This section of our website is focused on our Curriculum and provides an overview of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and the Curriculum offer for children in Years 1 to 6. The Curriculum is all the planned activities that the school organises in order to promote learning, personal growth and development. There are also sections on Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Development, British Values.
In line with statutory requirements, the new Curriculum was launched in September 2014, coinciding with the introduction of the new National Curriculum in England.
All classes use a mixture of teaching styles and techniques during the week in a variety of groupings – whole class, ability groups, mixed ability groups, paired working.
Children are taught daily lessons of English and Mathematics where the level of work is tailored to individual ability. A broad and balanced curriculum is planned and taught in a happy and stimulating environment in accordance with the National Curriculum requirements.
Independent and collaborative skills are encouraged in all year groups and Computing is readily used and embedded across the whole curriculum.
All curriculum policies are available for parents to view (please ask at the office for details or see the school website).
Our school curriculum is explained in further detail below.
Our curriculum includes not only the formal requirements of the National Curriculum, but also the range of additional opportunities that the school organises in order to enrich the experiences of our children.
Built into the curriculum, is the incorporation of successful aspects of existing practice; Science week, European languages day/other events and termly assessment weeks.
- Performing arts teaching will be developed through seasonal and end of year performances, often with the assistance of our school chaplain for liturgical events and celebrations.
- Through art, design and music teaching, children will have the opportunity to study the work of specific artists and musicians, linked to the theme of their studies.
- Our “Outdoor Learning” agenda is personalised to our school and its grounds. We are a “Forest School” and use Geocaching GPS equipment in many areas of learning.
- Our Modern Foreign languages teaching is lead by a specialist teacher, incorporating Spanish, French and German.
The School Curriculum – Religious Education
Religious Education is obviously an important part of the school curriculum as well as everyday life at St Mary’s. Since September 2012 we have been using a new scheme, Come and See, throughout the school. We place great importance on providing opportunities for everyone within the school community to continue their personal Faith journey. During the school year there are many opportunities for the children to take part in school worship through assemblies, Mass and other celebrations.
The Governors are required to remind parents of their right to withdraw pupils from religious worship and education. However parents are also reminded that the school exists to give a Catholic/Christian education to its pupils and therefore parents are expected to be in sympathy with the aims and objectives of the school. It should be noted that parents who choose to exercise their right of withdrawal are responsible for the supervision of their children during these periods of withdrawal.
The Sacraments
The children usually receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist during Year Three as part of the First Communion Programme organised and run by our Parish Catechists. Although this is a Parish led programme, we believe in the importance of the School, Home and Parish partnership in the preparation of the children for these important Sacraments and give our full support wherever possible. The children usually receive the Sacraments with their own family, together with the Parish community.
Education in Personal Relationships
We consider that sex education should be taught within the context of personal relationships and that it should also be linked to Religious Education, because it is concerned with the person as a whole. Through Science, R.E., P.S.H.E. (Personal, Social and Health Education) and Citizenship, our aim is to make the children aware of the changes which take place both emotionally and physically as they mature. We aim to do this in a caring and supportive atmosphere, linking this knowledge to an understanding of God’s plan for our growth and personal relationship with Him.
Charges for School Activities
In order to meet the requirements of the 1988 Education Reform Act, schools must ensure that parental contributions to any activity which takes place during the school day, are ‘voluntary’. Our practice is to try to subsidise educational visits when we can. Parents will appreciate however that without their voluntary contributions the proposed activities may not take place.
Homework
Children are expected to read at home on a regular basis and from Year 1, they are usually given English and Maths homework weekly. This should take up to 15-20 minutes to complete (depending on the age of the child). We may, on occasions, request children to follow up work done in school. This may be to complete a particular task given at school, find something out at home, read more about a particular topic, or have extra practice in perhaps spelling or times tables. As well as reinforcing classroom learning, this homework is intended to develop the children’s organisational skills in preparation for secondary school.
If your child would like more work to do at home, they are always welcome to carry out their own independent research on their current topic.
We expect you to give your child every encouragement and support their efforts. A cheerful, positive attitude on your part will ensure that homework does not cause undue stress and anxiety for you or your child. Parental interest in children’s work is greatly appreciated, and the willingness to give time and effort at home is valued highly in school.
Additional curriculum and extracurricular activities.
All children across Key Stage 2 have the opportunity to play an instrument (currently this is the Ukulele) Also there are opportunities for a small number of children to play the violin or guitar. These are taught by teachers from Durham Music Service and private tutors.
Year 2 and Year 3 children go swimming weekly. The children are encouraged to take part in after school and clubs and activities over lunch break, such as “Prayer Club”, football, games etc.
We have coaching sessions for tennis, dance, cricket, multi-skills, golf etc. All these activities are an important part of the life of the school. Educational visits and visitors are the focus of many areas of learning and provide enrichment across the curriculum. Year 5 and year 6 pupils are also have the opportunity for residential visits.
Curriculum Plans
Reception Curriculum Map
Year 1 Curriculum Map
Year 2 Curriculum Map
Year 3 Curriculum Map
Year 4 Curriculum Map
Year 5 Curriculum Map
Year 6 Curriculum Map
Visit Our Classes to view our work and activities.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
At St Mary’s RCVa Primary School, we believe that inclusive education means providing all pupils with appropriate education and support alongside their peers. The Curriculum is all the planned activities that the school organises in order to promote learning, personal growth and development. Further information can be found in the SEN Information Report.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
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