St Mary's Catholic Primary School

📚 Curriculum Statement

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, our curriculum is a living expression of our Catholic identity. As a Voluntary Aided school, we are guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and the values of the Gospel, which permeate every aspect of school life. We are committed to providing a broad, balanced, and spiritually enriching curriculum that nurtures the whole child—academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Our curriculum is designed to help pupils grow in wisdom, understanding, and love. It promotes academic excellence while fostering strong interpersonal skills, a deep love of learning, and a commitment to serving others. We believe that by developing these qualities, our pupils will be well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern world and live out their vocation as responsible citizens and faithful disciples of Christ.

🌱 A Catholic Curriculum That Nurtures the Whole Child

At the heart of our curriculum is the belief that every child is made in the image and likeness of God. We follow the National Curriculum while enriching it with the Catholic Curriculum Directory, which ensures that Religious Education is taught with theological depth and spiritual relevance. RE is a core subject at St Mary’s and is allocated at least 10% of curriculum time.

Through Religious Education, pupils explore Scripture, Church teachings, the Sacraments, and Catholic Social Teaching. They learn to reflect on their faith, engage in prayer and worship, and understand their role in building the Kingdom of God. We also teach about other world religions, promoting respect, tolerance, and dialogue.

Our curriculum is rooted in the values of love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice. These Gospel values are not only taught explicitly but are lived out in our daily interactions, assemblies, and collective worship. Pupils are encouraged to make links between their learning and their faith, helping them to see the presence of God in all areas of life.

🤝 Developing Interpersonal Skills Through Faith

We place a strong emphasis on developing communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Pupils learn to listen actively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and work collaboratively—skills that reflect the teachings of Jesus and are essential for building healthy relationships and strong communities.

Our curriculum helps children understand the importance of service, stewardship, and social responsibility. Through charitable initiatives, community projects, and liturgical celebrations, pupils are given opportunities to live out their faith in action and make a positive difference in the world around them.

🔥 Fostering a Love of Learning in the Light of Christ

Learning at St Mary’s is joyful, purposeful, and inspiring. We encourage curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking through a wide range of teaching strategies, including hands-on activities, problem-solving tasks, and cross-curricular projects. Pupils are supported to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate their achievements.

We believe that learning is a gift from God and should be approached with reverence and enthusiasm. Our curriculum helps pupils to see the beauty of creation, the richness of human culture, and the importance of using their talents for the good of others.

🎯 Raising Aspirations with a Catholic Vision

We are committed to helping every child recognise their unique potential and vocation. Pupils are encouraged to aim high, explore diverse career paths, and understand that true success is measured not only by academic achievement but by the ability to live with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

We provide opportunities for pupils to meet role models, engage in leadership activities, and reflect on how they can use their gifts to serve others. In doing so, we help them to discern their place in the world and their calling as children of God.

📖 Curriculum Content and Delivery

In addition to English, Mathematics, and Science, our curriculum includes History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Computing, Design Technology, and Religious Education. We make the most of cross-curricular links and real-world contexts to deepen understanding and engagement.

Practical learning experiences such as educational visits, outdoor activities, and community events enrich the curriculum and provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge and skills. Collective worship, liturgical celebrations, and sacramental preparation are integral to our curriculum and help pupils grow in faith and spiritual awareness.

👨‍👩‍👧 Partnerships and Parental Engagement

We recognise parents as the first educators of their children and value the partnership between home, school, and parish. We actively involve families in their child’s learning journey through regular communication, workshops, celebrations, and shared prayer.

By working closely with our families and parish community, we create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels known, loved, and supported. Together, we help our pupils to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

✨ Conclusion

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, our curriculum is a reflection of our mission to educate the whole child in the light of Christ. It is designed to form minds, shape hearts, and inspire souls. Through faith, learning, and love, we prepare our pupils not just for exams—but for life. We aim to raise children who are confident, compassionate, and committed to building a better world, guided always by the teachings of Jesus and the values of the Gospel.