
Our Curriculum
At St Paul’s CofE Primary School & Nursery, our curriculum is designed to be nurturing, experience-rich and deeply rooted in our Christian vision of Learning in God’s Love. We believe that every subject is interconnected and that learning builds step by step, giving children the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to flourish.
Through carefully planned sequences and hands-on experiences, children explore, question and create across the curriculum. Reading, writing and communication underpin all learning, while values such as respect, compassion and perseverance shine through in everything we do. Our curriculum not only equips pupils academically but also nurtures their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, preparing them to thrive in the next stage of their education and in the wider world.
Curriculum Overviews
Please click here to view our Curriculum Statement
Curriculum Intent
Please click a subject below to view our curriculum intent.
-
Writing
Intent
At St Paul’s, we believe that writing flourishes when it grows from a strong foundation of spoken language, phonics, reading and real-life experiences. Our intent is to nurture every child as a storyteller and communicator, giving them the tools, confidence and imagination to express themselves with accuracy and creativity.Implementation
In EYFS, Drawing Club provides playful, story-rich opportunities that link talk, drawing and early writing. Across school, we follow Jane Considine’s The Write Stuff, which models high-quality writing and explicitly builds vocabulary, structure and grammar. Writing is always rooted in meaningful, hands-on experiences, enriched through trips, outdoor learning and high-quality texts. Links with our phonics and reading curriculum ensure children apply their phonics knowledge, spelling patterns and growing comprehension skills directly into their writing. Handwriting is taught using Letter-Join and embedded across the curriculum.Impact
Pupils take pride in their writing, developing stamina, accuracy and flair. They use their phonics knowledge to spell, their growing reading skills to structure and enrich ideas, and their handwriting to present work clearly. By the end of KS1, pupils write confidently for a range of purposes and audiences, are resilient when editing and improving, and are well-prepared for the demands of KS2 writing. -
Reading and Phonics
Intent
At St Paul’s, we nurture a love of reading as the gateway to all learning. We want every child to become a fluent, confident reader who can understand and enjoy texts of increasing depth. Our intent is that all pupils — whatever their starting point — develop strong phonics knowledge, accurate spelling and secure comprehension skills.Implementation
We teach daily, systematic phonics using Essential Letters and Sounds (Oxford). Lessons are practical, multi-sensory and interactive, with children applying their phonics in real reading and writing contexts. We use high-quality decodable books that match children’s phonic knowledge, alongside shared and guided reading sessions that develop fluency and comprehension. Spelling is taught explicitly and practised across the curriculum. Reading for pleasure is promoted through daily story time, a rich range of texts, and nurturing spaces such as our library and book corners.Impact
Children quickly gain the skills needed to decode and spell words accurately. They read with growing fluency, expression and understanding, and talk with confidence about stories and information texts. By the end of KS1, the vast majority of pupils achieve the expected standard in phonics, read independently with comprehension, and develop a lifelong enjoyment of reading. - Maths
Intent: We want all pupils to see themselves as mathematicians, developing confidence, curiosity and resilience. Our nurturing approach ensures children feel safe to take risks and learn through hands-on exploration and practical problem-solving.
Implementation: We follow the White Rose mastery curriculum, using small steps, practical equipment and pictorial methods before moving to abstract concepts. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking and apply maths to real-life contexts, including outdoor learning and cross-curricular links.
Impact: Pupils develop secure number sense, fluency and reasoning. They leave KS1 with positive attitudes to maths, the confidence to tackle challenges, and the ability to apply their skills across the curriculum and in daily life.
- Science
Intent: Science nurtures curiosity and wonder about the natural world. We want children to ask questions, investigate practically and understand the world around them.
Implementation: Science is taught through enquiry, hands-on experiments, outdoor learning and Cornerstones investigations. Children learn to predict, test, observe and record. Topics are enriched with visitors and real-life links.
Impact: Pupils develop knowledge and vocabulary across biology, chemistry and physics strands. They see themselves as scientists, able to ask questions and use evidence
- PSHE and RSE
Intent: Our PSHE and RSE curriculum nurtures the whole child, developing their sense of self, relationships and wellbeing. We aim for pupils to feel secure, respected and prepared for life in modern Britain.
Implementation: We use Jigsaw, which provides sequenced, whole-school themes. Lessons are delivered in a nurturing environment using circle time, discussion, mindfulness and real-life scenarios. Children explore emotions, relationships and values through practical activities, stories and reflection.
Impact: Pupils feel safe, valued and confident. They learn to respect themselves and others, manage their feelings and make positive choices. They are prepared to face challenges with resilience and empathy.
- Computing
Intent: We want children to be digitally literate, confident and creative, using technology responsibly and safely. Our approach ensures computing is taught in a nurturing, hands-on way, empowering children to explore and experiment.
Implementation: We follow the Teach Computing curriculum, balancing programming, digital literacy and online safety. Lessons are practical, collaborative and enriched by cross-curricular projects, enabling children to apply skills in meaningful contexts.
Impact: Pupils enjoy using technology to create, problem-solve and communicate. They know how to stay safe online, work responsibly with others, and are confident digital learners.
- Music
Intent: Music at St Paul’s nurtures creativity, joy and self-expression. We want every child to experience the excitement of making music, developing their skills through inclusive and hands-on opportunities.
Implementation: Using Sparkyard, we teach weekly lessons that blend singing, listening, composing and performing. Children engage in practical activities, play instruments, and experience live performances. Music is celebrated in worship, performances and whole-school events.
Impact: Pupils gain confidence as musicians and performers. They develop rhythm, pitch and creativity, and use music as a way to express themselves and connect with others.
- French
Intent: Our French curriculum fosters curiosity and confidence in language learning, nurturing an appreciation of different cultures. We want children to see learning a new language as fun, practical and enriching.
Implementation: Through Language Angels, children learn via songs, games, stories and interactive activities. Lessons are lively, hands-on and inclusive, building vocabulary and sentence patterns progressively.
Impact: Pupils speak and understand simple French with confidence, show enthusiasm for languages, and develop openness to the wider world.
- Handwriting
Intent: We want every child to develop a fluent, legible handwriting style that supports confidence and pride in their work. Our nurturing approach encourages perseverance and celebrates progress.
Implementation: We use Letter-Join for structured progression. Daily practice includes multi-sensory activities, guided modelling and regular opportunities to apply skills in meaningful contexts.
Impact: Pupils write fluently and legibly across the curriculum. They take pride in their presentation and have the stamina to record ideas independently.
- History
Intent: We nurture children’s curiosity about the past, helping them understand how people lived and how events have shaped the world. We want children to see themselves as historians who can ask questions, explore evidence and build a sense of identity.
Implementation: History is taught through Cornerstones projects, using stories, artefacts, visits and role-play to bring the past to life. Children learn chronology, cause and consequence, and how to compare the past with the present.
Impact: Pupils enjoy history, can talk about significant people and events, and begin to think critically about evidence. They make connections between past and present, and are well-prepared for KS2 history.
- Geography
Intent: We want children to explore and appreciate the world around them, developing knowledge of places, environments and how people interact with them. Our intent is to nurture curiosity about the natural and human world.
Implementation: Using Cornerstones projects, children learn through maps, fieldwork, outdoor experiences and first-hand enquiry. Topics link to real places and issues, giving pupils meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore their world.
Impact: Pupils can describe and compare places, use geographical language, and begin to ask and answer questions about the world. They show care for the environment and curiosity about different cultures.
- Art & Design
Intent: We nurture creativity and self-expression through art, helping children to develop skills, confidence and a love of making. We want pupils to explore a wide range of media and be inspired by artists past and present.
Implementation: Art is taught through practical, hands-on projects where children explore techniques, experiment with materials and learn to evaluate their work. They study a range of artists, craftspeople and designers to broaden their horizons.
Impact: Pupils create work with increasing control and imagination. They talk about their choices, reflect on their work and show pride in their creativity.
- Design & Technology (DT)
Intent: We aim to nurture problem-solvers and innovators. Children learn how design impacts daily life and are encouraged to create, test and refine their ideas.
Implementation: DT is taught through hands-on projects using Cornerstones. Children design, make and evaluate products with real purposes, using tools, materials and food. They learn technical knowledge through practical, collaborative work.
Impact: Pupils develop resilience, creativity and practical skills. They enjoy designing and making, and can explain how things work.
- Religious Education
Intent: Rooted in our Christian vision, RE nurtures respect and curiosity about faith. We want children to learn about Christianity and other world faiths, developing understanding and tolerance.
Implementation: RE is taught through stories, visits to places of worship, artefacts and discussion. The locally agreed syllabus and Cornerstones projects guide progression. Pupils explore big questions and reflect on values.
Impact: Pupils can talk about beliefs and practices with respect. They make links to their own lives and show empathy and tolerance for others.
- PE
Intent: PE nurtures healthy lifestyles, teamwork and confidence. We want every child to enjoy physical activity and develop the skills to stay active for life.
Implementation: PE is taught through games, dance, gymnastics, athletics and outdoor learning, often linked to Cornerstones projects. Sports coaches, festivals and clubs enrich opportunities.
Impact: Pupils develop physical skills, resilience and teamwork. They enjoy being active, understand the importance of health, and participate in a wide range of activities.
- Outdoor Learning
Intent: Outdoor learning nurtures wellbeing, resilience and awe in God’s creation. We want children to build independence and teamwork in natural settings.
Implementation: Forest School and outdoor learning are woven into Cornerstones projects, giving hands-on opportunities to explore, build, create and reflect in nature.
Impact: Pupils grow in confidence, collaboration and problem-solving. They show curiosity and care for the environment.
- Remote Education
Remote Education
If a class, group or small number of pupils need to self-isolate, or if there is a local/national restriction that means most pupils must remain at home, St Paul’s CofE Primary School & Nursery will provide immediate access to remote education.
-
Our remote education will follow the same broad curriculum as we deliver in school.
-
Learning will be shared through SchoolPing, with additional resources provided as printed packs where needed.
-
Daily phonics, reading, writing and maths activities will be prioritised, alongside foundation subjects across the week.
-
We will support families with limited digital access by providing paper-based resources and lending devices where possible.
-
Teachers will remain in regular contact with families to monitor engagement, give feedback and provide support.
-