The Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report (March 2025) highlights key areas ahead of the full review of the national curriculum and assessment system, expected this autumn. On reviewing the findings, the Kapow Primary curriculum team felt not just prepared but ahead of the curve. Many of the recommendations align closely with work we have already done – or have underway – demonstrating our ongoing commitment to leading the way in curriculum development.

Implications of the interim report for primary education

The review’s focus on ‘evolution not revolution’ will likely reassure schools that have been developing their curriculums in response to Ofsted’s 2019 framework, which emphasises intent, implementation and impact. Since then, the introduction of subject leader ‘deep dives’ and the publication of research reviews in 2021 have prompted many schools to refine their approach or adopt high-quality schemes such as Kapow Primary to meet Ofsted’s high standards.

Below, we highlight key themes from the interim report and how our foundation subject curriculums are already addressing them.

Closing the attainment gap with inclusive curriculum planning

‘The socio-economic gap for educational attainment remains stubbornly large, and young people with SEND make less progress than their peers. While the explanations often lie outside curriculum and assessment, we shall take steps to ensure that the curriculum and assessment system reflects high expectations for all, and properly supports the progress and achievement of all young people.’

The Curriculum and Assessment Review raises concerns about educational inequality, particularly for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It calls for a curriculum that supports every pupil’s progress and achievement. At Kapow Primary, we’re already addressing this through thoughtful curriculum design.

Our lessons are built around detailed progression documents that clearly show the knowledge and skills pupils need at each stage. We do not assume all children start from the same point, so we introduce concepts clearly and in small steps to avoid gaps. We also use a spiral curriculum approach – key concepts and skills come up again and again in different contexts, deepening understanding and avoiding superficial learning.

We are trialling a new approach to vocabulary in History, Religion and worldviews, and Science. By focusing on fewer keywords and revisiting them regularly, we aim to deepen understanding and support language development. Inspired by insights from Alex Quigley’s book Closing the Vocabulary Gap, we recognise that focused attention on vocabulary development is a fundamental step in bridging the gaps that exist within our classrooms.

We also prioritise CPD at the point of need, helping teachers get to grips with the curriculum and adapt lessons to support or stretch pupils as needed.

Preparing pupils for the future: AI, misinformation, and climate education

‘Society is rapidly changing, and bringing new opportunities and challenges, including those presented by AI, and those relating to global political developments and climate change. These will require particular knowledge and skills to address, and to ensure that our young people can harness future opportunities and fend off threats to our democracy and cohesion.’ 

‘We must ensure that young people are equipped to shape an increasingly AI-powered world. They need to be able to navigate misinformation and other challenges, and they also need to be able to take the opportunities that will be available to those who can become the most skilful shapers and operators of AI.’

At Kapow Primary, we are already integrating these emerging global issues into our educational frameworks, just as the review recommends. We are committed to maintaining a cutting-edge curriculum that prepares children for the complexities of the future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In early 2025, we introduced a dedicated Exploring AI unit in our Computing scheme of work. These lessons help pupils understand how AI works and how to use it responsibly, not just consume it.

Misinformation

To tackle misinformation, we have embedded comprehensive online safety education into our Computing and RSE & PSHE lesson plans. Children learn how to spot unreliable sources and think critically about what they see online, helping them to develop digital literacy skills.

Sustainability and Climate Education

Ahead of the curve in sustainability and climate education, we’ve developed a whole-school Sustainability collection, ideal for year-round use and events such as Earth Day. Our detailed Sustainability and climate change progression document outlines the expected knowledge and skills at different stages. We’re also working to embed sustainability across the curriculum, supporting a holistic understanding of sustainability and climate issues.

We work in partnership with Eco-Schools to align our curriculum with their ten topics, supporting schools in achieving or maintaining Green Flag status. Our Eco-Schools mapping document highlights which of our lessons correspond to these topics.

Representing all pupils: diversity in primary foundation subjects

‘We will also ensure that the curriculum (and related material) is inclusive so that all young people can see themselves represented in their learning, as well as seeing others’ perspectives and broadening their horizons.’

At Kapow Primary, we’ve built our foundation subject curriculums to reflect the range of perspectives highlighted in the review.

In Religion and worldviews, children explore both well-known and lesser-known worldviews, learning about diversity within and between them. Our History curriculum looks at events from different angles; for example, in the Year 6 unit on World War II, pupils consider the experiences of soldiers, children, migrants, and women.

This inclusive approach runs across all subjects. We include Music from various global composers, ensuring pupils are exposed to sounds and styles from different cultures. Similarly, in Art and design, Design and technology and Science, they learn about people from a wide range of backgrounds and traditions.

Our engaging pupil videos help to broaden horizons by introducing pupils to cultures, environments, careers, and lifestyles beyond their immediate environment. 

Supporting a connected curriculum and mastery

‘The national curriculum should be coherently and logically sequenced and allow space for schools to support mastery of core concepts, effective transitions, and progression through each key stage of education.’

The Curriculum and Assessment Review emphasises the importance of a knowledge-rich, well-sequenced curriculum – an approach that Kapow Primary has fully integrated into our curriculum design.

Each subject follows a clear progression, helping pupils build knowledge step by step. Our spiral approach means key ideas are revisited in new contexts, deepening understanding and supporting true mastery.

Inspire a love of learning

‘The national curriculum should empower teachers to foster a love of learning.’

This principle is at the core of our ethos. We support teachers – especially those teaching outside their specialism – with integrated CPD just before teaching a lesson when they need it the most.

Kapow Primary was established in recognition that many primary school teachers are tasked with teaching – and sometimes leading – subjects in which they are not experts. Using Kapow Primary helps these teachers gain essential skills and grow in confidence in teaching foundation subjects.

Confident, well-prepared teachers teach with increased enthusiasm and passion. Our lessons are designed with a rich variety of teaching methods and activities to keep children actively engaged. Our educational resources include a diverse mix of videos, audio clips, interactive games, hands-on learning, catchy songs, paired discussions, independent work, and outdoor learning opportunities. 

Staying ahead of national curriculum updates 

The Curriculum and Assessment Review panel has announced plans to address concerns raised across various subjects regarding the specificity, relevance, volume, and diversity of content. The panel aims to conduct a thorough analysis to pinpoint each subject’s specific issues and explore a range of potential solutions.

Kapow Primary is ready for whatever comes next. Our curriculum team stays ahead of changes to keep our content current and aligned. We’ll adapt as needed and keep you informed – so you can focus on what matters most: teaching.