St Edmund's
Years 3 – 6
Our Junior School Curriculum for Year 3 through to 6 is based on a human concept curriculum; with the principle of preparing our children for the future, their place in the world and how they can positively influence the way it is shaped.
Key concepts are features and characteristics of navigating life. These are distributed across the year groups with skills and knowledge taught, based around the concepts within the curriculum subjects.
This approach exposes pupils to these concepts across genders, identities, ethnicities, periods of history and into the present day, equipping them with the ability to explore how these may be presented, handled and/or be demonstrated in their future.
YEAR 3 – A Strong Foundation
Year 3 is an exciting step into the Junior School, where pupils begin exploring big ideas through the concepts of Loyalty and Forgiveness. The curriculum blends core skills in English and Maths with creative and practical learning in Science, History, Geography, Art, Music, Drama, French, and Outdoor Education. With trips, hands-on projects, and opportunities to develop independence, pupils build confidence and curiosity as they grow into active learners.
Year 4: Building Curiosity and Confidence
In Year 4, pupils build on their Junior School journey with a focus on creativity, enquiry, and independence. This year’s learning explores the human concepts of responsibility and inspiration through subjects such as English, Maths, Science, and the Humanities. From studying the digestive system and electricity to exploring Celts, farming, and land use, pupils enjoy a rich mix of academic study, practical projects, and trips. With opportunities in art, drama, music, sport, languages, and outdoor learning, Year 4 encourages curiosity, teamwork, and confidence.
Year 5: Developing Resilience and Independence
In Year 5, pupils deepen their learning through the human concepts of Adversity and Resilience. With Kensuke’s Kingdom as a core text, children strengthen their reading, writing, and analytical skills while exploring themes of challenge and determination across the curriculum. From Victorian history and coastal studies to science projects on matter and motion, Year 5 offers a rich balance of enquiry, creativity, and problem-solving. Opportunities in art, music, sport, drama, and languages continue to build confidence, independence, and a readiness for senior learning.
Year 6: Preparing for the future
The Year 6 Learning Journey outlines a rich and varied curriculum designed to prepare pupils for their future roles in the world by exploring key human concepts such as trust and influence. The programme blends core subjects like English, maths, and science with creative, physical, and personal development opportunities. Children study literature such as Inkheart, investigate ecosystems and genetics, and explore history through the digital revolution. They also develop practical skills in art, design, outdoor education, and ICT, while engaging in sports, music, drama, French, and religious studies. The curriculum encourages curiosity, creativity, resilience, and responsibility, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate life with confidence and purpose.
Year 3 - 6 Learning Journeys
