Curriculum at St Peter's 

Our curriculum will be a broad and balanced one; one which opens doors to future success and promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all our pupils. Our curriculum will consider the possibilities for learning, not just in structured lessons, but in the spaces in between, the wider school environment and in the behaviour and values of all those working in the school.

Our curriculum will deliver appropriate and ambitious possibilities and experiences to enable our pupils to become confident and responsible citizens. We will provide the necessary ‘cultural capital’ to give our children the vital background knowledge required to be thoughtful members of our community, and the wider world. Cultural capital is gained through exposure to a wide variety of texts; rich and varied subject specific, academic and literary vocabulary; wide general knowledge; possibilities of experiencing the arts (theatre, museums and music) and an understanding of British values.

At St Peter's First School we believe in a broad and balanced curriculum, incorporating the Curriculum Guidance for Early Years and Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum, in well-resourced and stimulating surroundings.  This promotes a positive, challenging and enjoyable learning experience which meets all our children’s needs and abilities. To enable all our children to enjoy, achieve and develop creative approaches to thinking and learning, the curriculum is delivered through topics and experiential learning opportunities through visits and trips off site. We also ensure that the children experience a variety of visitors to school such as theatre groups.

We strongly believe that children need to develop social and emotional skills if they are to participate effectively in our society. It is our awareness of this need which has led to the broad, experiential form of curriculum organisation that we have adopted, and to the inclusion of a Personal, Social and Health Education programme in our curriculum.

The class teacher is responsible for teaching the entire curriculum.  We also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities which support and motivate children to achieve their full potential in areas such as sport, the arts and outdoor learning. 

A new National Curriculum was introduced from September 2014.  Staff at St Peter's First School devised a long term curriculum plan based upon the new programmes of study stipulated and with careful consideration of the needs of our children. We maintain our belief that learning is lifelong and that the skills and attitudes we instil in the early stages of our children’s lives should stand them in good stead for the future.

At St Peter's First School all class teachers are responsible for providing a curriculum that is suitable for all children in the class, including those with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) with support from the SENCo. We have high expectations for all pupils and are committed to ensuring our curriculum complies with the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014. Our inclusion statement emphasises the importance of providing an inclusive learning environment for all pupils including those with SEND. Additional information on this can be found in our Special Education Needs Information Report and Equalities Policy.