Curriculum Intent 

At St Mary's - we base our curriculum on the National Curriculum. This provides children with an introduction to the essential knowledge that they need to be educated citizens. It introduces children to the best that has been thought and said; and helps engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement. 

Our school vision statement will become the driving force behind our curriculum. 

 'Develop the individual light in every student, so they can learn as much as possible and reach their unique potential. We want to ignite curiosity through our curriculum and create a culture of gratitude and good deeds. With hope and humility we want our students to take on the world and make it a better place.' 

St Mary's C of E Primary Academy - Three Curriculum Pillars 

 1. Learn as Much as Possible through a Knowledge Rich-Curriculum.

Access to knowledge takes children beyond their own experiences, and is at the heart of our curriculum. The knowledge in our curriculum is carefully chosen, is highly specialised and is sequenced in a meaningful way that enables children to progress incrementally.

We want our children to be able to be articulate this knowledge in two ways:

• verbally - we want children to be able to explain in detail about the knowledge they have gained and their learning
• recorded - we want children to be able explain their understanding through high quality work (this could be in books or digital) 

2. Ignite Curiosity though curriculum enhanced experiences. 

At St Mary’s we want to ‘Ignite Curiosity’ and develop teaching approaches that bring the curriculum alive. We want the curriculum to be exciting, and we want the learning to have a meaningful purpose. 

3.  Gratitude and Good Deeds and have Hope and Humility.

At St Mary's we want our curriculum to help children develop spiritually. We want children to reflect and think about the positive impact they can have on the world they live in now. Where possible, we plan opportunities to serve and link our curriculum into our local community. 

Curriculum Implementation 

We continually review our curriculum, using assessment to inform what is taught and when.

We:

• organise knowledge in the curriculum by developing detailed long term and medium term curriculum plans so that the 'what' and 'why' of the curriculum is in place. This will allow teachers to focus on the 'how' of the curriculum and use their professional judgment to decide how best to deliver it.
• have a consistent 'Teaching and Learning Policy' that supports our curriculum
• have developed a text-based approach in English, implement the Little Wandle phonics scheme and developed a school library so our children begin to develop a love or reading. 
• use technology, educational visits and visitors to enhance the curriculum. 
• Adapt our teaching and learning to ensure every child, including those with Special Educational Needs, has access to the full curriculum.

Curriculum Impact 

We have set ambitious targets for each child’s reading, writing and mathematics. These are regularly reviewed using a range of assessments. We aim to ensure every child is able to successfully access the next stage of education.

For further information about our curriculum please contact our curriculum leaders; Mrs Susan Stevenson, Mr Sam Penberthy, Mrs Laura Ward or Mrs Louise Bailey (Early Years).

Early Years Foundation Stage

Please note, curriculum information for Reception can be found on the Early Years Foundation Stage page.