Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Overview
Foundation Stage
The statutory EYFS framework forms a basis from which our broad and balanced Early Years Curriculum is developed. The seven areas of development are :
Communication and Language
Physical Development
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
It is mainly delivered through play and practical activities. Well planned play, both indoors and outdoors, is a key way in which young children learn with enjoyment and challenge. We consider that the curriculum for the Early Years Foundation Stage underpins all future learning and leads towards the National Curriculum which is started in Year 1 or earlier if the children have exceeded the Early Years Learning Goals.
Key Stage 1 and 2
Every pupil will follow the New National Curriculum programmes of study in the following subjects:
Maths
English
Phonics
Science
Computing
R.E.
Design Technology
History
Geography
Art
Physical Education
Music
French in KS2 (Club in Year 2)
At the start of every new term parents will be informed of what areas of the curriculum will be studied and how best parents can help to work in partnership with the school to maximise every child’s potential.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
RSE is firmly embedded in our Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) framework.
The school use the Ten:Ten resources as approved by the Bishops of England and Wales to deliver the RSE curriculum. The curriculum is delivered explicitly through a combination of stories, videos, discussions and activities and also through the RE, Science, PSHE and ICT curriculum.
Our programme enshrines Catholic values relating to the importance of stable relationships, marriage and family life. It also promotes those virtues which are essential in responding to the God’s call to love others with a proper respect for their dignity and the dignity of the human body.
Our RSE curriculum is progressive and based on the following dimensions:
Education in virtue
Religious understanding of the human person
Me, my body and my health
Emotional well-being and attitudes
Life cycles and fertility
Personal relationships
Keeping safe and people who can help me
These dimensions are taught through three themes:
Created & loved by God
Created to love others
Created to live in community (local, national and global)
Queen Mary's Grammar School also support us through their Change your Mind workshops. They deliver workshops to Y5 and Y6 on Transition, Digital detoxing, Healthy relationships and Health and Development. Walsall School Nursing Team run parent workshops on the same themes.
Walsall ICT service also deliver Internet safety workshops to the whole school. Parent workshops are offered too.
Religious Education
The Religious Education Curriculum follows the Diocesan RE Strategy and Curriculum Directory for Catholic Schools. The doctrine is taught in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Religious Education lessons account for at least 10% of curriculum time. Respect for other faiths and cultures are also part of our mission.
Within St. Mary’s School, the religious education provided is not wholly confined to teaching/learning situations found in RE lessons. The message and spirit of the Gospel is actively approached and reflected upon throughout the curriculum and all areas of school life.
Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion takes place in Year 3 and in Year 6 for Confirmation. It is through a strong partnership with parents that we lead children closer to God our Father through the Sacraments.
School Masses, daily prayers and assemblies are central to our worship and deepen the children’s experience of Almighty God through regular prayer and the development of a spiritual life. The school is an integral part of the Parish Community. Throughout the liturgical year we come together to celebrate important feasts. All of our parents and children are most welcome to share our various masses and services.