Curriculum

Intent

At St Barnabas, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and a genuine love of learning. We want every child to feel a strong sense of belonging and to be so engaged in their day that they cannot wait to share their experiences at home.

Our intent is to:

• Provide a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that follows the National Curriculum and reflects our Christian values of love, belonging and aspiration.

• Offer learning that is meaningful and rooted in engaging topics, high quality texts and purposeful experiences.

• Nurture independence, resilience and problem solving so that every child is confident to face new challenges.

• Encourage children to think hard about their learning, developing deep understanding rather than surface knowledge.

• Promote respect for themselves, others and our community, underpinned by British values.

• Enrich learning through memorable opportunities such as educational visits, visitors, cultural experiences and the active involvement of parents.

Through this approach, we aim for all children to feel loved, valued and inspired to achieve their very best.

Implementation

Early Years

In our Nursery and Reception classes, children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, building upon their earliest experiences through play, exploration and purposeful learning. Our carefully planned provision ensures every child has a strong start to their education, nurturing curiosity, confidence and a love of learning from the very beginning. Through caring relationships and engaging environments, children develop the firm foundations they need to thrive as they move into Year 1.

Key Stages 1 and 2

From Year 1, our pupils follow the National Curriculum through a carefully sequenced and connected approach. We use the CUSP curriculum for most of our curriculum. This structured and knowledge rich curriculum supports pupils to build new learning on secure foundations, revisit key concepts over time and make meaningful connections across subjects.

Across lessons, teachers follow a consistent teaching sequence which supports children to connect prior learning, receive clear explanations, explore high quality examples, attempt new learning, apply their knowledge and be challenged to think more deeply. This approach encourages pupils to think hard, develop resilience and believe that they can succeed.

Thinking Hard

At St Barnabas, we believe that learning should be challenging, purposeful and rewarding. Thinking hard means children are encouraged to grapple with new ideas, make connections, practise, reflect and persevere even when learning feels tricky.

Across subjects, lessons follow a consistent teaching sequence that helps pupils connect what they already know with new learning, receive clear explanations and see high quality examples. Teachers carefully spotlight the most important information, breaking learning into manageable steps and reducing cognitive load so that children can focus their attention on what really matters.

Pupils are given opportunities to practise with support before applying their understanding independently and being challenged to deepen their thinking further.

Through this approach, children develop resilience, confidence and a growth mindset. They learn that mistakes are part of learning, effort leads to improvement and everyone is capable of success. Thinking hard supports our values of love, belonging and aspiration, ensuring every child feels safe to take risks, valued as a learner and inspired to reach their full potential.

Enrichment

Beyond the classroom, we provide a wealth of enrichment opportunities including educational and residential visits, expert workshops, cultural and sporting events, and opportunities for parents and carers to share in learning. These experiences help children see the wider world around them, develop a sense of belonging and aspire to make their own positive contribution.

Approach to Learning

Our teaching is interactive, inclusive and child centred. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, think deeply, work collaboratively and reflect on their progress as learners. High standards of presentation and pride in every piece of work are celebrated as part of our culture of aspiration and care.

Personal Development

Alongside the academic curriculum, Religious Education, PSHE and our collective worship help children grow socially, emotionally and spiritually. Through this, we nurture a deep sense of love and belonging, encouraging every child to thrive both within school and beyond.  Please see our personal development section of our website to see all the other amazing things our children do. 

Impact

The impact of our curriculum can be seen in:

• Children who are enthusiastic, motivated and love to learn.

• Pupils who are well prepared for the next stage of their education, both academically and personally.

• High quality work that demonstrates pride, progress and aspiration.

• Confident, resilient and respectful learners who contribute positively to our school and wider community.

• Children who have developed a strong sense of belonging and who understand that they are loved, valued and capable of great things.

Our curriculum ensures that every child at St Barnabas flourishes, rooted in love, secure in belonging, and reaching ever higher in their aspirations.