At The Welbeck Federation of Schools, learning is organised through a carefully planned enquiry‑led curriculum. Each term is shaped by a thoughtfully designed enquiry question that drives learning, sparks curiosity and encourages pupils to think deeply. These questions are open‑ended, relevant and cannot be answered through a simple internet search; instead, they develop understanding over time through rich discussion, reflection and evidence gathering.

Each enquiry is underpinned by a clear subject driver. The driver subject provides the main body of knowledge needed for pupils to answer the enquiry question and ensures subject integrity remains strong. Alongside this, enhancer subjects are chosen where their knowledge authentically links to the driver. These subjects deepen understanding, allow pupils to make meaningful connections across the curriculum and help knowledge to be stored as part of a coherent schema rather than in isolation.

Subjects that do not meaningfully contribute to answering the enquiry question are taught discretely, ensuring all subjects retain clarity, purpose and progression within their own discipline.

Learning journeys are intentionally sequenced so that pupils return to the enquiry question throughout the term with increasing confidence, knowledge and understanding. Each enquiry culminates in an authentic outcome, providing pupils with the opportunity to apply what they have learnt, demonstrate understanding and reflect purposefully on their learning.

Across the year, enquiries follow a coherent structure:

• Autumn – Uncover (History Driver)
• Spring – Explore (Geography Driver)
• Summer – Imagine (The Arts Driver)

Through this enquiry‑based approach, pupils are encouraged to question, connect ideas and take pride in their learning, developing both strong subject knowledge and the skills needed to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.