At St James’ CofE Primary School, we recognise the importance of high standards of language and literacy, reading, communication and mathematics.  We also recognise that children will learn best when they are engaged and motivated.  Therefore, children are at the centre of all planning.

We will encourage pupils to apply critical thought to an increasing breadth of situations, developing this through the concept-based curriculum.  Knowledge and skill acquisition is also important, children are provided with regular opportunities to refer back to previous learning to help cement what they know, do and understand.

The teaching of our curriculum is delivered in a systematic way, which incorporates key approaches:

The Big Question

(Promotes curiosity and interest.  Pupils make links to previous learning – thinking about what they already know, do understand)

Subject Progression

All subjects are planned over 7 years, progressively developing children’s skills and knowledge -regular opportunities to make links across subjects allow for cohesive learning.

Learning is objective led.

Thematic Learning

St James’ CofE Primary School curriculum is structured through thematic learning, termly themes bind subjects together, allowing teachers to cross connect different areas of the curriculum, linking children’s learning to provide a context, which ensures a deeper understanding and more cohesive way to learn.

Authentic Sources and High-Quality Texts

Our school highly value high quality texts and authentic sources as an essential vehicle for deepening and broadening children’s learning.  Exposure to high level vocabulary through quality literature ensures all children have equal access to experiences that enhance their cultural capital.

Aspirational Figures & Diverse Curriculum

Our school recognise the importance of aspirational figures who represent our diverse British community, and its place within the global community.  Our school have developed a curriculum which embraces a wide range of cultures, religions and countries celebrating the rich and varied world around us as well as learning about individuals who can inspire our pupils to succeed.

Adaption and Inclusion

Our School recognise the importance of using a range of approaches to supporting children with Special Educational needs and Disabilities (SEND). All children benefit from quality first teaching in the classroom, which caters for their individual needs and supports all children to make good progress.  The schools believe that scaffolding and adapting work to enable all children to participate in learning is vital for good progress.

Assessment
Teaching sequences are regularly assessed formatively and summatively on a termly basis – regular opportunities for self, peer and teacher assessments allow teachers to shape and adjust learning to the needs of their cohort.

Authentic Outcomes and Critical Audience
The school provide opportunities at the end of a theme to demonstrate their key learning within an appropriate context.  This helps to build motivation and raises expectations and expertise.

Evaluation
Enables the production of beautiful work, alongside looking for ways of becoming even better.

Professional Learning & Development

Our ambition to grow, develop and improve our schools, compels us to continually reflect and adapt.  We embrace and support professional development, encouraging all our staff to engage with new learning and development opportunities.  Reflection and self-assessment through our Teaching and Learning Framework, embeds a mindset of continuous improvement, where staff are encouraged to connect and support each other alongside seeking out new opportunities for training and learning.

“The craftsman teacher understands that they are continually perfecting their craft and are willing to work toward attaining their own high standards through the pursuit of ongoing learning. They seek precision, mastery, and refinement in their craft.”

Costa and Garmston (2013)

The “Thinking Classroom” will encourage pupils to learn through effective engagement, pupils will be asking questions, engaging in dialogue, analysing and synthesising ideas to form deepening understanding of themes and broadening their subject knowledge.

Pupils will be taking responsibility for their own learning, with increasing confidence and independence. All children will be able to access and engage with this and will feel that they are well supported to make good progress.

Leadership is distributed throughout the school; children will feel that their unique voice is listened to and valued, pupil voice will be accessed continually and children will see how they have contributed to how the school develops and improves.

Following our school rules of:

Be Respectful,

Be Safe,

Be Individual

#bekind

Children are safe in their classrooms and the wider school, they will be treated with respect and will be protected from harm.  They will be asked for their opinions about things that affect their lives and be listened to.  They will feel and be safe in their interactions with adults and other children and young people and they will understand as early as possible what is meant by ‘feeling and being safe’

Staff will be committed to improving pedagogical practice, in order to directly improve learning and will demonstrate an ever-growing confidence in providing the best possible teaching supported by excellent knowledge in all subjects of the curriculum.

Finally, our dedication to providing excellent education to our pupils, will ensure that our learners enjoy their learning whilst we strive to provide the highest possible academic standards for all our children.

To view our Curriculum Overview Plan from Reception through to Year 6 click below:

St James’ 7 Year Plan