Our Curriculum
Inspiring a Love of Learning
Teachers have exceptionally high expectations of pupils. Pupils strive to meet these expectations. Pupils say learning is exciting and fun
OFSTED APRIL 2024
Please see our one page overview about the St Mary’s curriculum below:
curriculum 2026 sketch wow.pdf
Parents can find out more about our curriculum by looking at the curriculum statements for each subject, the long term plans for each subject and year group and the knowledge organisers.
At St Mary’s Horsforth, our pupils will develop the appropriate subject specific knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. As a Catholic school, the teachings of the Gospels are at the centre of everything we do. We are preparing our children to be curious and life-long learners who are active and respectful members of society.
The stimulating and experience-rich curriculum at St. Mary's Horsforth is designed to incorporate Ofsted's working definition of curriculum, being: “A framework for setting out the aims of a programme of education, including the knowledge and understanding to be gained at each stage (intent)… …for translating that framework over time into a structure and narrative, within an institutional context (implementation)… …and for evaluating what knowledge and understanding pupils have gained against expectations (impact).” Ofsted March 2018.
To find out more about our curriculum, please see the knowledge organisers for each year group under the heading knowledge organisers and long term plans under the curriculum tab.
Intent
At St Mary's Horsforth, we provide an ambitious, inclusive and knowledge-rich curriculum that enables all pupils to achieve their full potential. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build on prior learning, ensuring children develop secure knowledge, subject-specific skills and rich vocabulary over time.
Through high-quality teaching, we inspire curiosity, creativity and resilience, encouraging pupils to think deeply, ask questions and become confident learners. Our curriculum reflects our community while broadening children's experiences and understanding of the wider world.
We aim to develop well-rounded, compassionate and independent individuals who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.
Implementation
At St Mary's Horsforth, we provide an ambitious, inclusive and knowledge-rich curriculum that enables all pupils to flourish academically, spiritually and personally. Rooted in our Catholic faith, our curriculum develops children's understanding of the world, their place within it, and the events and people that have shaped it.
We place a strong emphasis on foundational skills, ensuring that every child develops secure literacy, communication, numeracy and learning behaviours that underpin success across the curriculum and beyond. These essential skills provide children with the confidence and independence to access increasingly complex learning as they progress through school.
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge, skills and vocabulary over time, ensuring that learning is progressive and accessible for all pupils. We have high expectations across all subjects and place equal value on the wider curriculum, providing a broad and balanced education that prepares children for future learning and life beyond the classroom.
Through high-quality teaching, challenging texts and explicit vocabulary instruction, pupils deepen their understanding, think critically and communicate effectively. Learning is enriched through educational visits, visitors and first-hand experiences, helping children make meaningful connections and apply their learning in different contexts.
We are proud to serve our community and make purposeful links to Horsforth, Leeds and Yorkshire throughout our curriculum. These connections help children develop a strong sense of identity, belonging and responsibility, reflected in the respect and care they show for one another, their environment and the wider world.
By the time they leave St Mary's, our pupils are knowledgeable, articulate, compassionate and resilient young people, equipped with the foundational skills, values and confidence they need to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.
Impact
Our curriculum enables children to recognise and develop their God-given gifts, talents and potential. Strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics allow pupils to access a broad and ambitious curriculum and achieve highly across all subjects.
Through carefully sequenced learning, children build secure knowledge and understanding over time, enabling them to apply their learning confidently in a range of contexts. They develop as resilient, independent learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
We want every child to leave St Mary's with a strong understanding of their local community, the wider world and their role within it. Our pupils demonstrate kindness, respect and responsibility, reflecting our Catholic values in their daily lives.
Children's achievements are celebrated throughout the school, creating a vibrant learning environment that reflects our high aspirations, shared successes and strong sense of community.