Our Curriculum
Our Curriculum Rationale
Our school curriculum at Saint Joseph's is rooted in the Gospel Values and develops pupils into positive young people ready to take an active part in the world beyond school. We give all children core life skills in reading, writing, maths and knowledge of the world through both academic learning and experiences beyond the classroom. All this is done with the highest quality relationships, love and smiles so that all children can be the best versions of themselves.
Our curriculum builds character in all pupils developing resilience, perseverance, commitment, friendship, humour, enjoyment, happiness and wellbeing through challenging work and play. An emphasis is placed on developing high expectations and independent learners with a love for learning who have no fear in asking questions and dreaming big dreams.
We celebrate all achievements – academic and non-academic – in all our children and ensure that our children understand what they need to be successful in life academically, spiritually, mentally, physically and socially. We value our children’s interests and use these to build in experiences and opportunities that they may not otherwise encounter.
Our curriculum is designed to inspire and motivate children to learn beyond the classroom; to instil enthusiasm and a desire to know more; and become even better at whatever they choose. Our dedicated teachers teach knowledge and skills to allow children to achieve their potential in whichever area they shine and to work enthusiastically in areas they find challenging, always giving their best. Children are taught explicitly that to be successful, they have to work hard.
The most important academic skill primary schools teach is the skill of reading. In the infants, we use Twinkl phonics to teach Systematic Synthetic Phonics. In the juniors, we use a structured approach developed with reading expert, John Murray, to develop children's understanding and comprehension skills.
More than anything, our curriculum is based on our Mission Statement and allows children to know that they are STARS and that we are proud of all their achievements.
Key Learning by Curriculum Areas
Design and Technology Progression
All schools have to teach RE but parents can withdraw their children for all or part of the lessons.
For more information about our school curriculum, please contact school and arrange to speak to a member of staff.