Subjects

Our curriculum is driven by the intention to prepare our children for lifelong learning. At St Mary’s we offer a broad, balanced and vibrant curriculum, which is ambitions for all learners. Through our curriculum we develop the essential knowledge, skills and understanding which are the building blocks for later life. Our curriculum encompasses not only the formal requirements of the National Curriculum but goes beyond the experiences of the classroom to ensure that our children are exposed to the richest and most varied opportunities that we can provide.

Our curriculum is underpinned by our vision that all children are “as unique children of God, wonderfully made, dearly loved and precious” PSALM 139. The school also recognises that Every Child Matters (2004 Education Act). Our curriculum incorporates opportunities that best meet the learning and the developmental needs of the pupils in our school.

Our Mission statement is “Living, loving and learning together”.

At St Mary’s the curriculum is aligned to achieve the following values and beliefs:

• Respect; our pupils are encouraged to treat others as they would like to be treated, to communicate honestly and build trust to encourage a community where everyone feels safe and valued.
• Nurture; to act with kindness and compassion, to grow and develop as positive active learners, developing self-belief and a desire to learn.
• Aspire; to aim high acquiring knowledge and understanding, to be enthusiastic, creative and celebrate achievement, to build confidence and resilience.

The curriculum will be based on the principles outlined below. Fundamentally, the curriculum will promote the broad set of values established by the National Forum for Values in Education and the Community:

• The Self: We value ourselves as unique human beings capable of spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical growth and development.
• Relationships: We value others for themselves, not only for what they have or what they can do for us. We value relationships as fundamental to the development and fulfilment of ourselves and others, and to the good of the community.
• Society: We value truth, freedom, justice, human rights, the rule of law and collective effort for the common good. In particular, we value families as sources of love and support for all their members, and as the basis of a society in which people care for others.
• The Environment: We value the environment, both natural and shaped by humanity, as the basis of life and a source of wonder and inspiration.

Through the curriculum, these values will be explored and developed, in order that the pupils receive an experience that is both balanced and inspirational. Being a small school there will be mixed age classes and, accordingly, there will be a rolling programme of topics to ensure a balanced approach and full coverage of the National Curriculum.

Overall, the curriculum at St. Mary’s CE Primary School will provide the opportunity for all pupils, regardless of background or ability, ethnicity or faith, to learn and achieve at the highest level, whilst promoting their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life. It will concentrate on ensuring a sound foundation in the basic skills of reading, writing mathematics and science, but will be supplemented with opportunities for interest and stimulation that will enable pupils to apply those skills with purpose and interest. To assist in achieving these aims, a number of initiatives will be developed;

• Forest School, Geography & Science will place particular emphasis on the local environment and eco-systems, sustainability, conservation, water management and the impact of farming and woodland management in relation to similar global issues.
• Local History: the history of village that predates the Saxons will be used as a resource that will bring the subject to life.
• Creativity: the use of local artists, musicians and drama specialists will also enhance learning and experience in this area.

Specific knowledge and skills are based on national strategies and will be taught in individual subject areas. As a free school we have also a degree of flexibility of what we teach. Children will be encouraged to apply their learning widely through independent research and problem solving. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of local cultural and environmental resources and settings; frequent use will be made of the wide range of opportunities within walking distance of our school, including farms, woods, streams and historic buildings.