► At St James’s we strive to ensure that every child receives a broad, balanced curriculum.  We want our children to achieve the highest possible standards in reading, writing and maths but believe it is equally important that they enjoy learning in a range of other subject areas. 

We follow the National Curriculum but enhance it with imaginative planning around topics to make the learning experience more coherent and meaningful. We enrich our curriculum through visits out of school, planning themed days around topics and arranging visitors to come in to school.  Each year group has a main topic to inform creative planning for each half term.

► Each teacher has a subject specialism and leads a subject, monitoring how it is taught, how well children are progressing and what actions the school needs to take to improve the teaching and learning the children receive. We are fortunate to have specialist teachers for Music, Art, French and Sport.

Curriculum maps

Curriculum maps for each subject show how the subject is covered across the academic year and across year groups. We have designed progression of knowledge and skills documents for each subject across all year groups.

Key concepts within each subject are broken down into learning objectives, which are further broken down into microscopic steps so that assessment is focused, providing opportunities for regular reviews of learning. Pupils requiring further adaptations, will be provided with a ‘red step’, which will support them to make progress towards the learning objective.

This ongoing assessment informs a child’s next steps in learning. Our end of year report to parents highlights the key concepts taught in each subject, giving parents a clear understanding of the knowledge and skills taught and the next steps for their child.

► At St James's we provide a rich, challenging curriculum, which stretches all of our children. Staff are aware of children’s individual needs and track their progress carefully to ensure their academic potential or talent is continually developed.

We ensure that quality first teaching is an entitlement of all learners. We believe that all children and young people are entitled to an appropriate education, one that is appropriate to their needs, promotes high standards and the fulfilment of potential.

This should enable them to: achieve their best; become confident individuals living fulfilling lives, and make a successful transition into adulthood, whether into employment, further or higher education or training.

► All aspects of our curriculum are accessible to all children, irrespective of their background, gender, disability, religious or linguistic background.

At St James's, we strive to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talents and the children who are learning English as an additional language.

Year Group Curriculum Overviews

If you would like any further information regarding the curriculum, please contact Mr Vander Vloet, Deputy Headteacher.Info@st-james.richmond.sch.uk