What is a Knowledge Rich Curriculum?

Recent Ofsted research defined a ‘knowledge-rich’ approach as one in which curriculum leaders are clear on the “invaluable knowledge they want their pupils to know”.

Education Endowment Foundation

At Thornborough we have taken this approach to our teaching and learning to ensure our children are ready for their next steps.  Whether this is a new year group, a new school, and ultimately, further education, we will prepare and ready them for their lifelong learning journey.

The National Curriculum was introduced in 1988 as part of The Education Reform Act. It is a set of subjects and standards set to ensure all children within the education system are treated equally and taught fairly with their learning. This is the knowledge… our National Curriculum, how we teach it, is down to us.

During their academic year, children at Thornborough, are taught a creative and progressive curriculum. This means, that by the end of the specific year, each child will have subject specific knowledge, that they understand and can apply independently to their learning. This knowledge is embedded, transferable and continued to be ‘built on’ from Reception to Year 1; Year 1 to Year 2.

As part of the teaching and learning of a ‘knowledge rich curriculum’ we use ‘Knowledge Organisers’.
Knowledge organisers are a summary of the key facts and essential knowledge that pupils need about a curriculum subject. Click here to see and example and why not explore our curriculum subjects and overview to find out more.