CUSP Big Ideas

We believe that a rich and meaningful curriculum should do more than teach facts — it should help children make sense of the world around them. That’s why we use the CUSP Curriculum, built around powerful Big Ideas that connect learning across subjects and year groups.

These Big Ideas are woven throughout our curriculum to help pupils:

Make connections across subjects – Building a broad and joined-up understanding of the world.
Revisit and deepen learning – Using retrieval and fluency to strengthen memory and understanding.
Think and talk critically – Encouraging discussion, reasoning, and debate.
Understand global issues and cultures – Preparing pupils for life in modern Britain and beyond.

Our goal is for every child to leave Fonthill with a deep understanding of these Big Ideas, ready to thrive in secondary school and as thoughtful, informed citizens.

What Are CUSP Big Ideas?

The CUSP Big Ideas form a three-dimensional curriculum that ensures knowledge is:

Understood, not just remembered – Pupils link new learning to what they already know.
Connected across subjects – Reinforcing concepts through different disciplines.
Explored through talk and reasoning – Promoting deep thinking and curiosity.

Each Big Idea helps children understand themselves, others, and the wider world.

1. British Heritage

Learning about Britain’s history, culture, and values.
Studying key figures, events, and literature.
Reflecting on lessons from the past.

Examples:

• History: The Great Fire of London, British monarchs
• Geography: UK regions and comparisons
• Reading: The Magician’s Nephew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

2. Environmental Responsibility

Understanding climate change and sustainability.
Exploring how we can care for our planet.
Finding practical ways to reduce waste and pollution.

Examples:

• Science: Habitats and climate impact
• DT: Sustainable materials
• Reading: Greta and the Giants, There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom

3. The Natural World

Exploring nature with curiosity and respect.
Learning about plants, animals, and physical processes.
Understanding our role in protecting the environment.

Examples:

• Science: Evolution, ecosystems
• Geography: Volcanoes, rivers
• Reading: Shackleton’s Journey, The Street Beneath My Feet

4. Understanding Others

Learning about different cultures and beliefs.
Exploring identity and inclusion.
Ensuring all pupils feel seen and valued.

Examples:

• PSHE: Diversity and respect
• History: Women in history, Windrush
• Reading: The Proudest Blue, Young, Gifted and Black

5. Community, Citizenship, and the Wider World

Understanding our role in society.
Learning about fairness, democracy, and justice.
Practising kindness and collaboration.

Examples:

• History: Civil rights, Ancient Greece
• Music: Music and community
• Reading: Boy in the Tower, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

6. Overcoming Adversity

Building resilience and emotional strength.
Learning from people who faced challenges.
Supporting pupils to manage setbacks.

Examples:

• Reading: The Lion Inside, Dare to Be You
• History: WWII evacuation, suffragettes
• Assemblies: Growth mindset, perseverance

7. Technology and the Advancement of Humanity

Exploring how technology shapes our lives.
Learning about scientific breakthroughs.
Thinking about the ethics of innovation.

Examples:

• Science: Space, DNA
• History: Industrial Revolution
• Reading: Pig Heart Boy, Operation Gadgetman

8. Migration

Understanding why people move and how it affects societies.
Exploring migration through history and geography.
Building empathy for refugee and immigrant experiences.

Examples:

• History: Vikings, Windrush
• Geography: Human settlement
• Reading: The Boy at the Back of the Class, Coming to England

9. Friendship and Kindness

Learning how to be a good friend.
Exploring emotions and well-being.
Making kindness part of everyday life.

Examples:

• Reading: Paddington, Beegu
• Science: Health and emotions
• Assemblies: Peace, fairness, listening