The school curriculum reflects the requirements to provide a broad and balanced curriculum as per the Academies Act 2010, and the National Curriculum programmes of study which we have chosen to follow.

It also reflects requirements for inclusion and equality as set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 2014 and Equality Act 2010, and refers to curriculum-related expectations of governing boards set out in the Department for Education’s Governance Handbook.

Further information on how we achieve this can be found in our statement of equality information and objectives, and in our SEND policy and information report. (NOTE: add links to relevant documents and pages as appropriate)

Our Curriculum

Reception

We use a combination of direct teaching in small groups or as a whole class as well as individual help and support within a rich, play-based curriculum. The environment both inside and out provides opportunities for exploration and development of skills. Learning to read is vital during this year and the teaching of phonics is an important part of this process as is listening to stories and learning rhymes.

Key Stage One

After reception class the pupils move into Key Stage One which is made up of years one and two. In year one, the pupils start the year building on the play and exploration opportunities they had in reception in an exciting and varied curriculum. Through the year they build their resilience and learning skills until in the summer they are ready for year two. At the end of year one, the pupils take the Phonics test which assesses how well children can use their phonic skills to decode words. The curriculum continues to be topic based which encourages pupils to develop their skills through activities which integrate reading and writing and maths to promote confident and happy learners.

At the end of year two, the children are assessed by their teacher. These are the Key Stage One SATS and this involves some formal testing but is based on the knowledge the teacher has about each individual child.

Key Stage Two

Key Stage Two is from year three until year six. Pupils continue to build on their skills and knowledge acquired in reception class and Key Stage One. The curriculum is broad and varied. Subjects such as history, geography and science are taught in blocks which means that the children develop in-depth knowledge and build on their prior learning.

Computing and Technology

The children are taught the Teach Computing curriculum. They have access to a wide range of technology including i-pads, laptops and virtual reality equipment. Each classroom is supplied with the latest smartboards to make lessons interactive and accessible.

Music

We follow the model music curriculum. As part of this, the children enjoy opportunities to play, compose, improvise and perform over a range of tuned and un-tuned instruments. For example, in Year 2 children learn to play the pea buzzers whilst in Key Stage 2, the children will learn to play a variety of instruments such as the glockenspiel, the recorder and the clarinet. Alongside this, children in Key Stage 1 and 2 have the opportunity to join a choir.

To find out more about our curriculum, please see the curriculum link on the left.  To find out more about our RE curriculum, please see the Catholic Life section.