Balshaw Lane's Curriculum
Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) follow the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum in England. The curriculum for the Reception children is derived from the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Our curriculum across school is taught through our bespoke Balshaw Lane Connected Curriculum.
Our Connected Curriculum
At Balshaw Lane, we strive to provide an engaging and motivating curriculum, alongside our aim for high academic standards. We design our curriculum around 'connectors' which link together the learning in different subjects. We find that this makes the learning more meaningful for the children and helps them to make connections to their own experiences and to 'real life'.
English Curriculum
In English, we base our curriculum on the recommended genres by Lancashire and ensure progression by using the KLIPS (Key Learning Indicators of Performance) inline with the National Curriculum.
English in EYFS
English Curriculum Intent
Phonics Curriculum Intent
Maths Curriculum
We use a nationally commissioned scheme to help us teach maths - Maths No Problem! This a mastery approach to maths. More information for parents can be found by following this link:
Maths in EYFS
Maths Curriculum Intent
PSHE Curriculum
Our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) work encompasses all the statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education.
We use the Kapow scheme of work. The organisation of our RSE and PSHE curriculum into the following themes:
- Families and Relationships.
- Health and Wellbeing.
- Safety and the Changing Body.
- Citizenship.
- Economic Wellbeing and Identity (Year 6 only).
The long-term plan includes all of our RSE & PSHE units from EYFS, Reception - Year 6, giving full coverage of the statutory guidance for relationships, sex and health education and of the PSHE Association's programme of study.
We always advise parents in advance. Parents have a right to withdraw their child from this work but we would always chat with parents about this first.
Most of the work we do in PSHE lessons will be discussion and debate. Our floor books will record our progress in this work. Children's PSHE books will be used for personal reflection and for exploring ideas within each unit of work.
PSHE Curriculum Guides
PSHE Consultation Response 2025
Knowledge Organisers
Top Tips
Vocabulary
History Curriculum
In History, we follow the National Curriculum objectives and use the Lancashire KLIPs (Key Learning Indicators of Performance) to ensure progression throughout year groups. We enrich our History curriculum with educational visits, themed days and weeks, and by exploring history through other subjects e.g. Art and Music.
History Intent
History Long Term Plan
Substantive Concepts
Geography Curriculum
We follow the National Curriculum guidance for Geography and have carefully mapped the skills to ensure progression. Progression is also informed by the Lancashire KLIPs (Key Learning Indicators in Performance). We also use Geography to explore cultures from around the world.
Geography Progression
Geography Curriculum Intent
Art Curriculum
We love art at Balshaw Lane. As well as following the national curriculum, we find opportunities for children to practise their artistic skill throughout other subjects. We have led art projects with other Euxton schools, for example, our recent faith arts week and have had an enterprise week which led to children displaying and selling their artwork in a pop up art gallery.
Art Progression
Art Curriculum Intent
National Curriculum
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National Curriculum - This is the curriculum set by the government for Y1 upwards.
Early Years Curriculum
- Development Matters Guidance - Non-statutory guidance about how children develop and learn.