Curriculum
Curriculum Intent at St. George’s CE Primary Academy
At St. George’s CE Primary Academy, children are at the heart of everything we do. Our curriculum is designed to inspire a love of learning, develop knowledge and skills, and enable every child to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Rooted in our Christian vision and values, our curriculum reflects the unique needs of our pupils and prepares them to become confident, compassionate and responsible citizens.
Our Vision
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Our Values
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These values are woven throughout school life and shape both what we teach and how we teach it.
Our Curriculum Drivers
Our curriculum is shaped by three key drivers:
- Excellence
- Faith
- Cultural Heritage
Excellence
Excellence is a fundamental driver of our curriculum because we believe that every child deserves access to the highest quality education possible. At St. George’s, we have an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and place consistently high expectations on all pupils. We believe that schooling matters, that learning should be taken seriously, and that a great education has the power to transform lives, open doors and create opportunities for the future.
Our curriculum is intentionally ambitious and challenging. We do not lower expectations based on circumstance or background; instead, we support every child to rise to them. We foster a culture where pupils are encouraged to take pride in their work, demonstrate resilience when faced with challenge, and strive for excellence in all that they do. High demands are placed upon pupils by both themselves and our staff, because we believe that children achieve more when they are encouraged to aim high.
This commitment to excellence influences the content of our curriculum. Subjects and topics are carefully selected not only to meet National Curriculum requirements, but also to provide pupils with rich intellectual opportunities that broaden horizons and develop deeper thinking. For example, our decision to teach Latin reflects our belief that all children should have access to the cultural and academic knowledge often associated with the most academically rigorous educational pathways. Through studying Latin, pupils develop vocabulary, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of language, while aspiring towards the highest standards of academic achievement.
By placing excellence at the heart of our curriculum design, we seek to ensure that every pupil leaves St. George’s with the knowledge, confidence and aspirations needed to flourish in secondary education and beyond.
Faith
Faith is a key driver of our curriculum because St. George’s is not only a Church of England school, but also part of the richly diverse community of Newtown, where people from many faith traditions, including Christianity, Islam and others, live, learn and flourish together. Our curriculum seeks to develop the virtues, values and dispositions that faith communities promote, such as compassion, service, respect, gratitude, justice and hope, helping pupils understand both their own beliefs and those of others while preparing them to live positively in a diverse society.
Cultural Heritage
Cultural Heritage is a key driver of our curriculum because Birmingham is one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world, and we believe that children should learn to value both their own heritage and that of the people around them. At St. George’s, we recognise that successful communities are built on more than tolerance. We want our pupils to develop genuine curiosity about others and to actively seek to understand, learn from and celebrate the different cultures, histories, faiths and traditions that shape modern Britain.
We believe that children should be proud of who they are and where they come from. At the same time, they must develop a deep appreciation of the experiences, contributions and achievements of people whose backgrounds may be different from their own. Through this approach, pupils gain a stronger understanding of their identity, their place within modern Britain, and their responsibilities as citizens in a diverse society.
This commitment is reflected throughout our curriculum. Across a range of subjects, pupils study the contributions that different groups, faiths and cultures have made to the development of Birmingham, Britain and the wider world. For example, in History, Year 6 pupils study the contribution of the then British Empire during the First World War, developing an understanding of the diverse individuals and communities who played a vital role in shaping British history. In Geography, Year 2 pupils study the geography of the Caribbean, while Year 4 pupils explore the geography of South Asia, enabling them to develop a greater understanding of regions that are important to many families within our school community.
By placing Cultural Heritage at the heart of our curriculum, we aim to ensure that pupils leave St. George’s with a strong sense of self, a deep respect for others, and the knowledge and understanding needed to contribute positively to life in modern Birmingham and contemporary Britain.
A Curriculum Designed for Our Pupils
Our curriculum meets the requirements of the National Curriculum while reflecting the context and needs of our school community. Carefully sequenced learning ensures that knowledge and skills build progressively from the Early Years through to Year 6.
We set high expectations for all pupils and provide learning experiences that are engaging, challenging and inclusive, helping every child to achieve success.
Alongside English, mathematics and science, pupils benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum that includes:
- History
- Geography
- Art and Design
- Design Technology
- Computing
- Music
- Physical Education
- Religious Education
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Personal Development
Through these subjects, children gain a rich understanding of the world and develop the skills they need for future learning.
Curriculum Implementation at St. George’s CE Primary Academy
At St. George’s, our curriculum is carefully planned and consistently delivered to ensure all pupils receive high-quality learning experiences.
Research-Informed Practice
Teaching and learning at St. George’s is informed by educational research and evidence-based practice. Staff work collaboratively to design and refine the curriculum, ensuring that it remains ambitious, engaging and effective.
Well-Sequenced Learning
Knowledge and skills are organised in a logical sequence so that pupils can build on prior learning over time. Teachers revisit and reinforce key concepts regularly, supporting long-term retention and deeper understanding.
Each subject has carefully planned progression, ensuring children know more, remember more and can do more as they move through the school.
Developing Knowledge and Understanding
Across the curriculum, pupils are supported through:
- Explicit teaching of key knowledge and vocabulary
- Opportunities to recall and apply prior learning
- Regular questioning and discussion
- Practical and investigative activities
- Meaningful assessment opportunities
These approaches help children secure important learning and develop confidence in using their knowledge across different contexts.
Assessment for Learning
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. Teachers use a variety of strategies to identify pupils’ understanding and adapt teaching accordingly.
This includes:
- Retrieval practice
- Questioning
- Low-stakes quizzes
- Observation
- Pupil discussion
- End-of-unit assessments
These approaches enable teachers to provide timely support and challenge where needed.
Our Approach to Teaching
At St. George’s, effective teaching is characterised by high expectations, strong relationships and a consistent approach across the school.
Lessons typically include:
Revisiting Prior Learning
Children recall key knowledge and skills from previous lessons to strengthen understanding and retention.
Explicit Teaching
New learning is clearly explained and modelled by teachers using careful instruction and worked examples.
Guided Practice
Pupils apply new learning with support from teachers and peers before working independently.
Independent Application
Children practise and apply their learning in increasingly challenging and meaningful tasks.
Reflection and Review
Lessons conclude with opportunities for pupils to reflect on their learning, consolidate key knowledge and celebrate success.
The Impact of Our Curriculum
Our curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Achieve well across the curriculum
- Develop a secure body of knowledge and skills
- Become confident readers, writers and mathematicians
- Show curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
- Demonstrate resilience and independence
- Understand and live out Christian values
- Are well prepared for the next stage of their education and future life opportunities
Through our broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, we strive to enable every child at St. George’s to flourish and fulfil their potential.