Curriculum

‘In the Light of Jesus, we learn to shine.’

St Mary and St John Catholic Primary continues to be an outstanding school by providing an outstanding quality of education that results in aspirational and ambitious children who believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve. Since its last inspection in 2007, the school has very effectively addressed all of the identified areas for development and is constantly striving forwards. The curriculum is broad, exciting and responsive to children’s needs and interests and it is taught by committed and outstanding staff who have children at the heart of what they do. By the time they leave St Mary and St John Catholic Primary School at the end of Year 6, children have achieved excellent attainment and progress and reached standards that equip them exceptionally well for their future.

• The school’s catholic ethos and desire to live by the gospel values lays the foundations for the mission and vision of all stakeholders.
• Pupils receive a high quality of education which has many outstanding features. Progress in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 is a key strength where the school successfully builds on prior learning for all pupils and this is reflected in the high outcomes achieved in the national assessments in reading, writing and mathematics in Year 6 over at least the past three years and beyond.
• The governors and school leadership team share an aspirational vision for the school. This is based upon the principles of strong basic skills, broadened by an enriched curriculum that extends to developing pupils’ cultural capital through the wide ranging menu of sporting and creative activities that are available and consistently used by children of all abilities and backgrounds. Governors wide range of expertise ensures that the school is managed effectively, financially secure, meets its statutory obligations and staff feel appropriately challenged yet well supported.
• Leaders have recently focused on the professional development of new middle leaders and this has had a significant impact on implementing the new curriculum and extending skill repertoire of individuals. As a result, all teachers, particularly recently qualified teachers (RQTs), are confident with all subjects and are more astute in using formative assessments in planning the next steps in children’s learning
• The school’s revitalised curriculum now ensures that children experience a richer, broader curriculum that allows greater depth in children’s learning and ensures that all children achieve well, make good progress and any gaps in learning are fully addressed.
• Pupils behave exceptionally well in school both in lessons and at break times. This was identified in our recent Section 48  RE monitoring visit (Oct 2017) ‘..behaviour is exceptional.’ And this was qualified again during our most recent Section 48 RE inspection (Sept 2019) where it was highlighted that ‘behaviour is exemplary in lessons..’
• Pupils respond positively, understand the boundaries that are set and live out the school’s Mission Statement and values to the extent that they know why they should behave well without prompting.
• The personal development of pupils is outstanding and children have developed the self-confidence, strength of character, resilience and determination to succeed in their future lives, as recognised in our most recent Section 48 inspection monitoring visit where it was identified that, ‘pupils relish the many opportunities and responsibilities they are given.’ All staff in school promote this ethos and expectation.
• The overwhelming majority of pupils contribute to outstanding attainment and make at least expected or above progress from Key Stage 1 to the end of Key Stage 2 and this is reflected in the ‘above national’ assessments results in reading, writing and mathematics in Year 6 over at least the past three years.