Knowledge Rich Curriculum
The Lurgan Junior High School "Knowledge Rich Curriculum," introduced in June 2023, aims to provide a broad and balanced education for all pupils. It focuses on three main strands: Knowledge Organisers, Learning to Learn Programme, and IXL.
Each strand is designed to enhance pupils’ learning experiences by delivering structured content, developing essential learning skills, and promoting success in literacy and numeracy.
The curriculum emphasises knowledge acquisition across various subjects, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.
Strand 1: Knowledge Organiser
By September 2025, every pupil in school will have been given a knowledge organiser booklet. This booklet is unique to our school and has been compiled for every topic and unit of work to be studied across all subjects in Year 8, 9 and 10.
The knowledge organiser is a reference point; it can be used to embed knowledge into long-term memory. The knowledge organiser will give pupils the main information, but it will not tell the child everything they need to know about a topic.
Strand 2: Learning to Learn
By September 2025, every form class in school will be engaging in our ‘Learning to Learn’ programme. This initiative, based on research conducted with pupils, parents, KS2 and KS3 teachers, aims to equip our pupils with knowledge and understanding on how to revise effectively.
This programme will operate in cycles:
Week 1: Pupils will watch an evidence-informed bespoke video on a new revision strategy and the brain;
Week 2: Pupils will engage in making revision materials using the revision technique from Week 1;
Week 3: Pupils will engage in a whole year-group quiz with their Year Heads to retrieve knowledge.
Please see an example of the cyclical timetable below.
Strand 3: IXL
Research has shown that good literacy and numeracy skills can underpin success in all areas of the curriculum. In order to help with literacy and numeracy, all of our pupils complete an online programme called IXL. This involved quizzes on aspects of Maths and English to embed elements of each subject into long term memory. Pupils are expected to access the programme online and complete the work - one hour per week.
Please do not underestimate the effort parents make to help their children achieve their potential. Your assistance overseeing your child’s participation in the IXL programme is greatly appreciated.