Curriculum Intent

 That all may have life - life in all its fullness

Key Curriculum Principles – Our Intent

Our curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced and ambitious for every learner. It reflects our commitment to excellence, equity and the flourishing of each individual, enabling all members of our school community to explore their gifts and live life in all its fulness.  Below are the key principles that underpin our curriculum, showing how they align with our distinctive ethos and our aim to develop curious minds, compassionate hearts, and confident, purposeful individuals.

1. Broad and Balanced

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that equips our children with the skills, knowledge, and understanding they need to thrive as well-rounded, informed individuals. Our curriculum is designed with the whole child in mind, ensuring academic rigour while nurturing personal development, creativity and emotional well-being. We strive to offer a rich diet of learning experiences which are essential for fostering curiosity, resilience and a lifelong love of learning. Through carefully planned, purposeful teaching we enable our pupils to make meaningful connections in their learning.

1. Knowledge Rich

Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that children acquire and retain fundamental knowledge, enabling them to build secure foundations for future learning. By systematically revisiting key concepts and vocabulary, we support pupils in committing core knowledge to long-term memory, so they can access and apply information quickly and confidently. This secure knowledge base empowers children to engage in deeper learning, critical thinking, and reasoning across the curriculum. Through structured progression and well-sequenced teaching, we promote mastery and fluency, ensuring that all pupils are equipped to make meaningful connections and tackle increasingly complex ideas with independence.

1. Reading

We believe that reading is the cornerstone of learning and a fundamental life skill. Our intent is to nurture a love of reading in all children and to equip every pupil with the fluency, independence and comprehension needed to access the full curriculum and thrive both academically and personally.

1. Inclusive and challenging

At SMC, teaching and learning opportunities are carefully planned to meet the diverse needs of all our pupils. We recognise that every child is unique and we are committed to ensuring that appropriate provision, support and challenge are in place for every learner—regardless of their starting point.

1. Coherent and Strategic

Teachers give careful consideration to the sequencing and planning of lessons, allowing for  deep and purposeful learning. Links are made where relevant in order to enhance learning.

1. Enrichment

We strive to provide our pupils with opportunities which aim to promote their personal development outside the taught curriculum. We find ways  to encourage pupils to further  develop their talents and interests beyond the National Curriculum.