Our Curriculum

Classroom at King's Cross Academy Primary School

The Academy’s approach to learning is distinctive, challenging and rigorous. We are determined that all our children will make exceptional progress in developing the skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes needed for high-quality learning.

The statements below summarise the basic entitlement, values, aims and objectives that the King’s Cross Academy curriculum seeks to embody. We also recognise that the curriculum experienced by the children does not just include the planned curriculum, but involves the so-called ‘hidden curriculum’ of relationships, ethos, informal learning and outside school hours learning.

Children learning at King's Cross Academy Primary School

Introduction to our curriculum

At Kings Cross Academy, we have developed an engaging and dynamic curriculum that integrates subjects into meaningful learning projects. These projects are built around open-ended questions exploring key themes: Life, Identity and Relationships, Food and Sustainability, Global Citizenship, Growth and Change, and Community.

Each learning project is carefully designed to foster curiosity and a deep understanding of the world while connecting to a specific learning skill.

By structuring our curriculum in this way, we ensure a broad and balanced educational experience that values both subject knowledge and essential learning skills. Our approach provides a real-life context to learning, helping children connect emotionally with their studies and internalise their knowledge effectively.

We are committed to designing learning tasks that provide children with opportunities to deepen their thinking and make meaningful connections in their learning. Lessons are structured to allow children to build on their existing knowledge, recall prior learning, and engage in well-designed tasks that challenge their understanding. By creating these opportunities, we help students develop a stronger grasp of concepts and a more integrated approach to their education.

Subjects are linked to overarching project questions but are also taught individually to allow focused skill development in each discipline. Where appropriate, teachers highlight connections between subject content and the wider learning project, reinforcing purpose and inspiration in every lesson. However, we recognise that not all subjects fit neatly into learning projects. Certain aspects of Mathematics, Religious Education, PSHE, Languages, and Physical Education are best delivered as standalone lessons, and this is clearly communicated to learners.

The combination of immersive learning projects and discrete subject teaching ensures that our students develop the essential skills needed to become successful, lifelong learners. Through this approach, we inspire children to make meaningful connections, think critically, and embrace the joy of learning.
How we theme our curriculum projects

Themes are used to design learning questions across the year. These include:

Food and Sustainability: Within this theme, children develop a deeper understanding of where food comes from, make informed choices for a healthy lifestyle, and recognise the environmental consequences of their decisions. It encourages them to see the link between everyday choices and global sustainability.

Global Citizenship: This theme nurtures the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for children to become responsible and active participants in an interconnected world. It supports them to understand global challenges, value diversity, and commit to making positive contributions at both local and global levels.

Community: In this theme, children build a strong sense of belonging. They are given opportunities to develop effective communication, show empathy, and foster positive relationships with a diverse range of people, extending far beyond their immediate peer group.

Life: This theme equips children with a broad understanding of life on planet Earth, including the delicate balance that sustains it. They are encouraged to appreciate biodiversity, recognise the importance of stewardship, and adopt values that contribute to the well-being of humanity and the natural world.

Identity and Relationships: Through this theme, children explore the factors that shape their sense of self and identity. It highlights the importance of positive, respectful relationships and the role they play in personal growth, resilience, and well-being.

Growth and Change: This theme helps children to understand the different stages of human development and the ways in which people adapt and evolve over time. It supports them to navigate transitions, embrace new challenges, and develop the skills and mindset needed to flourish in an ever-changing world.
Bringing learning to life

At King’s Cross Academy, learning is designed to be inspiring, meaningful and memorable. Each half term, every project begins with an exciting starting point, called an initial experience. Initial experiences are carefully planned experiences that spark curiosity, builds enthusiasm, and helps children connect emotionally with the big question they will be exploring. These immersive moments – whether a visit, a performance, or a hands-on investigation – give pupils a vivid entry point into their learning journey.

Every project culminates in a learning presentation – a chance for children to share their achievements with an authentic audience. These final presentations not only celebrate progress but also give pupils the opportunity to demonstrate their learning with confidence, pride and a real sense of purpose.

By combining inspiring beginnings with meaningful outcomes, we bring learning to life in a way that excites, challenges and empowers every child in our learning community.
Curriculum maps

We refresh our curriculum maps on a regular basis. The maps below represent a sample of learning from across the Academy.

Click here to read some of our individual curriculum maps from across different year groups.