Curriculum

At St Nicholas, we understand that children experience just one childhood and we care deeply that their time in school should be fun and engaging. The curriculum we offer, ensures that our children are happy at school, achieve well and leave St Nicholas as confident, respectful and well-rounded young people. Many of our children are fortunate, but they have little experience of diversity. Our curriculum is therefore designed with the aim of children developing a deeper understanding of difference and thankfulness for what we have.

Whilst based on the National Curriculum and Statutory Framework for Early Years (see below), the St Nicholas curriculum has been adapted to meet the changing needs of the children and the community and with more specific consideration for those children who have a special need or who are disadvantaged in some way. We have created a stimulating and challenging curriculum which has ensured that high standards are sustained, but not at the cost of curriculum breadth.

Although our curriculum is formally reviewed annually, we hold onto some common strands that positively impact our goals and are at the heart of our shared vision. They are: -

our shared values informed by the teachings of Jesus Christ, are woven into learning topics and the life of the school.
for children of all faiths and none to share a sense of spirituality that helps them thrive academically and personally.
opportunities allow for children to grow in confidence, think for themselves, value diversity and be able to contribute positively to the community and the world in which they live.

Our Whole School Curriculum Map shares an overview of learning themes and enhancement activities from Year Reception to Year 6. This ensures full curriculum coverage, appropriate breadth and balance and teaching strategies to support the learning and retention of new knowledge and skills.

On the whole, knowledge and skills are taught in discrete subjects but Curriculum Teams* (see below) work together to agree where learning can be more meaningful when taught through inter-connected subjects. This extends opportunities for Speaking, Reading, Writing and Mathematics in more varied contexts.

Where it is considered appropriate for meeting learning needs, Subject Leaders time-block some units of work. This allows children to complete projects over a shorter period of time. It can also extend opportunities for more collaborative team-work, consolidation of key learning and provide some additional curriculum time to focus on sustaining healthy physical, emotional and spiritual growth.

The curriculum is further expanded into Termly Subject Overviews or Schemes of Work. These overviews detail how knowledge and skills are sequenced from Year Reception to Year 6 as children progress through the school. With the support of the Senior Leadership Team, Subject Leaders ensure that new learning is progressive, implemented effectively and that teachers are equipped with the specialist subject knowledge and resources to support the highest possible achievement.

Further information can be found on the Year Group and Subject tabs.

Please find below the curriculum maps for all year groups.

Forest School

At St Nicholas School, Forest School plays a vital role in supporting children’s wellbeing and personal development. It provides a calm, nurturing environment where children can explore freely, ask meaningful questions, and gain a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature.
Through sensory experiences, outdoor exploration, creative expression, and reflective moments, children learn to recognise their own feelings, thoughts, and values. They are encouraged to care for living things, respect the world around them, work collaboratively, and find peace in natural spaces.
Forest School fosters independence and resilience, as children are supported to understand themselves, express their ideas, manage their feelings and work collaboratively.
In each session, children are encouraged to consider how they are part of something bigger than themselves. This is a spiritual experience, which aligns with our school vision and ethos as a Church school. Children develop a sense of identity; experiencing curiosity, awe and wonder, and a connection to themselves, others, and the natural world.

We run a Forest School Club and there are curriculum sessions throughout the year. We have two trained Forest School Leads, Mrs Chandler and Miss Evans.