Our School Curriculum

Curriculum Rationale

An ambitious curriculum, designed specifically for the pupils at our school, is key to developing curious, lifelong learners. At Grimsargh St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, our 5 GOLDEN THREADS underpin all teaching and learning and are central to the design and delivery of our curriculum. These threads run through every subject, all of which are built around 3 BIG IDEAS.

By fostering children’s curiosity, we inspire a desire to learn that both enriches their lives and equips them with the skills, values and attitudes needed to thrive in modern Britain and the wider world. Children acquire deep and meaningful cultural knowledge while exploring a broad range of subject-specific knowledge and skills that prepare them for life beyond school.

Central to our curriculum is the development of strong foundational skills. We recognise that accurate letter and number formation, fluent handwriting, secure spelling knowledge and high standards of presentation provide the foundations for successful learning. Through explicit teaching, regular practice and consistently high expectations, children develop the fluency and automaticity needed to access increasingly complex learning with confidence and independence.

Children’s learning is driven by high expectations and a commitment to academic excellence. However, our curriculum is also our most important tool in enabling children to ‘let their lights shine’. We provide opportunities for every child to develop and flourish, whether on the stage, on the sports field, within the classroom, or in the school and local community. Through these experiences, children grow into confident, positive and active citizens who are well prepared for the next stage of their lives.

Golden threads

• Foundational Skills – strong foundational skills, including letter and number formation, handwriting, spelling and presentation, are essential for success across the curriculum. By teaching and reinforcing these skills consistently, we help children develop confidence, independence and pride in their work, enabling them to focus on deeper learning and achieve their full potential.

• Vocabulary – We place a strong emphasis on developing language and communication skills, recognising that a rich vocabulary underpins learning across the curriculum and enables children to think critically, articulate their ideas and communicate with confidence.

• Diversity – By celebrating and valuing differences, we prepare our children to thrive in modern Britain as respectful, inclusive and compassionate citizens.

• Resilience – Through challenge, opportunity and a culture where mistakes are embraced as part of learning, we develop resilient learners who persevere and grow in confidence.

• Christian Values – Rooted in our Christian ethos, we encourage children to live out the values and principles taught by Jesus, demonstrating kindness, respect, forgiveness and compassion in their daily lives.