Our Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
Our topics, tailored to be age-appropriate and appealing, aim to ignite curiosity, develop critical thinking and foster a love for learning.
Explore the wide array of topics we cover in our Primary Years curriculum - a world of learning awaits!
Arabic and Islamic
​At GES, we recognise the importance of promoting cultural awareness, language proficiency, and a deep understanding of Islamic values and traditions. Our Arabic and Islamic Studies programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in these vital areas.
Arabic Studies
​Our Arabic Studies program builds students' proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Arabic. With a focus on both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and conversational Arabic, students develop practical language skills. Engaging lessons and dedicated teachers make learning Arabic enjoyable and rewarding for all proficiency levels.
Islamic Studies
Our Islamic Studies curriculum fosters spiritual growth, ethical values, and a deep understanding of Islam. Students explore key aspects such as beliefs, practices, and the life of Prophet Muhammad. Our dedicated teachers create an inclusive environment that encourages discussion, respect, and diversity.
Specialist Subjects
Physical Education
Our physical education curriculum fosters students' physical confidence, health, and fitness, while instilling values like fairness and respect.
In KS1, students develop fundamental movement skills and engage in activities like ball skills, gymnastics, and team games. In KS2, they further develop skills, communication, collaboration, and compete in activities such as bench ball, basketball, and athletics.
Swimming lessons start in Year 4, teaching water competence and self-rescue.
Students also have opportunities for extracurricular clubs, tournaments, and the much-anticipated sports day. More details can be found in the events section of our website.
Computing
Our computing curriculum empowers students to use computational thinking, creativity, and digital literacy to understand and shape the world.
In KS1, they learn about algorithms, logical reasoning, and safe and respectful technology use. In KS2, they design, write, and debug programs, solve problems, and develop skills in effective internet usage and evaluating digital content. Importance is placed on online safety, privacy, and knowing where to seek support.
Music
Our high-quality music education nurtures students' love for music, self-confidence, creativity, and sense of achievement. Aligned with the National Curriculum for England, our curriculum incorporates shared topics.
In KS1, students use their voices and experiment with instruments. In KS2, they develop musical skills, including composition and aural memory. Music is integral to weekly assemblies, and students can participate in extracurricular activities and special events throughout the year. More details can be found in the events section of our website.
Inclusion
Inclusion is at the heart of our school and we are committed to ensuring every child can access, enjoy and succeed within our curriculum. Teaching is carefully adapted to meet the needs of all learners through differentiated tasks, targeted scaffolding, visual supports and adapted texts to ensure learning is accessible and meaningful. Flexible groupings, peer support and opportunities for pre-teaching and re-teaching help pupils build confidence and understanding while clear success criteria and modelling guide them towards success.
Teaching Assistants work closely with class teachers to provide in-class support and targeted interventions. We value strong partnerships with families by sharing progress regularly and working together to support each child’s development. Pupil voice is central to our approach, encouraging children to reflect on their learning and celebrate their achievements while thoughtful transition planning ensures continuity of support as pupils move between classes and stages of their education.
Phonics / Reading
In Primary, we build strong reading foundations through the ELS Phonics Scheme in Years 1 to 3, providing a consistent and structured approach to phonics and early reading. ELS develops secure decoding, blending and spelling skills through clearly sequenced, high-quality lessons.
Children in Years 1–3 receive decodable books matched to the phonics they are learning, ensuring close alignment between classroom teaching and home reading. Across all year groups, pupils are also issued with reading books suited to their individual reading ability, promoting fluency, comprehension and enjoyment.
Alongside phonics, we promote a love of reading through exposure to high-quality texts, class readers, library sessions and reading for pleasure, ensuring all pupils become confident and enthusiastic readers.
Assessment
Assessment in Primary is continuous and supports high-quality teaching and learning across all year groups.
We use a range of assessment points throughout the year to monitor progress and inform planning. These include standardised GL Assessments, NGRT (New Group Reading Test) and CAT4 assessments, which provide valuable insights into pupils’ attainment, reading development and learning potential.
Alongside this, we carry out regular writing assessments to track progress in composition, grammar and handwriting, as well as White Rose Maths pre- and post-block assessments to assess understanding and inform next steps in mathematics.
In Key Stage 1, pupils also complete the statutory Phonics Screening Check, ensuring early identification and support for reading development.
Through this balanced approach to formative and summative assessment, we ensure that progress is closely monitored and that all pupils are supported to achieve their best.
E-Learning
We utilize selected educational websites to enhance learning both in and out of the classroom. These websites provide valuable resources and interactive activities for our students to reinforce and expand upon their knowledge.
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Class Dojo https://www.classdojo.com/
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Oxford Owl https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/
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MyMaths https://www.mymaths.co.uk/
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White Rose Maths https://whiterosemaths.com/
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Busy Things https://www.busythings.co.uk/