Our Curriculum

Our Curriculum

At St Mary’s we provide rich and varied experiences specific to our school and the needs and interests of our children. An exciting and ambitious curriculum enables us to develop a love of learning and enjoyment across all subjects; encouraging creativity, independent thought, collaboration and a Growth Mindset. We offer a values-led curriculum founded in a Christian ethos where links to prior learning are revisited and built upon to ensure ‘sticky knowledge’. An overview of our curriculum topics can be viewed here. 

Our Behaviour Curriculum

At St Mary’s, we believe that behaviour is learned and should be explicitly taught, modelled and practised, just like any other area of our curriculum. Our Behaviour Curriculum sets out a progressive approach from Nursery to Year 6, helping children develop positive behaviours for learning, emotional regulation, respectful communication and personal responsibility. Through consistent expectations, strong relationships and appropriate support, we aim to create a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child can learn, thrive and flourish, living out our vision of ‘Shining Brighter and Brighter’. You can explore our Behaviour Curriculum here.

Curriculum Drivers

Ambition for All

We recognise that all children arrive at St Mary’s with different starting points. We have high expectations for all of our learners and our curriculum design encourages pupils to make the best possible progress and achieve to their highest potential. Through our carefully designed curriculum we provide opportunities for all pupils to experience success.

World Citizens

We believe our children need to develop an understanding about where they live and the wider world; in order to both understand their role in society and develop respect and for different communities, cultures and religions. We celebrate diversity through: actively seeking out opportunities to engage with visitors and organisations; providing opportunities within the curriculum; our diverse, well stocked library and class reading corners and thoughtfully chosen materials.

Respectful Communicators

We believe our children need to develop the skills to work well with other people. Children need to learn how to speak and listen with respect in a variety of different situations. We believe in taking responsibility for our actions and owning our own behaviour (YOYOB). We promote emotional regulation, self-awareness and expressive language to enable children to communicate effectively in all situations.

Resilient Individuals

Our children need to be resilient to be able to deal with different challenges across the curriculum and in the wider world. A thoughtfully designed curriculum with carefully chosen activities develops our pupils’ resilience, wellbeing and self-esteem. Children are encouraged to celebrate mistakes as part of the learning process and to recognise the importance of effort as part of the learning journey.

Environmental Advocates

We believe our children need to understand the challenges facing our local and global environment and stand up to make a positive change. Our pupils lead by example, taking ownership of our local environment by raising awareness of issues, recycling and litter picking. We link with local organisations to reduce waste and promote sustainability. 

Curriculum Areas

English

English underpins learning across the curriculum. Through phonics, reading, writing and spoken language, children develop the skills to communicate clearly and confidently. We introduce pupils to a rich variety of texts, authors and genres, helping them become thoughtful readers and purposeful writers. From early mark-making and phonics to increasingly sophisticated reading and composition, children develop accuracy, fluency and enjoyment in using language.

Mathematics

Our mathematics curriculum develops secure number understanding alongside fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Through a mastery approach, children explore mathematical concepts using practical resources, visual representations and increasingly abstract methods. They learn to recognise patterns, explain their thinking and apply mathematical knowledge to unfamiliar problems, building strong foundations for future learning.

Science

Science encourages children to investigate the world around them and develop an understanding of biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils build scientific knowledge through observation, investigation, questioning and the interpretation of evidence. Practical enquiries and opportunities to explore our local environment help children understand scientific processes and explain the natural and physical world.

Religious Education (RE)

Religious Education encourages children to explore fundamental questions about belief, meaning and human experience. Through the study of Christianity and other religions and worldviews, pupils develop knowledge of religious teachings, practices and traditions. They learn to interpret sources of wisdom, consider different perspectives and engage thoughtfully with questions about faith, identity and belonging.

Further information is available on our Religious Education page.

History

History enables children to investigate the past and understand how people, events and societies have shaped the world we live in. Pupils develop chronological understanding, examine historical sources and explore different interpretations of the past. Learning includes significant periods of British and world history alongside our rich local heritage, including Berkhamsted Castle, the First World War trenches and the Grand Union Canal.

Geography

Geography develops children's understanding of places, environments and the relationships between people and the natural world. Pupils explore their local area alongside contrasting regions and countries, developing knowledge of physical and human geographical processes. Through maps, fieldwork, geographical data and enquiry, they learn to investigate places and understand how environments change over time.

Physical Education (PE)

Physical Education develops children's movement, coordination, physical competence and understanding of healthy, active lifestyles. Through games, gymnastics, dance, athletics and other physical activities, pupils learn and refine skills, apply tactics and evaluate performance. They experience individual and team activities, developing an appreciation of physical activity for enjoyment, personal achievement and lifelong health.

Art and Design

Art and Design introduces children to a range of artistic techniques, materials and creative processes. Pupils develop their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles and other media, learning to experiment, refine and communicate ideas visually. Through studying artists, craftspeople and designers from different times and cultures, they develop an understanding of artistic expression and learn to evaluate their own work.

Design and Technology

Design and Technology provides opportunities for children to investigate real-world needs and develop practical solutions. Pupils learn to research, design, make and evaluate products, applying technical knowledge and practical skills. Through projects involving structures, mechanisms, textiles and food, they explore how materials, tools and processes can be used to create functional products for a purpose.

Computing

Computing develops children's understanding of how digital technologies work and how they can be used effectively. Pupils learn about computer systems, programming, data and digital media, applying computational thinking to solve problems and create digital content. Online safety is woven throughout the curriculum, helping children recognise risks, make informed choices and use technology responsibly.

Music

Music provides children with opportunities to listen, sing, perform, compose and develop their musical understanding. Pupils explore rhythm, pitch, melody, notation and musical structure through practical experiences with voices and instruments. By studying music from different traditions, periods and cultures, they develop their listening skills, musical knowledge and ability to express ideas through sound.

Modern Foreign Languages – French

In Key Stage 2, children learn French through speaking, listening, reading and writing. Pupils develop their understanding of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and sentence structure, gradually becoming more confident in communicating in another language. Learning also introduces children to aspects of French culture and provides a foundation for further language study at secondary school.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

PSHE helps children develop the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed choices about their health, relationships, wellbeing and personal safety. Through age-appropriate learning, including statutory Relationships and Health Education, pupils explore physical and emotional health, friendships, families, personal boundaries and responsibilities. They develop practical strategies for managing everyday situations and accessing support when needed.

If you would like more details regarding the curriculum taught within a specific year group please speak to the class teacher.