Curriculum Intent

At St Thomas More Primary School, we value every child as an individual with unique potential. As an inclusive Catholic community, we aim to nurture children to grow, learn and achieve together in God’s presence. Our values of Unity, Humility, Respect, Determination and Fairness, alongside British Values, underpin all aspects of school life and drive our curriculum. We promote high expectations, positive relationships and the formation of the whole child.

Our curriculum meets the requirements of the National Curriculum and is designed to develop confident, independent learners with high aspirations. We aim to develop pupils academically, morally and spiritually so they can contribute positively to their school, parish and wider society as responsible global citizens.

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Curriculum Design

Our curriculum is designed to:

• Promote wellbeing, resilience and positive mental health in a safe, inclusive environment

• Provide a structured, ambitious and engaging learning framework for all pupils

• Ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills from Nursery to Year 6

• Build new learning on prior knowledge to support long-term understanding

• Offer a broad range of academic, creative, technical and sporting opportunities

• Support spiritual, moral, social and cultural development

• Develop independence, perseverance and a love of learning

• Equip pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital needed for future success

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Religious Education

Religious Education is central to school life and is woven through the curriculum, collective worship and Catholic Life of the school. Guided by Gospel values and virtues, RE is inclusive, engaging and respectful of all beliefs. The school provides a strong witness to the Catholic faith, ensuring every child feels valued and supported to achieve their full potential.

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Curriculum Implementation

Knowledge underpins skill development, and we aim for children to know more and remember more. Learning is carefully sequenced, with meaningful cross-curricular links where appropriate. EYFS and National Curriculum progression is mapped across all subjects, with English and Maths given high priority.

The curriculum is delivered through engaging annual plans supported by detailed medium-term planning. Trips, visitors and experiences enrich learning and raise motivation. Retrieval practice, including lesson ‘flashbacks’, supports long-term memory and builds on prior learning.

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Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

We follow the EYFS framework, offering a rich, engaging curriculum that supports children’s development and curiosity. Early Reading is a priority, with Little Wandle Letters and Sounds used from Nursery onwards. Reading is central to learning, ensuring all pupils learn to read as early as possible.

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Curriculum Impact

Our curriculum enables all pupils to make strong progress from their starting points and achieve their full potential. High-quality teaching, supported by targeted interventions, ensures individual needs are met. Pupils develop strong knowledge, skills and positive learning behaviours, leading to confidence, enjoyment and excellent behaviour.

When pupils leave St Thomas More, they are well-prepared for secondary education with strong academic foundations, resilience, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Our Growth Mindset approach develops curiosity, empathy, responsibility and collaboration, helping pupils become confident, aspirational role models.

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Monitoring and Review

Progress is monitored through ongoing assessment, pupil work, pupil voice, quizzes and formal assessments. Senior and Subject Leaders review progress termly. Skills progression frameworks support planning and assessment, and progress is shared with parents through meetings and reports.

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Subject Leadership

Subject leaders play a key role in maintaining and improving curriculum quality. They:

• Provide strategic leadership for their subject

• Support and advise staff

• Monitor teaching, learning and pupil progress

• Manage resources effectively

• Stay informed of national and local developments

• Review and improve subject provision in line with school priorities

• Report strengths and areas for development to senior leadership

Partnerships with Families

We value strong partnerships with families to support children’s learning at home and in school. Meet the Teacher evenings at the start of the year give parents and carers the opportunity to meet staff, learn about the curriculum, routines and ways to support homework.

Formal Parents’ Evenings are held twice a year, with a written report shared in the summer term. Book Look events allow children to share their learning with families, and parents are invited to attend class prayer services. Alongside these events, we maintain an open-door policy and encourage regular, informal communication with parents and carers.