Curriculum Overview

At 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. 

In 2013, when our curriculum was first embedded across the school, the impact was huge, as evidenced by the behaviour and personal growth of the children in our care.  This in turn, has ensured that high standards are sustained but not at the cost of curriculum breadth. 

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 is values-based and unique to us.  

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 (see below) shares an overview of learning themes, key questions (see 'Learning Journeys' below) and enhancement activities from Year R to Year 6.  This, and the Schemes of Work (see below) overview, ensure full curriculum coverage, appropriate breadth and balance and teaching strategies to support the learning and retention of new knowledge and skills. This overview is the responsibility of the Senior Leadership Team. 
  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 R 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 or through the school office.  Curriculum Newsletters are sent home every term.

Due to the impact of the Lockdown, we have reviewed our curriculum plans for the Autumn Term 2020.  ALL subjects will continue to be taught, although some learning topics may be summarised to cover key knowledge, delayed until the following year, or merged with other topics.  Residential visits are currently not taking place but this is under constant review.