CURRICULUM STATEMENT

 

St Mary’s offers a broad curriculum in line with the recommendations embodied in the National Curriculum.  This involves teaching our children the core and foundation subjects of English, mathematics, science, computing, religious education, art, design technology, history, geography, physical education, music and a modern foreign language.

KS2 children are taught for 25 hours each week.  KS1 children have 22.5 hours teaching time.  

Further details about each area of the curriculum follows: -

 

Mathematics

Mathematics is a valuable tool which enables us to solve problems and to make sense of the world around us. Our aim is to develop in the children basic mathematical skills which they can use and apply in investigational and problem–solving work, games and puzzles.  This makes mathematics fun and relevant to real life.  Investigations in particular encourage children to think in a mathematical way. Within mathematics, the following are taught: number, algebra, shape and space, measurement, angles, data handling and probability.

We hope you will be able to support your child’s mathematical progress at St Mary’s by encouraging your child to use maths in everyday life – shopping, cooking, measuring, looking for patterns, using games and constructional toys.

 

English

One of the principal aims of the primary curriculum is to enable all pupils to develop to the full their ability to use and understand English.  In our teaching of English at St. Mary’s we develop the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening.  We also aim to foster within the children a love of books and help them to appreciate works of literature; to develop their imaginations and to help them to grow in awareness of the structure of the language itself.  Children have opportunities to engage in factual, imaginative and personal writing. We aim to help them to understand their own culture and those of other people. 

 

Science

Our aim is to create young investigators who learn through first-hand experience. At least 50% of the science curriculum is delivered through first-hand investigation. Children will have opportunities to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through biology, chemistry and physics.

 

Computing

Children have opportunities to learn specific skills during regular, timetabled sessions. Computing is also used as a cross curricular resource through the use of equipment such as interactive whiteboards, laptops and digital cameras.

 

History

The study of history forms an important part of the primary curriculum as it provides the children with the opportunity to develop a number of valuable skills such as recording, using evidence, presenting their findings and analysing information, as well as developing their communication skills. At St Mary’s the children experience history through carefully planned themes and links are sought wherever possible with other areas of the curriculum.

 

Geography

The geography curriculum is planned so that each unit of work incorporates a study of skills, themes and places. An emphasis is placed on the skill of enquiry and investigation.

 

PE

The PE curriculum at St Mary’s offers activities such as dance, gymnastics, swimming and games; Year 6 have an opportunity to undertake outdoor and adventurous activities during their annual residential visit. Competitive sports are encouraged in our school and this is enhanced by a wide range of extra-curricular sports activities. Our pupils take part in inter-schools’ competitions, e.g. the biannual cross-country event at Crystal Palace. We have an annual Sports Day which is a family occasion, run in collaboration with the PTA. Several of our pupils play sports at county and national level. St Mary’s was proud to be awarded the Activemark for excellent sport provision.

 

Music

All classes have a weekly music lesson with a specialist music teacher. Children are taught to listen to music, to compose and to perform. Year 3 participate in the Sound Start project, where all children are taught to play the violin or cello. Several peripatetic music teachers work with the school, providing tuition in flute, guitar, clarinet, violin and cello.

Our children love to perform and highlights in the school calendar are the infant summer concert, nativity, Junior carol service and Year 6 production.

 

Art

Art contributes to the perceptual, aesthetic, intellectual and personal development of the child. We give the children the opportunity to explore the concepts of shape, form and colour; texture, pattern and movement; line, structure and balance.

 

Modern Foreign Languages

All pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 have a French lesson in curriculum time, provided by our Languages teacher.

 

Design Technology

Design Technology challenges children to generate ideas, to design, make and evaluate. It requires the skills of communication and dexterity whilst stimulating creativity.

 

Relationships and Sex Education

This is taught in Years 5 and 6 using the ‘All that I Am’ scheme. All RSE teaching is in keeping with the doctrine of the Catholic Church. Year 5 parents are invited to view the teaching materials before these lessons take place and parents have a statutory entitlement to request that their child is withdrawn from RSE lessons.