giving children daily opportunities to learn from and alongside one another.

How Our Mixed-Age Curriculum Works

To ensure that every child receives a high-quality, well-sequenced education, we have carefully designed our curriculum to work effectively within mixed-age classes.

Learning is planned progressively, building step by step so that key knowledge and skills are revisited and deepened over time.
Subjects are taught in two-year cycles, ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum. This means no child misses essential content or unnecessarily repeats learning.
We are clear about the knowledge and skills pupils should develop as they move through the school.
Teachers carefully adapt lessons so that younger pupils are supported and older pupils are stretched and challenged, all within the same classroom.

Our small setting allows us to personalise learning in a way that larger schools often cannot. Every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their very best.

Our Curriculum Pedagogy

Our mixed-age classes (Years 1/2 and Years 3/4) allow children to collaborate, revisit key concepts and develop leadership skills. Older pupils naturally model learning behaviours, while younger pupils grow in confidence through shared experiences.

All subjects are taught through planned two-year cycles to ensure clear progression and full coverage.

Below is an overview of how learning is approached across the curriculum.

English (Reading, Writing and Phonics)

Reading
Children develop decoding, fluency and comprehension through high-quality texts, guided reading and structured language work. In our mixed-age classrooms, children enjoy sharing literature together, while teaching groups ensure pupils work at the appropriate level.

Writing
Writing follows a clear cycle of modelled examples, guided practice and independent application. Grammar, punctuation and vocabulary are revisited regularly. Teachers scaffold younger writers while providing increased independence and challenge for older pupils.

Phonics – Little Wandle Letters and Sounds
We teach early reading using the nationally recognised Little Wandle Letters and Sounds systematic synthetic phonics programme.

Daily phonics lessons follow a clear, structured sequence.
Children are grouped by phonics stage to ensure teaching matches need.
Fully decodable books support fluency and confidence.
“Keep-up” sessions provide timely support where needed.

This ensures every child builds strong foundations in reading.

Mathematics

Our maths curriculum follows a mastery approach, supported by the White Rose Maths scheme. Concepts are introduced in small, carefully sequenced steps using practical and visual representations.

In mixed-age classes, pupils explore the same broad mathematical idea, with teachers adapting challenge through questioning, reasoning tasks and guided support. Regular retrieval practice helps secure number facts and strategies.

Science

Science learning builds progressively across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Mixed-age teaching allows key ideas to be revisited while deepening understanding at an age-appropriate level. Retrieval practice strengthens long-term memory and confidence.

History and Geography

In History, children develop a sense of chronology and curiosity about the past through discussion, comparison and enquiry.

In Geography, pupils build knowledge of the UK and the wider world, developing map skills and geographical vocabulary. Mixed-age dialogue enriches understanding and encourages thoughtful questioning.

Art and Design Technology

Creativity, imagination and problem-solving are central to Art and DT. Skills are revisited and refined over time. Older pupils often model techniques, while younger pupils benefit from shared exploration and collaborative learning.

Computing

Computing is taught through three strands:

Digital Literacy
Information Technology
Computer Science

Learning builds progressively, with opportunities to apply skills in meaningful and purposeful digital tasks.

Music

Music includes singing, performing, composing and listening. Our mixed-age classes provide natural opportunities for ensemble work, and key musical concepts are revisited and developed over time.

Modern Foreign Languages (French)

French is taught through stories, songs and speaking and listening activities. Revisiting vocabulary and sentence structures builds confidence and enjoyment.

Physical Education

PE develops physical skills, teamwork and resilience. Mixed-age classes encourage collaboration, leadership and peer support, with activities adapted to ensure appropriate challenge for all.

PSHE and RSHE

PSHE and Relationships, Sex and Health Education are taught through our structured programme, supporting children’s wellbeing, emotional development and understanding of relationships. Mixed-age discussions encourage empathy, respectful communication and maturity.

Religious Education

As a Church of England school, RE plays a central role in our curriculum. Children explore Christianity and other worldviews, developing curiosity, reflection and respect. Our small classes allow for meaningful discussion and thoughtful dialogue.

Why Our Approach Works

Learning is progressive and carefully sequenced
Key knowledge is revisited to strengthen understanding
Mixed-age classes encourage collaboration and leadership
Teaching is personalised to meet individual needs
No child misses content or repeats learning unnecessarily
Our small, nurturing environment ensures every child is supported, challenged and valued

At All Saints C.E. First School, our small size creates a strong sense of belonging. Within our close-knit community, children grow in confidence, curiosity and character, fully prepared for the next stage of their education.

Maths

English

Phonics

Foundation Subjects