Enquiry Curriculum
Our Enquiry-Led Curriculum
At Wallscourt Farm Academy, we believe that children learn best when they’re curious and inspired. That’s why our curriculum is built around Key Questions – big ideas that help children explore the world around them and make meaningful connections in their learning.
Each term, children from year 1 to year 6 the school dive into exciting enquiries that begin with a Key Question. These questions guide their learning and help them explore different subjects, which we call States of Being – like Being a Scientist, Being a Historian, or Being a Writer. Through these enquiries, children develop knowledge, skills, and confidence in a way that’s connected and meaningful.
An enquiry is more than just a topic – it’s a way of learning that encourages children to investigate ideas, reflect on what they discover, and apply their learning in real-world contexts. It helps them see how different areas of learning connect and why they matter.
Enquiries into practice
Each enquiry at Wallscourt Farm Academy is carefully designed to immerse learners in rich, connected learning. The Key Question acts as a springboard, guiding exploration through different States of Being. What makes our approach distinctive is how subjects like reading, writing and oracy are woven into the enquiry, rather than taught in isolation.
Learners write for real purposes that link directly to their learning – whether it’s a letter to the Earth, a survival guide, or a newspaper article. Grammar, sentence structure, and spelling are taught explicitly and applied within these meaningful contexts. Speaking and listening are also developed through discussion, debate, and presentation tasks that help children express their ideas clearly and confidently.
For example:
In Year 1, children investigate their local area through the Key Question “Where is my school?” They explore maps, timelines, and landmarks through the States of Being a Geographer, Historian, and Designer, and share their discoveries by writing informative postcards.
In Year 2, children explore the animals we share our environment with. Through the States of Being a Scientist and a Geographer, they investigate habitats and write a thoughtful Letter to Earth, inspired by the book Dear Earth.
This enquiry builds on their Year 1 learning, where they asked “Are humans animals?” By deepening their understanding of classification and habitats, children investigate the relationships between humans and other animals through the States of Being a Scientist and a Geographer.
In Year 3, learners explore the Key Question “What do I need that for?” as they investigate the human body through the State of Being a Scientist. Using the book Gut Garden as inspiration, they learn about the microbiome and how different body systems work together. Their understanding is brought to life through diary entries that combine scientific vocabulary with creative description, helping them communicate their learning in an engaging and imaginative way.
In Year 4, learners build on their geographical learning from earlier in the year by exploring how historical events shaped the world around us. After investigating the Key Question “What is the difference between a region and a county?” through the State of Being a Geographer, they move on to the Key Question “How did invasion create Kingdoms?” through the State of Being a Historian. In both enquiries, learners deepen their understanding of place and time, and apply their learning by writing non-chronological reports that explain complex ideas clearly and confidently.
In Year 5, children explore the Key Question “What makes a fair test?” through the State of Being a Scientist. They carry out investigations and learn how to explain their findings clearly, writing both explanation texts and letters in role to inform others. This enquiry helps children understand the importance of fairness and accuracy in scientific testing, while developing their ability to communicate their learning with clarity and purpose.
In Year 6, children explore the Key Question “How did the Ancient Greeks survive and thrive?” through the State of Being a Historian. They investigate life in Ancient Greece, including its culture, innovations, and impact on the modern world. As Writers, they explain their learning through clear, structured texts, developing their ability to inform others with confidence and purpose.
This enquiry-led approach is more than a way of organising learning — it’s a way of thinking. By rooting each term’s learning in Key Questions and exploring through different States of Being, learners at Wallscourt Farm Academy develop a deep understanding of the world and their place within it. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, make connections across subjects, and communicate their ideas with confidence and purpose. Most importantly, they grow as curious, capable learners who are ready to take on the challenges of the future with creativity, empathy, and resilience.
Term 2 enquiries – Beech Learning Zone – Year 1
Term 2 enquiries – Willow Learning Zone – Year 2
Term 2 enquiries – Acer Learning Zone – Year 3
Term 2 enquiries – Maple Learning Zone – Year 4
Term 2 enquiries – Hazel Learning Zone – Year 5
Term 2 enquiries – Elm Learning Zone – Year 6
Term 1 enquiries – Beech Learning Zone – Year 1
Term 1 enquiries – Willow Learning Zone – Year 2
Term 1 enquiries – Acer Learning Zone – Year 3
Term 1 enquiries – Maple Learning Zone – Year 4
