National Curriculum

We follow the National Curriculum throughout the school. Developing children’s English and Maths is central to our teaching and learning. We spend time each day on these essential skills.

We use a cross-curricular approach to learning, when appropriate, helping children to learn in meaningful contexts, independently and in collaboration.

Wherever possible we encourage creativity and support the children in expressing themselves, in all areas of the curriculum, to develop their confidence and foster cooperation.

We place a strong emphasis on the creative arts, personal, social, health and ecomonic education (PSHE), including e-safety, physical education and outdoor learning.

If you require additional information about the curriculum please contact the school office.

Long Term Plans 2020-21 ongoing

 

Curriculum Maps

At the start of each term the class teachers send home a “curriculum map”, showing the main themes and areas of learning the children will be working on that term. We hope that this helps to keep families informed, and able to support the children’s interests and activities.

As part of our continuing story-telling project, the teachers place a story at the centre of each curriculum map, as the starting point for the topic and the term.

 

 

English at St Mary & St John

The teachers at our school use a rich text as a stimulus for creative and engaging English lessons. Click the link below to learn more.

The use of rich texts at St Mary and St John

Phonics & Reading

At St Mary and St John, we use the Letters and Sounds scheme to teach phonics throughout Key Stage 1. To support early reading, we use a range of high-quality resources, including the Read, Write, Inc and Alien Adventures series to ensure that children enjoy their reading sessions and make good progress. In KS2, children take part in daily guided reading sessions which focus on a novel. Children throughout the school are encouraged to read daily and use a reading record to keep a track of their reading.

Reading for pleasure is incredibly important at St Mary and John. We have a fantastic new library for the children to explore and have a number of exciting reading events that take place throughout the year. Class teachers read to their class regularly and everyone in the school is encouraged to share their enthusiasm for their favourite books and authors.

 

 

Maths at St Mary & St John

Our maths calculation policy and resources are a guide to support our parents when working with their children at home. It shows methods which are currently taught in our school.

Maths – Progress in Understanding Mathematics Assessment (PUMA) – Medium Term Plans

 

Assessment

We are using a system of summative assessment as our ongoing assessment system. Every child in Y1 – Y6 does a Progress and Understanding in Mathematics Assessment (PUMA), every child in Y2 – Y6 does a Progress in Reading Assessment (PIRA) and every child in Y3 – Y6 does a Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Assessment (GAPS). Year 1 do a phonics screen based on the annual phonics screening assessment. The raw score from all these tests is converted into a standardised score. These results are the basis of the Pupil Progress Meetings alongside a detailed report from the teacher. The results are put into quartiles for each subject: Well Below Expected, Below Expected, Expected, Above Expected.

Swimming at St Mary & St John

The school has use of the nearby Oxford University Rosenblatt Pool for swimming sessions.

This is a lovely pool, large (25 m x 17 m) and well equipped, with good changing areas. It is part of the Oxford University Sports Complex on Iffley Road, and the children walk to and from the sessions, in supervised groups, along Meadow Lane and Jackdaw Lane.

On swimming days children need to bring to school a swimsuit, a towel and a swimming cap, in a waterproof bag. Caps can be bought at the school office at Meadow Lane.

 

 

Music at St Mary & St John

 

Music is an important part of the school curriculum, and all children take part in singing and general music sessions in school. Some children may also wish to join the Mary & John Orchestra Strings Group or sing with the choir.

For children who would like to learn a musical instrument in school, Oxfordshire Music Service and some school specific music teachers provide a range of lessons.

 

Sports & Outdoor Learning at St Mary & St John

 

We have a specialist PE teacher who comes in twice a week and teaches all children in Key Stage 2. The children are given the opportunity to take part in sports festivals and sports competitions. We have a boys and girls football team who train weekly and play regularly.

Every year our Year 6 children go on a fun filled residential trip to Woodlands Centre in Wales. When the children stay at the centre they have a week of outdoor activities including: canoeing, climbing, abseiling, mountain walking, orienteering and caving. This week is often one of the highlights of the children’s year.