Our Curriculum

Curriculum

We believe that the purpose of education is to bring about goodness: human flourishing.  We believe that to do this, our curriculum should be broad and balanced; it should build knowledge, encourage independence, curiosity and creativity; produce collaborators, innovators, leaders and, above all, it should help our children to understand what it means to be human.

Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2)

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) covers the development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old.  In school, the first year of foundation stage is nursery – foundation stage 1 (FS1), and the second year, is foundation stage 2 (FS2).  Teaching in foundation stage challenges children to become independent, motivated learners who are full of curiosity about the world around them. Within our fun, happy and secure environment, our children experience consistent teaching, engaging hands-on learning and a child-centred curriculum that ensures the consistent development of skills across all areas of learning. Children are encouraged to explore, take risks, and form positive relationships with their peers in a setting that celebrates the uniqueness of every child. 

To find out more about our foundation stage please click here.

Primary Curriculum (KS1 and KS2)

Our curriculum is knowledge rich. All aspects of the curriculum have been designed with progression in mind; this ensures that children build on existing skills and knowledge, which, over time, enables them to know more and remember more. 

Our curriculum is built around the objectives set out in the National Curriculum, which covers the core subjects: English, Mathematics and Science, and the foundation subjects: Computing, History, Geography, Art and Design, Design Technology, Music, Physical Education, Languages (Spanish), Citizenship (including PSHE and RSHE) and Religious Education.

 Our curriculum focuses significantly on the core areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening, maths and science.   These underpin all of our termly projects and are key to providing our children with the skills needed to access a wide range of learning.

Foundation subjects are delivered using a mastery model where children are able to explore content in increasing depth and complexity as they move through school.  Knowledge and skills are developed through termly projects that begin with a philosophical enquiry question.  This approach allows us to make connections across the curriculum, whilst also developing the children’s understanding of what makes each subject distinct and unique.   

To find out more about each subject, please click below…

Curriculum planning: A pedagogy of hope…

We believe that our children deserve inspirational learning opportunities. Curriculum planning ensures that children are immersed in exciting projects which lead to authentic outcomes. They are challenged to work creatively whilst deepening their knowledge and understanding across the curriculum

·       Planning begins with National Curriculum content. From this we identify philosophical concepts that will be drawn out and explored through individual subjects. We select and explore concepts that matter the most to our children which not only creates cohesion, but also ensures that our curriculum is rooted in the community – both within the walls of the school and beyond. 

·       The philosophical concepts are framed with an enquiry question and often begin with the children exploring scripture. Throughout the projects, RE remains central to understanding the concepts with units from ‘Come and See’ carefully selected so that learning is relevant and purposeful.

 ·       All our projects are knowledge rich, aspirational and contextualised. Children work towards authentic outcomes and engage with critical audiences; they undertake projects that involve complex issues, and in doing so, develop an understanding of what is possible and a belief that they can make a difference.

·       We have exceptionally high expectations of learning and outcome. Our curriculum is designed to encourage high levels of motivation, which, when combined with the process of critique and redrafting, ensures that our children are instilled with the desire to produce beautiful work. 

·       Children work alongside experts and professionals, take part in visits and residential trips and learn both indoors and out. Our classroom environments are designed to encourage children to work collaboratively, flexibly and with high levels of independence.

Beyond the classroom…

We believe that a broad and balanced curriculum extends beyond the classroom. We tailor and adapt our curriculum to meet the needs of our community, and in doing so, provide a wealth of experiences throughout their time at school.

We are committed to ensuring that all our children have the opportunity to…

·       Visit the places of worship for the major world religions

·       Experience a residential

·       Learn a musical instrument and experience live music

·       Experience dance

·       Go to the theatre

·       Visit museums and galleries

·       Swim at least 25 metres

·       Perform an act of community service

·       Explore their local environment

·       Take part in a sports competition

·       Experience democracy by casting a vote

·       Learn first aid

·       Engage in intergenerational experiences

·       Learn how to ride a bike

·       Go on public transport

·       Plant, grow and then use what they have grown

·       Enjoy the great outdoors

·       Be involved in charitable work

Reading

Find out more about Reading and Phonics at St Catherine’s!

If you would like to know more about our curriculum, please contact us.