School Curriculum

At The Lyceum, we have developed a method of teaching that not only covers the objectives in the National Primary Curriculum but inspires our pupils to develop a life-long love of reading and writing. Children at The Lyceum are empowered to develop their skills and vocabulary in order to write and speak confidently, eloquently and creatively. We teach our pupils using methods that encourage reading for pleasure and allow the children to enjoy a range of genres and texts. Our pupils are given the opportunity to develop their writing, reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting skills on a daily basis.

Phonics

Word reading skills are taught using the Letters and Sounds curriculum in the Early Years Phase and throughout KS1. Our phonics lessons provide pupils with the skills to decode words in order to read fluently and to break down words in order to spell confidently. We use games, songs, puppets and many other methods to engage the children in reading and spelling.

Reading

Reading skills and comprehension are taught and practised every day at our school. The children have the opportunity to read as a class, within groups and one to one with their teacher. Each child is given a reading diary in which parents and teachers can communicate about their progress. Children are encouraged to read a wide range of high quality texts which challenge their reading skills and develop their knowledge. We believe that varied and regular reading is the basis for promoting a life-long love of reading, as well as developing interesting and vibrant writing skills.

Writing

As with our approach to teaching reading, our pupils are given opportunities to write about a wide range of subjects and high quality texts. Our lessons allow the children to develop a vast vocabulary which they can draw on to write across a range of genres, for a range of purposes and for a range of readers. The children learn precursive handwriting in Year 1 which gives them the basis to develop fully joined, cursive handwriting as they move through the school. Presentation is very important to us at The Lyceum and we encourage all pupils to take pride in their work.

Spelling

We use the Read Write Inc spelling scheme which follows the Primary National Curriculum and gives the children the opportunity to practise key spellings on a daily basis. During our English lessons, we expose pupils to a wide range of vocabulary so that they are able to use and spell words above and beyond the age expected standard.

Spoken Language

At The Lyceum, we place a great deal of emphasis on ensuring that all our pupils are given a wealth of experiences with which to live out and perform their work. From the Foundation Stage onwards, a rich Speech and Language programme ensures that all pupils are given the necessary skills with which to communicate and articulate their ideas.  We incorporate lots of opportunities for pupils to perform; whether it be in class or on stage in productions and class performances.

We also recognise that the knowledge and skills found in our English lessons cross over into many other curriculum subjects.  We make the most of these opportunities in order that our pupils can achieve their very best.

The National Curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils become fluent, reason mathematically and can solve problems. We believe that a high quality Mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

Read More

At The Lyceum School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. Our aim is to equip our children with the key working scientifically skills, knowledge and vocabulary motivated by our core skills of active learning, basic skills and creative thinking.

Our Science curriculum is shaped by the National Curriculum for Science, our school values and the ethos at The Lyceum. Our Science curriculum aims to ensure that all children:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• Are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.

We plan for ‘working scientifically’ skills to be built-on and developed throughout a child’s time at the school so that they can make connections in their learning and become thinkers and investigators. This will enable them to apply their knowledge of Science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. We aim to plan and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence, to be reflective, responsible and to ask questions.

Across the school, continuous progression is at the heart of our curriculum design. Science lessons are planned to be a part of the concept-based enquiry questions, where possible these are made cross-curricular. Children are given the opportunity to use a variety of data, such as statistics, pictures and photographs. ICT, reading, writing, speaking and listening are strongly developed through Science. Where meaningful links are not possible, Science is taught as a discrete subject to ensure the quality and integrity of the core subject can be upheld. The structure of Science lessons allows for the incremental acquisition of skills and knowledge and time to address misconceptions. There is a strong focus on providing children with opportunities to apply their knowledge.

Assessment is on-going throughout the learning process and includes observing children at work, questioning, class discussions, quizzes, written and verbal feedback, practical sessions to apply knowledge and skills, and independent learning in books.

Our annual Science Week is an integral part of the school’s Science provision. Our Science Week allows for further opportunities to work alongside local secondary and primary schools, external providers, local and national businesses and be part of the British Science Week.

At The Lyceum, we aim to instil a love for language learning and an appreciation for diverse cultures. Pupils engage with the Spanish language through interactive activities, games and songs, focusing on developing their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

The primary goal of the Spanish program at The Lyceum is to ensure that pupils develop a solid foundation in a language they can build upon in the future. To facilitate this, main oral and written instructions are given in Spanish, allowing pupils to immerse themselves in the language.

An additional objective is to expose pupils to Hispanic culture – pupils enjoy participating in activities related to broadening their knowledge about Spain and Spanish-speaking countries.

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 focus on basic topics such as numbers, colours, days of the week, months of the year, family, parts of the body, animals… etc. to build a vocabulary foundation for future years.

In Years 3 and 4, the focus is on more complex thematic topics such as greetings, classroom vocabulary and personal items, clothing vocabulary and being able to say what clothes are worn. The pupils also study basic Spanish grammar including definite and indefinite articles, gender and number agreement, personal pronouns and the present tense of the verbs ‘to be’, ‘to have’, ‘to go’ and ‘to wear’.

In Years 5 and 6, pupils revisit the grammar concepts previously learned while also studying the present tense of verbs such as ‘to live’, ‘to eat’, ‘to practise’, ‘to read’, and ‘to play’, among others. They learn descriptive adjectives and develop the ability to describe themselves and their peers. They learn how to say ‘I like/I don’t like’, ‘There is/are’ and ‘There isn’t/aren’t’. These grammar concepts are integrated into the curriculum through thematic topics, including everyday conversations, food, travel, school, transport, sports, jobs, and cultural traditions to name a few. This approach enhances their language acquisition while fostering cultural awareness.

Regular opportunities for collaborative learning, including group projects, presentations, and role-play activities (e.g. performing a comic strip), encourage pupils to practise their language skills in meaningful contexts.

To enrich their learning experience, pupils in Years 4, 5, and 6 have pen pals in a school in Spain, allowing them to communicate with native speakers and develop their language skills further. In Year 6, pupils have the exciting opportunity to visit Spain, where they can practise what they have learned in a real-world setting.

Latin and Classical Civilisation is an exciting part of The Lyceum curriculum with lessons being delivered from a specialist to pupils from Years 3 to 6. We aim to provide an enriching introduction to Latin by mixing the language with stories about Greco-Roman myths and Roman culture.

We study Latin in a straightforward, simple way as learning ancient languages can be a daunting prospect! We cover simple nouns, verbs and adjectives, using a variety of resources including ‘Minimus’ and ‘Telling Tales in Latin’.

The curriculum aims to prepare our students for further study of Latin and the Classical world in their subsequent secondary education. Many independent schools in and around London have strong Classics Departments and therefore an introduction during their prep school years provides them with a strong foundation in the subject.

We believe the study of Latin is beneficial in other areas of the curriculum too; it is especially useful in the development of English because it solidifies and strengthens pupils’ understanding of grammar.

The study of Latin at The Lyceum School fosters a long-lasting interest in the Classical world through a fun and engaging curriculum, combining language and the ancient world in which it was spoken.

At The Lyceum School, we are dedicated to providing a well-rounded, forward-thinking curriculum that embeds British and world history with a strong focus on sustainability. Rooted in our core values of kindness, community, confidence and creativity, our curriculum not only supports academic growth but also nurtures compassionate, responsible global individuals.

In Term 1, we explore British history, examining key events and themes in a chronological and thematic context. Term 2 expands our focus to world history, where we celebrate global civilisations and their invaluable contributions to the world. In Term 3, we turn our attention to sustainability, exploring environmental issues continent by continent, while inspiring our pupils to take meaningful action for a sustainable future.

Our curriculum is designed to build knowledge year on year, fostering critical thinking and real-world connections. With an emphasis on cross-curricular integration, we combine history, geography, science and sustainability, ensuring that each subject enhances and enriches the other. We are committed to incorporating diverse perspectives, ensuring that all pupils feel seen, heard and valued.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our curriculum empowers pupils to engage with the world’s most pressing challenges. Through impactful sustainability projects in the summer term, each year group at The Lyceum has the opportunity to contribute to their local community and beyond, making a tangible difference in the world around them. Our projects range from litter picks, to water conservation campaigns, building solar-powered models and even tree-planting!

At The Lyceum, we believe in the power of creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every pupil feels valued. By weaving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) into our curriculum, we ensure our pupils grow with the confidence and creativity needed to make a meaningful impact. We strive to prepare our pupils to play a key role in building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

PSHE and RSE are planned programmes of learning through which children acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives successfully – now and in the future.

PSHE and RSE lessons are covered through a whole-school scheme called Jigsaw. Jigsaw adopts a mindful approach bringing together Personal, Social, Health Education, emotional literacy, social skills and spiritual development.

PSHE is taught once a week, where our teachers tailor the lessons to the children’s needs in an age-appropriate way.

All year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time. This enables each Puzzle to start with an introductory assembly, enabling learning to be celebrated by the whole school in a meaningful way.

There are six Puzzles in Jigsaw designed to progress in sequence from the beginning of each academic year:

Autumn Term 1: Being Me in My World

Autumn Term 2: Celebrating Difference (including anti-bullying)

Spring Term 1: Dreams and Goals

Spring Term 2: Healthy Me

Summer Term 1: Relationships

Summer Term 2: Changing Me (including Sex Education)

Each Puzzle has six Pieces (lessons) which work towards an ‘end product’, for example, The School Learning Charter or The Garden of Dreams and Goals.

Each Piece has two Learning Intentions: one is based on specific PSHE learning and the other based on emotional literacy and social skills development.

In addition to our PSHE Jigsaw curriculum, The Lyceum offers support and adapts its PSHE curriculum in the following areas: E-Safety, SEND, school council; as well as developing the emotional literacy of its pupils through Anti-Bullying Week.

RSE

The Relationships and Healthy Me Puzzles (units) cover most of the aspects in the guidance but these are enhanced, revisited and foundations built throughout the Jigsaw Programme.

Health Education in Jigsaw embraces not only physical health but has a strong focus on mental health and emotional literacy throughout, and empowers children to be aware of their own thoughts and feelings and know how to manage and regulate these e.g.using Calm Me Time (mindfulness and well-being techniques).

Please see the parent guide and the long-term mapping document to see the progression of objectives year-on-year.

PSHE A Guide For Parents 2023

RSHE A Guide For Parents 2023

Jigsaw Content Overview

Jigsaw 3-11 and Statutory Relationships and Health Education

RSE Policy

PSHE Policy

Knowledge Organisers

• Being Me in My World
• Celebrating Difference
• Dreams & Goals
• Healthy Me
• Relationships
• Changing Me

We pride ourselves on reflecting the diverse and multicultural community of our staff and families. Our aim is to promote the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and intellectual development of all pupils through the Jigsaw RE scheme, which encourages exploration of various religions/’world views’ and human experiences while raising fundamental questions of belief and value.

Weekly RE lessons from Years 1 to 6, delivered through the Jigsaw framework, provide an engaging platform for pupils to discuss themes related to spirituality and ethics. Many topics are also covered in whole-school assemblies, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. Pupils enjoy participating in discussions, drama activities and class trips, as well as hearing from guest speakers. Our curriculum contributes to promoting ‘British Values’ and prepares pupils for life in modern, multicultural Britain by encouraging them to ask questions and recognise the rights of others to hold their own views. Through Jigsaw RE, children learn about various world religions and philosophical stances, including Humanism, empowering them to be free thinkers who explore meanings and purposes in life, beliefs about God, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be a global citizen.

At The Lyceum, we view computing as a vital part of every child’s education, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly technological world. Computing doesn’t just stand alone as a subject — it enhances learning across the entire curriculum, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

Our school is well-equipped with laptops, tablets, interactive whiteboards, and a wide range of other technologies to support learning in every classroom. Pupils have access to a variety of online coding platforms, such as Scratch, MakeCode, and MicroPython, as well as educational content platforms like Mathletics (Reception to Year 6) and Planet Bofa (Key Stage 2).

We also embrace physical computing, giving children hands-on experience with Micro:bits, Raspberry Pi Pico, breadboards, and electronic components to design and build real products. From coding robots and creating musical instruments to designing environmental sensors, our pupils’ creativity is constantly nurtured through practical, real-world projects.

Throughout the school, digital literacy is developed using a wide array of tools, including 2D and 3D design software, virtual and mixed reality experiences, video production, and even artificial intelligence. Our pupils learn to use AI in a safe, responsible, and thoughtful way — not just for research and content creation, but also to analyse information critically and develop their creative ideas.

As pupils progress through the school, they build upon their computing knowledge year by year. To help prepare them for secondary school, pupils in Years 5 and 6 receive their school email accounts and are encouraged to submit work online and communicate with their teachers through Google Classroom. This helps foster independent learning and valuable digital communication skills.

At The Lyceum, online safety is a top priority. We teach pupils how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly through dedicated workshops, assemblies, online content, and our annual E-Safety Week. Our goal is to empower every child with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe online, both in school and at home.

Confidence is one of The Lyceum’s core values, and it shines through in our young learners. We foster a love of the arts and ensure that drama is an integral part of school life.

Drama is woven into our curriculum, with pupils engaging in drama activities through English and Topic lessons. We also collaborate with external theatre companies that run engaging workshops tailored to different age groups.

Our topic-based learning provides rich opportunities for pupils to immerse themselves in historical roles. Children in Years 3 to 6 participate in residential trips where they experience life as Victorian orphans, World War II evacuees, or Tudor peasants, bringing history to life through drama.

Each term, pupils perform in class assemblies, which offer valuable public speaking opportunities. These assemblies often feature poetry recitals, dramatic reenactments, whole-group performances, and solo pieces, with parents invited to watch and celebrate their children’s achievements.

Our school productions are a highlight of the year. Reception children showcase their talents in the Christmas Nativity, while Years 3 to 6 take part in large-scale musical productions directed by the Deputy Head Teacher.

Additionally, many pupils attend LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) lessons, excelling in their examinations and further developing their performance skills.

Drama at The Lyceum not only nurtures creativity but also builds confidence, communication skills, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.