Curriculum Newsletter

Enquiry at the Heart of Learning: At Hillcrest Academy, we believe that learning begins with curiosity. Our enquiry-led curriculum is designed to spark children’s natural desire to ask questions, investigate problems, and explore real-world issues. Each unit is framed around a carefully constructed enquiry question that challenges children to think critically, connect ideas, and construct deep understanding over time.

Skills Progression through Enquiry: Over the course of their primary education, children develop a broad range of transferable skills—from reasoning and collaboration to creativity and communication. These are taught explicitly and applied through meaningful contexts within each enquiry. This supports long-term skill development and prepares children for success in an ever-changing world.

Relevant and Inclusive Knowledge: Our curriculum equips children with powerful knowledge that reflects the diversity and complexity of the world they live in. We carefully select content that is culturally relevant, historically significant, and globally aware. Knowledge is revisited and built upon through iterative teaching, enabling children to make connections and deepen their understanding over time.

Vocabulary with Purpose: Vocabulary is central to academic success. Through every enquiry, children are taught carefully selected subject-specific and transferable vocabulary. These words are introduced in context, explicitly taught, and revisited frequently to ensure understanding and retention.

Expression and Performance: We continue to celebrate creativity, communication, and expression. Across the curriculum, children are given opportunities to present their learning through exhibitions, debates, performances, and presentations—encouraging confidence, ownership, and pride in their achievements.

Our Approach to Teaching the Curriculum

Creative and Performing Arts: We believe that creativity helps children grow in confidence and express themselves. Across all year groups, children take part in drama, music, dance, and art—often as part of their main curriculum topics. These opportunities are built into everyday learning and help children develop imagination, teamwork, and pride in their achievements.

Memorable Experiences: To bring learning to life, every topic includes either a visit out of school or a visitor coming in. Over their time at Hillcrest, your child will take part in at least 21 enriching experiences—from museum trips and theatre visits to meeting authors, artists, or community experts. Every topic begins with an exciting “hook” that gets children curious and inspired about what they’re going to learn.

Learning Across Subjects: We make learning meaningful by connecting different subjects together. For example, a topic about the environment might include geography, art, computing, and writing. These links help children understand how knowledge fits together—and make learning more memorable and fun.

Personal Development and British Values: As well as learning about the world, we help children understand themselves and others. Through our topics, children explore ideas like fairness, kindness, responsibility, and respect. They learn about different communities and the values that help us live together in modern Britain—like democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and tolerance.

If you would like any more information about the Curriculum at Hillcrest please come into school and ask to speak to Mr Sharp.