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. In order to fully access our curriculum, we are determined that all pupils will be able to read fluently by the age of 6 and develop a love for reading as they move through school. This will help them to unlock their potential and enjoy all that our curriculum has to offer.
The themes and topics within our curriculum have been carefully selected as tools to develop our pupils’ character and academic understanding. We aim for all children to 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, developing the qualities needed to make a successful contribution to their own future and in preparation for the communities which they will be part of in the years to come.
At St Joseph's we want all pupils to develop a love for learning that will grow and deepen during their time with us and beyond. We aim to equip them with the knowledge and skills for the benefit of themselves and others. In order to become successful learners, leaders are clear that increasing pupils’ knowledge is key. This acquisition of knowledge, at whatever stage of their school journey, will help to develop skills and then apply them to the work that they do.
We have looked beyond the academic and the curriculum requirements and thought carefully about six key areas we feel our children at St Joseph's need to know and understand more about. By knowing more about these fundamental aspects of life, pupils will be better placed to commit the academic knowledge which our curriculum will deliver to their long term memory. These foundations will help them throughout their educational journey.
In designing our curriculum, specifically the knowledge which we want children to know, we ask leaders to consider the following themes:
Leadership - our children have the potential to be future leaders. We aim to inspire them through stories of great leaders, past and present, and develop their potential to become outstanding leaders within their own families and communities.
The Environment - our children are the future and we want them to be aware of how our actions affect the world in which we live in and what we can do to protect, value and future proof our planet.
Aspirations - we want our children to recognise that they can be anything they want to be, realise their true potential and see the direct link between effort and success.
Diversity - our children will know the importance of respecting and valuing diversity. We want them to recognise that we are all God's children and everyone is unique and special but together we are stronger.
Resilience - our children will be taught that it is ok to make mistakes as these are a vital part of the learning process. We will encourage our children to keep trying until a solution is reached. Through our work on developing metacognition, we will equip them with tools and strategies to become resilient and determined learners.
Service - our children will know the impact that an individual can have through public service to their local community and to be aware that a successful community needs all members to charitably contribute to its success.
Our staff think creatively to ensure a broad and balanced coverage of all curriculum areas throughout the year. Themes and topics have been sequenced, ensuring that they are delivered at appropriate times during the school year. Well planned educational visits, assemblies, visiting speakers and bespoke days are just some examples of the ways in which pupils will be provided with the opportunity for rich learning experiences.
A whole school curriculum map has been created to ensure a broad and balanced coverage of all curriculum areas throughout the year. Themes and topics have been sequenced, ensuring that they are delivered at appropriate times during the school year. Curriculum plans have been developed for each subject which clearly set out the composite knowledge which pupils should be taught over time, and how this builds from year to year.
Leaders have a relentless focus on high quality teaching and learning and a through a programme of CPD ensure subject leaders have secure curriculum knowledge and are experts in their field.
Well planned educational visits, visiting speakers and themed days are some of the ways in which pupils are provided with the opportunity for rich learning experiences. These experiences will have a lasting impact on their understanding and appreciation of the environment.
Our high quality curriculum ensures the vast majority of pupils meet age related expectations and are well prepared for the challenges of KS3. Pupils leave St Joseph's with passion, resilience and a strong sense of self, ensuring they are ready to take on their next steps into the world.
We know that all individuals are unique, made in the image of God and that Jesus is the model teacher. This curriculum is underpinned by regular opportunities for high quality personal and spiritual development in which pupils will grow in faith and come to know and live out the Christian Virtues.