Curriculum

The Curriculum at St John Fisher

The National Curriculum

Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum which can be found by clicking the link below. We have developed our curriculum over recent years to ensure we not only meet but exceed the requirements of the national curriculum in providing our pupils with a knowledge-rich education to ensure their success as they move into KS3.

National Curriculum(opens in new tab)

At St John Fisher, we offer a broad, balanced and academically rigorous curriculum for all our learners. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are taught using the EYFS framework with an emphasis on developing key skills, knowledge and understanding through direct teaching and structured continuous provision.

Our curriculum is designed with knowledge at its heart to ensure that children develop a strong vocabulary base and understanding of the world. The curriculum promotes long-term learning and we believe that progress means knowing more and remembering more.

The school curriculum reflects the requirements to provide a broad and balanced curriculum as per the Academies Act 2010(opens in new tab), and the National Curriculum programmes of study(opens in new tab) which we have chosen to follow.

It also reflects requirements for inclusion and equality as set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 2014(opens in new tab) and Equality Act 2010(opens in new tab), and refers to curriculum-related expectations of governing boards set out in the Department for Education’s Governance Handbook(opens in new tab).

Further information on how we achieve this can be found in our statement of equality information and objectives, and in our SEND policy and information report.

If you would like any further information about our school curriculum, please contact our Curriculum Lead, Mrs Barrow.

Curriculum Intent

CURRICULUM INTENT STATEMENT

Aim high, work hard, be kind

We believe that every child should be given the opportunity to flourish and develop to their full potential. Here at St John Fisher, they can acquire skills to become confident and articulate, well equipped to meet the challenges of a fast changing world.

We are committed to the development of the individual enabling every pupil to fulfil their potential, not only in their academic studies but also in sports, drama, music or wherever their talents may lie.

We believe that it takes a whole community to educate a child, so we place a high value on the partnership with parents. As a Catholic school, the formation of our young people will be based on the life and teachings of Christ.

Alongside the breadth of curriculum, we believe in depth such as mastery in Maths and extension activities which offer depth of learning. These encourage the student to work with either more complex tasks or to provide them with a greater degree of complexity or abstraction.

Underpinning our curriculum is our commitment to ensuring that every child acquires the basic skills necessary to become a successful learner while also developing a love of reading. We ensure that our children are exposed to a range of opportunities which support their social, moral, spiritual and cultural development in a Catholic environment.

With a core of high quality teaching, targeted support and additional challenge, we aim to ensure all students aspire to high standards and make at least national rates of progress and the attainment of our children is above national standards.

Equality for all, and a strong desire for upward social mobility will underpin our work to remove all barriers to learning, progress and success. The safety and well-being of our young people will always be paramount. Every member of our community will be welcomed and valued. Our curricula will ensure that our young people are inspired and excited by learning, maintaining a thirst for education.

Children leave St John Fisher with a sense of belonging to a tightly knit community where they have the confidence and skills to communicate effectively and confidently; express themselves accurately in writing; demonstrate a good standard of numeracy; and a knowledge and belief that Christ unconditionally loves us.

Curriculum Aims

Our Aims:

Engage children through interesting topics and hands-on activities.
Make meaningful links between subjects.
Develop children’s skills, knowledge and understanding of a range of themes and concepts.
Make effective connections to the real world.
Help children to think creatively and solve problems.
Develop children’s capacities to work independently and collaboratively.
Enable children to make choices about their learning.
Take account of children’s interests and fascinations.

Curriculum Approach

Our approach:

develops children to the best of their abilities
helps children to find their passions and interests
facilitates children’s acquisition of knowledge, skills and understanding
helps children to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically and morally
assists children in becoming independent, responsible, useful, confident and considerate members of the community
promotes a positive attitude towards learning, so children enjoy coming to school
helps children to acquire a solid basis for lifelong learning
creates and maintains an exciting and stimulating learning environment
ensures that each child’s education has continuity and progression
enables children to contribute positively within a culturally diverse society

Blocked Curriculum

At St John Fisher, we operate a blocked curriculum whereby the foundation subjects are taught at various times throughout the year. By teaching the subjects in this way, it enables essential lessons to take place and the carefully sequenced learning ensures that children are constantly recalling prior knowledge which helps with children being able to retain information and skills in their long-term memories.

Higher Attaining Pupils

At St John Fisher, we are committed to providing for pupils with high abilities whilst enabling all pupils to flourish. We are committed to challenging all pupils, including those with high abilities, to achieve their best.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUPPORTING ABLE CHILDREN AT HOME:

Read with them, and to them, even if they are good readers.
Able children enjoy learning new words. Have a new ‘word of the week’ at home.
Extend their general knowledge with a ‘fact of the week’
Encourage physical activity to develop co-ordination and general fitness
Do not always focus on your child’s obvious skills. Encourage him or her to sample new activities.
Information and Communication Technology offers vast possibilities. Schools can advise on appropriate websites.
All types of puzzles, crosswords, logic games, word games, card games and board games help to develop children’s thinking skills and social interaction.
Learn a new language together.
Give children a broad range of experiences.
Sometimes the most effective support that a parent can provide may be to limit the number of engagements and formal activities their child is exposed to, in order to ensure that the child has the space and free time in which to play, experiment and develop hobbies and interests of his or her own.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS:

- National Association for Able Children in Education: Click here
- Potential Plus UK: Click here
- The Impact of Parental Involvement: Click here
- Identifying Gifted and Talented learners: Click here
- Grid Club: Click here

Grid Club has lots of ideas to support able pupils.