Curriculum
Curriculum Intent
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, our curriculum is coherently planned, carefully sequenced and ambitious for all pupils. It provides a broad and balanced education that builds strong foundations in knowledge, skills and language, enabling children to flourish academically, socially and spiritually. Our curriculum is inclusive by design, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds, can access ambitious learning and achieve their full potential.
Rooted in the Gospel values, our curriculum places the development of the whole child at its heart, nurturing confident, articulate and creative learners who are resilient, reflective and curious about the world around them. Our Catholic identity shapes every aspect of school life and learning, enabling pupils to develop a strong moral compass and a deep sense of belonging within our school and parish community.
Oracy and language development are central priorities across the curriculum. Pupils are immersed in a language-rich environment where talk is explicitly taught through high-quality discussion, structured talk opportunities and purposeful questioning. Explicit vocabulary instruction ensures carefully selected and revisited tiered vocabulary is embedded across subjects, enabling all pupils to access increasingly complex concepts.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage provides a secure and nurturing start to school life, where strong foundations in communication and language are established through purposeful play, high-quality adult interactions and carefully planned provision, preparing children well for KS1.
We enrich our curriculum through learning beyond the classroom, making purposeful use of our London location and wider community. Educational visits, visitors and a broad programme of extra-curricular clubs enhance pupils’ cultural capital and strengthen real-world connections.
Our curriculum celebrates diversity, inclusion and difference, reflecting the richness of our local and wider community. Our pupils develop spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding, and learn to value others and celebrate the differences within their school and global community. All pupils are supported to develop a strong sense of belonging through inclusive practice and rich cultural experiences and celebrations.
Pupils’ physical development, emotional well-being and mental health are integral to our curriculum. Positive relationships, self-regulation and independence ensure pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn. As a result, pupils develop confidence, resilience and responsibility, supporting their personal development and preparing them well for life beyond primary school.
