Curriculum Intent

Our Curriculum Intent

At St. Mary’s, Christ is at the centre of everything that we do – and our curriculum is no different.  The Gospel message of good news and the demonstration of complete love as lived by Jesus Christ is reflected in every word and action from all members of the school community.  Gospel values shape our curriculum. They underpin a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum for our pupils with the intent to provide our pupils with the knowledge and skills required to grow as individuals as well as successful learners. Pupils are taught to treat each other with kindness and respect. We aim to ensure that pupils enjoy their lessons and are well prepared for the next stage of their education. We offer our pupils a range of experiences which are designed to build resilience, confidence and self-esteem both in the classroom and through our curriculum enrichment programme. We recognise that pupils should be challenged in their learning; learning from failures as well as celebrating success.

Our curriculum is designed to enable pupils to develop their interpersonal skills, creativity and independence. It is our intention that pupils leave St. Mary’s with a sense of belonging to a community where they have developed confidence and skills to make informed decisions, self-evaluate, make connections and ultimately become lifelong learners.

The aims of St. Mary’s Curriculum:

• To have Christ at the centre of everything we do. To provide opportunities for children to develop as independent, confident, resilient, successful & motivated learners with high aspirations who know how to make a positive and transformational contribution to their local community and wider global society.
• To be firmly rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Inspired by Pope Francis, St. Mary’s Curriculum encourages our pupils to grow in self-awareness and become advocates of social justice.
• To challenge all pupils, regardless of disadvantages or special needs, to be the greatest example of themselves. Through experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, pupils are provided with a purpose and relevance for learning, which allows them to develop their own personal strengths and interests.
• St Mary’s Curriculum develops the key skills necessary for all our pupils and promotes high expectations of standards and enjoyment in Reading, Writing and Maths across all subject areas.
• To develop pupils with a broad and lasting knowledge of subject specific vocabulary.
• To empower pupils to respect each other and themselves, show respect and understanding for people of all faiths, race and gender, and for all living things, promoting stewardship and to ensure all pupils are well prepared for life in a rapidly changing world

Pupils at St Mary’s are growing to be…

• Faithful in their relations with others and with God; displaying integrity at all times.
• Compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and showing dignity to earn respect.
• A person of humility grateful for their own gifts; for the gift of other people and for the blessings of each day; and gentle with their gifts, becoming men and women for others.
• Truthful in what they say of themselves and others in the pursuit of justice.
• Forgiving of the deeds of others and oneself with the desire to show mercy by finding God in all things.
• Pure in heart so they can see God; living a life of holiness and total devotion to Jesus Christ.
• Tolerant in their acceptance of the diverse nature of society whilst seeking peace in order to be children of God.
• Pupils of service to imitate the ‘Servant King’; advocating the call to sacrifice knowing they will be rewarded in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Long Term Objectives and Plans

Please find documents below outlining longer term objectives and plans for the current academic year, for each year group: