Foundational knowledge
Strong Foundations for Future Success
At Sherborne Primary School, we believe every child deserves the strongest possible start to their education.
Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that children develop the essential knowledge, skills and learning behaviours they need to flourish both now and in the future.
Why Strong Foundations Matter
At Sherborne Primary School, we believe every child deserves a strong foundation on which to build future success. The knowledge, skills and habits developed in the Early Years and Key Stage 1 provide the building blocks for later learning across the curriculum.
Strong foundations are about more than academic achievement. They include communication, language development, reading, writing, mathematics, physical development, independence, resilience, confidence and positive relationships.
When children master these fundamental skills early, they are better equipped to access increasingly challenging learning, develop a love of learning and thrive throughout their primary education and beyond.
At Sherborne, we recognise that young children learn best through a balance of explicit teaching, adult-guided learning and purposeful play. Our continuous provision is carefully designed to enable children to practise and apply the knowledge, vocabulary and skills they have been taught. Adults interact purposefully, questioning, modelling and extending learning to ensure that all children secure strong foundations for future success.
Our Reception year provides the vital bridge between children’s early experiences and formal schooling. The Reception curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure children secure the foundational knowledge, vocabulary, language, self-regulation and early literacy and mathematics skills needed for future success.
We recognise that children begin school with different experiences and starting points. Our curriculum provides additional teaching, practice and support so that all children can secure the foundations they need.
We define:
Foundational Knowledge
What children need to know.
This includes:
- Vocabulary
- Facts
- Concepts
- Experiences
- Understanding of the world
Foundational Skills
What children need to be able to do.
This includes:
- Reading
- Writing
- Communicating
- Calculating
- Thinking
- Collaborating
- Learning independently
Foundational knowledge is carefully sequenced so that new learning builds on what children already know and can do.
Together, these foundations provide the platform from which all future learning grows. Key knowledge and vocabulary are explicitly taught, modelled and practised before children apply them independently.
At Sherborne Primary School, our approach is underpinned by our vision:
Achieve
Children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed.
Belong
Children feel safe, valued and connected to their school community.
Care
Children learn to care for themselves, others and the wider world.
Learning Behaviours and Character
We explicitly teach the behaviours, attitudes and character traits that help children become successful learners and positive members of society. We call this being a good citizen of Sherborne Primary School.
Through assemblies, classroom learning and daily interactions, children learn to:
- Show kindness and respect
- Demonstrate resilience
- Take responsibility for their actions
- Work collaboratively with others
- Develop independence
- Build confidence as learners
These behaviours are introduced in Reception and developed progressively throughout Key Stage 2, ensuring pupils are ready for both academic success and life beyond primary school.
Our approach to foundational knowledge and skills reflects both our school values and the principles of effective learning.
We identify and teach what matters most
Essential knowledge and skills are clearly identified and explicitly taught.
We prioritise fluency before complexity
Children develop confidence and automaticity before moving on to more complex learning. We use assessment to find misconceptions early.
We practise to remember
Important learning is revisited regularly so it becomes embedded in long-term memory.
We play with purpose
Young children learn best through a combination of direct teaching, purposeful play, exploration and carefully planned opportunities to practise and apply new knowledge and skills. Through purposeful play, children deepen their language, literacy, mathematical and social development.
We teach learning behaviours explicitly
Children are taught how to listen, concentrate, organise and persevere.
We identify and reduce barriers to learning
Children who need additional support receive it quickly and effectively.
We nurture independence
Support is gradually removed so children become confident and resilient learners.
We create a culture of belonging
Positive relationships help every child feel valued and successful.
Why is this important?
Language underpins all learning.
Children who can communicate effectively are better able to:
- Learn new concepts
- Explain their ideas
- Build positive relationships
- Access all areas of the curriculum
Progression
| Stage |
What Children Need to KNOW |
What Children Need to DO |
| Reception |
Core vocabulary from stories, songs and daily experiences |
Develop confidence to speak with adults and peers, listen attentively,express feelings, ideas and needs, follow instructions and take turns |
| Year 1 |
Subject vocabulary and language structures |
Ask questions to deepen understanding, listen respectfully, respond thoughtfully, speak in full sentences and explain ideas using new vocabulary. |
| Year 2 |
Wider curriculum vocabulary and ambitious language |
Justify opinions and build on discussions, communicate with increasing confidence and use subject specific vocabulary. |
| KS2 Outcome |
Rich vocabulary across all subjects |
Discuss, reason, debate and present confidently |
What this looks like at Sherborne
- Story-rich classrooms
- Oracy opportunities
- High-quality discussion
- Vocabulary teaching
- Elklan-informed practice
- Purposeful communication across the curriculum
Oracy in Action
Children are given regular opportunities to apply their speaking and listening skills through:
- Poetry recitals
- Drama and performance
- Class assemblies
- Presentations
- Structured discussion
- Debate opportunities
Where appropriate, we utilise the SHREK approach to support vocabulary development and language acquisition, ensuring all pupils become confident communicators.
Why is this important?
Reading is the gateway to learning.
Children who read confidently can access the full curriculum and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Progression
| Stage |
What Children Need to KNOW |
What Children Need to DO |
| Reception |
Sounds, graphemes and key vocabulary |
Blend and segment sounds |
| Year 1 |
Phonic patterns and common exception words |
Decode accurately and fluently |
| Year 2 |
Vocabulary, comprehension strategies and text structures |
Read with increasing fluency and understanding |
| KS2 Outcome |
Increasingly complex vocabulary and texts |
Infer, summarise, analyse and critique |
What this looks like at Sherborne
- Read Write Inc.
- Daily reading practice
- Story-rich curriculum
- Reading for pleasure
- Accelerated Reader (KS2)
- High-quality texts across subjects
Reading Beyond the Classroom
We believe reading success is built through a strong partnership between home and school.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 typically take home:
- A fully decodable reading book matched to their phonics stage- a book they have been reading throughout the week in class.
- A book bag to share at home which has similar sounds in it that hasn’t been read in advance.
As pupils move through the school, they continue to develop reading fluency, comprehension and a love of literature through high-quality texts and programmes such as Accelerated Reader with a vast range of books available to them from our school library.
Why is this important?
Writing allows children to communicate ideas, demonstrate understanding and express creativity.
Progression
| Stage |
What Children Need to KNOW |
What Children Need to DO |
| Reception |
Letter formation, sounds and sentence structures |
Mark make and write simple sentences and develop fine motor control and pencil grip. |
| Year 1 |
Spelling patterns, punctuation and grammar |
Write clear and accurate sentences, apply phonics knowledge to spell, punctuate and start to edit their work for improvements. |
| Year 2 |
Expanding vocabulary and grammar choices |
Write independently and edit work, use expanded vocabulary and varied sentence structures, apply spelling patterns and grammatical knowledge. |
| KS2 Outcome |
Complex grammar, vocabulary and genre knowledge |
Write effectively for a range of audiences and purposes. |
What this looks like at Sherborne
- Read Write Inc. Get Writing
- Vocabulary-rich teaching
- Explicit grammar instruction
- Purposeful writing opportunities
- High expectations for presentation and handwriting.
Why is this important?
Mathematics develops reasoning, problem-solving and confidence with number.
Progression
| Stage |
What Children Need to KNOW |
What Children Need to DO |
| Reception |
Number recognition, counting and quantity |
Count accurately, represent number and solve problems |
| Year 1 |
Number bonds, place value and basic calculation facts |
Calculate efficiently, explain thinking and recognise patterns |
| Year 2 |
Mathematical vocabulary and number relationships |
Solve problems, explain methods and reason mathematically |
| KS2 Outcome |
Increasingly sophisticated mathematical concepts |
Select strategies, reason and problem solve independently |
What this looks like at Sherborne
- Mastering Number
- Daily arithmetic
- Mathematical talk
- Reasoning opportunities
- Practical and visual representations.
Academic success is built upon strong learning behaviours.
Executive Function
Executive function skills help children manage themselves as learners.
These include:
- Attention
- Working memory
- Self-regulation
- Cognitive flexibility
- Organisation
- Persistence
Progression
| Stage |
What Children Need to KNOW |
What Children Need to DO |
| Reception |
Classroom routines and expectations |
Listen, follow instructions and manage simple routines |
| Year 1 |
Learning expectations and strategies |
Sustain attention and organise resources |
| Year 2 |
Growth mindset and resilience strategies |
Reflect, persevere and work independently |
| KS2 Outcome |
Effective learning habits |
Plan, monitor and evaluate learning independently |
Purposeful play and exploration provide regular opportunities for children to develop independence, self-regulation, problem-solving, communication and resilience in meaningful contexts.
Physical Development
Children develop confidence, coordination and wellbeing including:
- Fine motor control
- Balance and coordination
- Handwriting stamina
- Physical confidence
- Healthy lifestyles
- Gross motor opportunities
- Outdoor learning
- PE and Sport
- Opportunities to develop coordination, balance and strength
Progression
| Stage |
What Children Need to KNOW |
What Children Need to DO |
| Reception |
How to move safely and confidently |
Gross and Fine motor movements building independence and personal care |
| Year 1 |
Understanding healthy choices, refining coordination and control |
Movement skills and teamwork with resilience in physical challenges |
| Year 2 |
What wellbeing means and its importance |
Apply in a range of contexts- stamina, agility and cooperation. Show confidence and perseverance |
| KS2 Outcome |
Refined gross and fine motor movements |
Proficiency in range of pursuits, confidence in daily routines and practices |
Alongside academic learning, we are committed to developing the whole child.
Through our SCARF curriculum and wider enrichment opportunities, children learn about:
- Healthy relationships
- Mental wellbeing
- Physical health
- Online safety
- Diversity and inclusion
- Citizenship
- Personal responsibility
Children also participate in events such as Anti-Bullying Week, Children's Mental Health Week and charitable initiatives that help them become caring and responsible citizens. It is essential that our children understand British Values and why we are a Rights Respecting School.
Progression
| Stage |
What Children Need to KNOW |
What Children Need to DO |
| Reception |
Know expectations, recognise feelings and manage emotions |
Build positive relationships, develop independence and understand kindness |
| Year 1 |
How actions affect others and what positive choices are |
Work collaboratively, show respect and care for others |
| Year 2 |
Leadership skills |
Take responsibility and demonstrate school values through showing respect for others |
| KS2 Outcome |
Firmly embedding knowledge of citizenship |
Demonstrate respect, tolerance, citizenship, rule of law and democracy |
As children progress through Sherborne Primary School, they are encouraged to contribute positively to school life through opportunities such as:
- School Council
- Sports Council
- House Captains
- Head and Senior Prefects
- Reading Ambassadors
- Play Leaders
- Charity and Community Projects
- SAST Youth Council
These opportunities help pupils develop responsibility, teamwork, confidence and leadership skills.
At Sherborne Primary:
| |
Retrieval, Practice and Fluency |
Supporting Every Child to Succeed |
Assessment of Foundational Knowledge and Skills |
| We believe |
Learning something once does not mean it has been learned permanently. |
Every child can achieve. |
Continually assess aids learning. |
| How we support and help |
We help children remember through:
● Retrieval practice
● Repetition
● Deliberate practice
● Modelling
● Questioning
● Revisiting key learning |
Children who require additional support receive:
● Early intervention
● Targeted teaching
● Additional opportunities to practise
● Carefully planned scaffolding
● Appropriate challenge and support |
continually assess learning through:
● Observation
● Retrieval activities
● Questioning
● Discussion
● Independent work
● Reading assessments
● Writing assessments
● Mathematics assessments |
| What has been achieved |
This strengthens long-term memory and develops fluency. |
Equity means giving every child what they need to succeed. |
Assessment helps us identify gaps early and respond quickly. |
Building on Strong Foundations
By the end of Key Stage 2, children at Sherborne Primary School will have developed the knowledge, skills and learning behaviours needed to thrive.
They will be ready to:
✅ Achieve academically
✅ Belong to their community
✅ Care for themselves and others
✅ Approach future learning with confidence
Strong Foundations. Lifelong Success.
