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.

• 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

• 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 Reading, Writing, Science, Computing, Art, Design and Technology, French, History and Geography. This structured and knowledge-rich curriculum ensures depth, coherence and progression, enabling children to revisit and build upon prior knowledge as they move through the school.

  In Music, we follow Charanga’s Model Music Curriculum, ensuring that every child has access to a rich and joyful musical education that builds confidence and creativity.

  Our PSHE curriculum is delivered through Jigsaw, supporting children’s personal development, emotional wellbeing and understanding of themselves and others.

  Religious Education is taught through Emmanuel Project, Discover RE and Understanding Christianity, helping pupils to explore faith, belief and the importance of love and belonging in a diverse and ever-changing world.

  In Mathematics, we follow White Rose Maths alongside Mastering Number, providing a strong foundation in fluency, reasoning and problem-solving from the earliest years.

  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.

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.