St Mary's Catholic Primary School - Intent Statement

Intent Statement - Whole School Curriculum

“Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

John 13:34

Learning together, discovering our gifts and putting faith into action

Intent

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, our curriculum is rooted in our Catholic mission: “In all things — love”. We want every child to feel included, make progress from their starting points and discover their God-given gifts.

Our ambitious curriculum builds knowledge and skills through meaningful, well-sequenced learning. We encourage curiosity, independence and the confidence to ask questions, make connections and persevere when learning is challenging.

As a Building the Kingdom school, we help children put Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching into action. We want pupils to leave St Mary’s ready for the next stage of education and able to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.

Implementation

Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. It is shaped by our Catholic ethos, Building the Kingdom and CARITAS in Action. Learning is sequenced so that children revisit what they know and build new knowledge and skills.

Children put faith and values into practice through charity work, School Council, Spiritual Council, House Captains, CAFOD Club and our School of Sanctuary work. Picture News encourages thoughtful discussion of current affairs, while learning about the UNCRC helps children understand their own rights and the rights of others.

Visits, clubs, performances and opportunities to lead enrich classroom learning. Our subject pages and curriculum maps provide more detail about what children learn across the school.

Impact

We want children to leave St Mary’s as knowledgeable, confident and resilient learners, ready for the next stage of education. They should be able to build on earlier learning, explain their thinking and apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful contexts.

Our Catholic ethos and wider opportunities help pupils develop independence, respect and a sense of responsibility. Through pupil leadership, charity, inter-faith work and community service, children put their learning and values into action.

Staff, governors and the wider school community reflect on and develop our curriculum so that every child can flourish academically, personally and spiritually.

Explore our curriculum

Our subject pages explain what children learn, how learning develops and how we support progress. Use the Curriculum Maps menu to see learning for each year group.

Autumn 1 curriculum maps · British Values · Children’s rights and RRSA

Read the National Curriculum for primary schools

Our parents say

"You all make such a difference. The progress in the books is fantastic. My child has grown in confidence and ability throughout the year. The staff here go above and beyond!"

"Faith at the center of education is the most fulfilling way to learn. There is a true purpose in this school. St Mary’s has changed our lives!"

Read more about our impact from external reviews here:

“Pupils behave well. They are polite and well-mannered, and they work hard. They have a firm understanding and appreciation of differences. Pupils show respect and tolerance towards others from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Although the school community has changed over time, everyone is treated equally and made to feel welcome.” (OfSTED, 2023)

“Many pupils enjoy and take part in the wider opportunities the school provides. Pupils learn skills such as karate and chess. Others learn to play a musical instrument or be part of a sports team. School visits, clubs and school events add to pupils’ development. For example, older pupils recently visited the houses of parliament to gain a deeper understanding of democracy and British values.” (OfSTED, 2023)

“The strong Catholic ethos of the school contributes to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils have a clear understanding of other world faiths. They readily take on different roles and responsibilities to help others. Pupils raise impressive funds for different charities.” (OfSTED, 2023)