Our Curriculum
Our Curriculum
At The Mortimer Federation, we follow the National Curriculum. Please click on the link for further information: National Curriculum
We follow the Letters and Sounds phases and use Jolly Phonics Scheme to support our teaching. This involves images, songs, actions and props linked to each sound taught which lends itself well to a multisensory teaching approach.
Throughout the federation, we follow Oxford Levels for book bands. Through this, all children can access a diverse range of texts in the classroom and at home.
Foundation stage
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The Foundation Stage is a vital time in which our children settle into school life and are supported in becoming happy, confident, independent learners. The curriculum covers seven areas of learning.
Communication and Language focuses on giving children the opportunities to experience a rich language environment, develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves and to speak and listen in a range of situations. This also focuses on developing the children’s listening and attention skills in a range of different situations.
Physical Development focuses on providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive and to develop their co-ordination, control and movement on both a large and small scale. Children are also helped to understand the importance of physical activity and to make healthy choices in relation to food.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development focuses on helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others. This involves forming positive relationships and developing respect for others, developing social skills and learning how to manage their feelings; helping children understand appropriate behaviour in groups and to have confidence in their own abilities.
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Mathematics focuses on providing the children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems and to talk about shapes, space and measures.
Literacy focuses on providing the children with the opportunity to develop their reading and writing skills through the application of their phonic knowledge. Children are encouraged to develop a love for reading and use their imaginations to craft well thought through sentences.
Understanding the World focuses on providing the children with opportunities to develop their understanding of the world around them, both past and present. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the differences and similarities they see both in the natural world as well as between themselves and others and be sensitive to any differences. Children will also learn age appropriate IT skills.
Expressive Arts and Design focuses on enabling the children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. Children are provided with opportunities and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design technology.
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The characteristics of effective learning describe factors which play a central role in a child’s learning and in becoming an effective learner. They run through and underpin all seven areas of learning and development, representing processes rather than outcomes. There are three characteristics of an effective learner:
Playing and exploring – engagement
- Finding out and exploring
- Playing with what they know
- Being willing to ‘have a go
Active learning – motivation
- Being involved and concentrating
- Keeping trying
- Enjoying achieving what they set out to do
Creating and thinking critically
- Having their own ideas
- Making links
- Choosing ways to do things
Foundation Stage Class Teachers will assess the children in each of the Characteristics of Effective Learning and report this to parents.
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Please hand to your child’s teacher any reports or paperwork you may have from their previous school/nursery. This information is important to us as it enables us to build a clear picture of your child.
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In the Foundation Stage we provide an online learning journal. This will contain a record of your child’s achievements from both at home and at school. This will be compiled by both you the parent and us at School. Further information will be sent home when your child starts school.
Key Stage 1
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We want our children to become confident speakers, fluent readers and competent writers. Reading is carefully monitored and children are encouraged to read for understanding and pleasure. The children participate in discussions and make predictions based on what they have read. As children’s reading skills develop, they learn to read for information from the wealth of books in classrooms or the school library.
Children are encouraged to develop their spoken language through questioning, discussion and drama. Personal writing forms an important part of the subject. This takes many forms including: actual, imaginative and descriptive writing. Our children examine a wide range of stories, poems, plays and information books. The children are given opportunities to enhance their vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of grammar and spelling. Handwriting is taught throughout the school in continuous cursive script.
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Mathematics is an important part of the curriculum and we want our children to develop an enthusiasm and interest in the subject. They experience working with and applying numbers, money, measuring length as well as mass, capacity and time. They will also look at the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, understand and give directions and make and interpreting data in different graphs. Children are encouraged to apply their knowledge to solve different problems. Children will also develop confidence and fluency in mental calculation.
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We aim to help children develop lively and enquiring minds and acquire some of the basic skills relevant to adult life. We want our children to understand and appreciate the world they live in and develop an understanding of science. Children are taught the skills of scientific enquiry to develop their knowledge and understanding of life processes and living things, materials and their properties and physical processes. We use practical activities to promote an exchange of ideas, questioning and logical thinking.
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Our children will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They will learn about their surroundings and gain an understanding of a variety of physical and human environments. We aim to extend children’s interest and knowledge beyond their immediate experience and help them to interpret the world in which they live, by encouraging them to ask questions and to develop a responsibility for the earth and its people.
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We want our children to be aware of their personal and cultural background and the society in which they belong. We help children develop an awareness of Britain’s past and that of the wider world, through questioning and the use of historical sources. We encourage children to be aware of the changes in their own lives and those of their family.
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In our ever increasing technological world, it is essential that children are equipped to take advantage of the opportunities which ICT provides. Our pupils are taught the principals of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to create and debug simple programs. We aim to develop children’s computing capability in all areas of the curriculum using a range of software incorporating cross-curricular links. Our children have access to a variety of technologies including iPads, digital cameras, programmable robot toys, interactive boards and the internet. Children’s access to the internet is closely controlled and all our computers have internet filter protection. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when using technology in an age appropriate way.
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Our children use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. They are taught to develop their design and technology capabilities through a combination of knowledge, design and construction. We aim for the children to be able to identify a purpose for their work, and then plan, make and evaluate. The children use tools and work in a safe manner.
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Musical activities can give great pleasure to children. Class music lessons involve singing and work on rhythm using percussion and tuned instruments. We aim to develop abilities and interests in making and appreciating music. We perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions. Whole school singing plays an important role both within the school and the wider school community.
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Whilst enjoying a PE lesson, children are using communicating skills, developing language, co-operating and using logical thought. Physical Education is important for developing health for life, in body and mind. Mortimer St. John’s offers a progressive and structured programme of physical activities, which cover gymnastics, dance and game skills. Our pupils engage in competitive and cooperative physical activities. Dance and Multi Sports specialists work with the children on a regular basis enhancing their learning in this area.
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We want to develop children’s understanding of colour, line, shape, form, texture, tone and pattern. Our children experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. This is achieved through working with a variety of media such as pastels, paint, fabric and clay and learning a repertoire of technical skills. Studying the work of famous artists also forms a significant part of the art curriculum.
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As a Church of England School we seek to develop Christian attitudes. Through Bible and other stories we strive to develop an appreciation of the influence that each of us has on those around us. We follow the Christian calendar, particularly celebrating Christmas, Easter and Harvest Festival. It is also important that the children understand the history behind and beliefs of other faiths.
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Health Education and Relationship Education encompasses work which is centred on attitudes, feelings and an understanding of ourselves and our relationship with others.
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Children learn what is good mental health, how they and their bodies may change as the grow, how to keep themselves safe and how to ask for support if they need it. Children’s questions are answered frankly and straightforwardly in a factual manner appropriate to the age of the child.
Key Stage 2
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In order to build an English curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
To equip and embed children with literacy skills they need in order to succeed in life.- To plan cross-curricular, meaningful opportunities for children to express themselves.
- To promote a love for reading and writing.
- To ensure all children see themselves as readers and writers.
- To raise and maintain high standards of literacy across the school.
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In order to build a Mathematics curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- All pupils will be fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, be able to reason mathematically and use these skills to solve a variety of problems.
- Teaching will support pupils in becoming independent learners and confident and proficient with numbers.
- Lessons will cover all aspects of the Maths curriculum, including number, measurement, geometry and statistics.
- Key knowledge will be monitored regularly to ensure all content provides an opportunity to develop mathematical vocabulary, use practical resources and justify reasoning in a variety of ways including ICT.
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In order to build a Science curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To develop the knowledge and understanding of a range of living and non-living things, and processes and events and relate these to everyday experiences in their local area and beyond
- To develop the skills to observe, ask questions, group and classify objects as well as notice patterns and changes
- To develop scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them, draw conclusions and relate this back to prior knowledge
- To develop the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future, encouraging children to think about their own responsibilities to it
- To develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety
- To develop children’s natural curiosity, enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery through practical learning
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In order to build a Geography curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To develop a sense of responsibility of the environment including geographical concerns that will affect the future.
- To develop imperative skills including communicating geographical information in a variety of ways; such as map work, numerical and quantitative data and writing at length.
- To develop investigate and problem-solving skills which will have a significant impact across the curriculum.
- To develop these skills through real-life first-hand experiences to equip children for their future lives as Geographical citizens.
- To help pupils make sense of the world in which they live, and inspire them to think about their place in the world, their values, right and responsibilities.
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In order to build a History curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To develop a chronologically secure knowledge of British, local and wider world history.
- To promote children’s curiosity and equip them with the skills to enquire.
- To ensure children are selective and can evaluate the reliability of a range of evidence.
- To equip children with the skills to make connections, comparisons and contrasts.
- To develop children’s historical terminology.
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In order to build an ICT curriculum which develops learning and results in acquisitions in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To develop children’s experiences, understanding and skills of ICT and Computing, to give them a solid base for future life and study skills.
- To use ICT to enhance access to core subject areas, particularly the development of reading and writing abilities.
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In order to build a Design and Technology curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To use technical wonders of the world when researching products for designs.
- When designing and making, to use knowledge from other curriculum areas.
- To evaluate outcomes with a risk-taking mindset.
- To instil a love of cooking with a clear understanding of a healthy diet.
- To use a wealth of resources.
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In order to build a Music curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To promote a love of music and singing across a broadened curriculum.
- To respect and understand everyone’s opinions of music genres.
- For staff to deliver an inclusive and accessible musical curriculum which develops and stretches learning to result in the acquisition of knowledge.
- To generate well-being through music.
- To show local context by showcasing local performers and musicians
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In order to build a Physical Education curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To inspire all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive and non-competitive sport and other physically demanding activities;
- To provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way that supports their health, both mental and physical, and fitness;
- To provide opportunities to compete in sport and other activities that build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect;
- To develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities;
- To ensure children are physically active for sustained periods of time;
- To develop positive attitudes to health, hygiene and fitness and learn how physical exercise affects the body;
- To lead healthy, active lives.
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In order to build an Art and Design curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To equip children with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create.
- To instil a love of Art in all children and develop an inquisitive and creative outlook on the world.
- To develop an understanding of how art and design shape history and cultures.
- To evaluate works of art.
- To use a wealth of resources.
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In order to build a RE curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- To enable the children to gain knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and religious views;
- To promote a thirst for finding out about the importance of faith for different people and how this impacts on their lives, by engaging with believers;
- For the children to use their knowledge to participate respectfully in challenging but informed and balanced conversations;
- To ensure that children have many opportunities to reflect on their own beliefs and compare them to the beliefs of others, embracing the similarities and respecting the differences;
- To raise and maintain high standards of religious literacy throughout the school.
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In order to build a curriculum which develops the skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, safe and independent lives which results our children to becoming informed, active and responsible citizens. Our intent for Health and Relationship Education is:
Children will learn how to:
- Be as healthy as possible, physically, mentally and emotionally and to accept the increasing responsibility they have for their own health.
- Respect the diversity between themselves and others both within their communities and the wider world.
- Develop independence and resilience, so they will be able to bounce back from difficulties they experience within their future lives.
- Reflect on and celebrate their achievements, identify their own strengths, areas for improvement, and show support to others as they also develop.
- Manage a range of emotions and develop a deeper understanding of their own feelings and the feelings of others.
- Form successful relationships with others and learn how to overcome disagreements with growing maturity, understanding and forgiveness.
- Recognise who, when and how to ask for help when faced with negative behaviour.
- Respect and protect the environment.
- Sow an understanding of where money comes from and a basic understanding of enterprise.
- Develop their understanding of their own Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development and how this contributes to their understanding of fundamental British Values.
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Children learn what is good mental health, how they and their bodies may change as they grow, how to keep themselves safe and how to ask for support if they need it. Children’s questions are answered frankly and straightforwardly in a factual manner appropriate to the age of the child.
We teach puberty in the following units:
In Year 4 we focus on we focus on identifying both male and female body parts, including genitalia, an understanding of why puberty happens, and understanding that for girls, periods are a normal part of puberty and occurs when an egg is not fertilized.
In Year 5 we recap on menstruation, focus on puberty, including changes to their bodies (both physical and emotional), identifying the correct terminology for external sexual organs.
In Year 6 we will be offering the following curriculum. Parents are informed of the option of withdrawing their child from aspects of Sex and Relationship Education in Year 6.
The children will:
- Focus on loving, consensual relationships.
- Recognise that babies come from the joining of an egg and a sperm, including penetration.
- Understand what happens when an egg does not meet a sperm.
- Know a variety of ways in which sperm can fertilise the egg to create a baby.
- Know the legal age of consent and what this means.
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Modern Foreign Languages:
In order to build a Modern Foreign Languages curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition in knowledge and skills our intent is:
- Enjoy and have fun learning a new language through methodologies and resources such as games, stories, songs, art, culture, poems and rhymes
- Lay the foundations for further MFL learning at KS3
- Explore the patterns and sounds of other languages
- Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation in other languages
- Encourage pupils to understand and develop tolerance of and empathy towards other peoples and cultures
