Our purpose is to provide a caring learning environment with high standards and expectations, where children grow into responsible, resilient, independent learners. Our school ethos is firmly rooted in our values, as set out in our mission statement: ‘Love Jesus, love Learning, inspiring each other to be the best that they can be.’ Developing a love of learning, experiencing enjoyment, building self-esteem, always being honest, striving to fulfil our potential, reaching high expectations, advancing knowledge so that we may flourish as individuals.

St John Fisher RC Primary School’s bespoke and enriched curriculum is designed to recognise the school’s unique characteristics. High expectations across the curriculum promote learning at a greater depth, allowing children to articulate their learning; demonstrating quality thinking and application of knowledge and skills. Our curriculum encourages children to be inspired, active, independent, resilient learners who have positive attitudes to learning enabling them to reach their full potential. The ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, as well mental health and well-being, are prioritised to ensure children have concern for others and an appreciation of diversity. Children leave our school as confident individuals, well equipped to participate fully in the next stage of their education, as global citizens.

Our carefully crafted curriculum balances the national expectations and an all-encompassing range of experiences allowing our children to flourish. Clear strategic planning allows the curriculum to be dynamic and adapt to the context of the school and children’s needs. Age related expectations in progression documents and year group curriculum overviews combine the acquisition of knowledge and development of skills to create a purposeful and exciting learning journey for every child. The curriculum has high expectations to combine transferable skills, demonstrate a breadth of vocabulary and develop strong cross curricular links. Outstanding classroom environments stimulate and engage quality thinking and reasoning. Planning is responsive to children’s needs; building on a progression of knowledge and skills in an innovative manner. Our curriculum incorporates Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, retrieval practice, spacing and interleaving to ensure knowledge is learnt and not forgotten. A range of continuous professional development supports all staff to further develop curriculum pedagogy. Our marking policy is an opportunity for children to reflect and respond on their learning in their feedback.

St John Fisher RC Primary School uses rigorous triangulated monitoring throughout the year to gauge the impact of the curriculum design. Learning is measured through careful analysis of application of skills across the curriculum; showing how acquisition of knowledge is enhanced dramatically by expectations to evidence quality thinking and demonstrate individual understanding. The impact of our curriculum is seen in:
• High standards.
• Strong progress; improving year on year.
• Quality experiences which are memorable, worthwhile and challenging.
• Teaching which is personalised, innovative and child led.
• Learners that are resilient, independent and confident global citizens.
• Individuals who value and respect one another and have an appreciation of our diverse community

At St John Fisher RC Primary School, our Whole Child Long Term Plan reflects our commitment to nurturing every aspect of each child’s development — spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical. Rooted in our Catholic values, this plan ensures that every child is known, valued, and supported to grow into the person God created them to be. It provides a clear, cohesive framework that brings together all areas of learning and personal growth, helping staff to plan enriching experiences that promote curiosity, resilience, compassion, and joy. Through this approach, we aim to equip our pupils not only with knowledge and skills, but also with the faith, confidence, and sense of purpose needed to flourish in life.

The Whole Child Long Term Plan St John Fisher Rc Primary School