Foundational Knowledge
The Eaves Way
At Eaves, foundational knowledge and skills are at the heart of our curriculum. We believe that pupils succeed when essential learning is clearly taught, carefully sequenced and securely embedded over time. Strong foundations enable children to access more complex ideas, communicate confidently and apply their learning across the curriculum.
Our curriculum is clearly defined and thoughtfully sequenced so that the specific knowledge, skills and vocabulary pupils need for later learning are identified and taught in a logical order. Learning is purposeful and progressive: new content builds on what pupils already know, helping them to remember more and understand more deeply. This ensures that learning is connected, meaningful and prepares pupils well for future learning.
Across the school, we prioritise foundational knowledge and skills such as:
spoken language and vocabulary development
early reading and phonics
foundational writing skills, including handwriting, spelling, sentence structure and grammar
core mathematical knowledge and fluency
learning behaviours such as attention, practice, reflection and resilience
These foundations run through every subject and year group, ensuring that pupils are well prepared to engage confidently with increasingly complex learning.
High-quality practice is a key feature of our curriculum. Pupils are given frequent, purposeful opportunities to rehearse and apply their knowledge and skills so that learning becomes secure and fluent over time. Practice is carefully planned to support retention, build confidence and strengthen understanding.
Our GROWTH curriculum approach supports the delivery of these foundations by ensuring that:
prior knowledge is routinely activated so new learning connects securely
new knowledge is introduced clearly and in manageable steps
pupils practise learning with support before working independently
reflection and feedback strengthen understanding and address misconceptions
learning is linked across subjects and into future lessons
Teaching approaches are chosen carefully to match the subject matter and pupils’ prior knowledge. Across the school, this includes a balance of explicit instruction, guided practice and opportunities for exploration, ensuring that learning is accessible, engaging and effective.
Assessment is used purposefully to support learning. Teachers check understanding regularly, identify misconceptions quickly and adapt teaching or provide additional support where needed. Assessment supports next steps in learning without placing unnecessary burden on pupils or staff.
We also recognise that strong foundations depend on positive learning behaviours. These are explicitly taught and consistently reinforced, supporting pupils to develop focus, independence, resilience and positive attitudes to learning.
We recognise that children secure foundational knowledge at different rates. Where pupils need additional time or support to embed essential learning, we provide timely, targeted and carefully planned support alongside high-quality classroom teaching. This ensures that pupils continue to progress through the curriculum while strengthening key knowledge and skills, enabling them to keep pace with learning and build confidence.
This consistent approach ensures that pupils develop secure foundations, retain key knowledge and apply their learning with confidence. By placing foundational knowledge and skills at the centre of our curriculum, and delivering them through a coherent, well-sequenced and inclusive approach, we prepare all pupils to succeed at the next stage of their education.
