Foundation Subjects
Computing
At our school we recognise how vital it is to equip our pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s digital world—and to do so safely. Our computing curriculum encompasses teaching children how technology works but also ensures they know how to use it confidently, responsibly, and creatively.
We place a strong emphasis on online safety, helping children understand how to protect themselves and others in the digital space. This is not limited to one-off lessons—we embed online safety across the curriculum and celebrate key events such as Internet Safety Day to reinforce these essential messages in an age-appropriate and engaging ways. We also welcome visitors into school, including the 2 Johns, who deliver fun and engaging sessions that help our children understand the importance of staying safe online.
From coding and logical thinking to problem-solving and digital content creation, our pupils are encouraged to be creators—not just consumers—of technology. By fostering resilience, creativity, and critical thinking, we lay the foundation for future learning and prepare our children for a rapidly evolving, technology-driven future.
Geography
At our school, Geography is about understanding the world — from our local community to the wider global landscape. Through a carefully planned curriculum, children develop a growing knowledge of both physical and human geography, exploring the features of their immediate environment as well as learning about distant places and cultures.
Pupils learn to name and locate countries, capital cities, and major rivers within the British Isles, alongside studying the continents, oceans, and key countries of the world in greater detail. Topics such as weather and climate are embedded throughout the curriculum to help children make real-world connections.
Geographical skills are developed progressively, with children using maps, atlases, digital tools, and fieldwork to investigate and understand places. Educational visits and hands-on experiences further enrich their learning, enabling them to observe geography in action and explore their environment with curiosity and confidence.
History
At our school, we believe that History is the study of the past to understand the present and shape the future. In the early years and Key Stage 1, children begin by exploring the recent past — including topics such as homes long ago and the experiences of their grandparents. We use artefacts, storytelling, role play, and educational visits to help bring history to life and show the impact of the past on everyday life.
As children move into Key Stage 2, they begin a chronological journey through British and world history, starting with early humans in the Stone Age and continuing through to the Norman conquest in 1066 and beyond. This approach helps pupils build a clear sense of historical time and understand how different periods connect and influence one another.
We place great importance on helping children understand the chronology of local, national, and international events, supported by enriching trips, workshops, and visitors that deepen their learning and bring historical contexts to life.
This year, some of the exciting history topics our pupils are exploring include: The Stone Age, What is a Monarch?, The Anglo-Saxons, Picts and Scots, The Ancient Egyptians, What Were Schools Like in the Past? and The Romans. Through our history curriculum, children develop a strong sense of identity, curiosity about the world, and an appreciation for the people and events that have shaped our society.
French
At Birchanger, we are proud to teach French as our Modern Foreign Language, learning French from a young age helps children build important communication skills and boosts their confidence. Our lessons are full of songs, rhymes and role play, making learning fun and memorable. Children love discovering new words and phrases, and enjoy using them with each other. As well as supporting learning in other subjects, learning a new language helps children to appreciate different cultures and the wider world. We believe every child should have the chance to enjoy a language, and at Birchanger we make French an exciting journey they will remember.
Art and Design
At Birchanger, we believe art and design play a vital role in developing creativity, confidence and critical thinking. Our curriculum inspires pupils to experiment, invent and create, while developing strong practical skills, an appreciation of great artists, and an understanding of how art reflects and shapes history, culture and society. We follow the Artmark-accredited Kapow Primary scheme, which ensures progression through a spiral curriculum that revisits and builds on key skills, knowledge of artists, formal elements and evaluation. Lessons are practical, exploratory and inclusive, with pupils using sketchbooks to record ideas, develop independence and express their individuality. Art is further enriched through whole-school art assemblies, collaborative projects, weekly ‘free art’ sessions and daily access to our creative cabin, ensuring all pupils have regular opportunities to experience creativity and develop their own artistic identity.
Design Technology
At Birchanger, Design and Technology is an engaging and practical subject that develops creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking. Pupils are encouraged to design and make purposeful products that solve real and relevant problems, while considering the needs, wants and values of users. Through cross-curricular links with mathematics, science, computing and art, pupils build a broad range of skills and knowledge, learning to take risks and become resourceful, innovative and reflective learners. We follow the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which provides a well-structured, spiral curriculum that revisits key areas such as mechanisms, structures, textiles, cooking and nutrition, electrical systems and the digital world with increasing complexity. Lessons are practical, inclusive and carefully scaffolded, enabling all pupils to participate, evaluate their work and meet the end of key stage expectations of the National Curriculum, while developing an understanding of how design and technology impacts daily life and the wider world.
Physical Education
At Birchanger, we recognise the vital role Physical Education plays in supporting pupils’ physical, social and emotional development. Our PE curriculum promotes enjoyment of physical activity, builds confidence and develops fundamental movement skills that support lifelong health and wellbeing. Pupils take part in two PE lessons each week, led by both specialist coaches and class teachers, ensuring high-quality teaching and strong engagement. Through a broad range of activities including games, dance, gymnastics and swimming, pupils develop skills, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship, while experiencing healthy competition in a supportive and inclusive environment. Lessons are carefully adapted to meet the needs of all learners, with regular feedback to support progress. Enrichment opportunities such as lunchtime and after-school sports further encourage active lifestyles, helping pupils to grow into confident, healthy individuals who enjoy the benefits of physical activity. The school annually receives the school games mark for PE and last year was awarded Platinum.
Music
As part of our commitment to Being Creative, we believe every child should have the opportunity to express themselves through singing, dancing, and music. Music is an integral part of our weekly curriculum lessons and features prominently in our Collective Worship through singing and listening to different genres of music.
We also offer 1:1 music lessons for those who wish to develop their skills further, alongside opportunities to perform in annual productions. Additionally, children can enjoy playing music during playtimes as part of our Outdoor Play and Learning Programme.
Our approach is carefully planned and continually developed — please see our Music Development Plan for more details.
Young Voices 2026 As part of enriching our music curriculum, our Year 5 and 6 children have the exciting opportunity to take part in Young Voices, a large-scale children’s choir experience in February 2026. This event allows them to sing alongside thousands of other young people, developing their vocal skills, confidence, and teamwork. Participating in Young Voices is a memorable and inspiring experience that deepens their love of music and supports spiritual and creative growth..
