Our Curriculum Vision
At Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, our curriculum is rooted in the Gospel and inspired by Jesus’ promise that everyone should “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). We believe that education is about far more than academic success alone. Our curriculum is designed to help every child grow intellectually, spiritually, socially and emotionally, so that they leave us confident in who they are, hopeful about their future, and ready to contribute positively to the world.
Guided by our Catholic ethos and virtues, we place the child at the heart of everything we do. Every child matters, every child is known, and every child is supported and challenged to be the best they can be.
Curriculum Intent
Our intent is to provide a broad, balanced, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that enables all pupils, regardless of background, ability, faith or starting point, to flourish.
We aim to ensure that our children:
- develop strong knowledge and skills across all areas of learning
- grow in character, confidence and resilience
- develop a love of learning and curiosity about the world
- understand their responsibilities to others and to God’s creation
- feel valued, safe and supported as unique individuals made in the image of God
Our curriculum is shaped by:
- our Catholic faith and Gospel values
- the Catholic Schools Pupil Profile virtues, which underpin all learning
- our local context in Hereford, including rural and urban influences
- the needs of our pupils, including SEND, EAL and disadvantaged learners
While we are a Catholic school, we warmly welcome families of all faiths and none. Our curriculum reflects the love of Jesus through inclusion, respect, dignity and compassion for all.
What Drives Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is driven by our mission and lived out through our virtues. We want our children to be:
- Compassionate and Loving – showing care and kindness to others
- Faith-filled and Hopeful – believing in themselves and the future
- Curious and Active – eager to learn and engage with the world
- Learned and Wise – developing knowledge, understanding and good judgement
- Eloquent and Truthful – able to express themselves confidently and honestly
- Grateful and Generous – appreciating what they have and giving to others
- Attentive and Discerning – thinking deeply and making good choices
- Intentional and Prophetic – standing up for what is right and making a difference
These virtues are explicitly taught, modelled by staff, and woven through curriculum content, behaviour expectations, collective worship and daily school life.
Curriculum Implementation
Our curriculum is carefully planned, sequenced and taught to ensure progression, depth and coherence.
Teaching and Learning
- Lessons are well-structured, engaging and inclusive, with clear learning intentions.
- Teachers use assessment to inform teaching and adapt learning to meet individual needs.
- Knowledge and skills are revisited and built upon over time to support long-term learning.
- High expectations are maintained for all pupils, with appropriate support and challenge.
Inclusion and Support
- SEND pupils are supported through high-quality teaching, targeted interventions and strong partnership with families and external professionals.
- EAL learners are supported through language-rich teaching, visual support and inclusive classroom practice.
- Disadvantaged pupils are carefully identified and supported to ensure equality of opportunity and access to enrichment.
- Adaptive teaching ensures that all children can access learning and experience success.
Enrichment and Wider Opportunities
- Learning is enriched through educational visits, visitors, themed days, clubs and enrichment activities.
- Catholic life, prayer and worship are central and enhance children’s spiritual development.
- Opportunities are provided for leadership, responsibility and service to others.
Supporting Our Community
We recognise the unique context of our school community in Hereford and strive to meet the diverse needs of our families. We work closely with parents, the parish and external agencies to ensure that children feel supported both academically and emotionally.
Our curriculum reflects:
- respect for different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs
- an understanding of the challenges some families face
- a commitment to nurturing well-being and mental health
Through the love of Jesus, we aim to create a community where everyone belongs and is valued.
Curriculum Impact
The impact of our curriculum is seen in:
- happy, confident children who enjoy learning
- strong progress from individual starting points
- children who can articulate their learning and reflect thoughtfully
- positive behaviour rooted in respect and kindness
- pupils who are prepared academically, socially and spiritually for the next stage of their education
Our children leave Our Lady’s as well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of self, a moral compass guided by Gospel values, and the skills and attitudes needed to thrive in modern Britain.
In Partnership
Working together with families, the parish and the wider community, we strive to ensure that every child experiences life in all its fullness — not only during their time at Our Lady’s, but long after they leave us.