Curriculum Intent Statement 

At St. Mary’s we have developed our curriculum to ensure that it not only reflects the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum 2014 but that it also reflects the ethos and fundamental values of our school community and provides more challenging and diverse experiences, which reflect the ethos of our school.  The intention is to give children a strong sense of self, place in the community and world, and clear aspirations for the future thus enabling them to excel and achieve their potential.  The curriculum is successfully adapted, designed and developed to be ambitious and meet the needs of pupils with SEND, developing their knowledge, skills and abilities to apply what they know and can do with increasing fluency and independence. 

Enrichment opportunities are planned coherently in the curriculum which promote cultural capital and personal development in pupils.  We recognise that all pupils enter school (at any point in their school career) with varying experiences and breadth of cultural capital.  Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported in this school.  Support can be in the form of adapted tasks, extra equipment or adult help. Teachers quickly spot and correct any misconceptions.  All staff are aware of disadvantaged pupils and take steps to remove or minimise barriers.  All staff work with parents and carers to establish safe and trusted relationships.  Opportunities are planned for in the curriculum to enable these pupils to have wider life experiences.

We will provide a broad, balanced and bespoke learning experience for all pupils which is ambitious and coherently planned, fit for the needs of our pupils and community.  It will raise aspirations and enable all pupils to excel and achieve their potential.  Our core Christian values are woven through our curriculum, they are the golden thread which enable all pupils to develop their sense of self; broadening and deepening their knowledge and understanding of different cultures, faiths and communities.  We intend for all pupils to have a ‘voice’ and develop their global identity; standing up for what they believe is right. 

Implementation

'The implementation of the curriculum is the nuts and bolts of the quality of education.' Mary Myatt

Reading is prioritised to allow pupils to access our full curriculum offer.  Learning is the core purpose of our school and is central to everything that happens.  In Reception, we follow the ‘Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum’ document. The children’s learning experiences are planned to enable them to develop and achieve in the early learning areas through play and investigative learning experiences. The EYFS curriculum is planned for the inside and outside classrooms and equal importance is given to learning in both areas. The curriculum is planned in a cross-curricular way to enable all aspects of the children’s development.

Our curriculum from Year 1 onwards, integrates the requirements of the National Curriculum in a bespoke and engaging way. It is designed to meet the needs of future citizens and equip all children, including those with SEND and social disadvantages, with the foundations for life. Alongside the National Curriculum for English, Maths, Science, Computing, History, Geography, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Music and Languages we follow the Essex ExploRE RE syllabus and have developed a whole school Health and Relationships policy.

We employ a topic-based approach across the school and have a clear two year cycle long term overview which encourages cross-curricular work wherever possible. Within this context, we still ensure that children understand the unique contribution of individual subject areas.

The outdoor environment and the local community are considered an opportunity for active learning for all our pupils. The school grounds and our off-site Forest School area have been developed in order to enrich different curriculum areas, and deliver Forest Schools to all of our pupils.  

Our strategy for successful implementation of our intended curriculum is to create a culture where collaboration and professional dialogue between subject leaders across our Trust delivers a curriculum that builds on prior learning, deepens knowledge and enhances skills that foster learning and achievement. We engage in a constant cycle of review and evaluation.

Impact

Building knowledge

Children will be able to talk confidently about their learning in all subjects and the work in their books, displays around the school, collective worship and evidence in lessons will show a love of learning and engagement across the curriculum.

Our learners will talk about their outdoor learning and be able to say how this fits with the wider curriculum.  They will demonstrate a good knowledge of global issues and will speak positively about the multicultural world in which they live. Celebration of diversity and encouragement of respect will be evident in their work and daily interactions.

We intend that the impact is that children will be academically and physically prepared for the next phase of their education, in Britain and the world.

Working with purpose

The impact of our curriculum will be shown by resilient learners who are highly motivated to succeed and achieve and be equipped with all the personal skills to do this. This will be seen by how all children, regardless of their starting points, approach challenges every day. This could be on the playground, in a game or disagreement, or in class in a complex learning challenge.

They will take pride in all that they do, always striving to do their best. They will demonstrate emotional resilience and the ability to persevere when they encounter challenge. They will develop a sense of self-awareness and become confident in their own abilities. They will be kind, respectful and honest, demonstrate inclusive attitudes and have a sense of their role in our wider society.

Aiming for success

Our children’s attainment in core and foundation subjects is in line with or exceeding their age related expectations when we consider the varied starting points of children.  They will have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and will listen respectfully and with tolerance to the views of others.

Living our values

Our learners will have a clear understanding of our six core Christian values of thankfulness, compassion, community, truthfulness, courage and forgiveness. The children will demonstrate these characteristics that prepares them for living in the community demonstrating tolerance and equality. We measure this not just by the work our children produce, but in the behaviours we see each and every day in all learners on the playground and in the roles we give them such as 'Class Ambassador'. The impact of this is seen in the daily interaction of all members of our school community. Our children will go out into the world and make a difference in their own life and to others.

National Curriculum