Curriculum Subjects
Our curriculum reflects the expectations of the National Curriculum in a way that is unique to St Michael's. It is well organised with clear intent so that every child progressively knows more and can do more in each subject as they move through school. We appoint and develop staff to ensure that we have expert teachers who teach confidently to provide every pupil with the best learning experience.
We aim for excellence in all subjects. The Curriculum Statements below tell you more about our intent in each subject, how we implement our curriculum and the impact on learning. The curriculum units of work and overviews for subjects show how knowledge and skills build progressively through school. The year group overviews on the St Michael's Curriculum Page detail how learning is organised within each year.
One subject judged to be Excellent is RE; SIAMS 2019 found that:
'Teaching of RE relentlessly explores and unpicks the biblical roots of the vision... The dedicated staff team constantly enrich pupils’ religious literacy. They challenge, extend thinking and nurture independent, questioning individuals. Faith leaders praise the articulate and informed way pupils explore the beliefs of others. Pupils ask searching questions and enter into respectful dialogue with interest. The rich and vibrant learning environment exemplifies the high quality and depth of pupils’ responses to the mission of the school.'
'The quality of teaching and learning in RE is excellent. Subject leadership is strong. RE is taught using a range of pedagogical approaches. Strong links across the curriculum deepen understanding... RE teaching provides an abundance of opportunities for children to ask and ponder ‘big questions’ about life and death. The rigorous assessment system and careful planning around core concepts, religious literacy and major world faiths and world views ensure all pupils make good or better progress...'
'Pupils access a plethora of spiritual development opportunities across the curriculum. A camping trip enabled pupils to build resilience and immerse themselves in the natural world. Pupils engage in articulate and considered dialogue around the Christian vision, a range of beliefs and social issues. They demonstrate maturity in their ability to disagree well and resolve conflict. ‘Heartsmart’ impacts tangibly on pupils’ character development and emotional health. Relationships and sex education (RSE) impacts well on pupils’ attitudes to diversity. Pupils speak knowledgeably about different kinds of families and how all are special in their own right.'
