Our Curriculum Subjects

Millbrook Junior School believes that Art is an essential part of children’s education. The Art curriculum will develop children’s understanding of the visual language of art. We aim that our children will be engaged and build an ability to be creative and enjoy art through time and from cultures across the world.

Art is an important part of our curriculum, which is open to all children. The skills and knowledge that children will develop throughout each art project are progressive throughout the school. Children will develop an understanding of the visual elements of art and design in their Art lessons including the seven elements of line, tone, texture, colour, space, shape and form. We teach techniques including drawing, painting and sculpture using a range of materials. Our children develop sketchbooks during their time at Millbrook Junior School to help them to build on their prior learning. The emphasis on knowledge ensures that children understand the context of their artwork. We look at artwork from a variety of artists and different cultures that they will learn about and be inspired by in their own work. We teach art making links with other areas of the curriculum as much as possible.

As children progress through Millbrook Junior School, they will develop an interest and appreciation for art. We want children to feel that they can try using different mediums and techniques with experimenting with control.  Everyone is an artist and children should be able to see the improvements in their work so that they produce work, which is valued and something that they can be proud of. These are skills that we hope are then reflected across the whole of the curriculum.

Subject Leader: Karon Berry

Art Progression Grid

Computing is an important part of the curriculum at Millbrook Junior School. Our children live and will grow up in an ever-changing world where technology plays an integral part. We aim to build an understanding and confidence with technology that means they will be able to change and adapt to the digital world.

We teach computing in all year groups. Each class has a weekly lesson in the IT Suite. We follow the Kapow Primary Computing scheme. This scheme aims to instil a sense of enjoyment around using technology, which develops pupil’s appreciation of its capabilities; giving children the opportunities technology offers to create, manage, organise and collaborate. Through our Computing curriculum, we intend for pupils to not only be digitally competent, but to also be responsible online citizens. In class, children have access to laptops and Google Chrome books. They use the Chrome books to further their independent learning becoming more resourceful and confident to use a variety of applications. We aim that children continue this learning at home.

Our children will confidently use a range of applications over their time a Millbrook Junior School. They will gain an independence to use these to drive their learning forward both at school and at home. Our children will understand the importance of learning about computer technologies, knowing how they fit in with the world that they live in and how our world has changed due to them.

For more information visit https://www.kapowprimary.com/ 

 Subject Leader: Abigail Claypole

Computing Progression Grid

Design Technology is a dynamic subject that offers children a broad range of skills and experiences. We aim to offer a variety of creative and practical activities that will help to build the knowledge and understanding of designing, making and evaluating.

At Millbrook Junior School, Design Technology is taught using real-life contexts for learning. Pupils investigate and evaluate what already exists, and they design and make their own products before evaluating their creations. Pupils develop their understanding of cooking and nutrition through preparing a range of dishes. This is supported by developing their technical and subject knowledge. Children are taught appropriate vocabulary about their projects and the processes.

As children progress through school, we aim to develop the next generation of designers, engineers and technologists. We aim to provide design opportunities, which inspire children to create, experience, and participate in our world’s diverse arts and culture through Design Technology. Children are taught the purpose of Design Technology, understanding the important skills that they are learning and of their purpose in the wider world.

Subject Leader: Andrew Wood

Design Technology Progression Grid

Phonics and Reading

At Millbrook Junior School, we believe that reading should be a priority and at the heart of everything that we teach. We aim to equip every child with the necessary skills to read accurately, fluently and with increasing understanding.

We recognise that the teaching of quality phonics is imperative so that pupils are able to decode fluently before they can focus on comprehension and reading for meaning. As children join us from Key Stage 1, we will build on their current skills, knowledge and understanding.

Any child identified as reading below the expected level for their age will continue to learn phonics by following the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, Rapid Catch-up programme. Further information can be found on the right but also on the Little Wandle website:

Little Wandle website

The Rapid Catch-up programme mirrors the main phonics programme but has a faster pace to help children to catch up quickly. This will allow children to secure the skills required for word recognition and decoding in early reading and writing.

We teach reading skills through our CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) Power of Reading teaching sequences and during discrete reading skills lessons. We encourage and enable our children to practise and apply their reading skills through discussion in all subjects across the curriculum.

Once our children are independent readers, we use Accelerated Reader, a computer-based programme which encourages them to read and reach their individual targets. Our pupils are taught how to use the Dewey Decimal System and are then able to select their books from our well stocked Reading Hub. We also firmly believe that children must be allowed to read for ‘pleasure and at leisure’, so we encourage them to bring reading material of their own choice in to school to share with others.

For more information please visit the link below:

CLPE Website

Writing and Grammar

At Millbrook Junior School, it is our intent that children develop a love of writing for different registers and purposes.

We deliver our English lessons through The Power of Reading CLPE teaching sequences. A creative teaching approach is used for units of work that are based around quality children’s literature. Sequences include sessions where reading; speaking and listening; vocabulary and language development; and drama conventions are integral to writing outcomes.

Accuracy in syntax is also prioritised at Millbrook Junior School. We teach children to develop a knowledge of the different registers in writing and we reinforce the use of Standard English as necessary across the curriculum in both the spoken and written word. Grammar and punctuation is taught discretely through the Nelson Grammar scheme and grammatical concepts are interwoven within the CLPE teaching sequences. These are also practised verbally and applied as appropriate to all writing outcomes.

Spelling

At Millbrook Junior School, we want our children to have the confidence to use creative language; choose ambitious vocabulary and consider the impact of their word choices. To achieve this, our children need to learn strategies that will help them to develop the skills and knowledge to spell accurately.

All children across Millbrook Junior School follow the Nelson Spelling scheme. Pupils investigate spelling rules and patterns, and they undertake independent investigations to help them build the confidence required when applying these skills during their independent writing.

Handwriting

We believe that children should be encouraged to take great pride in the presentation of their work and that they should value their efforts at all times when writing across the curriculum. At Millbrook Junior School, we use the Letter-join handwriting scheme across all year groups. Our teachers teach and model letter formations and their joins, and our children subsequently practise these and apply them in their writing across all subjects.

For more information please visit the link below:

Letter-join Website

Subject Leader: Julia Curtis

English Progression Grids

Geography is a dynamic subject that engages children’s natural curiosity for the world around them. At Millbrook Junior School, children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it.

Children will learn a variety of geographical skills, which they will be able to apply and extend, not only in their Geography lessons, but be able to transfer them to other curriculum subjects. They will take an active role in their learning and be encouraged to ask questions about real issues that affect the world in which they are growing up in. Children will learn about the connections between space and place and how it can be applied in every subject.

They will deepen their understanding of key geographical concepts, as well as locational and place knowledge, and develop specific geographical skills. They will have the ambition to want to know more about the world and how to look after it. Our Geography lessons will promote our Five Hands of Millbrook and help the children to achieve their own vision of the geographer that they want to be when they leave our school. 

Subject Leader: Jess Keeling

Geography Progression Grid

History is a fascinating subject that teaches pupils about how the world that we know has been shaped by the events of the past. We aim that the children will gain a greater understanding of the area where they live but also about the wider world. We want our children to become inquisitive, to ask questions and to have a desire to find out more.

Children at Millbrook Junior School are introduced to an array of different historical periods, starting with Stone Age Britain and travelling through time right up to the World Wars, with many stops along the way. Pupils use a number of different resources to build both their skills and knowledge as well as enjoying a range of memorable experiences. As they move through the school, the children will return to a common theme within all their History units, ‘Monarchy, Rule and Governance’. This will help them to build links across different periods and be able to make meaningful comparisons.

As they progress through the school, our children will build a deeper understanding of how a diverse range of historical eras have all contributed to the way in which we live today. We will use the Five Hands of Millbrook to help them to understand why it is important that they learn about and from the past.

Subject Leader: Louise Bugg  

History Progression Grid

Maths is taught using the Power Maths scheme of work. This scheme is also used at Millbrook Infant school where the majority of our children have attended. We aim that our children will master a robust understanding and a secure foundation in Maths. We hope that our children develop a love of mathematics which will continue as they move on from Millbrook Junior School.

We teach through a mastery approach to mathematics which helps to embed the children’s understanding and knowledge of maths. The lessons involve all children and encourage them to be curious, asking questions and trying different methods and strategies out. We teach all children together providing additional support and input where needed. We use different resources and models to help represent problems in different ways. Vocabulary is a key part to the lesson too. At the start of each unit the vocabulary is discussed so that the children understand the words they will encounter in their learning. They are then encouraged to use the correct mathematical language throughout. The lessons are full of real-life problems so the children are applying their learning and vocabulary. We aim that the small steps taken in a lesson, building on previous lessons will help children to succeed.

In addition to the lessons, each child has access to Maths Flex which they use as part of their homework. Maths Flex set the children activities within the correct year group on the same unit as being completed in class. The questions are adjusted according to how well the child is understanding the objectives. If the child is unsure there are videos to watch which explains a particular area too. The children work towards achieving nuggets on their pathway which form part of their home learning expectation. 

We aim that our children will be confident mathematicians, understanding that making mistakes or getting an answer incorrect is part of learning. A growth mindset is a key part to the lessons and children should be aware of where they are with their learning. This way, the children understand the next steps in their learning and what they need to do in order to succeed. This also runs through the whole of our curriculum.  The children will have a variety of strategies in place that they can draw upon, ensuring they feel confident to tackle mathematic problems they may encounter.

More information about Power Maths can be found in the Power Maths Presentation for Parents found on the right-hand side of this page or use the link below:

Power Maths Presentation

Subject Leader: Kelly Pearson 

Mathematics Progression Grid

Power Maths

At Millbrook Junior School, the Modern Foreign Language that is taught is French. We feel that teaching French gives the children a good foundation to go onto learn more Foreign Languages as they reach Secondary School. We aim that our children will feel confident and take enjoyment from learning another language. Languages give children the opportunity to find out about other cultures.

In order to teach French, we use Kapow, in school and encourage the use of Linguascope at home. Linguascope also offers our children the opportunity to learn other languages should they wish to do so. Children are taught to develop the language learning skills of speaking and listening and reading and writing through a variety of approaches. All year groups have the opportunity to engage with a range of songs, poems and stories that links their new learning to their prior learning, enabling them to make connections with their own language as they are introduced to the grammar.

Children are encouraged to value the learning of a language and to identify themselves as global citizens. Through their language learning experiences, the vision that our children have for themselves is to be confident, independent and enthusiastic, open to new adventures in learning, challenge themselves to persevere, celebrate and respect differences and are prepared for language learning beyond Millbrook Junior School as a citizen of the international world in which we live. Our Five Hands of Millbrook help our children to see their place on this journey and enables them to know what they need to do in order to continue moving their learning forward in the world that we live in.

For further information on the learning platform that we use to support our children at school and at home, please visit https://www.linguascope.com/

Subject Leader: Lorraine Sinclair

Modern Foreign Language Progression Grid

We aim that Music should be appreciated and enjoyed by the children at Millbrook Junior School. We offer children a wide experience of music from performing, listening, composing and the history of music. We believe that Music helps to build children’s confidence and creativity.

At Millbrook Junior School, we use the Kapow Primary Music Scheme as the basis for our music curriculum. The scheme allows the children to experience different types of music, where possible fitting in with other areas of the curriculum. They listen to music from around the world, compose their own music, work collaboratively, perform and evaluate their own and others work. They use vocabulary such as pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations through the lessons. Music has a dedicated lesson each week throughout the year for every class.

We have a successful choir (from Year 5 and 6), who regularly perform taking part in a variety of collaborative performances within school. We also work closely with our Music hub MNPAT. They work in school and provide our children with a variety of peripatetic Music lessons where they can learn an instrument such as flute, recorders, violins, guitars, piano and the drums. More information on these lessons can be found by contacting the school office. We have an extra-curricular Samba club run by NMPAT for Years 4 and 6.

We intend that our children will develop a lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of Music. They will experience the cultural diversity and historical changes of music. We hope that music will provide children with opportunities to feel confident and proud of themselves as well as a drive to succeed. 

For more information visit https://www.kapowprimary.com/

Subject Leader: Sonia Watters

Music Progression Grid

Title	Download
pdf Music Progression Grid	Download

Physical Education (P.E.) is a vital part of a Primary School child’s education. We aim to develop the skills needed to lead an active and healthy lifestyle at this early age as well as promoting the enjoyment of physical activity, which can have a hugely positive impact on children’s lives. Exercising regularly helps to promote good health and can improve mental health and social skills. For some children, PE can provide their best opportunity to really excel.

Our aim at Millbrook Junior School is to provide children with opportunities to develop knowledge, acquire a range of sporting skills as well as learning to work with others. Children receive two hours of P.E. per week. One of these lessons is delivered by the Premier Sports team and focuses on a variety of traditional, inclusive and modern physical activities across the year. We have a large outdoor space and a range of equipment that we try to use as much as we can such as our outdoor fitness equipment. We teach a variety of skills including teamwork across a variety of sports. Our children often compete against other schools in the local area across a wide range of events including Gymnastics, Boccia, Athletics and Football. In Year 5, the children take part in swimming lessons during the spring term. We also offer the chance for the children to take part in Bikeability, which enables them to learn how to ride their bikes safely on the roads. We very much feel that these are important life skills.

We also offer a variety of After School Clubs run through Premier Sports. These include Gymnastics, Football and Basketball. These clubs change regularly so please contact Premier Sports for more details.

At Millbrook Junior School, we hope that our children will develop their understanding of why it is important to be physically active, creating a lifelong love of sports and exercise so that they develop a healthy lifestyle. We aim that children build skills of resilience and perseverance as well as respect for others whilst being shown it is the taking part, which counts.

To find out more information please visit https://www.premier-education.com/

 Subject Leader: Jodie Rogers 

Physical Education Progression Grid

Personal Social Health Education including British Values and SMSC

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is taught through the Jigsaw programme; however, the mindful approach is seen throughout the whole of the curriculum. We intend to provide children with knowledge, understanding and skills that they will need throughout their lives. Children are taught that they have important roles in their community and this will continue as they grow and become adults. PSHE teaches them essential life skills.

Jigsaw brings together PSHE, emotional literacy, mindfulness, spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. It also ensures that we cover statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education, and Sex Education, which is taught during the summer term.  British Values including democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs are also included in the programme.  Jigsaw is taught each week and forms a part of the timetable for each class. Lessons provide opportunities for mindfulness, emotional literacy and tasks, which require children to use speaking and listening skills as well as teamwork. The children are encouraged to ask questions, listen to each other and to understand each other’s experiences and ideas. We regularly update parents with what is going to be taught in Jigsaw lessons as this enables children to continue conversations at home.

Through our PSHE lessons, we often talk about feelings and Mental Health. The children are taught to understand that everyone has mental health. In addition to Jigsaw, we use the Anna Freud materials and also the ‘Zones of Regulation’ to help children to understand their feelings and find ways to talk about them. We take part in a Mental Health week each year, which not only raises their understanding of mental health but it also provides ways for the children to understand and deal with the some of the feelings they have. Sometimes children need more support with their feelings, so this would be passed onto our Inclusion Team in consultation with parents.

We aim that through the teaching of PSHE, using Primary Jigsaw, we will equip the children with skills that will be beneficial as they move through their lives. We want our children to gain knowledge of the world they live in. This is reflected across the curriculum through our ‘5 Hands of Millbrook’. We hope that our children will build skills of resilience, perseverance and ambition so that they can rise to challenges, be the best that they can be, and who always have the capacity to show empathy, kindness and understanding for and towards others.

For further information please visit https://www.jigsawpshe.com/ 

Relationship and Sex Education

Relationship and Sex Education is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. We aim for our children to understand their bodies and the changes they and their peers will go through. Relationship and Sex Education is again taught through Jigsaw. We inform parents when aspects of the Sex and Relationship programme are taught and provide opportunities for parents to view resources being used.

Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their children from some of the lessons around sex education that are not included in the Science National Curriculum. We aim to work in partnership with parents/carers so that this rarely happens. We hope that parents recognise the importance of this aspect of their child’s education.

Subject Leader: Mrs Jenny Green 

PSHE Newsletters

PSHE Information

Relationship and Sex Education Information

At Millbrook Junior School, we aim to teach the children about the world they live in. We aim that children will in turn build a deeper understanding of the people who live in it too. We are lucky to live in a country with such a diverse population. Therefore, it is vital that children grow individually and together with an understanding of others, developing a tolerance and respect for one another. Our children are the future and should be accepting and supporting of other people’s beliefs and cultures. Religious Education (R.E.) is one way we do this at Millbrook Junior School.

Everyone at Millbrook Junior School are treated equally and are respected. Through a wide range of artefacts, stories and drama, we aim to encourage a fascination and curiosity with the world that inspires children to ask questions to find out more. We follow the locally Agreed Syllabus for Northamptonshire. We follow a R.E. unit for a whole term so that children can gain a greater understanding of the religion, which they are learning. In class, we may have children of different religious backgrounds and these are always respected and celebrated. We aim for the children to think about the religion and what this means to those who follow it and about their own lives and what they do with their families in their home. Children are encouraged to share their experiences with others.

We feel that our children are excited to learn about and from religion. It is real life and children are interested as they can relate to it in some way. Our children come from a variety of religious backgrounds and are tolerant and respectful of each other. Our Five Hands of Millbrook provides the children with the opportunity to reflect on their learning and understand why it is so important to understand the beliefs and celebrations of others.

Parents/carers may withdraw their children from Religious Education providing they give written notification to the school.

You can find out more about the RE syllabus please visit Religious education - agreed syllabus - Schools and education (northamptonshire.gov.uk)

Subject Leader: Paula Maple 

Religious Studies Progression Grid

First and foremost, at Millbrook Junior School, we endeavour to promote a curiosity in children about how our world works. We want our children to notice the world around them, asking questions about it and wanting to find out more. We intend to provide our children with the fundamental knowledge and the key skills that they will need to be able to independently explore and research the world around them.

With high quality resources and equipment, we want to facilitate engaging and memorable hands-on experiments that our students are excited about carrying out.  Moreover, we strive to get children involved in the collaborative planning of experiments. We want them to think like a scientist and to use scientific language as together these can bolster their acquisition of knowledge and inspire their curiosities. We want this to happen both in the classroom and where possible, outside of the classroom in our fantastic and expansive school grounds. All in all, we want to promote an inquisitiveness that will lead to questioning and in turn develop into in-depth class discussions where the children can, in part, learn from each other.

We aim that our children will have a desire to learn and find out more about their world. Using the Five Hands of Millbrook, we encourage the children to look to the future, thinking about the ways in which science is used and how it helps them. Children often have a vision of a scientist, and here at Millbrook Junior School, they know that they have the opportunity to be the scientists of the future!

Our hard work has meant that we have now achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark award in Science. We are very proud of everyone at Millbrook Junior School for this achievement.

 Subject Leader: Juliette Meagher

Science Progression Grid