Data examples

Programme examples

The programme examples in the diagram and programme factors that make them up, are listed below in complexity order (from least to most complex):

Primary art and design, year 1

• Primary art and design, year 1, is an example of one of the least complex programmes. This is true for all of primary. The programme factors are:
• Subject: Art and design
• Phase: Primary
• Key stage: Key stage 1
• Year group: Year 1
• Pathways, exam boards and tiers are not applicable as these relate to key stage 4 only.

Art and design unit sequence

Secondary english AQA, year 10

The programme factors for secondary english AQA, year 7 are:

• Subject: English
• Phase: Secondary
• Key stage: Key stage 4
• Year group: Year 10
• Exam board: AQA
• Pathways are only used for subjects that have a non-GCSE route at KS4
• Tiers are implemented in certain KS4 subjects, although English is not one of them.

English unit sequence

Secondary computing core, year 11

The programme factors for secondary computing core, year 11 are:

• Subject: Computing
• Phase: Secondary
• Key stage: Key stage 4
• Year group: Year 11
• Pathways: Core
• Exam boards are not applicable as core computing is not a GCSE pathway.
• Tiers are not applicable as they also relate only to GCSE pathways.

Computing unit sequence

Secondary science higher OCR, year 10

Secondary science higher OCR, year 10 is one of the most complex programmes. The programme factors are:

• Parent subject: Science
• Child subject: Biology
• Phase: Secondary
• Key stage: Key stage 4
• Year group: Year 10
• Pathways are only used for subjects that have a non-GCSE route at KS4 Exam board: OCR
• Tiers: Higher

Science unit sequence

Unit type examples

Simple unit

A simple unit is one that includes a sequence of lessons that cover a specific topic.

For example, a year 2 design and technology unit called 'Wheels and axles: vehicles' has a sequence of 8 lessons that introduce the concept of wheels and axles through vehicle making.

Most units are simple units.

See a simple unit

Unit with variants

A variation on a unit. For example, a maths unit called ‘Algebraic fractions’ possesses a different sequence of lessons depending on the learning tier it is associated with.

See foundation unit variant

See higher unit variant

Optionality unit

A unit with different options to allow teachers to personalise the content to their pupils’ needs. For example, a history unit called ‘Historic environment (Norman England)’ provides options depending on the event or landmark that the teacher feels would be most suitable for their pupils.

See this optionality unit

Metadata examples

Threads

Threads can be used to group together units across the curriculum that build a common body of knowledge. Threads are important for making connections across year groups in each subject.

In Oak’s curriculum tool, users can highlight a thread in the filters to see which units sit in that thread across the full curriculum.

See threads on Oak

Subject categories

A well-established, high level division within a subject that helps filter and group units based on their content, signpost teachers, and provide a framework for the subject. Not all subjects will have subject categories. Currently, this applies to key stages 1-4 science, key stages 1, 2 and 4 English and key stages 1-3 religious education only.

In Oak’s lesson browse journey, subject categories are used as filters so that the user can refine the units displayed in the page.

See categories on Oak