Junior School Curriculum
Openshaw Islamic Grammar School (OIGS)
Junior School Curriculum
Our Junior School Subjects
- 1. English
- 2. Mathematics
- 3. Science
- 4. Art and Design
- 5. Computing
- 6. Design and Technology
- 7. Geography
- 8. History
- 9. Islamic History
- 10. Languages
- a: Arabic
- b:Spanish
- 11. Physical Education
Openshaw Islamic Grammar School (OIGS)
Junior School Curriculum
Our Intent
At OIGS, our Junior School curriculum, thoughtfully tailored by our subject coordinators, is ambitious, inclusive and firmly underpinned by the National Curriculum, enriched by the unique ethos and values of our school. It is carefully designed to ensure that every child achieves their full potential, both in school and beyond.
Our Curriculum
- Is broad and balanced, valuing each subject equally
- Encourages cross-curricular connections to ensure learning is meaningful, integrated and relevant
- Embeds Islamic values, moral development and cultural awareness in all areas of study
- Promotes high expectations and sustained progress through sequenced planning and rigorous subject
leadership
Every subject is thoughtfully sequenced by expert subject leads to build progressively on prior knowledge and deepen understanding over time. Our comprehensive curriculum is purposefully designed to equip all pupils with the awareness, skills and cultural capital necessary to thrive both in school and beyond.
By engaging with our unique curriculum, pupils are immersed in an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and a spirit of inquiry. Through this approach, we nurture learners who are curious, reflective and resilient ready to meet the demands of an ever-changing world.
We aim for all pupils to
- Achieve outstanding academic progress within a values-driven environment
- Develop strong learning habits and attitudes
- Be supported to both analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
- Grow as respectful, empathetic individuals prepared to contribute positively to their communities and the
wider world
Our Context
Situated in the dynamic heart of Manchester, OIGS reflects and celebrates the city’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity. We view our multicultural community as a profound strength and a vital educational asset.
Our curriculum:
- Reflects the pluralistic society in which we live;
- Celebrates the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of communities locally, nationally and globally
- Equips pupils with the understanding and skills needed to engage with difference, challenge stereotypes and develop a strong sense of identity and empathy
- Promotes inclusivity, mutual respect and global citizenship, aligned with the Fundamental British Values of democracy, rule of law, liberty and mutual respect and tolerance
In doing so, we aim to cultivate young people who can contribute positively to society, with a strong sense of moral responsibility, both as British citizens and as individuals guided by faith.
Our Implementation
Our broad and balanced curriculum is delivered through separate, subject-specific teaching, ensuring that pupils gain deep and accurate understanding within each discipline. Lessons are structured with clear progression in knowledge and skills, while maintaining interdisciplinary awareness to promote transferable understanding and real-world application.
Every subject is planned and taught with:
- Depth and rigour, avoiding superficial coverage
- Ambitious objectives, accessible to all through high-quality differentiation
- Clear learning intentions, shared with pupils to support ownership of learning
- Deliberate vocabulary instruction, to promote oracy, literacy and subject fluency
Our approach to teaching avoids the compartmentalisation of knowledge. While maintaining the integrity of each subject, we encourage pupils to draw connections, see patterns and apply their learning across the curriculum.
This integrated ethos helps pupils make sense of their learning within broader real-world and cultural contexts. It enables them to understand not only what they are learning, but also why it matters.
Impact
We measure the success of our curriculum through:
- Pupil progress and attainment, benchmarked against national standards
- Pupil voice, where learners are able to articulate their learning and reflect on their development
- Engagement and enthusiasm, as evidenced through participation, curiosity, and independence
- Holistic development, including moral, spiritual and emotional growth
Through effective use of assessment for learning, diagnostic tools and responsive teaching, we ensure that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately. Our teachers are central to this impact.
They benefit from:
- Ongoing professional development focused on subject knowledge and pedagogy
- Regular collaborative planning and moderation to ensure consistency and ambition
- A shared culture of reflection and improvement
As a result:
- Pupils grow into confident, independent and resilient learners, driven by curiosity and a genuine thirst for knowledge
- They demonstrate a love of learning, strong relationships with peers and adults and deep respect for others
- They celebrate diversity and actively contribute to a harmonious and inclusive school culture
Our Junior School curriculum not only prepares pupils for academic success, but also nurtures them to think critically, act ethically and contribute meaningfully to society, in alignment with the values of Islam and modern Britain.
Junior School
Beyond the Classroom
Life outside the classroom is a vibrant and uplifting aspect of OIGS Junior School. Each child is motivated to take part, experiment with new activities and discover what truly interests them.
Sport
Our goal is to ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the enjoyment of sport while developing self confidence. We provide a broad selection of sporting activities for all pupils, regardless of their starting ability. Every pupil who wishes to represent the school is encouraged to do so, as we place equal importance on taking part and performing well. This philosophy supports pupils in building resilience, self-discipline and collaborative skills, while also nurturing confidence and strong friendships.
Creativity
Creativity through art is a vibrant part of school life, giving every child the freedom to explore, innovate and express their ideas. Whether they are preparing a piece for display, working on a collaborative project or trying out new techniques in class, each pupil is encouraged to share their ideas and take pride in their creations.
Clubs and Enrichment
Each term, a variety of lunchtime and after-school clubs allow pupils to discover new passions, gain confidence and develop talents beyond the classroom. We offer a variety of extracurricular activities which suit every interest. As children progress through the school, the range of activities expands with them. Opportunities include performing arts, chess club, Islamic society, Arabic calligraphy club, gardening, yoga, sport and more, giving every pupil the chance to explore and grow.
