Implementing a knowledge-rich curriculum
Understand what a knowledge-rich curriculum is and prepare for common challenges you might face when implementing one. See approaches from 3 schools to help you get started.
Contents
What makes a successful knowledge-rich curriculum?
The DfE says that, taught well, a knowledge-rich curriculum:
- Focuses on the essential building blocks of knowledge required on the path from novice to expert (rather than how to ‘think like an expert’)
- Teaches pupils about the struggles and achievements of people from all races
- Is diverse and inclusive
- Provides pupils with the knowledge they need to understand, to challenge and to form their own opinions
Ofsted describes a knowledge-led approach as curriculum leaders deciding on “the invaluable knowledge that they want their pupils to know”.
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) says that “a successful knowledge-rich curriculum should be designed to help pupils remember what they have been taught”.
How 3 schools have approached this
How a primary school has planned a knowledge-rich curriculum
What a knowledge-rich curriculum means to the school How the school has planned and structured
Also in 'Structuring the curriculum'
- Alternative provision: curriculum requirements and examples
- Anti-racism: how to review and re-frame your curriculum
- Bloom's Taxonomy: summary and use
- Covering LGBTQ+ content in your curriculum
- Cultural capital: how to weave it into your curriculum
- Curriculum accessibility for pupils with SEND: checklist