Our Wider Curriculum
Curriculum overview
At St. George’s, we pride ourselves on our broad and balanced wider curriculum through which we aim to foster in our pupils an appreciation of "Life in all its Fullness" (John 10:10). Our Intent is to provide an engaging, curriculum, with its roots in our local community. We recognise that our pupils have a wide range of strengths and recognise and celebrate these through our wider curriculum.
To learn what each year group covers across the curriculum during the academic year, please see the yearly curriculum overview click here.
History and Geography
At St George’s, we are utilising work by Chris Quigley to develop a curriculum which progressively builds knowledge and understanding of core historical and geographical topics and concepts.
History
At St George’s we aim to develop a love of learning about the past and how this has impacted the future and will continue to, throughout time.
In our Early Years provision children explore their own history, looking at themselves as babies and changes in their lives so far, people around us and objects and photos, old and new. Children are introduced to new vocabulary and ask questions about others and the world around them.
In KS1 the children explore significant people for example, Neil Armstrong, and the impact they have had on the world. They also learn about significant events, ranging from the Great Fire of London and the first flight and the impact these events have had on our lives.
Geography
At St George’s, we offer high-quality Geography education that inspires pupil’s curiosity and fascination about the world and people. Teaching equips pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.
In our Early Years provision, children develop their knowledge and understanding of the world through carefully crafted teaching and provision. Teaching is driven through books to engage and capture the children, developing the foundations of their learning, to develop a love of Geography and awe and wonder of our world.
In Key Stage 1 pupils extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom, Australia and the wider world. This will include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. The children develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge.
Science
Teaching Science at St George’s provides an exciting opportunity to learn and develop the foundations for understanding the world, through memorable, active and enjoyable experiences.
We provide our pupils with the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science, alongside developing a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. We believe it is vital for children to see the importance of science in our world, as Science has changed our lives and it is vital for the future. We want our children to be inspired and confident to know about future career paths in STEM subjects for the future.
At St George’s we follow the White Rose Science progression of learning. Each science unit is designed to provide pupils with key concepts, which are taught practically where possible. This knowledge, along with these experiences inspire all pupils to be scientifically literate as they grow up, questioning the world around them and making links between different areas of learning. The ‘working scientifically’ aspect of the National Curriculum is an important part of science and these skills are mapped out to ensure progression.
Art & Design
Every child will have the opportunity to engage with high quality Art & Design lessons. Children are encouraged to explore being creative and imaginative, by using a variety of tools and skills.
Our aim as a school is to ensure that all children feel confident to embrace their own creativity.
The children are taught how to collage using different materials; to print and make marks with a variety of tools including their bodies; to use and manipulate textiles in multiple ways; to draw with various mediums, using different techniques and styles; to paint on and with a variety of materials; and to construct sculptures. The children will be introduced to and explore the work of multiple famous artists, such as Henry Matisse and Yayoi Kusama.
Design & Technology
Design and technology aims to develop children’s practical and technical skills, enabling them to build a variety of products. We encourage the children to use these skills alongside their imagination to show their creativity through designing their own models and structures. The children learn to evaluate both their own, and others’ products, thinking about the what went well, but also what can be improved.
The children learn a variety of skills such as joining, cutting and making moving mechanisms. They learn how to design, communicate ideas and make templates and prototypes. Part of the curriculum will focus on healthy eating and nutrition, with the children learning where their food comes from and what makes a balanced diet.
Music
“Music is all around us. It is the soundtrack to our lives. Music connects us through people and places in our ever-changing world. It is creative, collaborative, celebratory and challenging.”
(DoE MMC, 2021, p.2)
Our aspiration is to provide an inspiring, broad and rigorous music education through our curriculum. Our planning is supported by Charanga (a world leading music teaching and learning platform). Our endeavour is to develop ambition within each child as they nurture their own individual passion and love for songs and music. Our aim is to enhance their understanding of culture, diversity and history of music as they explore different genres through the years.
Children across our school will engage with a variety of live and recorded musical experiences, along with opportunities to compose, perform and appraise pieces of their own music and that of others.
Physical Education
At St George’s we recognise the importance of being active, staying fit and healthy, the effect it has on a child’s health and wellbeing and their ability to learn effectively. Through Physical Education our children build confidence and resilience, learn to enjoy activity, engage in healthy competition and persevere.
Across our school we are committed to providing all children with opportunities to engage in high-quality, inclusive PE lessons which have a clear intention, high ambition and allow children to reach their personal best. We follow Complete PE, which is a comprehensive programme that is progressive across EYFS and Key Stage 1.
Pupils within EYFS are taught the fundamental movement skills of balance, agility, coordination and core strength. Children undertake daily physical activity and have two weekly PE sessions and time outside in the wilderness. The Woodlands (EYFS) have two dedicated outdoor areas where learning is planned to develop and extend physical skills.
All Key Stage 1 children access 2 hours of high-quality PE a week. These sessions allow all children to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of sports. The Key Stage 1 curriculum is focussed around movement, gymnastics, dance, games, ball skills and health and fitness activities. Swimming is seen as an essential part of our Physical Education provision due to the location of our schools. To ensure sustained progression children in Year 2 swim fortnightly for two terms.
In addition to Physical Education lessons children are given opportunities to take part in active playtimes and lunchtimes. Extra-curricular activities are planned to extend sports taught during curriculum time and offer new experiences. We also look for opportunities to be involved with other programmes such as Tennis for Kids, Balance ability and Chance to Shine cricket programmes.
Computing
At St George’s pupils will have the opportunity to learn a large variety of computing skills whilst using a range of resources such as laptops and Beebots, in order to equip them with the necessary competence for a technological world. Most of us depend and rely on technology, as computers are now an integral part to everyday life, therefore, it is vital that children are readied and prepared to join in with this rapidly evolving digital world.
Curiosity, being one of our values we promote at St Georges, is at the core of our ICT curriculum. We teach our children how computers work, how programmes are written, and how video games are coded. This knowledge and understanding can open up a multitude of paths to careers in computing.
Religious Education
“The principal aim of religious education is to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religions and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.” Devon and Torbay Agreed Syllabus (2019-2024)
As a Church of England School, our children develop a knowledge of Christian beliefs and practices so that they understand the importance of the Bible, the role of the Church and recognise that for Christians, faith provides a way of interpreting life and its meaning. Across the school children develop a knowledge and understanding of world faiths and non-faith communities. They foster open mindedness and a positive attitude of acceptance and respect for variety, diversity, expression and practice in religious and non-religious beliefs. Children explore their own beliefs and sense of belonging and are encouraged to investigate, ask questions, reflect, interpret and empathise; developing their own beliefs and valuing and those of others.
RE is planned in accordance with the Devon and Torbay Agreed Syllabus for RE (2019) At St George’s, RE is a lively, active and motivating subject. Teachers employ a variety of teaching methods including art, music, discussion, the development of thinking skills, drama, the use of artefacts, pictures, stories and reflection. Where possible children have opportunities to encounter local faith communities and visit local places of worship.
Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE)
PSHE is a vital part of school life and one which our school promotes strongly. This supports our pupils in becoming good, caring citizens of the future who can make a positive contribution to society.
At St George’s we develop each child’s awareness of themselves and their ability to take responsibility for their own social, physical and mental well-being.
Our planning is supported by the JIGSAW PSHE scheme. Jigsaw is a comprehensive PSHE Education programme that brings together PSHE Education, compulsory Relationships and Health Education, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development.
The schemes of work are divided into 'puzzle pieces' and a puzzle piece is one half-term in length and each year the children will cover six pieces. The Jigsaw scheme of work is one of the only schemes badged and quality assured by the PSHE Association.
Below are some links to documents including more detail about our approach to PSHE here at our school. There is also a specific guide for the Relationship and Sex Education element of the curriculum and some additional information below should you wish to find out more.
Please speak to your child's class teacher should you require any more information about PSHE, our staff are always available to answer any questions you may have.
Sex and Relationships Education
Sex and Relationships Education is a small part of our health /PSHE programme and is also taught through the Jigsaw scheme of work.
We will answer questions sensitively, factually and with consideration for any social, cultural and religious factors. The natural development of the subject means that we would explain fully all aspects of the physical and emotional changes experienced by children as they reach puberty.
We also make sure parents are informed when the children will be completing this part of the curriculum to follow up any questions that may be raised at home. If parents would like to know more about our work in this area, we would be happy to discuss this further.
RSHE - Jigsaw guide for parents and carers
Understanding Relationships and Health Education in your child’s primary school: a guide for parents