Our Curriculum Statement
At St Martin’s, our curriculum is rooted in our Christian vision and values, designed to nurture every child as a unique and valued individual. We believe that every child is a gift from God, blessed with talents and potential that deserve to be recognised, celebrated, and cultivated. Our curriculum is the vehicle through which we empower children to shine brightly, make a positive difference in the world, and live out our FRESH values: Friendship, Respect, Empathy, Sharing, and Humility.
What we teach
Our curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious. It is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge and skills build progressively over time, enabling children to know more, remember more, and do more. We teach a rich body of knowledge across all subjects, underpinned by high-quality texts, explicit vocabulary instruction, and opportunities for retrieval and application.
Each subject is treated with integrity and rigour. In English, children are immersed in literature that reflects diverse voices and themes, fostering empathy and critical thinking. Reading is prioritised across the school, with systematic phonics in the early years and a strong focus on fluency, comprehension, and enjoyment throughout.
In mathematics, we follow a mastery approach, ensuring deep understanding of concepts through concrete, pictorial, and abstract representations. Science is taught through enquiry and investigation, encouraging curiosity and awe at the natural world, while geography and history help children understand their place in the world and the stories that shape our communities.
Art, design, music, and physical education are integral to our curriculum, providing creative and expressive outlets that support wellbeing and personal development. Religious Education is central to our identity as a Church School, enabling children to explore faith, spirituality, and moral values in a respectful and inclusive way.
Our curriculum also includes Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, which supports children’s emotional literacy, resilience, and understanding of relationships. We ensure that children are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of modern life, including online safety, mental health, and citizenship.
How We Teach
Teaching at St Martin’s is underpinned by evidence-informed practice. We believe that all children can achieve highly when given the right support and challenge. Our teachers are subject experts who deliver lessons with clarity, enthusiasm, and precision. We use direct instruction, modelling, guided practice, and independent application to ensure that learning is secure and meaningful.
Retrieval practice is embedded across the curriculum to strengthen memory and deepen understanding. We make deliberate connections between subjects to help children see the bigger picture and apply their learning in different contexts. Assessment is used formatively to inform teaching and ensure that gaps are addressed swiftly.
We place a strong emphasis on oracy, encouraging children to articulate their thinking, reason with others, and engage in respectful dialogue. Vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited, enabling children to access complex ideas and express themselves with confidence.
Our classrooms are inclusive, nurturing environments where every child feels safe, valued, and supported. We adapt teaching to meet the needs of all learners, including those with SEND, ensuring that barriers are removed and success is achievable for all.
Learning is enriched through trips, visitors, outdoor experiences, and opportunities to engage with the wider community. We believe that education should be inspiring and joyful, and we strive to create moments of wonder and discovery that stay with children for life.
Why We Teach It
Our curriculum is designed to prepare children not just for the next stage of their education, but for life. We want our pupils to leave St Martin’s with a deep body of knowledge, a strong sense of self, and the character to make wise choices and contribute positively to society.
We teach what we do because we believe in the transformative power of education. Knowledge empowers children to understand the world, challenge injustice, and pursue their dreams. Skills enable them to communicate, collaborate, and create. Values guide them to live with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
Our curriculum reflects our Christian ethos and our commitment to developing the whole child. Through the lens of our FRESH values, we teach children to be kind friends, respectful citizens, empathetic listeners, generous sharers, and humble leaders. These values are woven into every aspect of school life, shaping the culture of our classrooms and the relationships within our community.
We are inspired by the belief that every child is made in the image of God and has a unique role to play in the world. Our curriculum helps children to discover their gifts, develop their passions, and grow in faith and confidence. We want them to know that they are loved, that they belong, and that they can make a difference.
Impact and Outcomes
We measure the impact of our curriculum through a range of qualitative and quantitative methods. Pupil voice, work scrutiny, lesson observations, and assessment data all contribute to our understanding of how well children are learning and thriving.
We are proud of the progress our children make, both academically and personally. They leave St Martin’s with strong foundations in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as a broad understanding of the world around them. They are articulate, thoughtful, and resilient, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Our curriculum supports outcomes in SIAMS and Ofsted inspections, reflecting our commitment to high standards, inclusive practice, and spiritual development. It is continually reviewed and refined to ensure that it remains relevant, rigorous, and responsive to the needs of our children and community.
Conclusion
At St Martin’s, our curriculum is more than a set of subjects—it is a reflection of who we are and what we believe. It is shaped by our vision, driven by our values, and delivered with love and purpose. We teach so that every child can flourish, knowing that they are cherished, capable, and strong in Christ.
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." – Philippians 4:13