Curriculum
IntroductionSo God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them, " (Genesis 1:27)
At Our Lady of the Rosary, our curriculum is rooted in our Catholic faith and our belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every child, created and loved by God. Inspired by our mission of Joy, Excellence and Service, we believe that access to an ambitious, engaging and progressive curriculum is every child’s right and an entitlement that we have a responsibility to provide.
Our curriculum enables every child to develop knowledge and skills across a rich breadth of subjects. Carefully sequenced and progressive learning builds secure knowledge, which in turn enables pupils to apply their skills with increasing confidence, independence and understanding. This strong academic foundation is enriched through purposeful and memorable experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity and a genuine joy in learning.
Education at Our Lady of the Rosary is about more than academic achievement. Through the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to recognise their God-given gifts, develop them fully and understand how they can use their knowledge, talents and actions in service of others. In this way, the curriculum contributes to the formation of the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, morally and spiritually.
Our curriculum is:
A - AmbitiousOur curriculum reflects our belief that every child is capable of growth and achievement. It sets high expectations for every pupil and fosters a culture of academic excellence, perseverance and personal growth. Learning is challenging, aspirational and carefully sequenced so that pupils develop deep knowledge, rich vocabulary and strong skills across all subjects.
Inspired by our mission of Excellence, pupils are encouraged to give of their best, not simply for personal success, but as a response to the gifts and talents God has given them. Teachers expect every pupil to engage meaningfully, think deeply, ask questions and develop the confidence and independence needed to reach their full God-given potential.
B - Bespoke
Our curriculum belongs to Our Lady of the Rosary. It is shaped by our Catholic identity, our pupils, our community and the context in which they are growing up. It reflects the needs, experiences, cultures and backgrounds of the children and families served by the school, while also opening pupils' eyes to lives, communities and perspectives beyond their own.
Learning approaches and resources are selected purposefully so that all pupils can participate and flourish. Through carefully chosen experiences, pupils develop an understanding of their place within their local community, the Church and the wider world. Catholic Social Teaching helps them to recognise the dignity of every person, their responsibility towards others and their call to contribute positively to the common good.
C - Child-centred
Our curriculum begins with the child and with the Catholic understanding that every person is unique, precious and made in the image and likeness of God. It is grounded in an understanding of child development and seeks the formation of the whole person: intellectually, emotionally, socially, morally and spiritually.
Learning is engaging, relevant and purposeful, nurturing curiosity and a Joy in learning. Safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and individual need are central to curriculum decision-making so that every pupil is able to belong, participate and achieve.
Children are not passive recipients of knowledge. They are encouraged to question, explore, reflect, make connections and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Their voices are valued and their individual gifts recognised, helping them to grow in confidence and understand how those gifts can be used in Service of others.
D - Distinctly Catholic
Our Catholic faith does not sit alongside the curriculum; it shapes its purpose and the way in which it is lived.
The curriculum is rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church, helping pupils to understand the world, their place within it and their responsibility towards others. Catholic Social Teaching provides an important lens through which pupils explore human dignity, solidarity, stewardship, the common good and care for those who are most vulnerable.
Religious Education has a central place within the curriculum, while prayer, worship and the liturgical life of the Church permeate wider school life. Across subjects, pupils encounter opportunities to wonder, question, reflect and respond, recognising the relationship between faith, knowledge and action.
Ultimately, our curriculum seeks to form young people who recognise themselves as loved by God and called to live out their faith through Joy, Excellence and Service: using their knowledge, gifts and talents to serve others, care for creation and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
Our curriculum in action
This section details the content taught within each academic year and subject. Further information can also be found on our Class Pages, including termly Curriculum Newsletters.
Teachers' high aspirations ensure that the curriculum is challenging and that all pupils are supported to develop knowledge, independence, confidence and ambition. High expectations permeate all aspects of school life, and pupils develop a strong sense of pride in belonging to Our Lady of the Rosary. They learn that excellence involves perseverance, curiosity, resilience and a willingness to keep growing.
Our ambition is that every child who leaves Our Lady of the Rosary is equipped not simply for the next stage of education, but for life. Pupils should leave knowing their worth, recognising their God-given gifts and understanding their responsibility to use those gifts well. They should have the knowledge and confidence to demand the best of themselves, the compassion to serve others and the courage to play their part in making society a better place, secure in the knowledge that God is always by their side.
Our wider curriculum reflects our belief in the uniqueness of every individual and provides opportunities for pupils to discover and develop their varied talents and interests. Through these experiences, children are encouraged to find what brings them joy, pursue excellence and recognise the many ways in which their gifts can be placed at the service of others.
At Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, we follow
National Curriculum for England