What is the Curriculum Intent at St. Mary’s?
Our curriculum has clear links to Church teachings and scripture.
At St. Mary’s, leaders have developed a curriculum that is ambitious and designed to give all learners, particularly the most disadvantaged and those with special educational needs, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Our curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning. We pride ourselves on having the same academic, ambitions for almost all learners. Where this is not practical – for example, for some learners with high levels of SEND – their curriculum is designed to be ambitious and bespoke to meet their needs (Linked to the EIF July 2021).
Subject leaders at St. Mary’s use four unique drivers, which permeate through our curriculum and everyday school life. This forms St. Mary’s Family Tree.
● Beliefs – Dei Verbum (Word of God) sets out how we worship, pray, interpret and share the word of God. Prayer and liturgy are at the heart of life at St. Mary’s. Governors, leaders and staff have high expectations and a shared vision with regard to the Catholic mission and ethos of the school, while also respecting the beliefs of other people.
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20-29
● Rights – Gaudium et spes (Hope and joy) speaks of the dignity of the human race and identifies the church’s social teachings. As a rights respecting school, we are a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted. We hold the Unicef Rights Respecting Gold Award.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31: 8-9
● Environment- Laudate Si (Praise be to you) confers an environmental message about the stewardship of the Earth. At St Mary’s we aim to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world around them. We are committed to raising awareness of issues such as global citizenship, diversity, human rights and sustainable development. We promote environmental awareness, supporting our children to understand the fragility of our environment and the importance of its protection. We hold the Environmental Green Flag award.
“The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager,
whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?” Luke 12:42-46
● Wellbeing – Fratelli tutti (All brothers) speaks of caring for each other as in the parable of the Good Samaritan. At St. Mary’s, we place a high emphasis on the welfare and wellbeing of teachers and pupils. We are committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of all members of our school family. We understand that everyone experiences life challenges which can make us vulnerable, and at times everyone may need additional emotional support. We actively promote positive mental health, resilience and aspirations for all members of our community. We hold the Gold Mental Health Charter Mark, which involves supporting other schools and childcare settings.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10,
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30-37
