Substantive and Disciplinary Knowledge

At Scholar Green Primary School, we believe that a rich and ambitious curriculum should equip children with both a deep understanding of the subjects they study and the ability to use that knowledge meaningfully. Our curriculum is built around two interconnected forms of knowledge: substantive knowledge and disciplinary knowledge.

Substantive knowledge is the essential knowledge, facts, concepts, vocabulary and understanding that pupils learn within each subject. It provides the foundations children need to develop a secure understanding of the world, from historical events and geographical processes to scientific concepts, mathematical ideas and literary knowledge.

Disciplinary knowledge is about how pupils use and apply their substantive knowledge through the ways of thinking, working and investigating that are specific to each subject. For example, historians examine sources and consider different interpretations; geographers investigate places and patterns; scientists carry out enquiries and evaluate evidence; and mathematicians reason, identify relationships and solve problems.

At Scholar Green, these two forms of knowledge are carefully woven together and progressively sequenced across our curriculum. Children revisit and build upon prior learning, make connections between ideas and develop increasing depth and independence. We want pupils not only to know more and remember more, but also to understand how knowledge is developed and how to use it confidently.

Please see the document below explain what substantive and disciplinary knowledge look like in each area of our curriculum areas and how they work together to shape our teaching and learning.

Our ambition is for every child to leave Scholar Green as a knowledgeable, curious and capable learner, equipped with the understanding, confidence and skills to make sense of the world around them.