Curriculum
The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils’ needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships
Ofsted inspectors evaluate:
- The relevance of the curriculum* to the needs of individuals and groups of pupils and its impact on all outcomes.**
Outline guidance
Inspectors take account of the following:
- The extent to which a broad and balanced curriculum is designed and modified to meet the needs of individuals and groups of pupils, including, for example, when provided through extended services and specialist school provision.
- How well the different aspects of the curriculum contribute to all outcomes for pupils.
- The extent to which the curriculum has been extended and improved through collaboration with other schools and organisations.
- The design, range and depth of the curriculum from the pupils’ perspective.
- Long, medium and short-term curriculum planning and the extent to which the curriculum builds systematically upon pupils’ prior experience and looks ahead to the next stage.
- The extent to which the school provides the curriculum to which pupils are entitled.
The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils’ needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships: grade descriptors
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| (1) Outstanding | The school’s curriculum provides memorable experiences and rich opportunities for high-quality learning and wider personal development and well-being. The school may be at the forefront of successful, innovative curriculum design in some areas. A curriculum with overall breadth and balance provides pupils with their full entitlement and is customised to meet the changing needs of individuals and groups. There are highly tailored programmes for a wide range of pupils with different needs. Cross-curricular provision, including literacy, numeracy and ICT, is mainly outstanding and there is nothing less than good. As a result, all groups of pupils benefit from a highly coherent and relevant curriculum which promotes outstanding outcomes. |
| (2) Good | The school’s curriculum provides well-organised, imaginative and effective opportunities for learning and a broad range of experiences which contribute well to the pupils’ development and well-being. The curriculum is adjusted effectively to meet the needs of most groups and a range of pupils with highly specific needs. Cross-curricular provision, including literacy, numeracy and ICT, is mainly good and there is nothing that is inadequate. Enrichment opportunities are varied, have a high take-up across most groups of pupils, and are much enjoyed. |
* The curriculum includes all of the subjects, courses, enrichment and other activities planned by the school and in conjunction with its partners.
** Outcomes are the five Every Child Matters outcomes, behaviour, and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.