St Mary's Curriculum

Our Curriculum Vision

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Curriculum Intent

Our curriculum:

• Is knowledge-rich and built upon the National Curriculum

• Ensures clear progression within and across subjects

• Builds strong foundations in English and Mathematics

• Develops cultural capital and broadens pupils’ life experiences

• Promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC)

• Encourages pupils to recognise their God-given dignity and unique potential

Through Religious Education and Catholic Social Teaching, pupils develop a strong moral compass and a commitment to serving others.

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Curriculum Structure

We provide a broad and balanced curriculum that includes:

• Core Subjects: English, Mathematics and Science

• Foundation Subjects: Computing, History, Geography, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Music, Physical Education, French

• Personal Development: RSHE and Religious Education

Core and foundation subjects are given equal importance to ensure a full and rich entitlement for every pupil.

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Balance and Breadth

Our curriculum provides pupils with a wide range of academic, creative, physical and cultural experiences.

Our four core values underpin every subject:

• Faith – promoting respect, tolerance, spirituality and understanding of diversity

• Challenge – fostering perseverance, independence and intellectual enquiry

• Pride – encouraging participation, community engagement and self-worth

• Success – promoting high expectations, inclusion and aspiration

We place high priority on pupils’ mental and physical wellbeing, recognising that children learn best when they feel safe, valued and confident.

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Depth of Learning

Progress at St Mary’s means pupils know more and remember more over time.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that new knowledge builds on what has been taught before. Teachers plan opportunities for retrieval and practice to strengthen long-term memory and deepen understanding.

We focus on depth rather than superficial coverage, enabling pupils to:

• Make connections across subjects

• Apply knowledge in new contexts

• Develop fluency and independence

• Think critically and creatively

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Implementation

Teachers plan with clear end points in mind. Curriculum documents identify the essential knowledge, vocabulary and skills pupils must secure.

Across subjects, we develop:

• Basic Skills – speaking, reading, writing and purposeful use of technology

• Active Learning – collaboration, perseverance and self-reflection

• Creative and Critical Thinking – questioning, reasoning and problem solving

Reading is prioritised. Early reading is taught through a systematic phonics programme, with books closely matched to pupils’ knowledge. As pupils progress, they read widely and encounter high-quality, challenging texts.

Assessment is used to check understanding, identify gaps and inform next steps. Teaching is adapted to ensure all pupils can access and succeed within the full curriculum.

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Impact

As a result of our ambitious curriculum:

• Pupils achieve well across subjects

• Outcomes reflect strong progress from starting points

• Pupils develop secure knowledge and apply it confidently

• Pupils read fluently and for pleasure

• Pupils are prepared for the next stage of education

Beyond academic success, pupils leave St Mary’s as confident, articulate and compassionate individuals. They understand their responsibilities to others and are ready to contribute positively to their community and an ever-changing world.

Curriculum Documents