Our Curriculum
OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Intent
At St Joseph’s School our vision is to cultivate a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our curriculum is designed to foster a passion for lifelong learning, promote resilience, and develop critical thinking skills essential for 21st century learners.
We aim to provide a curriculum that:
- Is broad, balanced, and engages all learners regardless of their background or ability.
- Encourages curiosity and creativity through rich, cross-curricular experiences.
- Promotes cultural awareness and understanding, ensuring that our pupils appreciate the diversity of the world in which they live.
- Supports the social, emotional, and academic development of each child, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.
Moreover, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of education that prepare our pupils not only for their next steps in education but also for their role as responsible citizens in society.
Implementation
The implementation of our whole school approach is underpinned by robust, well-structured practices that involve all stakeholders: pupils, teachers, parents, and the wider community.
Curriculum Design
Our curriculum is carefully designed, reflecting the aims of the National Curriculum while promoting creativity and critical skills. Subject leaders collaborate to ensure coherent progression and effective transitions between year groups, with a strong focus on:
- In-depth Planning: Each subject area has clearly defined learning objectives that align with the school’s intent and ensure comprehensive coverage of knowledge and skills.
- Cross-Curricular Opportunities: Interdisciplinary projects are embedded within the curriculum to help pupils make connections between subjects and apply their learning in real-world contexts
Teaching and Learning
Our pedagogical approaches are varied and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our learners. We employ:
- Quality First Teaching: Highly skilled practitioners use a range of teaching strategies, including scaffolding, differentiation, and formative assessment to ensure that all children can access the curriculum effectively.
- Inclusive Practices: Regular training ensures that all staff are knowledgeable about how to support different learning needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Use of Technology: We utilise technology to enhance learning experiences, promoting digital literacy and engaging learners in innovative ways.
Monitoring and Assessment
A cycle of continuous assessment is integral to our approach:
- Formative Assessment: Teachers engage in ongoing assessment practices, using pupil feedback to inform next steps in learning.
- Summative Assessment: Regular assessments occur to evaluate the progress of all pupils and to identify gaps in knowledge, ensuring these are promptly addressed.
Parental and Community Engagement
We actively engage parents and the community to foster a collaborative approach to education:
- Partnerships: Regular workshops and information sessions for parents empower them to support their children’s learning at home.
- Community Involvement: We encourage community links that enrich our curriculum, providing pupils with insights and experiences beyond the school environment.
Impact
The implementation of our intent demonstrates significant, measurable impact across all areas of school life:
Academic Outcomes
Our assessment data shows that pupils make excellent progress from their starting points, with a high percentage achieving expected standards and a significant number exceeding them by the end of key stages. This is reflected in:
- Attainment scores in national assessments compared to local and national averages.
- Positive outcomes for all pupil groups, including disadvantaged and SEND pupils, who achieve well above their expected levels from their starting points.
Personal Development
Pupils demonstrate confidence, resilience, and an enthusiasm for learning. Evidence includes:
- Regular feedback from pupil voice activities indicates high levels of satisfaction and engagement with their learning experiences.
- Attendance rates are consistently above national averages, reflecting a happy and well-supported school community.
Wider Impact
The community partnerships established promote social cohesion and enhance the school's role within the local area. Notable impacts include:
- Increased parental involvement in school events and governance, enhancing the support network for all pupils.
- Positive feedback from external stakeholders and parents, highlighting the school’s reputation for high standards in education and care.
In conclusion, St Joseph's is committed to continuous improvement and excellence. We strive to maintain our outstanding status by nurturing a culture of high aspirations and resilience, ensuring that every child enjoys a rich, engaging, and supportive educational journey.
CURRICULUM DOCUMENTS
OUR CURRICULUM IN ACTION
