The key constructs and skills in the foundation subjects are taught through the vehicle of focus topics. The humanities’ curriculum utilises the milestones of the ‘Essentials’ framework to create a knowledge-based, immersive experience. Each year group learns humanities through thematic, creative learning. Pupils experience thought-provoking and imaginative learning, centered around the development of knowledge and the formation of key skills which helps to ensure the creation of lifelong learners.
The art and design curriculum provides our children with an eclectic range of opportunities to create, investigate and develop a rich foundation of artistic vocabulary, knowledge and skills. Children study a wide range of focus artists, through analysing and evaluating their work, while undertaking a rigorous progression of artistic concepts and skills. Artistic tasks are challenging and incorporate a wide range of objectives, underpinned by discussion and critical thinking, as pupils tackle broad ideas and artistic concepts.
Through religious education, our children form a thoughtful and respectful understanding of a wide variety of religions, while focusing on the six major world faiths. We believe that an understanding of the beliefs and practices of all faiths is an important cornerstone in our values of community, and strength in diversity.
Musical education at MPA provides our children with a diverse range of experiences to elicit enjoyment and engagement in the performing arts, including music technology. Pupils develop and practice their musical skills through specialist teaching, singing and performing with their peers at weekly music assemblies, and may take advantage of our wide range of instrumental tuition in violin, voice, drums and guitar. At MPA, we believe that the provision of exciting musical experiences supports our pupils in the building of self-esteem, confidence and formative self-expression.
At Mossbourne Parkside Academy we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop communication skills including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. Helping them to up level their grammar skills. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, they will develop intercultural understanding and show values of respect, tolerance and equality. Spanish lessons consist of a balance of spoken and written language. Our native-speaking Spanish specialist teacher plans to the 4 skills of learning languages: reading, speaking, writing and listening. Comprehension, speaking activities like role plays and songs engage pupils and aid long-term memory. Lessons follow the Hackney Scheme and develops the content, linking the outcomes to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages pre A1 level. The aim of Spanish lesson is to -by the end of Key Stage Two- enable children to understand and communicate simple ideas in Spanish, in both speech and writing.
The PSHE curriculum at MPA drives the development of thoughtful enquiry, adaptive creativity, and informed resilience. The topics and key constructs for the MPA curriculum utilises the PSHE Association’s programme of study. Our pupils learn the value of community, building mutually respectful relationships and employing positive choices. Though this programme, children learn to discuss and evaluate ideas and scenarios, and develop a strong knowledge of the ethical and moral principles that underpin their academy and community. Through PSHE, our children gain a reflective understanding of their own physical and mental development, and build their knowledge of safe, ethical and informed strategies which will enable them to take their place in a global community.
Physical education is taught across MPA by specialist coaches from ‘Active Feet Active Minds’; specific skills, incorporated into each lesson, ensures progression across the academy. Our pupils develop core knowledge of the rules of different sports, develop their understanding of cohesive teamwork and learn how a healthy and active lifestyle affects their body and mind. In Year 4, pupils learn to swim through lessons held at the Kings Hall Leisure Centre, in addition to their regular weekly physical education lessons.
Further information can be found at https://www.chrisquigley.co.uk/product/essentials-full-spectrum-curriculum/
and http://www.greatlearning.com/ipc/ , and
We aim for our pupils to be e-safe, inspired and innovative, ready to work in the future. We use a range of technology to enhance the learning experience and, whilst technology is not a substitute for pencil or paper, it is used to help deliver rich, multi-media ideas in a creative way. We aim for all pupils to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Pupils at Mossbourne Parkside will be able to analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. Our pupils will evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.
Most importantly, our pupils will be responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Our computing curriculum aims to evolve at the same rate as the digital world around us and teaches our pupils to be ready and to embrace these changes. Our pupils learn how to confidently use technology to enhance their learning, share with others and develop computational thinking skills. All lessons incorporate digital citizenship to ensure children have the skills to remain safe online, both in and out of our academy.
The Science curriculum at MPA is built upon curiosity, investigation and conceptual knowledge. We believe that learning in Science develops from a strong knowledge base, conjoined with the development of key skills and the fostering of creative curiosity. We aim to provide all pupils with rich opportunities to deepen their knowledge of scientific concepts, and to build and progress the skills through which this knowledge is accessed.
We believe that Science should be exciting, enabling our pupils to pose questions, solve problems and create informed conclusions. Our curriculum is structured to deliver three core scientific domains – Chemistry, Biology and Physics- within each milestone. As pupils revisit topics, building on their knowledge and skillset, they are able to deepen their understanding as they progress from one milestone to another.
Through the study of history at MPA, our pupils build a broad knowledge base of historical periods, a secure knowledge of chronology, and the skills to critically evaluate historical perspectives and events. We believe that the ability to effectively analyse the past is crucial in our pupils’ journeys to become contributive 21st century citizens, and that a sound, critical understanding of history provides a strong foundation for the development of new ideas for the future.
Our curriculum enables pupils to make links between time periods and with their own lives, and facilitates the in-depth study of a broad diversity of historical eras and events. Through carefully sequenced topics, our children develop a strong knowledge base of both British and world history, while progressing their skills as inquisitive historians.
The study of Geography at MPA encompasses the global changes which affect our planet and our community. Through the study of a broad diversity of places, people and phenomena, our children develop a critical understanding of the impact human activity has on the natural world. We believe that, through the formation of a strong knowledge base, the study of Geography is critical in enabling our children to become informed and empowered global citizens.
Our curriculum enables pupils to explore the interconnected human and natural world, using a wide range of geographical sources and activities to develop curiosity, knowledge and vocabulary. Through a combination of local exploration and international learning, our curriculum is designed to equip our children with the skill-set and experiences to be critical, perceptive geographers.