November 13, 2024

Improving the Quality of Education through Curriculum Review and Development

Supporting School Improvement – Case Study

School Snapshot

Location: Rural Norfolk, NOR 181, 19.9% of the students are eligible for free school meals.
Ofsted: Good (May 2024)
Previous inspection: Requires Improvement (September 2021)

Challenge

This primary school previously faced challenges in delivering a high-quality education, with specific weaknesses in curriculum coherence, staff expertise and pupil progress.

Timescale

Academic years 22/23 and 23/24

Solution

VNET provided extensive support through structured visits, reviews, and targeted professional development. A primary focus was placed on a comprehensive Curriculum Review & Development Programme to transform teaching and learning across the school. This process began with a full audit of the existing curriculum, evaluating coverage, depth, and alignment with national expectations.

Strategies:

Developing clear progression maps for each subject

Aligning learning objectives to ensure seamless transitions between year groups

Embedding assessment opportunities to measure pupil progress accurately

Building a shared vision for a curriculum that was both knowledge-rich and skills-driven, with a strong focus on sequencing and interlinking concepts

Building staff capacity through professional learning communities, where subject leaders collaborated on refining their curriculum areas

VNET facilitated ongoing reviews and monitored the curriculum’s impact through regular lesson observations, learning walks, and book scrutinies.

Alongside the curriculum, staff had access to the VNET CPD programme, specifically:

Securing Success in KS2 Writing Project:

Leadership Conference

Professional Community for EYFS

Shared Writing in KS2

Sentence Pathway Training

Subject Expertise in Primary Music

Outcomes

The reflective and collaborative culture established through VNET’s support has transformed the school’s approach to curriculum planning and delivery. Leaders are now focused on embedding these high standards across foundation subjects, ensuring a consistently high-quality experience for all pupils. Teachers feel more equipped to handle the demands of the curriculum. Standards in core subjects are mirrored across all areas of learning, providing a balanced educational experience.

Governors are now better informed and able to support the school’s strategic direction through a stronger governance framework.

The school received a ’Good’ Ofsted Judgement in May 2024 https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50248860

Benefits

Teachers reported a reduction in workload due to a more coherent curriculum structure and effective planning processes. The visits also highlighted improved pupil behaviour and engagement, with classrooms becoming calm, purposeful environments where learning could thrive.

Testimonial

“The rigorous approach taken during the curriculum reviews has accurately identified strengths and areas for development, greatly contributed to positive inspection outcomes and ultimately led to enhanced educational standards for children.” Richard Lord, Deputy CEO, Synergy Multi Academy Trust