Curriculum Overview
Our Curriculum
At St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and rooted in our Catholic mission to “Let Your Light Shine”.
We want every child to achieve, belong and thrive.
Our curriculum is designed to give every pupil the knowledge, skills, confidence and character they need to flourish at school, in their future education and throughout their lives. We have high expectations for every child and recognise that some pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable or have additional needs, may need extra support to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
Achieve
We want every child to achieve well and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Our curriculum is carefully planned from Nursery to Year 6, building knowledge, skills and vocabulary step by step. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and National Curriculum, while making sure that learning is meaningful, engaging and ambitious for every pupil.
We place a strong focus on the foundations of learning, including communication and language, reading, writing, mathematics and handwriting. These essential skills give children the confidence and independence to access the wider curriculum and succeed.
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. Through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, children develop secure phonics knowledge and become confident, fluent readers. Across all subjects, we deliberately develop vocabulary so that children can express themselves clearly, understand new ideas and communicate with confidence.
Teachers know their pupils well and use assessment to identify what children know, what they need to learn next and where additional support may be needed. Through questioning, discussion, retrieval and opportunities to apply knowledge, children build secure learning that they can remember and use.
We are committed to ensuring that disadvantaged pupils, vulnerable pupils and pupils with SEND receive the support they need to achieve well. We identify barriers early, adapt teaching and provide targeted support where appropriate, while maintaining high expectations and ensuring pupils have access to the same ambitious curriculum and opportunities as their peers.
Belong
We want every child to feel valued, safe, included and proud to be part of our school community.
Our Catholic mission shapes the way we learn, work and care for one another. We encourage children to show kindness, compassion and respect and to understand that they have an important part to play in their school, local community and wider world.
Strong relationships are at the heart of our school. We take time to know our pupils as individuals, understand their strengths and interests and recognise when they may need additional support. This is particularly important for children who may experience disadvantage or vulnerability, ensuring that barriers do not prevent them from feeling included or taking part fully in school life.
Children have many opportunities to contribute, lead and make a difference through roles such as Mini Vinnies, School Council, Digital Leaders, Eco Team, Wellbeing Champions and Prefects.
We also provide a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom, including educational visits, visitors, performances, residential experiences, sporting events, clubs and other enrichment opportunities. These experiences help children discover new interests, build confidence and develop a strong sense of belonging.
We believe that when we get it right for children with SEND, we get it right for everyone. Our inclusive approach ensures that every child is supported to participate, succeed and feel that they belong.
Thrive
We want our pupils to leave St Vincent’s as confident, resilient and compassionate young people, ready for the next stage of their journey.
Our curriculum develops much more than academic knowledge. Children are encouraged to be curious, creative, independent and resilient. They learn that making mistakes is part of learning and develop the confidence to persevere when things are challenging.
Through sport, music, art, creativity, leadership, educational visits, clubs and wider opportunities, children are encouraged to discover their talents and interests. We want every child to have opportunities to experience success and to recognise the unique contribution they can make.
Our Catholic values encourage children to serve others, care for God's world and understand the importance of compassion, social justice and responsibility.
We are particularly committed to ensuring that children who may be disadvantaged or vulnerable have the opportunities, encouragement and support they need to thrive. We want every child to experience success, develop confidence and aspiration, and take part fully in the rich opportunities that school has to offer.
Our St Vincent’s journey
By the time our children leave St Vincent’s, we want them to have:
- the knowledge and skills they need to achieve
- a strong sense of belonging and community
- the confidence and resilience to thrive
- a love of learning and curiosity about the world
- the ability to communicate clearly and confidently
- the character to make positive choices and persevere
- an understanding of how they can serve and care for others.
Most importantly, we want every child to know that they are valued, that they have a contribution to make and that they have the confidence to let their light shine.
Achieve. Belong. Thrive. Let Your Light Shine.
