For Pupils
Our ACE Curriculum
What is ACE?
ACE (Astley Curriculum Experience) – this is what we offer our pupils at Astley.
ACE is inclusive, ambitious and creative.
How do we deliver ACE?
At Astley we are a supportive community who empower and inspire each other to become empathetic and respectful lifelong learners.
What do we expect of our ACE learners every day?
Be ready, show respect, try your best.
Foundation Subjects
Most of our Foundation subjects will be taught through Cornerstones where children will progress through four stages of learning in each ILP – Engage, Develop, Innovate and Express. Our bespoke curriculum areas (Life Skills, PE, Music and French) are outlined separately below. To find out more about these stages please click the logo to access the Cornerstones website.
Our Curriculum Overviews 2024-2025
Our Curriculum Approach is ACE
Astley Curriculum Experience (ACE)
The school has three National Curriculum Key Stages within its age range: EYFS for children aged 4-5, Key Stage One (KS1) for children aged 5-7, and Key Stage Two (KS2) for children aged 7-11
English
We follow the Read Write Inc scheme for Phonics. This is a synthetic phonics based programme which is a lively and consistent approach to success in raising standards in reading. This programme is designed to stimulate and challenge children’s thinking and create enthusiastic, lifelong readers and writers in them all. The five key principles of the Read, Write Inc. programme are: Participation, Praise, Pace, Purpose and Passion.
We have 'ACE reading' sessions and use the National Curriculum objectives as a starting point. For writing, we adopt a text based approach which aims to inspire, enthuse and engage all of our learners to develop their writing skills and stamina.
Mathematics
We use the White Rose scheme as a base for our curriculum, which provides a clear progression of skills, building upon prior knowledge and ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum objectives. At the beginning of each area of learning, children complete a short ‘pre-assessment’ (quiz) to assess how much they already know about the specific area of Maths. These pre-assessments enable teachers to plan more accurately for their classes needs. After a sequence of learning has been taught, children complete a ‘post-assessment’ to measure progress throughout the sequence. At Astley we also use ‘Active Maths’ to support, consolidate and enhance children’s understanding in maths, whilst continuing to build on previous learning.
British Values
We actively promote our British Values of:
- democracy
- rule of the law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
We embed these through an open minded enquiry throughout our RE curriculum, weekly learning themes, daily act of kindness, School Council, assemblies and daily ethos within school life.
ACE Focus Days/Weeks
ACE ‘Focus Days and weeks’ are a large part of our curriculum. These include opportunities for the children to focus on one particular area for an extended period of time; thus enriching their skills, knowledge and experience of the subject. For example, Maths Focus Day, European Languages Day, Science Day, Active Week and Arts Week. We have a rolling plan of at least one every half term.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We are committed to developing the whole child. We extend the curriculum by offering extra-curricular activities, including Dance, Netball, Choir, Craft, Games, Knit and Stitch, Circuits and Homework.
Residentials/Visits
The school has a strong commitment to the added value of learning beyond the statutory school day and beyond the school premises by the use of carefully planned trips. Each class has an enriching day trip at least once a term and Year 6 enjoy a residential visit.
