Curriculum SOAR Autumn Term 2025
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CURRICULUM
SOAR
AUTUMN 2025
THE PACKWOOD WAY
Vision: Pioneers of a childhood that is nurturing and contemporary
An integral part of the Shrewsbury Global School Family, enabling a world-class
education that connects wisdom with ideas and competencies, for life.
Our values: A Packwoodian will have:
The tenacity to embrace new opportunities and challenges
The respect for diverse opinions and the world around them
The humility to reflect, adapt and forgive
Pupil Mission: An Education Full of Wonder
SOARING
PERFORMANCE
what we know
ADVENTURE
how we use what we
know
CHARACTER
how we engage in the
world
Empowered through growthmindedness,
pupils seek out
challenge and learn from
feedback; through hard work
they pursue excellence; and
through a commitment to
mastery, they derive joy from
their accomplishments.
Empowered through
learned wisdom, pupils
expand their agility;
through empathy they
nuture teamwork; and
through collective
imagination, they embrace
the fun of learning.
Empowered through
resourcefulness, pupils
develop resilience in the
face of setbacks; through
bold authenticity they grow
their independence;
through the confidence to
be their best selves, they
share in a desire to make
the world a better place.
The Packwood Way
represents what it
means to be a
Packwoodian. It
embodies the virtues
and character
strenghts we feel are
needed to flourish.
SUCCESS IS FOUND IN
WONDER. YOU HAVE TO FIND
YOUR WONDER
.
OUR THEME FOR 2025-2026
SOARING PERFORMANCE: SUCCESS HAS NO LIMIT
CHARACTER: HOW YOU CELEBRATE SUCCESS IN OTHERS DEFINES YOU
ADVENTURE: SUCCESS IS FOUND BY TAKING THE HARDER PATH
INTRODUCTION: “WHAT WE KNOW IS A DROP.
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW IS AN OCEAN”
Isaac Newton’s call to arms for the acquisition of knowledge couldn’t be more pertinent now that the Open
Source AI genie is out of the bottle, and will never go back in. This is a watershed moment in the education of
young people; a time when the two great facets of learning come together: what to learn and how to learn. It is in
this context that the team at Packwood are proud to launch Curriculum SOAR, an important step forward in our
mission to nurture character, adventure and soaring performance in unlocking true wonder.
SOAR, as an acronym, stands to underpin our belief in equipping learners with the motivation and tools to learn,
unlearn and relearn. Rooted in ‘Socratic questioning’, ‘Oracy’, ‘Applied Learning’ and ‘Reflection’, it is our
aspiration that, through their 4-13 journey at Packwood, and aligning with Shrewsbury’s ‘Origins Curriculum’,
Packwoodians will grow their thirst for learning.
Our pedagogical approach is based on the concept of ‘Understanding by Design’, an internationally respected
framework. Packwoodians will be introduced to the following components of this:
Big Ideas – the enduring concepts that help pupils make sense of their learning.
Essential Questions – open-ended prompts that drive conceptual understanding and critical thinking.
Evidence – multiple forms of assessment, from formative insights to authentic performance tasks.
The team at Packwood are bursting with energy to deliver this, and at the start of our curriculum planning day in
August, we posed them the following essential questions to drive their ambition for every Packwoodian:
S → What big questions help us think more deeply and understand more clearly?
O → How can every voice grow in confidence, clarity, and impact?
A → How does purposeful design turn knowledge into lasting learning?
R → How does reflection help every pupil to soar beyond their expectations?
"THE WISE OWL KNOWS THAT TRUE
STRENGTH LIES NOT ONLY IN SOARING
HIGH BUT IN THE COURAGE TO EXPLORE
NEW SKIES WITH AN OPEN HEART AND
CURIOUS MIND." ANON
BIG QUESTIONS. BOLD LEARNING.
LASTING WONDER
As we launch Curriculum SOAR, we recognise that deep curriculum change takes time, and we are on a
journey with this. The Big Ideas, Essential Questions and Performance Assessment Tasks outlined within
this curriculum handbook will evolve as we journey on. The Packwood staff have worked together in creating
the Units of Study for this term, and follow our overarching essential questions as aspirations for
Packwoodians:
Through knowledge, understanding and relevant application, how is progress made?
What does deep learning look like in our classrooms?
To what extent is our curriculum coherent, vertically aligned and purposeful?
How does SOAR link to traditional subjects?
SOAR doesn’t replace subjects like English, Maths or Science – it enriches them. Teachers design units
around Big Ideas and Essential Questions which gives each topic greater depth and coherence.
What are Big Ideas?
Big Ideas are the key concepts we want children to remember for life. They help pupils construct the bigger
picture beyond individual lessons.
What are Essential Questions?
Essential Questions are open-ended questions that spark curiosity and deeper thinking. Pupils return to these
questions throughout a Unit of Study, developing richer answers as they learn.
How will my child’s progress be assessed?
Assessment remains rigorous. Every Unit of Study consists of an initial assessment to gauge understanding
and knowledge. Post-unit assessments reinforce both knowledge & understanding and an applied
Performance Assessment Task.
How will I know my child is making progress?
In addition to the schedule of reporting, as outlined on the next page, we are building a Virtual Learning
Environment - Toddle. This will introduce an ongoing overview of the progress of each pupil.
How does SOAR support children of different abilities?
Adaptive teaching is at the core of this approach. Every child is stretched at their own level: some explore
more deeply, others focus on securing key understanding.
What difference will I notice in my child at home?
It is our ambition that, over time, the impact of Curriculum SOAR will be seen through the enthusiasm and
motivation of the children. We expect to notice Packwoodians asking bigger, more thoughtful questions,
showing curiosity about the world, and being able to explain not just what they learned, but why it matters.
That’s the heart of SOAR
“WISDOM
BEGINS IN
WONDER”
SOCRATES
PARENTS EVENINGS AND REPORTING
All parent-teacher meetings will be scheduled face to face unless otherwise stated.
Provisional dates can be found below (these are confirmed in the termly calendar) . Ther are additional
reporting points for Reception, which will be communicated directly to parents.
Timeline
Event
Thursday, 4 September, 5.00 - 7.00pm
‘The Year Ahead’ presentation for all parents, followed by
drinks with staff
th
Wednesday 10 September, 7.00pm
New Parents – Reception to Form 4, supper in school
th
Thursday 11 September, 7.00pm
New Parents – Form 5 to Form 8, supper in school
Week commencing Monday, 29
September
Reception Parent-Teacher meetings: Focus on settling in
Wednesday, 15 October
Initial set of written reports sent to all parents of children
in Forms 1 – 8
Friday, 14 November, 8.15-
9.00am and 4.00-5.00pm
Breakfast and Books for Reception to Form 2: a chance
for parents to come into school and spend time
reviewing books with the children
Saturday, 15 November, 8.15-
9.00am
Breakfast and Books for Forms 3-8: a chance for parents
to come into school and spend time reviewing books
with the children
Weeks beginning Monday, 24
November and Monday, 1
December
Monday, 24 and Tuesday, 25 November: Year 8 online
Wednesday, 26 November: Year 4 online (from 3.30pm)
Monday, 1 and Tuesday, 2 December: Year 7 online
Wednesday, 3 – Friday, 5 December: Years 5, 6 online
Reception to Year 3: Book in with the class teacher
Friday, 13 February
Forms 3 and 4 Parent-Teacher meetings (in person)
Friday, 27 February, 8.15-9.00am
and 4.00-5.00pm
Breakfast and Books for Reception to Form 2: a chance
for parents to come into school and spend time
reviewing books with the children
Setting
Reception to Form 4 are taught in mixed-ability groups with English and Maths taught by the Class Teacher,
all of whom are specialist primary Literacy and Numeracy teachers. Within very small class sizes, adaptive
teaching methods enable for all pupils to be taught at their level with appropriate stretch and support.
In Forms 5 and 6, pupils are set by performance ability in Maths. These are designed to be fluid to enable
continuous movement between the groups.
In Forms 7 and 8, pupils are streamed for all subjects, and set by performance ability for Maths. This enables
teachers to prepare pupils who are all at varying points in their academic journey.
Prep / Homework
Given the length of the school day, there is no homework requirement until pupils reach Form 7, although
times-tables and reading are always encouraged at home.
Pupils in Forms 7 and 8 will have a 45-minute prep slot each day except Wednesday and Saturday, which is
completed in school and supervised by academic staff.
Additional Support
Maths, English, Science and Language Aquisition Teachers have additional flexibility in the week to run small
group sessions who either need additional support or stretch in these areas.
Learning Support and EAL provision
The Learning Support Department is made up of experienced teachers with qualifications in the teaching of
specific learning difficulties. Children can be assessed for dyslexia and exam arrangements by a member of
the Learning Support Department.
The Learning Support Department will advise and support parents from Reception to Form 8 where children
may require more specialist assessment, for example ASD or ADHD.
Learning Support Lessons take place once or twice a week, depending on the child’s need. They take place
on a rota basis.
Learning Support teachers are happy to meet with parents at any time, either in person, via Teams or by
telephone. The Learning Support teachers will attend parents’ meetings.
Support for English as an Additional Language is also provided by the Learning Support Department. Their
level of English is assessed, and children may have between two and four lessons each week.
The lessons in the Learning Support Department are provided at an additional cost, details of which can be
found on the Optional Extras sheet on the website.
ACORNS
Phonics
Form Reception Form 1 Form 2
Big Idea
Phonics helps us connect
sounds to letters, so we
can read and write words
Phonics is the key to reading
and writing with confidence
Phonics helps us read and spell
more challenging words. By
understanding patterns in
sounds and letters, we can
become confident readers and
writers, exploring new stories
and ideas
Essential
Questions
What sounds do letters
make?
How can we put sounds
together to say a word?
What happens if we
change a sound in a word?
Why do we need to know
letter sounds when we
read and write?
How do letters and sounds work
together to form words?
Why is it important to learn letter
sounds and how can they help
us read and write?
How can we use our knowledge
of sounds to read new words?
What happens when we put
different sounds together?
How can we spot and say words
that rhyme or have the same
sound?
How can we use our knowledge
of sounds to read and spell
bigger words?
What do we notice about
different vowel sounds in
words?
How can understanding letter
patterns help us decode new
words?
How do we know when to use
certain sounds or letter
combinations in words?
How can we apply our phonics
knowledge to help us read
fluently and with expression?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Writing compositions using
the sounds they have been
learning
Writing compositions using the
sounds they have been learning
Writing compositions using the
sounds they have been learning
Reading
Reading is very important for children and we hope the children will develop a lifelong love of reading and
literature. We hope that they’ll spend much of their lives reading and, most importantly, for pleasure.
Reading is a key skill, and without it, children are unable to access other areas of the curriculum. In
recognition of this, we hear the children read daily through a mixture of one-to-one, in groups, and in
classroom activities.
Supporting Reading at home
Ask questions to check comprehension
Discuss the story: likes and dislikes and characters
Discuss alternative story endings
Discuss vocabulary: meaning/alternative words
Visit the Library for more books to read at home
Literacy
ACORNS
Form Reception Form 1 Form 2
Big Idea
Stories help us make sense of
the world. Traditional tales,
passed down through
generations, teach us about
choices, consequences, and
the values people hold
Language is a powerful tool
that helps us connect with
others, express our thoughts,
and understand the world
around us
Exploring stories about
castles, kings, and
queens helps us
understand the past and
how people lived in
different times
Essential
Questions
Why do people tell stories?
What makes a story exciting or
memorable?
What can we learn from the
heroes and villains in
traditional tales?
How do stories help us
understand the world around
us?
What makes a good request,
and why is it important to ask
politely?
How do rhymes in poems
make words sound fun?
How do stories about
kings and queens help
us understand the past?
What makes a castle
special, and how can we
describe it?
How do the characters
of Kings and Queens
show leadership and
bravery?
Performance
Assessment Task
Perform a narrative of a
traditional tale, either using
small world characters or role
play themselves
Story retelling and sequencing
Role play as different
people in living in
castles.
Creating non-fiction texts
and presenting them
Reception Numeracy
Area of study Number Shape, Pattern & Measures
Big Idea
Numbers are the building blocks of
understanding the world around us
Shapes, patterns, and measurements help
us understand the world around us
Essential Questions
How can we put numbers together and take
them apart?
What happens when we compare two
numbers?
How can we show that one group has more
or less than another?
What shapes can we find in the world
around us?
How can we make patterns with colors,
shapes, or objects?
What happens when we measure things?
How do we know if something is bigger or
smaller?
Performance
Assessment Task
Practical activities to assess skills and
knowledge
Practical activities to assess skills and
knowledge
Form 1 Numeracy
ACORNS
Area of
study
Addition &
Subtraction
Shape Money Time Place Value
Big Idea
Addition and
subtraction help us
put things together
and take them
apart, helping us
solve problems in
everyday life
Shapes are all
around us.
Understanding
their properties
helps us describe
the world and
solve problems in
space and design
Learning about
money helps us
understand how to
make good
choices when
spending and
saving money
Understanding
time helps us
organise our
activities
Knowing place
value helps us
understand how
numbers work
Essential
Questions
How can addition
and subtraction
help us in
everyday life?
What are some
quick ways to add
and subtract?
How are addition
and subtraction
related?
How do we
recognise and
describe different
shapes?
What makes a
shape unique?
How can
understanding
shapes help us
solve problems?
How can we
recognise different
coins and notes?
How do we use
money to buy
things we need or
want?
How can we make
sure we have
enough money to
buy what we want?
How do we read
time on different
types of clocks?
Why is knowing
the time helpful for
everyday tasks?
How can we use
time to organise
our routines?
How does the
place of a digit in a
number change its
value?
What’s the
difference between
a digit and its
place value in a
number?
How can we use
place value to
compare and order
numbers?
Form 2 Numeracy
Area of study Addition & Subtraction Place Value Shape
Big Idea
Addition and subtraction are
ways to solve problems with
numbers
Understanding place value is
key to grasping how numbers
work
Shapes are all around us and
help us understand the world
we live in
Essential Questions
How can we use addition to put
things together and subtraction
to take them away?
What are some fun and easy
ways to add and subtract
numbers?
How can we check if our
answers to adding and
subtracting are correct?
How does the place of a
number change what it means?
Why is it important to compare
two numbers?
How can we break a number
into tens and ones to make it
easier?
What makes a shape special
and how can we tell one shape
from another?
How can we describe the sides
and corners of different
shapes?
Why is it important to know
about shapes in real life?
ACORNS TOPIC
Turrets and Tiaras
Form Reception Form 1 Form 2
Big Idea
Exploring the world of
castles allows young
learners to discover the
magic of history and
imagination
By exploring castles, knights,
and Royalty, we learn about life
in the past, how people
protected themselves, and the
exciting world of fairytales
By exploring castles, knights,
and monarchs, we can better
understand how people lived,
worked, and protected their
homes
Essential
Questions
What do castles look like
and who lived in them?
How can we create our
own castle using different
materials?
Why do we tell stories
about castles and kings?
How did people protect
themselves in castles?
What makes castles
special in stories and
history?
What made castles important for
kings, queens and knights?
How did knights protect castles,
and why was their role so
important?
What did kings and queens do
to rule and protect their people?
What was life like for people
who lived in castles, and how
did their roles shape the
kingdom?
How did knights protect castles,
and what skills did they need to
serve their kings and queens?
Why are kings and queens
important in history, and what
can we learn from their reigns?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Create a class assembly.
Children will share their
knowledge of castles and
royalty in an Acorns
assembly
Presentation and oral retelling
of stories
Written presentations
This term, our Reception, Form 1 and Form 2 pupils will embark on an exciting adventure into
the world of ‘Turrets and Tiaras’, exploring the fascinating lives of kings, queens, knights and
castle dwellers. Through stories, dramatic play, creative activities and hands-on projects, the
children will discover how castles were built and defended, learn about the roles of Knights and
royalty, and collect facts about significant monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth and Queen
Victoria. They will design shields, re-create medieval banquets, and bring history to life through
art and design projects, from clay dragons to working drawbridges. In Reception, this topic will
be closely linked with early learning in numeracy, phonics and literacy, ensuring strong
foundations while sparking curiosity and wonder. Across all form groups, favourite fairytales,
imaginative play and practical experiences will make history engaging, interactive and fun.
FORMS 3, 4 AND 5
Form Tutors:
Year 3: Miss Charlotte Harrower and Mrs Suzanne Rogers
Year 4: Mrs Tammy Pembleton and Mrs Helena Robertson (with Mr. Paul Phillips)
Year 5: Miss Mary Dunn and Miss Jenny Gill
Subject Number of Lessons Taught by
Maths 6
Forms 3 and 4: Class Teachers
Form 5: Mr Mark Collins and Mr
Martin Ford
English 6
Forms 3 and 4: Class Teachers
Form 5: Mrs Suzanne Rogers
and Mrs Charlotte Jackson-Hutt
Science 2
Mr Paul Phillips and
Mr Magnus Caithness
Language Acquisition
(Spanish in Years 3 and
4; French in Year 5)
2
Miss Polly Hall and
Mrs Helen Nogues
History 2
Forms 3 and 4:
Mr Hector Robertson
Form 5: Mrs Sarah Boutwood
and Mr Nick Weston
Geography 2
Forms 3 and 4:
Mr Hector Robertson
Form 5: Mr James Mullock
TPR 2 Mrs Roz Edwards
FORMS 3, 4 AND 5
PSHE 1 Mrs Suzanne Rogers
PE
2 (Forms 3 and 4)
1 (Form 5)
Mrs Kate Parry
STEM 1
Forms 3 and 5: Mr Steve Rigby
Form 4: Mrs Helen Nogues
Moving Up 1
Forms 3 and 4:
Mrs Suzanne Rogers
Form 5: Mrs Charlotte Jackson
Hutt
Art 2 Miss Jenny Gill
Music 1 Mrs Sarah Boutwood
Drama 1 Miss Mary Dunn
Design
1 (Forms 3 and 4)
2 (Form 5)
Mrs Helen Nogues
FORM 3
English
Area of Study Descriptive Writing Non-Fiction and Script Writing
Big Idea
The power of words lies in their ability to bring
the world to life
Writing is a tool for communicating ideas clearly
and effectively
Essential
Questions
How do we make our writing come alive using
descriptive words?
What makes a description powerful or
memorable?
How do our senses help us describe things
better?
How do non-fiction texts help us share facts and
information clearly?
What are the key features of script writing, and
how do they differ from other types of writing?
How can we use both non-fiction and script
writing to convey ideas, stories, or information
effectively?
Performance
Task
Character Catwalk and Sensory Treasure Hunt
Writer’s Roundtable Reflection
Turn a Text Challenge from Fact to Script
Maths
Areas of
Study
Place value
Addition and
Subtraction
Length and
Perimeter
Money
Big Idea
Understanding place
value helps us see the
value of each digit in a
number
Addition and
subtraction are
fundamental
operations that help
us solve everyday
problems
Understanding length
and perimeter helps
us measure and
describe the world
around us
Understanding money
is an essential skill to
solve everyday
problems
Essential
Questions
How do place value,
addition, and
subtraction help us
solve real-world
problems?
What happens when
we change the order
of digits in a number?
How can we add and
subtract numbers
quickly and
accurately?
How do addition and
subtraction relate to
each other?
What strategies can
we use to add and
subtract larger
numbers?
How can we solve
word problems that
involve addition and
subtraction?
What is length, and
how do we measure it
accurately?
How do we calculate
the perimeter of
different shapes?
Why is knowing how
to measure length and
calculate perimeter
important in the real
world?
How do we count and
compare different
amounts of money?
How can we add and
subtract money to
solve real-life
problems?
What strategies can
we use to make
change when
shopping?
Science
FORM 3
Area of
Study
Light and Shadow
Teeth and Eating
Big Idea
By exploring how light interacts with objects, we
can better understand the world around us
Our teeth play a vital role in breaking down
food, and the way we care for them affects our
overall health and well-being
Essential
Questions
How does light create shadows, and how can
we change the size and shape of a shadow?
How do our teeth help us eat, and why is it
important to look after them?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Shadow puppet theatre activity
Practical chewing experiment
Geography
Area of
Study
Physical and Human Geography
Big Idea
Physical and Human features of a place affect how people live and what they do
Essential
Questions
How do the physical features of a place impact the way people live there?
What is the difference between an urban and rural environment?
How do people adapt to the environment around them?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Field trip into Ruyton-XI-Towns: build a 3D model
History
Area of
Study
Ancient Egyptians
Big Idea The Ancient Egyptians shape the way we live today
Essential
Questions
What can we learn from the Ancient Egyptians about building and architecture?
How did Ancient Egyptian writing systems impact modern languages and communication?
How did Ancient Egyptian farming systems effect the way we gather food today?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Create a map of Ancient Egypt and build a pyramid
TPR: Theology, Philosophy and Religion
FORM 3
Area of Study
Old Testament Heroes
Big Idea
Leadership, faith, and courage are qualities that can change the world
Essential Questions
Why is it important to follow rules?
What makes someone a good leader?
How do we show courage in our daily lives?
What can we learn from the actions of these Old Testament heroes?
Performance Assessment Task
Reflective Journal
Language Acquisition: Spanish
Area of Study Ourselves and Our Families Ourselves and Our Families
Big Idea
Learning to talk about ourselves and our
families in Spanish helps us to build
connections and express who we are
Describing ourselves in Spanish allows us to
share out unique identities and celebrate our
differences
Essential
Questions
How can we use Spanish to introduce and
describe ourselves in a fun and meaningful
way?
How can we describe what makes each of us
unique in Spanish?
How does making a video about ourselves in
Spanish help us to understand the language
in a deeper and more personal way?
How can a video project help us practise
speaking and build confidence in Spanish?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Present poster describing your family in
Spanish
Create a video describing ourself and give
constructive feedback to others
Digital Learning
Area of Study Word Processing Painting - Mouse Control
Big Idea
Word processing allows us to communicate
our ideas clearly and creatively
Technology can enhance artistic expression,
allowing us to explore new ways of creating
and sharing our art
Essential
Questions
How can we use different tools in a word
processor to make our work look neat and
organised?
What are the basic features of a word
processor that help us create, edit, and save
our work?
What skills do we need to develop to create
detailed digital artwork with a mouse?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Create a poster using word processing skills
Use a painting programme to create a piece
of artwork
Art
FORM 3
Area of Study
Yayoi Kusama's Dotty Garden
Big Idea
Patterns and repetition in art help us see ordinary objects in extraordinary
ways, transforming nature into imaginative, playful worlds.
Essential Questions
How can dots and patterns change the way we see a simple object?
Why might artists use repetition to express their ideas?
How does colour and scale affect the mood of an artwork?
Performance
Assessment Task
Papier-mâché pumpkin sculpture
Design Technology
Area of Study
Litter Picker
Big Idea
Design can solve real-world problems and help us take responsibility for caring
for our environment
Essential Questions
How does the design process help us create better products?
Why do we need to test prototypes?
How can we design with the environment in mind?
Performance
Assessment Task
Create a functional litter picker
Drama
Area of Study Introduction to Drama Skills
Big Idea
Drama is a tool for both exploring and telling stories
Essential Questions
What is the subject of Drama?
How can we use our bodies and voices to portray the emotions of a character?
What can we learn about a character through their actions and dialogue?
Performance Assessment Task
Rehearse and perform a short extract from the play, 'Fantastic Mr Fox'
Music
FORM 3
Area of Study
Musicianship - Notation and Singing
Big Idea
Singing, composition and written notation are all tools for musical expression and
communication
Essential Questions
What are the different symbols in music, and what do they tell us about how to play a
piece of music?
How can we use notation to understand and create different rhythms and melodies?
Why is it important to recognize patterns in music, and how can notation help us see
these patterns?
Performance
Assessment Task
Compose a short piece of music
PE
Area of Study
Shoot and Score
Big Idea
Control, passing, and decision-making are skills that transfer across different sports and
activities
Essential Questions
How can we adapt our body position and balance to propel a ball with both hands and
feet while moving in different directions?
How does regular practice help develop muscle memory and body control for propelling
and controlling a ball during more complex movements in sports?
How do teamwork and communication help in successfully passing, receiving, and
moving the ball while coordinating our actions in a team?
Performance
Assessment Task
Video end of unit modified game - peer and pupil reviewed with feedback
PSHE
Area of Study
Relationships and Belonging
Emotional Wellbeing, Change, Loss and Grief
FORM 4
English
Area of Study Characters and Settings Scene Writing and Non-Chronological Texts
Big Idea
Creating believable characters and immersive
settings helps us tell stories that transport
readers to new worlds
Creative and factual writing helps us learn how
to tell stories and share information clearly
Essential
Questions
How do writers develop characters that feel real
and relatable?
What makes a setting come to life in a story?
How do writers use description to create mood
and atmosphere?
How do we bring a scene to life using
descriptive writing?
What makes non-chronological writing
informative, clear, and engaging?
Performance
Task
Mystery Character/Setting:
Work out clues to solve the mystery
Create an Anglo-Saxon Horrible History
video/comic
Maths
Areas of
Study
Place value
Addition and
Subtraction
Length and
Perimeter
Multiplication
and Division
2D Shapes and
Polygons
Fractions
Co-ordinates
Big Idea
Place value is
the key to
understanding
the size and
relationships of
numbers
We can perform
calculations with
numbers,
understand
patterns, and
apply these
skills to real-life
situations.
Understanding
length and
perimeter helps
us measure and
compare the
size of objects
in the world
around us
By
understanding
how to multiply
and divide
numbers
efficiently, we
can tackle
problems that
involve
grouping,
sharing, and
scaling up or
down
Understanding
the properties of
2D shapes
helps us see
patterns and
relationships in
the world
around us
Fractions help
us understand
parts of a
whole,
division, and
sharing
Co-ordinates
help us to locate
points on a grid
providing a way
to describe
positions
Essential
Questions
How does
understanding
place value help
us read and
write numbers?
How can we
use place value
to compare and
order numbers?
How does the
position of a
digit in a
number affect
its value?
What strategies
can we use to
add and
subtract
efficiently and
accurately?
How can we
check if our
addition and
subtraction
answers are
correct?
How do addition
and subtraction
help us solve
problems in real
life?
What are the
different units of
measure and
when should
they be used?
What is
perimeter and
how do you
calculate it?
How can we
use length and
perimeter to
solve real-world
problems?
How does
multiplication
help us solve
problems
involving
repeated
addition and
repeated
subtraction
supports
division?
How do
multiplication
and division
relate to one
another?
What strategies
can we use to
multiply and
divide larger
numbers?
How do the
properties of
shapes help us
describe and
classify them?
How can we
find the lines of
symmetry in
different
polygons?
What happens
when we rotate
a polygon?
How can we
determine its
rotational
symmetry?
What does a
fraction
represent, and
how does it
show parts of
a whole?
How can we
read, write,
and compare
fractions?
How do we
find equivalent
fractions, and
why is that
important?
What are coordinates,
and
how do they
help us
describe
locations?
How do we
read and plot
coordinates on
a map and
grid?
How can we
use coordinates
to
describe and
move between
different
locations in a
space?
Science
FORM 4
Area of Study Moving and Growing Solid, Liquids and Separation Changing Sounds
Big Idea
Living things grow and move in
response to their environment
Different materials exist as solids,
liquids, or gases, and we can use
different methods to separate and
change them based on their properties.
Sounds are created by vibrations, and
how we hear them depends on the
medium they travel through
Essential
Questions
How do living things grow and move,
and what factors influence their
development?
How can we separate solids and liquids,
and what methods can we use to do
this?
What is sound, and how is it created
through vibrations?
How do different materials and
environments affect the way sound
travels and changes?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Blood Circulation demonstration
Practical experiment - separating solids
from water
Practical experiment
Geography
Area of
Study
Human Features
Big Idea
Human features such as maps, transport and design of houses shape the way we live and the
environment around us
Essential
Questions
How do maps help us understand the world around us and the places where we live?
In what ways does transport affect where people live and how they move around?
How does the design of houses influence the way we live and interact with the environment?
Performance
Assessment
Task
House Design Challenge and Planning a New Town Role-Play
History
Area of
Study
Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
Big Idea
The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings shape the way we live today
Essential
Questions
How did the Anglo-Saxons influence the way we live today in Britain?
In what ways did Viking raids change life in Britain?
How did Anglo-Saxon and Viking kingdoms help shape the counties and countries of the UK?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Anglo-Saxon Village construction and longship model
TPR: Theology, Philosophy and Religion
FORM 4
Area of Study
Prayer and Special Occasions
Big Idea
Prayer connects people with God and offers guidance
Essential Questions
How can we live out the values of The Lord’s Prayer through stewardship,
gratitude for harvest, and by remembering those who sacrificed for us?
Performance Assessment Task
Debate and presentation
Language Acquisition: Spanish
Area of Study Ourselves and Our Families 1 Ourselves and Our Families 2
Big Idea
Language reflects our unique identities and
how we connect with others
Creating a video allows us to showcase what
we have learned by applying language
structures
Essential
Questions
How do the words we use to describe
ourselves and our families help us to better
understand others?
How can a dictionary help us expand our
vocabulary and express ourselves more
precisely in Spanish?
What role do adjectives, connectives and
comparatives play in making our descriptions
more vivid and accurate?
How does a video project help us reflect on
our learning and improve our pronunciation
and fluency?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Illustrated piece of writing presented to the
class
Create a video describing ourself and asking
questions of others based on listening skills
Digital Learning
Area of Study Password and Internet Safety Scratch - Shapes
Big Idea
In the digital world, keeping our information safe is
as important as keeping our personal belongings
secure
Sequences and loops in coding allow us to give
instructions to a computer in a way that makes
programs run smoothly and efficiently
Essential
Questions
Why is it important to have strong passwords?
How can we make sure our personal information
stays safe online?
What steps can we take if we think someone has
seen our password?
How do loops make our code more efficient by
repeating actions?
Why is it important to break down a task into
smaller steps when coding?
How can sequences and loops work together to
create interactive games or animations in Scratch?
Performance
Assessment
Task
End of topic quiz
PRIMM – Predict, Investigate, Modify, Make task
Art
FORM 4
Area of Study
Aboriginal Art
Big Idea
Aboriginal art is a powerful form of storytelling that uses symbols, patterns,
and natural elements to connect with history, culture, and the land
Essential Questions
How do Aboriginal artists use symbols and patterns to tell stories about their
culture and environment?
What can we learn about a place or people by looking at their art?
How can we create our own artwork inspired by Aboriginal techniques and
symbols while respecting the culture?
Performance
Assessment Task
Create a wooden boomerang
Design Technology
Area of Study Structures / Bridges Fantasy card characters nets
Big Idea
Structures and bridges are essential in our
world, enabling us to connect, support, and
protect
Flat shapes can be transformed into threedimensional
objects
Essential
Questions
How do we design strong structures that can
hold weight and resist forces?
What different types of bridges are there, and
how do they work?
How do we test and improve the design of a
bridge?
How can we transform a 2D net into a 3D
structure?
What makes packaging both functional and
visually appealing?
What role does creativity play in packaging
design?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Drama
Build a functional bridge
Create physical models of their fantasy
characters using nets
Area of Study
Developing Characterisation
Big Idea
We can use our voice, body and imagination to create different characters
Essential Questions
What are vocal and physical skills in drama?
What makes a performance of a character believable and engaging?
How can we show the personality and feelings of a character through drama?
Performance Assessment Task
Rehearse and perform a short duologue
Music
FORM 4
Area of Study
Descriptive Music
Big Idea
Music has the power to paint vivid pictures and evoke emotions
Essential Questions
What role do instrumentation, tempo, dynamics, and rhythm play in creating an image or
story through music?
How can we listen to music and describe the scenes or feelings it evokes?
In what ways can we create our own descriptive music using the ideas we’ve explored in
these pieces?
Performance
Assessment Task
Represent a theme or scene through music
PE
Area of Study
Skill-related Fitness
Big Idea
Skill-related fitness includes essential components like power, speed, agility,
coordination, balance, reaction time, and endurance
Essential Questions
How does developing power, speed, and agility help us perform better in physical
activities and sports?
In what ways can improving coordination and balance make our movements more
controlled and effective during games and exercises?
How can we use reaction time to respond more quickly to challenges in sports and
everyday activities?
Performance
Assessment Task
End of topic questionnaire and fitness strand assessment
PSHE
Area of Study
Discrimination and Inclusion
Communities and Moving Homes
FORM 5
English
Area of Study Poetry Narrative Writing - Journeys
Big Idea
Words bring the beauty of nature to life. Vivid
language and imagery help us connect with,
and appreciate, the world around us.
Through narrative writing, we can explore the
adventures, challenges, and discoveries that
make each journey unique
Essential
Questions
How do poets use words, imagery and rhythm
to create meaning?
What happens when words disappear from our
language?
How can writing inspire us to protect and care
for nature?
What makes a story of a journey compelling to
read?
How can we use descriptive language to bring a
journey to life?
What role does conflict play in a journey's
narrative?
Performance
Task
Create their own 'Lost Words' poem and
perform in a way that they choose
Write the narrative to accompany a wordless
picture book
Maths
Areas of
Study
Number
Properties of
Numbers
Area & Perimeter
Shape
Big Idea
Understanding numbers
and how they work
together is key to solving
problems and making
decisions
Numbers are the
foundation of everything
in mathematics, and
understanding their
properties helps us solve
problems more efficiently
Understanding perimeter
and area helps us
measure and make
sense of the space
around us
Understanding the
properties of shapes
helps us describe the
world
Essential
Questions
How does place value
help us understand the
size and relationships
between larger
numbers?
Why is it important to
use the correct operation
when solving a problem?
How can we use
decimals to solve
problems involving
money, measurements,
or parts of a whole?
How do the properties of
numbers help us
understand their
relationships and solve
problems?
What is the role of
directed numbers in the
real world?
How can we use number
properties to simplify
calculations and solve
mathematical problems
more efficiently?
How can we calculate
the perimeter of different
2D shapes, and why is
this useful?
What is the area of a
shape, and how do we
calculate it for basic 2D
shapes?
Why do we need to
understand the
difference between
perimeter and area, and
when might we use each
in everyday situations?
How can we classify and
compare 2D and 3D
shapes based on their
properties?
What makes a shape
symmetrical, and how
can we identify
symmetry in the world
around us?
How do the features of
2D and 3D shapes, like
sides, angles, and faces,
help us understand their
structure?
Science
Area of
Study
Forces How we see things Micro-organisms
FORM 5
Big Idea
Forces are pushes or pulls that
can change the movement of
objects
We see things because light
reflects off objects and enters our
eyes, where it is processed by our
brain
Micro-organisms are tiny living
organisms that can have a big
impact on our lives, both in helping
and harming us
Essential
Questions
How do forces affect the
movement of objects, and how
can we measure them?
How does light allow us to see
things, and how does the eye help
us make sense of the world around
us?
How do micro-organisms affect our
world, and how can we use them to
benefit us or protect ourselves from
harm?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Practical experiment Prism practical experiment Practical experiment
Geography
Area of
Study
Energy
Big Idea
How we make and use energy today will shape the world for tomorrow
Essential
Questions
What are the different types of energy, and how do they impact the environment?
What would happen if we ran out of fossil fuels? What are the alternatives?
How can we balance the growing demand for energy with the need to protect the environment?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Create a proposal for the Packwood community to transition to renewable energy sources
History
Area of
Study
Mediaeval Monarchs
Big Idea
Mediaeval monarchs shaped the culture, laws, security, and customs of Britain through power,
conflict, and legacy
Essential
Questions
What is a monarch? How did one monarch pass on to the next?
What can we learn from the Mediaeval monarchs' stories?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Re-enactment video
TPR: Theology, Philosophy and Religion
FORM 5
Area of Study
The Church’s Year
Big Idea
The Church’s year is a cycle of spiritual seasons that guide and enrich the
faith of Christians
Essential Questions
How do the colours of the Church’s year help us understand the seasons of
faith and spiritual life?
Performance Assessment Task
Create a church calendar
Language Acquisition: French
Area of Study Where we live Our Homes
Big Idea
Learning a language opens the door to
connect to others and gives us the tools to
navigate both familiar and new places
By learning to use a wider range of
vocabulary, including adjectives, we gain the
tools to communicate more clearly and
creatively
Essential
Questions
How can we describe where we live and who
we live with in French?
What do we notice about French verbs?
How can describing our homes in French
help us connect with the language and
culture more deeply?
Why is adjectival agreement important?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Present your town and what there is to do
there
Making and presenting a 3D model of your
home
Digital Learning
Area of Study 3D Modelling Scratch - Using Selection in Quizzes
Big Idea
Technology can bring our creative ideas to life in
three dimensions
Selection in coding allows us to make decisions
within our programmes
Essential
Questions
What tools do we need to create a 3D model on a
computer?
How can we turn a two-dimensional drawing into a
3D model?
What are the steps involved in designing and
building a 3D model?
How can we use ‘if’ statements to create different
outcomes based on conditions?
Why is selection important for making interactive
projects that change based on user input?
How can we combine selection with other coding
concepts like sequences and loops to create more
complex programs?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Create their own 3D model to scale
Create their own general knowledge quiz
Art
FORM 5
Area of Study
Egyptian Art: Mysteries of the Nile
Big Idea
Egyptian art is a reflection of the culture’s beliefs, rituals, and reverence for the
afterlife
Essential Questions
How did Ancient Egyptians use art to tell stories about their gods, pharaohs,
and the afterlife?
What are the key symbols and colours used in Egyptian art, and what do they
represent?
How can we use the techniques of Egyptian artists to create our own artwork
that tells a story about our lives or imaginations?
Performance
Assessment Task
Create an Egyptian Tutankhamun mask
Design Technology
Area of Study
Log Cabins
Big Idea
Building a model enables an understanding of nature, materials, and
craftsmanship
Essential Questions
How do we design a space that is both functional and comfortable?
What materials are best for building and why?
How can we use nature and the environment to inspire our design?
Performance
Assessment Task
Design and build a model log cabin
Drama
Area of Study
Slapstick Comedy
Big Idea Exploring theatrical conventions helps us to understand a genre
Essential Questions
How can we use exaggerated physical movements, timing, and expressions to
create humour and tell stories?
How and why do theatrical genres use conventions?
How can exaggerated movements and facial expressions create a story without
dialogue?
Performance Assessment Task
Create a silent movie applying the conventions of slapstick comedy in groups
Music
FORM 5
Area of Study
History of Music
Big Idea
Exploring the origins of music through history, we will understand how early instruments,
rhythms, and melodies helped shape the music we enjoy today
Essential Questions
How did early instruments and sounds influence the music we hear today?
In what ways did different cultures contribute to the development of music?
What role did rhythm and melody play in the earliest forms of music?
Performance
Assessment Task
Work in groups to create and perform a piece of early music
PE
Area of Study
Wall Ball UK
Big Idea
Refining our hand-eye coordination, shot selection, and awareness of fair play improve
our ability to work collaboratively in a competitive setting
Essential Questions
How does improving hand-eye coordination help you make more accurate shots?
What factors should you consider when selecting the right shot during a game?
Why is fair play important and how can we show respect for others during the game?
Performance
Assessment Task
End of unit tournament
PSHE
Area of Study
Inclusion and Belonging
Mental Wellbeing: Resilience
FORMS 6, 7 AND 8
Form tutors:
Year 6: Mrs Roz Edwards and Mr Steve Rigby
Year 7: Mr Martin Ford and Mr James Mullock
Year 8: Mrs Sam Hughes and Mrs Kate Parry
Subject Number of Lessons Taught by
Maths
6 (Form 6)
5 (Forms 7 and 8)
Mr Mark Collins and
Mr Martin Ford
English
6 (Form 6)
5 (Forms 7 and 8)
Form 6: Miss Mary Dunn and
Mrs Sam Hughes
Forms 7: Mrs Sam Hughes
Form 8: Mrs Sam Hughes and
Mrs Charlotte Jackson-Hutt
Science
2 (Form 6)
4 (Forms 7 and 8)
Mr Paul Phillips (Form 6) and
Mr Magnus Caithness
(Forms 7 and 8)
Language Acquisition 2 Miss Polly Hall
Latin
1 (Form 6)
2 (Forms 7 and 8)
Mrs Sue Rigby
History 2
Form 6: Mrs Sarah Boutwood
and Mr Nick Weston
Forms 7 and 8: Mr Nick Weston
Geography 2 Mr James Mullock
FORMS 6, 7 AND 8
TPR 2 Mrs Roz Edwards
PSHE 1
Form 6: Mrs Suzanne
Rogers
Form 7: Mr James Mullock
Form 8: Mrs Kate Parry
PE 1 Mrs Kate Parry
Digital Learning 1 Mr Steve Rigby
STEM 1 Mr Steve Rigby
Moving Up 1 (Form 6)
Form 6:
Mrs Charlotte Jackson-Hutt
Art
2 (Form 6)
1 (Forms 7 and 8)
Miss Jenny Gill
Music 1 Mrs Sarah Boutwood
Drama 1 Miss Mary Dunn
Design 1 Mrs Helen Nogues
Academic Enrichment
and IPQ
2 (Forms 7 and 8) Mr Will Goldsmith
FORM 6
English
Area of Study Grammar Bootcamp Comprehension Skills
Big Idea
Grammar is the backbone of clear and effective
writing. By understanding the rules and
structures of language, we can express our
ideas, emotions, and stories more powerfully,
just like the writers we admire
Reading is not just about understanding what is
written, but also about reading between the
lines. By using inference and deduction, we can
uncover deeper meanings and motives within
texts
Essential
Questions
How does grammar help us make our writing
clearer and more engaging?
What role do sentence structure and
punctuation play in creating meaning?
How can we use grammar to bring characters,
settings, and actions to life in a story?
How do we use clues in the text to understand
things that are not directly stated (inference)?
What is the difference between what is explicitly
said and what is implied, and how can we
recognise both?
How can we use deduction to make logical
conclusions based on the evidence we read?
Performance
Task
Create a mini 'teaching video' for a chosen part
of SPaG
Scenario Cards Role Play
Maths
Areas of Study Number Shape
Big Idea
The Order of Operations (BIDMAS) helps
us to solve more complex calculations,
round numbers to appropriate places for
estimation, and strengthen our fluency with
the four operations
The properties of 2D and 3D shapes help
us to classify and describe their features
Essential Questions
How do the properties of numbers help us
understand patterns and solve problems?
Why is the correct order of operations
(BIDMAS) important when solving complex
calculations?
How does rounding help us estimate and
simplify numbers in real-world situations?
How do the properties of 2D and 3D
shapes help us classify and describe them?
Why is it important to understand and
calculate the area and perimeter of shapes
in real-life situations?
How can we break down compound shapes
into simpler shapes to find their area and
perimeter?
Science
FORM 6
Area of
Study
Circuluation
Physical and
Chemical Changes
States of Matter &
Changes of State
Bunsen Burner and
Heating
Green Plants
Big Idea
The circulatory system
plays a critical role in
transporting oxygen,
nutrients, and waste
products throughout the
body
Materials undergo
physical and chemical
changes that affect their
properties and
behaviour
Matter exists in different
states that can change
depending on
temperature and
pressure
Changes occur when
materials are heated
Plants are the
foundation of life on
Earth, providing
essential resources and
supporting ecological
systems
Essential
Questions
What are the main
components of the
circulatory system, and how
do they work together?
How does the heart pump
blood, and why is this
important for the body?
What is the difference
between the blood vessels
(arteries, veins, capillaries),
and what is their role in
circulation?
What is the difference
between a physical
change and a chemical
change?
How do physical
changes affect the
properties of materials
(e.g., shape, size)?
What happens during a
chemical change, and
how can we identify it?
What are the three main
states of matter, and
how do they differ?
How does heat energy
cause matter to change
from one state to
another?
What are the processes
of melting, freezing,
evaporation, and
condensation, and how
do they occur?
What are the different
types of flames
produced by a Bunsen
burner, and when
should each be used?
How can we control the
heat produced by a
Bunsen burner, and
why is this important?
How does heating affect
the physical properties
of substances?
Why are green plants
vital for life on Earth?
How do roots, stems,
and leaves work
together to help a plant
live and grow? How do
plants reproduce?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Exercise and Heart Rate
Investigation
Candle burning
experiment
Practical experiments
Bunsen burner
practicals
Nature walk and seed
dispersal
Geography
Area of Study
Map Work
Big Idea
Maps are powerful tools that help us understand and navigate the world
Essential Questions
How do different types of maps help us understand the world?
What information can we learn from physical and political maps?
How do maps represent distance, direction, and scale, and why is this important?
Performance Assessment Task
Analyse physical and human features using OS maps
History
Area of Study
Tudor Monarchs
Big Idea
Tudor monarchs defined England’s identity
Essential Questions
How did the rebel Henry-ap-Tudor hold on to power?
Why did Henry VIII come into conflict with the Pope?
Who was really 'in charge'?
Performance
Assessment Task
Video a re-enactment of the King’s Great Matter
TPR: Theology, Philosophy and Religion
FORM 6
Area of Study
Judaism
Big Idea
The Torah is the central sacred text in Judaism, containing stories and laws that
guide Jewish life
Essential Questions
How do the stories in the Torah teach us about the values and beliefs of the
Jewish faith?
In what ways do the laws in the Torah still influence the lives of the people today?
What lessons from the Torah can help us understand how to live as a community?
Performance Assessment
Task
Create a family tree on the Patriarchs and comment on their life stories
Language Acquisition: French
Area of Study Daily Routines Descriptions
Big Idea
Understanding our daily routines and future
plans in French helps us to relate language to
our lives and prepare for real conversations
Understanding how to create descriptions in
French improves our grammar skills and
deepens our ability express our perceptions
of the world
Essential
Questions
How can we use reflexive verbs to describe
our daily routines in French?
How does the near future tense allow us to
talk about events and plans, and why is this
useful in everyday communication?
How does the use of adjectives in French
differ from our own language and how can we
adapt to these differences in our
descriptions?
How can we make comparisons in French?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Create a storyboard of activities you will do in
the future
Create illustrated profiles and descriptions of
story characters
Language Acquisition: Latin
Area of Study Grammar Greek Myths
Big Idea
Latin grammar provides the structure for
clear communication
Greek myths explore timeless themes like
bravery, hubris, wisdom and consequences
of human choices
Essential
Questions
How do Latin verbs and nouns work together
to form meaningful sentences?
What do the myths of Daedalus and Icarus
and Theseus and the Minotaur teach us
about the consequences of human choices?
How do the characters in these myths
demonstrate the qualities of a hero and what
we can learn from them?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Construct and translate simple sentences
Debate: flawed or heroes?
Art
FORM 6
Area of Study
Art of Japan
Big Idea
Through traditional methods and natural elements, we can create art that
reflects the beauty and impermanence of nature
Essential Questions
How do Japanese artists use nature, like koi carp and cherry blossoms, to
express beauty and symbolism in their art?
What makes Japanese watercolour and ink techniques unique in capturing the
essence of nature?
How can we use everyday materials, like broccoli, to create beautiful and
unexpected art patterns, just as Japanese artists have used simple tools and
nature in their work?
Performance
Assessment Task
Creating a silk-painted koi carp: a koinobori
Design Technology
Area of Study
Eco-City
Big Idea
Through thoughtful planning and innovation, we can integrate renewable
energy models and green spaces to create a balanced, eco-friendly community
that meets the needs of people
Essential Questions
What makes a city "eco-friendly" and why is sustainability important?
How can we design buildings and spaces that minimize energy use and waste?
How do we incorporate nature and green spaces into an urban environment?
Performance
Assessment Task
Design a model eco-city
Drama
Area of Study
Greek Theatre
Big Idea
Greek theatre has influenced storytelling, performance, and the expression of
human experiences
Essential Questions
What are the structure and conventions of traditional Greek theatre?
What role did mythology and gods play in Greek theatre, and how are these
themes still relevant in today’s theatre?
How did the use of the chorus enhance the emotional impact and meaning of
Greek plays?
Performance Assessment Task
Rehearse and perform a choral performance showing an understanding of the
conventions of Greek theatre
Digital Learning
FORM 6
Area of Study Computer Modelling Computer Modelling - Minecraft
Big Idea
Computers can help us understand and predict
real-world situations by creating digital models that
simulate different outcomes
Collaboration and creativity in Minecraft allow us
to design and build complex 3D structures, turning
our ideas into interactive experiences that come to
life in a digital world
Essential
Questions
How can we use computers to model real-life
scenarios?
What kinds of problems can be solved using digital
models?
Why is it important to test different variables in a
model?
How can we work together to design and build a
theme park in Minecraft?
What are the key elements to consider when
creating a 3D model of a theme park?
How does collaboration help us share ideas and
solve challenges in a digital project?
Performance
Assessment Task
Music
Create a spreadsheet and graph
Build a theme park in Minecraft
Area of Study
The Planets Suite
Big Idea
Music can tell stories and express powerful ideas without words, using sound to represent
character, mood, and the mysteries of the universe
Essential Questions
How can music tell a story of describe something without using words?
How do instruments, rhythm & dynamics create different moods?
Do we all ‘hear’ the same story when we listen to a piece of music?
Performance
Assessment Task
Create their own piece based around one of the planets, using Holst’s characteristics
PE
Area of Study
Team Building
Big Idea
Working together develops our communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills
Essential Questions
How can effective communication help a team solve problems and achieve goals?
What role does trust play in successful teamwork, and how can we build it?
How can we use creativity to overcome challenges as a group?
Performance
Assessment Task
Mini team building scenarios
PSHE
Area of Study
Understanding and Celebration Diversity
Change, Puberty and Independence
FORM 7
English
Area of Study
Grammar
Writing from the Past:
Poetry and Shakespeare
Big Idea
Grammar is the foundation of effective
communication, and in writing essays, it allows
us to express our thoughts logically and
persuasively
Creative and factual writing helps us learn how
to tell stories and share information clearly
Essential
Questions
How can understanding grammar help us
construct clear, persuasive essays?
What is the role of paragraphing in creating a
well-organised essay?
How can we use specific grammar rules to
improve clarity and precision in our writing?
How did poets from the past use language to
express emotions and ideas?
What can Shakespeare's language and themes
teach us about the world in his time and ours?
How can we understand and analyse the
meaning of a Shakespearean text?
Performance
Task
Maths
Write an independent piece on a topic of your
choice
Reflection circle
Areas of
Study
Properties of Number:
Factors, Multiples &
Primes
BIDMAS, Substitution
& Linear Graphs
Averages
Fractions
Properties of 2D & 3D
Shapes
Big Idea
Factors, multiples, and
prime numbers form the
building blocks of more
complex mathematical
concepts
Substitution allows us to
apply algebraic rules to
find unknown values,
while linear graphs give
us a powerful tool to
visually represent
relationships between
variables
Averages are a key
statistical tool that help
us understand data by
summarising large
amounts of information
with a single value
Fractions represent
parts of a whole
Finding the area and
perimeter of circles
helps us solve practical
problems related to
space, design, and
measurement, and
provides a foundation for
more advanced
geometry
Essential
Questions
What are factors and
how do they help us
understand the structure
of numbers?
How do multiples help
us organise and identify
patterns in numbers?
What makes a number
prime, and why is this
important in
mathematics?
How do we apply
substitution to simplify
algebraic expressions
and solve for unknowns?
What does a linear
graph represent, and
how can we use it to
understand relationships
between two variables?
What does an average
tell us about a set of
data?
How do the mean,
median, and mode differ,
and when should we use
each one?
How do fractions help us
represent parts of a
whole, and why is this
important in everyday
life?
Why is it important to
understand how to add,
subtract, multiply, and
divide fractions?
How do the properties of
2D shapes (like sides,
angles, and symmetry)
help us classify and
understand them?
What makes a 3D shape
different from a 2D
shape, and how do we
describe their
properties?
How do the area and
perimeter formulas for
shapes help us measure
space and distance?
Science
FORM 7
Area of Study Classifying Materials Acids and Alkali Cells and Microscopes Non-Human Reproduction
Big Idea
Classifying materials helps us
understand their properties and
how they can be used in different
contexts
Acids and alkalis are two
types of substances with
unique properties that affect
the way they interact with
other materials
Cells are the basic building
blocks of all living organisms
Reproduction is essential for
the survival of species, and
non-human organisms use a
variety of strategies to
reproduce
Essential
Questions
What are the key properties of
materials?
Why is it important to classify
materials based on their
properties?
How do the properties of materials
determine their uses in the world
around us?
What are the key properties of
acids and alkalis?
How do acids and alkalis react
with each other, and what are
the products of these
reactions?
How can we measure the
strength of an acid or alkali?
What is a microscope, and
how does it work to magnify
objects?
How do we prepare a slide for
viewing under a microscope?
What are the main parts of a
cell, and what are their
functions?
What are the different
methods of reproduction in
non-human organisms?
How does asexual
reproduction differ from sexual
reproduction?
Why do some species
reproduce sexually, while
others reproduce asexually?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Test and produce a solubility curve
graph
Neutralisation practical Prepare an onions cell slide Produce a new plant
Geography
Area of
Study
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Big Idea
Volcanoes and earthquakes are powerful natural events that change our planet
Essential
Questions
How have volcanoes and earthquakes changed the earth? What happens to people and places
when eruptions and earthquakes happen? How can humans prepare for these tectonic events?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Design a model of a safe earthquake-proof building
History
Area of
Study
The Stuarts
Big Idea
Transformative conflict and revolution can be more effective in shaping a nation's future than stability
Essential
Questions
Did Robert Cecil fabricate the Gunpowder Plot?
Did the USA settlers have enough food?
Was James I wise or a fool ?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Re-enactment of The First Thanksgiving
Essay assessment
TPR: Theology, Philosophy and Religion
FORM 7
Area of Study Creation Responses to God
Big Idea
Humanity is given a special role in creation, with
responsibilities toward the Earth and each other
Humanity’s response to God varies depending on
their faith, circumstances, and perceptions of God’s
character
Essential
Questions
How do the Creation stories in Genesis shape our
understanding of God, humanity, and the world
around us?
How do different individuals respond to God’s
presence and what can we learn from their
responses?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Present a storyboard of a Creation story
Write a letter from Zacchaeus or the Centurion to a
friend explaining their encounter with Jesus and how
it changed their life
Language Acquisition: French
Area of Study Food and Family Talking about the Future
Big Idea
Building more complex sentences expands our
ability to describe our lives and experiences
Understanding how to talk about future events allows
us to express hopes, plans, and intentions
Essential
Questions
How can learning vocabulary about food and
family help us connect with French culture?
How does practising speaking about yourself and
your life help you grow as language learners?
What vocabulary and grammar are important when
talking about where we are going to do and what we
are going to do in French?
What cultural aspects can we learn from our
discussions in French?
Performance
Assessment Task
Role play speaking activity
Make and present a tourist information booklet
for a French town
Language Acquisition: Latin
Area of Study Verbs and Prepositions The Beginning of the Roman Empire
Big Idea
Latin verbs change their endings depending on
tense and conjugation, allowing for specific
meanings
The Roman Empire’s influence still resonates today
in our political systems, architecture and languages
Essential
Questions
How do the different verb tenses in Latin change
the way we understand and tell stories?
How do we use Latin verb tenses, nouns and
prepositions to convey action and meaning in
sentences?
What lesson can we learn from the rise of the
Roman Empire regarding power, leadership and
governance?
In what ways did the Roman Empire influence the
world before Rome and how are these influences still
present today?
Performance
Assessment Task
Translation exercise
Group presentation
Digital Learning
FORM 7
Area of Study Personal Devices - Recap of Skills Scratch - Using Variables
Big Idea
Mastering a range of digital tools empowers us to
communicate, organize, and create effectively,
giving us the skills to be productive and innovative
in both academic and personal projects
Variables are like containers that hold information
and allow us to create dynamic programs that can
change and adapt
Essential
Questions
How can we use different digital tools to express our
ideas and share information?
What makes each unique, and when should we use
them?
How can we organize and store our work safely
using OneDrive?
How can we use variables to store and manipulate
data in a programme?
Why are variables important for creating interactive
programme?
How can we use variables to make our code more
efficient and flexible?
Performance
Assessment Task
Art
Create a poster using word processing skills
End of topic Scratch project
Area of Study
African Masks: Identity and Rituals
Big Idea African masks are powerful representations of identity, tradition, and spirituality
Essential Questions
How do African masks represent identity, and what do the different features and colours
symbolize?
What role do masks play in rituals and ceremonies, and how can we use art to connect
with traditions from different cultures?
How can creating a mask help us express our own identity, beliefs, and personal stories?
Performance
Assessment Task
Make a ceramic Teke Moon Mask using terracotta clay
Design Technology
Area of Study
Dyson Design Process
Big Idea
Designing Scalextric-inspired vehicles using CAD 2D Design encourages us to explore
the connection between form, function, and user experience, particularly when
considering a child with impaired vision
Essential Questions
How can we design a vehicle that is accessible for a child with impaired vision?
How does empathy influence the design process when creating products for people with
disabilities?
How can we use CAD 2D Design to create accurate, functional vehicle parts that meet
the needs of our users?
Performance
Assessment Task
Debate on accessibility in design
Drama
FORM 7
Area of Study
Genre Study: Musical Theatre
Big Idea
Characterisation, vocal performance, choreography, and stagecraft all bring a script to
life
Essential Questions
How do we use music, movement, and dialogue to bring a character to life on stage?
What makes a musical number effective in advancing a story or emotion in a
performance?
How can we work together as an ensemble to deliver a cohesive and engaging
performance?
Performance Assessment Task
Performance/technical or backstage contribution to senior Production or
Theatre review of the open dress rehearsal as an audience member
Music
Area of Study
Rhythm and pulse
Big Idea
Rhythm and pulse shape the mood, style, and storytelling within music
Essential Questions
How does rhythm create movement and energy in music?
How can changes in rhythm and pulse influence the overall mood and atmosphere of a piece of
music?
In what ways do composers such as Stravinsky and Copland use rhythm and pulse to tell a story
or convey emotion?
Performance
Assessment Task
Identify features of a novel piece of music
PE
Area of Study
Badminton
Big Idea
Mastering the skills of badminton, understanding the rules, and applying them during play help
you become a more confident player and umpire
Essential Questions
How does practicing badminton skills improve your ability to play and make accurate shots during
a game?
Why is understanding the rules of badminton important for both playing and umpiring effectively?
How can you apply the rules of badminton in real-game situations to ensure fair play and maintain
control of the match?
Performance
Assessment Task
End of topic tournament
PSHE
Area of Study
Personal Identity
FORM 8
English
Area of Study Dystopia Persuasive Speech Writing
Big Idea
Dystopian novels explore imagined futures
where society has gone awry
Speeches have the power to shape opinions,
inspire action, and influence history
Essential
Questions
How do dystopian novels reflect the concerns
and fears of the time in which they were
written?
What themes are common in dystopian
literature, and how do they relate to our world?
How can we analyze characters, settings, and
events in dystopian novels to understand their
purpose and meaning?
What makes a speech memorable and
impactful?
How do speakers use language to persuade or
inspire their audience?
How do different rhetorical techniques (e.g.,
ethos, pathos, logos) contribute to the
effectiveness of a speech?
Performance
Task
Groups present their dystopia to the class in a
3–5 minute showcase
Present a persuasive speech including a variety
of appropriate techniques
Maths
Areas of
Study
Algebra Angles BIDMAS Properties of Number
Big Idea
Algebra is a powerful
tool that helps us
represent and solve
problems using symbols
and variables
Angles are fundamental
to understanding the
geometry of shapes and
the relationships
between them
BIDMAS helps us follow
the correct order of
operations, ensuring that
we solve equations
accurately.
The properties of
numbers allow us to
understand their
structure and
relationships
Essential
Questions
How do we simplify
algebraic expressions,
and why is this important
in solving equations?
What is factorising, and
how does it help us
solve algebraic
equations more easily?
How do we solve multistep
equations, and what
strategies can we use to
simplify the process?
What are complementary
and supplementary
angles, and how can we
use them to solve
problems?
How can we calculate
the sum of the interior
angles of a polygon?
What is the relationship
between the number of
sides of a polygon and
the sum of its interior
angles?
Why is the order of
operations (BIDMAS)
important when solving
mathematical problems?
How do we apply
BIDMAS to simplify and
solve equations
correctly?
What is rounding, and
when should we round
numbers in real-life
situations?
How does rounding help
us estimate answers
quickly and accurately?
What is prime
factorisation, and how
can we use it to break
down numbers into their
simplest form?
How do prime factors
help us understand the
structure of a number?
How do we find the
Highest Common Factor
(HCF) and the Least
Common Multiple (LCM)
of two numbers, and why
are these important?
Science
FORM 8
Area of
Study
Energy Heating Substances Photosynthesis Reproduction
Big Idea
Energy is fundamental to all
physical and biological
processes
Heating chemicals can cause
them to undergo physical or
chemical changes, leading to the
formation of new substances or
the alteration of existing ones
Photosynthesis is the process by
which plants convert light energy
into chemical energy, allowing
them to produce their own food
and grow
Human reproduction is a
complex biological process
involving the union of male
and female reproductive cells
to create a new individual
Essential
Questions
What are the different types of
energy resources (renewable
and non-renewable), and how
do they differ?
How is energy transferred and
transformed in both natural
and human-made systems?
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of using
renewable and non-renewable
energy resources?
What happens when chemicals
are heated, and how can we
predict the changes that will
occur?
How do temperature and the
amount of heat energy influence
the rate of chemical reactions?
What are the differences
between physical changes and
chemical changes when heating
substances?
What is photosynthesis, and why
is it essential for plant life?
What materials do plants need
for photosynthesis, and how do
they obtain them?
How does sunlight influence the
process of photosynthesis and
plant growth?
How do the male and female
reproductive systems work
together to produce a new
human life?
What is the role of fertilisation
in human reproduction and
how does it happen?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Project on keeping a home
warm
Reducing Copper oxide to
produce copper
Produce a graph of oxygen
produced at different light levels
from Canadian pond weed
Quiz
Geography
Area of
Study
Development
Big Idea
How do countries grow and develop and how does this affect people's lives.
Essential
Questions
What helps a country grow and get richer?
Why do some countries grow faster than others?
What challenges do countries face when trying to develop?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Model United Nations (MUN) on Global Development activity. Through debate, negotiation, and
teamwork, students will explore real-world global issues while developing their problem-solving,
speaking, and research skills.
History
Area of Study
The Normans
Big Idea
Fake news or Fact?
Essential
Questions
Was William lucky ? Bill the butcher or Bill the builder? Domesday – all doom and gloom ?
Bayeux Tapestry - the world's first propaganda exercise ?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Reflection would a Roman Legion beat the Norman Army?
Reflection look at the location of castles - why there and there?
TPR: Theology, Philosophy and Religion
FORM 8
Area of Study God and Prophets Christian Beliefs and Practices
Big Idea Challenging societal norms Miracles are signs of God’s power and compassion
Essential
Questions
How do the lives and messages of prophets like Elijah
and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shape our
understanding of God’s justice, faith, and morality?
What do the miracles of Jesus teach us about faith,
compassion, and the power of God in people's lives?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Essay on how Elijah and Dr. King demonstrated faith
and justice, and how their lives inspire students to act
justly in their own lives.
Debate: Do miracles still happen today, or were they
only for Jesus’ time?
Language Acquisition: French
Area of Study Tenses Speaking Skills
Big Idea
Use of regular and irregular verbs makes our
communication more dynamic and accurate
Effective communication enables us to connect
with others over shared experiences
Essential
Questions
How can knowledge of a variety of tenses
help us to tell a story and share an
experience in French?
What strategies can we use to improve our
speaking skills? How can we make our
responses about school life more interesting?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Writing a narrative using the perfect tense
Plan and deliver an interview
Language Acquisition: Latin
Area of Study Level 1: Grammar Level 2: Grammar Classical Civilisation
Big Idea
Understanding the relationship
between verbs, tenses and noun
cases is essential for translating
Latin to English and constructing
sentences
Mastery of verb conjugations and noun
declensions is fundamental to
translating and comprehending Latin
texts
The Argonauts’ journey illustrates the
concept of teamwork and how
individual strengths contribute to
collective strengths
Essential
Questions
How do Latin verbs conjugations
and noun declensions work together
to form accurate and meaningful
sentences?
How do imperatives help us give
commands / instructions in Latin?
How are these formed differently
from other tenses?
Why is it important to understand the
different noun cases in Latin and how
they affect the meaning of a sentence?
What challenges do we face when
translating between Latin and English?
How do we overcome these challenges
through understanding Latin grammar?
How does the theme of teamwork play
a crucial role in the success of the
Argonauts’ journey?
What qualities make Jason a hero and
how can these be identified in a
contemporary hero?
Performance
Assessment
Task
Translation tasks Translation tasks Production of a news report
Digital Learning
FORM 8
Area of Study Introduction of Python Coding App Development
Big Idea
Python allows us to communicate with computers
in a simple and powerful way and create interactive
experience
App development allows us to transform our
ideas into functional digital tools, giving us the
power to create interactive experiences that meets
the needs of users.
Essential
Questions
What makes Python a useful programming
language for beginners?
How does Python help us turn instructions into
actions on a computer?
What is the role of syntax in Python, and why is it
important?
What are the key steps in creating an app, from
concept to design and functionality?
How does App Lab allow us to bring our app ideas
to life with code?
What makes an app user-friendly, and how can
we design with the user in mind?
Performance
Assessment Task
End of module assessment task
Design and develop an app of their choice, whilst
explaining creative choices.
Art
Area of Study
India: Sacred Spaces
Big Idea
Sacred spaces are places of profound cultural, spiritual, and personal meaning.
Essential Questions
How do sacred spaces like the Taj Mahal reflect the beliefs, culture, and history of a
place?
What is the significance of symmetry, architecture, and design in sacred buildings and
shrines?
How can we create our own sacred space through art, and what symbols or materials
will express our personal or cultural values?
Performance
Assessment Task
Creation of an Indian shrine
Design Technology
Area of Study
Big Tree Collaborative Project
Big Idea
Collaborative group work encourages us to develop both technical skills and teamwork
Essential Questions
How can we work together as a team to bring a creative vision to life? What techniques
and tools are needed to safely cut, shape, and assemble materials like aluminium and
plywood? How do we translate a creative idea into a physical, three-dimensional
model?
Performance
Assessment Task
Create a mini tree with aluminium leaves
Drama
FORM 8
Area of Study
Genre Study: Musical Theatre
Big Idea
Characterisation, vocal performance, choreography, and stagecraft bring a script to life
Essential Questions
How do we use music, movement, and dialogue to bring a character to life on stage?
What makes a musical number effective in advancing a story or emotion in a
performance?
How can we work together as an ensemble to deliver a cohesive and engaging
performance?
Performance Assessment Task
Performance/technical or backstage contribution to senior Production or
Theatre review of the open dress rehearsal as an audience member
Music
Area of Study
Mediaeval music
Big Idea
Medieval music is the foundation of Western music, influencing the development of harmony,
rhythm, and musical notation
Essential Questions
What role did music play in medieval society, and how did it function in different settings?
In what ways did the development of musical notation during the medieval period impact future
music composition and performance?
What do the characteristics of Gregorian chant and early polyphony reveal about the evolution of
Western music?
Performance
Assessment Task
Perform a plainsong or secular melody within a group
PE
Area of Study
Inclusion in Sport
Big Idea
Adapting equipment and rules ensures that all participants, regardless of ability, can take part
Essential Questions
How can adapting equipment and rules make sports more inclusive for everyone, regardless of
ability?
Why is it important to understand different disabilities when modifying games and activities?
How do modifications in sports create a fairer and more equal playing environment for all
participants?
Performance
Assessment Task
Video end of unit modified game - peer and pupil reviewed with feedback
PSHE
Area of Study
Healty Lifestyles
PSHE
Including RSE: Relationships and Sex Education
Head of PSHE: Mrs Suzanne Rogers | srogers@packwood.school
Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) is taught through the Forms at Packwood. We follow
government statutory schemes of work, using the PSHE Association as our key framework.
The PSHE lessons work on topics such as friendships, emotional wellbeing, staying safe, economic
wellbeing, physical health, shared responsibilities, and communities. The PSHE syllabus remains agile to
respond to any pertinent issues in school.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is a key part of the PSHE programme for Form 1 to Form 8.
Initially, the work is based around friendships and it then develops from Form 4. A curriculum overview of
the work done with the children is available to parents. Prior to sessions, parents are informed of the details
of sex education and are invited to speak to the teacher if they wish.
Fundamental British Values
At Packwood we support our children to have the knowledge, skills and values that will prepare them to be
citizens in modern Britain. As part of this we actively promote the fundamental British values of democracy,
the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
This is achieved through pupil voice, respecting the Packwood Code, learning about different faiths in TPR,
and a focus on oracy through an encouragement to debate, listen and question what children read. These
areas are covered across all aspects of a Packwood education.
Pupil Voice
Pupils at Packwood are encouraged to use their initiative and have the confidence to speak out with respect
as proud contributors to the school community. Formal mechanisms for pupil voice include:
Pre-Prep School Council, involving nominated representatives from each class, who meet with the Head
and Deputy Head (Pastoral Care and Safeguarding) termly.
Prep School Council, involving nominated representatives from each form, who meet with the Head and
Deputy Head (Pastoral Care and Safeguarding) termly.
Food Council, involving nominated representatives from each form, who meet with the Head’s Wife,
Bursar and representative from Thomas Franks (our caterer) termly.
Form 8 committees are created each year to contribute to the running and organisation aspects of
various areas of school life.
Forms 7 and 8 Leadership
In Form 7, pupils are enabled to develop an awareness of their leadership strengths through work with the
Alpha Academies Trust in Stoke.
In addition to the appointment of Heads of School (appointed in June, November and March),
all of Form 8 has the opportunity to develop their leadership through a
‘Personal Leadership Profile’ and ambassadorial roles stretching across school life.
TAKING FLIGHT
The lead for Senior School Entrance: Will Goldsmith, Head | headpa@packwood.school
While the prospect of your child starting senior school might still seem a long way in the distance,
especially if you are receiving this handbook as your child enters Form 3, it is nonetheless advantageous to
begin considering your options.
It is important to note that this journey, which can appear quite daunting given the array of options
available, is one that we are fully equipped to help you navigate together.
During the Autumn Term, we run a parents’ session on ‘The Next Step’, the date of which will be published
in the school calendar. This is an ideal first introduction or refresher to the process of choosing a senior
school and the subsequent process. Alongside this, a dedicated senior school entry booklet will be
produced with detailed information.
In addition to Shrewsbury, Packwood prepares pupils for a range of senior schools, which in 2025 has
included Ellesmere College, Eton College, Harrow, Oundle, Radley College, Uppingham, Shrewsbury High
School and Tudor Hall.
Shrewsbury Pathway
Established in 2025, the Shrewsbury Pathway enables Packwoodians to access a seamless transition to
Shrewsbury, with ‘jumping’ on points in Forms 6,7 and 8. Offers of unconditional places are based on the
Packwood Head’s verbal reference and scrutiny of
various school-based assessments, subject to
discussion with the Packwood Head and understanding
that Shrewsbury is the suitable choice for the child.
Families are encouraged to seek further guidance
from the Head who will be able to outline the process.
Advice to Parents
Parents are always encouraged to meet
with the Head to discuss Senior Schools.
FORMS 3-6 RECEIVE ONE LESSON A WEEK.
‘MOVING UP’ WILL BE FOCUSED AROUND
THE ISEB PRE-TEST AND OTHER SCHOOL-
SPECIFIC ENTRY TESTS. THE HEAD AND
SENIOR STAFF WILL ALSO PREPARE PUPILS
WITH INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW PRACTICE,
AND ADDITIONAL MATHS, ENGLISH, VERBAL
AND NON-VERBAL REASONING SUPPORT
WILL BE PROVIDED BY VARIOUS STAFF.
SCHOLARSHIP PREPARATION
CHARLOTTE JACKSON-HUTT AND NICK
WESTON, OUR DEPUTY HEADS, OVERSEE
THE SCHOLARSHIP PREPARATION, ALONG
WITH RELEVANT HEADS OF FACULTIES.
AND FINALLY...
Our young people are confronted with an
infinite ocean of knowledge,
understanding and concepts to enjoy
making sense of. It is our job to ignite the
fire within them. That is learning. This is
Curriculum SOAR.
Please do not hesitate to contact
Charlotte Jackson-Hutt, Deputy Head
(Academic Life) to discuss Curriculum
SOAR and our approach to learning and
teaching.
packwood.school
office@packwood.school
Packwood, Ruyton XI Towns, SY4 1HX,
01939 260217