The National Curriculum
The national curriculum document sets out a clear, full and statutory entitlement to learning for all our pupils. It determines the content of what will be taught and sets attainment targets for learning. It also determines how performance of pupils will be assessed and reported.
The aim of the national curriculum is as follows;
The national curriculum provides pupils with an introduction to the essential knowledge that they need to be educated citizens. It introduces pupils to the best that has been thought and said; and helps engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement. The national curriculum is just one element in the education of every child. There is time and space in the school day and in each week, term and year to range beyond the national curriculum specifications. The national curriculum provides an outline of core knowledge around which teachers can develop exciting and stimulating lessons to promote the development of pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills as part of the wider school curriculum.
National Curriculum Structure
Our School Curriculum
Religious Education
As a Catholic School, Religious Education is at the core of everything we do. Placing RE at the core of the curriculum helps us to fulfill our mission of educating the whole person and ensures that children live life according to our mission statement - Love God, Love Others, Love Ourselves.
At St. Mary's 10% of curriculum time is given over to Religious Education. We fully immerse the children in the Catholic way of life. Throughout their time at St. Mary's, children are taught not only about their own faith, but about the faiths of others. We do this for several reasons;
- To learn about the religion of another embodies the call to love one's neighbour.
- It is important that we are all willing to learn about the culture and beliefs of others.
- It prepares our pupils for life in modern Britain, giving them an understanding of the beliefs of others.
-It contributes to common good and mutual respect.
RSE (Relationship and Sex Education)
RSE is mandatory for all children of compulsory school age. As a school we use the Ten Ten scheme of work published by The Catholic Education Service. for more information, please contact the school office.
A Whole School Approach
As soon as children arrive in Reception, learning begins. Reception pupils are taught the Foundation Stage Curriculum which is carefully structured to meet the diverse needs of all children. At the end of the reception year, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals (ELG's) which provide key information to KS1 teachers to ensure they are supported in their transition to year 1.
The school firmly believes in the following core principles of teaching and learning:
- To ensure every child succeeds: provide an inclusive education with a culture of high expectations.
- To build on what learners already know: structure and pace teaching so that students know what is to be learned and how.
- To make learning vivid and real: develop understanding through enquiry, e-learning and group problem solving.
- To make learning an enjoyable and challenging experience: stimulate learning through matching teaching techniques and strategies to a range of learning styles.
- To enrich the learning experience: infuse learning skills across the curriculum.
- To promote assessment for learning: make children partners in their learning.
If you would like to find out more about the curriculum St. Mary's is following, please contact the School Office.