Curriculum Statement

Our school vision statement states that we want the children at St Joseph’s to become innovative, life-long learners. Our curriculum is key to realising this vision. Through the themes we have chosen, and the topics which will support pupils’ learning, children will leave St. Joseph’s well prepared for the next phase of their education. They will know and understand the key components required to become a successful global citizen in today’s ever changing society. Importantly, they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to use their God-given talents for the benefit of themselves and for others -  qualities needed to make a successful contribution to their own future, their families and friends and in preparation for the communities which they will be part of in a modern world.

Our Curriculum Intent:

When developing the intent of our curriculum, we took into account the following factors:

• Our local environment;

• The expertise of our staff;

• The values and traditions of our school;

• The needs of our school community.

The aim of the curriculum at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is to provide the children with a bespoke curriculum that suits their needs and teaches them to become model, global citizens. We have engaged with key stakeholders to explore what our children need in order to devise our Key Curriculum Diver words. After much thought and discussion, we believe that the following characteristics are needed to support and underpin what our children need in their learning. They are:

• The Environment

• Leadership

• Aspirations

• Resilience

• Service

• Diversity

By the end of their time at St Joseph’s, the children will:

• Be aware of the impact human actions have had on the natural environment in the past, how our actions are affecting the environment today and what changes we can make in the future to protect and value our planet;

• Know the stories of great leaders, what joy they have brought, and to develop these skills to become courageous leaders of their own families and communities;

• Have aspirations and hope for their future life and career, understanding that through the efforts they put in, they can experience many successes - to know that everyone has a huge amount of God-given potential and that there is a direct link between effort and success;

• Be resilient, understanding that failure is part of a successful learning process, that even the greatest leaders, inventors etc. have failed many times before finding a solution;

• Know the impact of service on their local community and be aware that a successful community needs all members to charitably contribute to its success;

• Know that all individuals are unique, made in the image of God and that Jesus is the model teacher;

• Know that our community respects and values diversity and believes that we are a stronger society because of our differences;

• Have a thirst for knowledge and become life-long learners even after their time at St Joseph’s.

• This follows the Primary National Curriculum which can be found by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/.../PRIMARY_national_curriculum.pdf 

• St Joseph's is a Read, Write, Inc school. This is the programme which is used to teach phonics to children in Reception and KS1. The link below will take you to the RWI website with lots of interesting and informative videos should you want to find out more. http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents/

• St Joseph's is a Mathematics Mastery School. Our Acting Headteacher is a Development lead for Mathematics Mastery and supports other schools across the north of England in implementing the programme. More information about Mathematics Mastery can be found here: https://www.mathematicsmastery.org/national-school-improvement-programme-for-maths 

• St Joseph’s is a Mastery English School. English is taught using a whole class text in two-week units. Lessons follow the six part structure and link closely to the whole class text. More details about Mastery English can be found here: https://masteryenglish.co.uk/