Curriculum

At St. Joseph’s, the curriculum is deeply rooted in our mission statement, ‘Growing in Love, in the Spirit of Christ, for the benefit of all’. This aspiration embodies our commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment, where every pupil can flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.

Our knowledge-rich curriculum is designed to reflect the Gospel Values and the Catholic Social Teaching principles, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of our students. We strive to provide pupils with a breadth of experiences and opportunities that not only support their individual learning journeys but also help them develop into compassionate and responsible members of society.

On each class page, you will discover up-to-date information concerning your child’s learning across all subjects. Essential details, including homework, are readily accessible to parents and guardians.

Below, you will find comprehensive information on each subject area, complete with overviews and exemplary pieces of student work. This transparency is aimed at fostering a collaborative partnership between school and home, enabling us to work together in support of your child’s education. We invite you to explore these resources and engage actively in your child’s learning experience.

Curriculum Subjects

All pupils at St. Joseph’s have the right to have rich, deep learning experiences that balance all the aspects of computing. The computing curriculum is split into three strands:

  • Computer Science (programming or coding, and problem solving)
  • Information Technology (using spreadsheets, creating presentations and manipulating graphics)
  • Digital Literacy (encompassing e-safety and teaching pupils how to select the most appropriate digital content).

With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe ‘computational thinking’ and ‘creativity’ are skills children must be taught if they are able to participate effectively and safely in this digital world.

We use 2BeSafe on Purple Mash to deliver our online safety provision. This has been split into the core areas of online safety:

  • Self-image and identity
  • Online relationships
  • Online reputation
  • Online bullying
  • Managing online information
  • Health, well-being and lifestyle
  • Privacy and security
  • Copyright and ownership

At St. Joseph’s the mathematical curriculum is delivered through a concrete, pictorial, abstract approach. The curriculum is delivered using the teaching for mastery in mathematics, in collaboration with the East Midlands Maths Hub, alongside White Rose Maths.

The curriculum in F1 is taught through daily dedicated sessions. These sessions are carefully planned and use concrete resources. Sessions build on prior learning and real-life experiences. We use key rhymes, closely linked with each core focus, which change every two weeks. In F2, Mastering Number at EYFS is used alongside development matters. Throughout EYFS, children ae exposed to new mathematical vocabulary, such as subitising, counting ordinally and cardinally, composition, numerals, comparison, number and quantity.

In KS1 we use Mastering Number, which is a structured approach, building a strong foundation in number sense and mathematical language. These are short 15 minute daily sessions. These short sessions are taught alongside the maths curriculum.

A range of strategies are used to ensure that all pupils can access mathematics, giving them opportunities to draw on prior knowledge and consolidate their learning.
We support learning through:

  • Small steps progression
  • Recall and Retrieve
  • The Five Big Ideas of Mastery
  • CPA approach
  • Use of manipulatives
  • Steps to success
  • Modelling – I do, We do, You do
  • Mathematical vocabulary
  • Opportunities for all abilities to access a range of reasoning and problem solving
  • Opportunities to explore learning at a ‘greater depth’.
  • Scaffolding

At Key Stage 2, our pupils learn French through the Kapow Primary French scheme, which provides a fun, structured, and engaging approach to language learning. The scheme is designed to build children’s confidence and enthusiasm for learning a new language, helping them to develop key communication skills that will support their future language learning at secondary school and beyond.

Through Kapow’s carefully sequenced lessons, pupils explore French vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar in meaningful contexts. Each unit includes interactive songs, games, stories, and speaking activities, ensuring that learning is both enjoyable and memorable. Pupils are encouraged to listen, speak, read, and write in French, developing their ability to express ideas and hold simple conversations.

Lessons also introduce children to the culture and traditions of French-speaking countries, helping them appreciate the wider world and make cross-curricular links with subjects such as Geography, Art, and Music.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed:

  • A growing vocabulary and understanding of basic French grammar

  • The confidence to take part in short spoken exchanges

  • The ability to read and write simple sentences in French

  • An awareness and appreciation of Francophone culture

Our aim is for every child to leave Key Stage 2 feeling curious, confident, and inspired to continue learning languages in the future.

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Phonics and Reading

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, we implement the Little Wandle phonics scheme, while Key Stage 2 students needing additional support engage with the Little Wandle catch-up programme.