The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The Foundation Stage includes Reception and Nursery. This stage of learning provides the ‘Foundation’ for further learning to take place. The children are taught by a teacher and are expertly supported by Early Years Practitioners. Upon entering the school the children take an active part within all aspects of school life. Learning takes place through direct teaching, adult initiated play and child initiated play.In the Nursery the children usually join the term before their fourth birthday. The classroom is within the school and shares an outside play area with the reception class.
The Nursery Sessions are from Monday to Friday 9am to 12 noon. The school also provides an afternoon nursery session from 12pm to 3.15pm for families eligible for 30 hours funding or for families who wish to pay for these sessions.
The children join the Reception in September before their fifth birthday and continue to follow the Early Years Curriculum.
Key Stage One (KS1)
This includes Year One and Two. The children are taught according to National Curriculum expectations. The structure of the children’s learning is adapted accordingly. The development of the core subjects, English, Maths and Science and RE takes place whilst the children learn about the wider curriculum. Learning is balanced with the need for physical exercise and play.
Key Stage Two (KS2)
Years Three to Six offer exciting challenges to the children. The learning gained within Key Stage One is built upon and as before each child is encouraged to reach their personal potential. The children are engaged in learning activities involving whole class teaching, small group work and individual learning.
In the Foundation Stage the prime areas of learning are:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development
Communication and Language
These prime areas are the core skills which we constantly seek to develop through the specific areas of:
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design
Children in Year 1 to Year 6 follow the National Curriculum
The Core Subjects
RE
English
Mathematics
Science
RSE
The Foundation Subjects
Computing
Music
History
Geography
Physical Education
Art
Design & Technology
PSHE
Modern Foreign Languages
Parents meet with class teachers at the beginning of the year at 'Meet the Teacher' meetings to be given an overview of the year and advice and suggestions for supporting children during the year. Additional resources to help support your child at home can be found on the website under Class Pages.
For more information about the subjects please visit the Curriculum area of the website and the class pages to see learning in action.
Educational Visits
Educational visits and visitors are arranged by class teachers in support of various areas of the curriculum. They are an important part of the children’s education. Children in KS2 have the opportunity to make longer journeys which include staying away from home.
Long Term Curriculum Plans
At The Holy Family School we follow the National Curriculum 2014. Please see below for our long term plans and further details of the National Curriculum. The curriculum overview page gives further detail of our curriculum structure.
Please find below our long term curriculum plans. These are working documents and are constantly being evaluated and enhanced.
EY and KS1 Long Term Curriculum Plans
KS2 Long Term Curriculum Plans
National Curriculum Overview
- Click here for an overview of the National Curriculum
National Curriculum in detail
- Click here for the detailed National Curriculum document
Maths at The Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family School, we believe mathematics is an important part of children’s development throughout school, right from an early age. The children learn basic mathematics skills that they consolidate over time through understanding and reasoning. We intend on delivering a curriculum which is line with the expectations of the National Curriculum.
Our vision is for the children to make links between their mathematical skills and real life situations and use this in the future. We aim for our mathematics lessons to be well paced as well as exciting and interesting to all. No one is limited in mathematics. We like to ask the ‘why?’ and 'how?' as this deepens the children’s understanding and explanation skills. We aim for the children to make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems.
At The Holy Family School the children learn that mistakes in mathematics are expected, respected, inspected and corrected so that they have a greater understanding. The mapping of mathematics across our school shows clear progression in line with age related expectations. Teachers use their professional judgement when deciding if and when certain areas of mathematics need to have more or less time spent on them, rather than simply following what the scheme of work suggests. We give each pupil a chance to believe in themselves as mathematicians and develop the power of resilience and perseverance when faced with mathematical challenges. The curriculum is delivered through the 'Herts Essential Maths' scheme of work.
Early Years Foundation Stage
In Early Years, Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measure.
Pupils are taught to:
Number
count reliably with numbers from 1 to 20
place them in order and say which number is one more or one less than a given number
add and subtract two single-digit numbers and count on or back to find the answer using quantities and objects
solve problems, including doubling, halving and sharing
Shape, space and measure
use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time and money to compare quantities and objects and to solve problems
recognise, create and describe patterns
explore characteristics of everyday objects and shapes
use mathematical language to describe them
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
Resources and websites to support Maths Learning at home
Games
Times Tables Rock Stars
English at The Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
Our Aims:
By the end of Year 6 children will:
Develop a lifelong love of reading and writing
Communicate effectively in speech and writing
Be fluent and responsive readers
Have acquired a wide and rich vocabulary
Listen with care and understanding
Be independent and resilient learners by understanding the importance of a growth mindset
Policies
English Curriculum
Skills and Knowledge Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
Supporting Children to Learn at Home
Science at The Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
We aim to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the natural and man-made world and a respect for the environment that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. This includes the lessons they complete in the classroom but also the other experiences they are offered, such as educational visits, residential and enrichment days. We want to ensure the progressive development of knowledge, skills and vocabulary and for the children to develop a love of science.
Curriculum aims for Science
Equip children to use themselves as starting points for learning about science, and to build on their enthusiasm and natural sense of wonder about the world
Develop through practical work the skills of observation, prediction, investigation, interpretation, communication, questioning and hypothesising, and increased use of precise measurement skills and ICT
Encourage and enable pupils to offer their own suggestions, and to be creative in their approach to science, devising their own investigations and taking lines of enquiry in a way that interests them
Gain enjoyment from their scientific work
Teach scientific enquiry through contexts taken from the National Curriculum for science
Stress the need for personal and group safety by the correct usage and storage of resources
To critically question the world around them
Equip children with the language to be able to discuss their learning and confidently explain their scientific understanding in small groups
Parent Information
Science Policy
Science Curriculum
Skills and Knowledge Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
History at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family Primary School we employ a topic and enquiry based approach to teaching and learning in Geography. This is being taught using the Rising Stars Geography scheme of work. We believe that teaching Geography in a creative and concrete way is fundamental to the development of Geographical understanding.
Curriculum aims for History
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we follow the National Curriculum Programmes of study for History. This is delivered using the 'Rising Stars' scheme of work. It is our aim that in History our pupils:-
Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their significant physical and human characteristics
Understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about special variation and change over time
Collect, analyse and use a range of data that deepen their understanding of geographical processes
Understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically-valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses
Understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used to make historical claims and consider how interpretations of the past have been constructed
Understand the connections between local, regional, national and international history
Early Years
History is taught in Nursery and Reception as an integral part of the topic work through child-initiated and adult led activities. The children are given the opportunity to find out about past and present events in their own lives, and those of their families and other people they know. In the Foundation stage history makes a significant contribution to developing a child’s understanding of the world through activities such as looking at pictures of famous people in history or discovering the meaning of new and old in relation to their own lives.
Parent Information
History Policy
History Curriculum
Skills and Knowledge Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
Resources and Websites to Support Children's Learning
KS1 - BBC Teach
KS2 - BBC Teach
Geography at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family Primary School we employ a topic and enquiry based approach to teaching and learning in Geography. This is being taught using the Rising Stars Geography scheme of work. We believe that teaching Geography in a creative and concrete way is fundamental to the development of Geographical understanding.
Curriculum for Geography
At The Holy Family we follow the National Curriculum Programme of study and it is our aim that in Geography our pupils will:
Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their significant physical and human characteristics
Understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about special variation and change over time
Collect, analyse and use a range of data that deepen their understanding of geographical processes
Interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes and aerial photographs
Communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantative skills and writing at length.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Geography is taught in Nursery and Reception as an integral part of the topic work covered during the year. We relate the geographical aspects of the children’s work to the objectives set out in the Early Years curriculum which underpin the planning for children aged three to five. Geography makes a significant contribution to the ELG objectives of developing a child’s understanding of the world through activities such as finding out about different places and habitats and investigating our locality.
Parent Information
Geography Policy
Geography Curriculum
Skills and Knowledge Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
Resources and Websites to Support Geography Learning at home
PE at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we recognise the importance PE plays in the curriculum and are committed to providing all children with opportunities to engage fully in Physical Education. PE should provide opportunities for all pupils to become physically literate and confident in a way which also supports their health and fitness. Children should acquire not only physical skills, knowledge and understanding, but also the awareness and importance of leading healthy, active lives as well as the values of sportsmanship, fairness and respect through the sports and activities they undertake. This policy reflects our School’s values and philosophy in relation to the teaching and learning of PE. It sets out a framework within which teaching and non-teaching staff can work, and gives guidance on planning, teaching and assessment. It has been developed through a process of consultation with school staff and governors. PE is rarely cancelled. We understand the importance of the subject contributing to all aspects of health. In the event of weather conditions making it unsuitable to complete the activity planned, alternative arrangements are made. These include class based activities around the activity (e.g. evaluating and improving work based on watching video clips from previous weeks learning) or rescheduling the activity for another day. If the indoor space is available, the activity is taught inside with modification or adaptation still allowing the learning intentions to be achieved.
Curriculum aims for PE
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we follow the National Curriculum Programmes of study for Physical Education through our Getset4PE scheme of work, and it is our aim that our pupils:-
To develop skilful use of the body, the ability to remember, repeat and refine actions and to perform them with increasing control, co-ordination and fluency.
To develop an increasing ability to select, link and apply skills, tactics and compositional ideas.
To develop an understanding of the effects of exercise on the body, and an appreciation of the value of safe exercising.
To develop the ability to work as a team player, taking the lead and learning to work collaboratively with others.
To promote an understanding of safe practice, and develop a sense of responsibility towards their own and others’ safety and well-being.
To improve observation skills and the ability to describe and make simple judgements on their own and others work, and to use their observations and judgements to improve performance.
Early Years
Physical development within the EYFS framework is one of three prime areas for learning.The related early learning goal is:
Gross Motor Skills
Children at the expected level of development will: -
Negotiate space and obstacles safely, with consideration for themselves and others;
Demonstrate strength, balance and coordination when playing;
Move energetically, such as running, jumping, dancing, hopping, skipping and climbing.
Children access a range of daily activities to develop their fine and gross motor skills and have access to a dedicated outside area. In addition to this, they also have a weekly PE lesson.
PE Policy
PE Curriculum
PE Skills and Knowledge Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Music at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family School, we aim to make music an enjoyable experience for pupils of all abilities. As a vehicle for personal expression it promotes emotional development, encourages creativity and thereby makes a valuable contribution to the wider curriculum; it builds self respect and supports developing self control and positive social attitudes. We strive to cultivate a real enjoyment of music by supporting and encouraging all children to achieve their full potential.
Music is an important part of our daily worship and the children know, and sing with enthusiasm, a wide variety of hymns and sacred songs.
Our music specialist comes into school one day a week to teach music to the whole school; teaching the children to make music together, to understand musical notation, and to compose pieces. As well as music lessons with each class, our music specialist runs weekly whole school singing sessions in the form of hymn practise for Reception to Year 6.
In addition to the normal music teaching, children are offered the opportunity to study a musical instrument with peripatetic teachers. These lessons are normally taught to individuals or small groups. Piano is the instrument currently available to learn.
The talents of our children are frequently shared with the wider school community, with a variety of musical celebrations happening across the school year, eg Christmas and Easter productions, end of term concerts, class assemblies.
Curriculum aims for Music
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we follow the National Curriculum Programmes of study for Music, and it is our aim that in Music our pupils:-
To develop an enjoyment of music by providing an opportunity to listen to a variety of music and play a variety of instruments, both individually and co-operatively.
To provide opportunities for the children to sing a wide variety of songs and to use their voices expressively.
To enhance and extend children’s musical skills, understanding and knowledge with reference to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and National Curriculum guidelines.
To promote children’s social development through involvement in listening to, participating in and responding to group music making.
To develop children’s cultural and spiritual awareness by providing opportunities for listening and responding to different types of music.
To develop the learning skills of productive listening and concentration, composing and performing for different audiences, appraising and evaluating their own and others’ work.
To offer opportunities to perform with others, with an awareness of audience.
Early Years
During the Early Years, music is recognised as not only a creative subject, but as a means of personal development and expression. Opportunities are provided for children to independently access instruments to create, develop, perform and enjoy music whilst adult led activities develop skills to appreciate a variety of musical forms and make judgements about music using basic musical terms and respond rhythmically to music. Children regularly take part in singing and rhythmic games.
Parent Information
Music Policy
Music Curriculum
PE Skills and Knowledge Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
Resources and Websites to Support Children's Learning
London Symphony Orchestra - Allows you to experience the orchestra from multiple points of view
Music Learning Community - Contains hundreds of learning games of varying levels
BBC Yolanda's Band Jam - Lots of short videos and activities relating to singing and instruments
Design and Technology at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family School, we aim for the children to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products in a range of contexts. Design and technology is taught through a combination of defined design and technology projects, the direct teaching of skills and through activities integrated with cross curricular themes. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. They evaluate designers and existing products to inspire them to create their own ideas and designs.
Curriculum aims for Design and Technology
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we follow the National Curriculum Programmes of study for Design and technology, and it is our aim that in Design and technology our pupils:-
To give children the opportunity to take part in creative and practical activities
To understand the importance of design and technology in the wider world
To develop imaginative thinking in children and to enable them to talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making things.
To explore computing as a means of design
To encourage children to be analytical and critical when they are considering and analysing products
To encourage children to select appropriate materials, tools and techniques for making a product.
To follow safe procedures when using equipment
To explore attitudes towards the made world and how we live and work within it.
To develop an understanding of technological processes and products, their manufacture and their contribution to society.
To foster enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose in designing and making things.
Early Years
During the Early Years, we plan adult-led sessions to teach children the skills that are needed in order for them to access the Child Initiated opportunities. We relate the children's creative development to the objectives set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Development Matters Statements and then at the end of Reception, children are assessed against the Early Years Profile. These early experiences include asking questions about how things work, investigating and using a variety of construction kits, materials, tools and products, developing making skills and handling appropriate tools and construction materials safely and with increasing control.
At The Holy Family School, we provide an enabling environment offering a range of experiences that encourage exploration, observation, problem solving, critical thinking and discussion.
Parent Information
DT Policy
DT Curriculum
DT Skills and Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
Resources and Websites to Support Children's Learning
Design Museum - Colour, cut and build to create your own design project.
Art and Design at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family School, art and design enables children of all abilities to use their creative imagination to achieve their potential with guidance and given criteria. Art provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences, and a special way of understanding and responding to the world. Through art and design, we enable children to communicate what they see, feel and think, through the use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes. Children become involved in shaping their environments through art and design activities. While art is essentially a practical subject, opportunities are provided for reflection and, with increasing sensitivity, pupils acquire the ability to make informed, critical responses to their own work and that of others.
Curriculum aims for Art
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we follow the National Curriculum Programmes of study for Art, and it is our aim that in Art our pupils:
Enable children to record from the first-hand experience and from imagination.
To support children to apply their own ideas in their work;
Develop creativity and imagination through a range of complex activities;
Improve the children's ability to control materials, tools and techniques;
Understand and apply the basic principles of art, craft and design to include: line, tone, texture, shape, form, space, pattern, colour, contrast, composition, proportion and perspective
Record their work/responses in sketchbooks
Evaluate and discuss the outcome of their own work
Understand and use the language of art, craft and design when relating to their work and the work of others.
Foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts, and a knowledge of artists, craftspeople and designers.
Recognise the difference in approach taken by artists, crafts people and designers in their work.
Recognise that art, craft and design differ from culture to culture and reflect the times in which they were produced.
Relate their artwork to other curriculum areas.
Inspire confidence, value and pleasure in art.
Early Years
During the Early Years, we plan adult-led sessions to teach children the skills that are needed in order for them to access the Child Initiated opportunities. We relate the children's creative development to the objectives set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage Development Matters Statements and then at the end of Reception, children are assessed against the Early Years Profile. The children are given the opportunity to explore colour, texture, shape and form in two and three dimensions. The children have access to a wide range of constructions, collage, painting and drawing activities, using appropriate tools and art materials. In order to nurture their artistic potential, the children are encouraged to develop their own creative ideas and evaluate their work.
Parent Information
Art Policy
Art Curriculum
Art Skills and Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
Resources and Websites to Support Children's Learning
Tate Kids - Learn about art whilst having fun
National Gallery - Some interesting activities here at the National gallery’s family page.
Museum of Modern Art - Interesting and thoughtful drawing exercises and ways of looking at paintings
Artsology - Great art games to play
RSHE at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
‘I HAVE COME THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL’
(Jn.10.10)
Intent for RSHE at Holy Family Primary School
At Holy Family Primary School, our aim is to provide a broad and balanced Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) programme, grounded in Catholic virtues. This programme offers pupils clear, factual, and scientific information about their bodies, while fostering the development of well-rounded, resilient individuals who are equipped to maintain healthy relationships with others.
Our approach to RSHE is deeply rooted in the Catholic Church’s teachings on the human person and framed within Christian ideals. Guided by the Bishops of England and Wales and aligned with the Department for Education (DfE) guidelines, RSHE is embedded within our Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education. It nurtures pupils’ physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, social, and intellectual development, promoting their overall human wholeness.
All RSHE teaching follows the Church’s moral framework, emphasising the sanctity of marriage and family life while respecting the dignity of all pupils, regardless of their household backgrounds. It also prepares students for life in modern Britain, where respect for diversity and equality is essential.
The school follows Ten Ten’s Life to the Full RSHE programme, approved by the Diocese of Westminster, which is rooted in the Church's teachings. Our school fosters a nurturing environment where each child’s uniqueness is celebrated, and mutual respect, responsibility, and self-esteem are encouraged. RSHE plays a vital role in supporting this vision, helping students understand diverse beliefs, values, and attitudes, both personally and socially.
Through RSHE, pupils will acquire important British values and attitudes, enabling them to make sense of their school and life experiences. They will be encouraged to value themselves, respect others, and appreciate diversity, preparing them to be confident and informed citizens. Our ultimate goal is to empower children to reflect on and clarify their own values and feelings, equipping them to navigate the diverse values and attitudes they will encounter throughout their lives.
Curriculum aims for RSHE
Our school’s RSHE programme of study has three themes:
Created to love others - this explores an individual’s relationships with others and shows an understanding of the importance of valuing and understanding oneself as the basis for personal relationships.
God is love - We are created out of love and for love. The command to love is the basis of all Christian morality.
Created to live in community – local, national & global (this explores the individual’s relationships with the wider world)
Special Person
At our school, each of us selects a special grown-up we can trust and talk to if we have any worries or simply need someone to chat with. We choose this person at the beginning of the school year in September, and they are available to us whenever we need them throughout the year.
The Holy Family Catholic Primary School - Promoting British values
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School, we are committed to promoting the fundamental British values outlined by the Department for Education, which include democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Our school's ethos is deeply rooted in tolerance, respect, and the recognition that every individual is to be valued, regardless of their beliefs, background, or ethnic origin. These values are reflected in our school’s Equality Statement and are integral to our Mission Statement and Aims.We actively promote British values both inside and outside the curriculum in the following ways:
Democracy at The Holy Family Catholic primary School
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School, pupils are taught the importance of democracy and how they can influence decision-making through democratic processes. We provide various opportunities for pupils to have their voices heard within the school community:
- School Council: Pupils elect their peers to the school council, which works alongside staff to improve the school and influence school policy. This allows students to engage with real-world decision-making and understand the democratic process in action.
- Pupil Voice: We use pupil questionnaires and interviews to give students further opportunities to express their opinions. This feedback helps the school prioritise actions and evaluate the success and impact of changes made.
- Classroom Democracy: Teachers often hold class votes to decide on activities, ensuring that pupils have a say in their learning and feel empowered to contribute to class decisions.
These experiences help students understand the value of democracy and their role in shaping their school environment.
The Rule of Law at The Holy Family Catholic Primary School
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School, we actively teach pupils about the importance of rules and laws that govern their class, school, and the wider community. We have clear policies and procedures in place to address behaviour and attitudes that do not align with the school's moral values and expectations.
Pupils are taught to distinguish between right and wrong, as well as the importance of honesty, forgiveness, and making amends. This is reinforced through our Behaviour Policy and the school and class rules. Pupils learn the value and purpose of laws, understanding that they govern and protect us, along with the responsibilities we all have and the consequences of breaking laws.
To support this teaching, visits from community authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, and Road Safety teams are a regular part of our school calendar. These visits help reinforce the significance of laws in society. Additionally, Year 5 and 6 pupils receive visits from the NSPCC, where they learn about the importance of rules and laws for ensuring their own personal safety and the safety of others.
Individual Liberty at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School, pupils are encouraged to become independent learners, making informed choices within a safe and supportive environment. Developing self-esteem and self-confidence is a key priority, and this is fostered in an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance.
We teach pupils to understand their personal freedoms and how to use these rights effectively, always considering the responsibilities that accompany them. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices in various aspects of school life, including:
- Pupil Choice Challenges: Opportunities in lessons that encourage independent decision-making.
- Extra-Curricular Activities: Pupils have the freedom to choose from a range of clubs and activities that interest them.
- School Lunch: Pupils can select their preferred meal, further supporting their ability to make decisions.
This approach helps pupils develop a strong sense of autonomy and responsibility, preparing them to exercise their individual liberty with consideration and respect.
Mutual Respect at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Mutual respect is a core value at The Holy Family Catholic Primary School, deeply embedded in our faith-based ethos. As a faith community, we emphasise that every child’s behaviour impacts both their own rights and the rights of others. All members of the school community are encouraged to treat one another with respect, following Jesus as a role model. We strive to live out our Mission Statement: “to live, love and learn with Jesus” each day.
Pupils engage in regular activities during assemblies and class acts of worship, where they learn about the importance of mutual respect. These opportunities allow them to reflect on how respect is shown and why it is essential for harmonious relationships within the school and the wider community.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs at The Holy Family Catholic Primary School
As a Catholic worshipping community, we emphasise the importance of understanding and embracing our place in a culturally diverse society. Through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school, pupils are taught the value of respecting and appreciating the beliefs of others.
Assemblies and classwork highlight the diversity of society, reinforcing the message that every person, regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage, or race, deserves to be respected and valued equally. To enhance learning and promote tolerance, we invite members of different faiths and religions into the school to share their knowledge during assemblies and in class discussions.
Our pupils also engage in charitable activities, supporting causes both in Britain and overseas. This involvement helps them appreciate and respect the differences and inequalities in the world, while also recognising the shared human need for essentials like food, shelter, security, and love.
Access to the parent portal:
Username: holy-family-al7
Password: home-7
Parent Portal: tentenresources.co.uk
RSHE Policy
RSHE Curriculum Map
RSHE Road Map
Skills and Knowledge Progression
PSHE at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Our PSHE Vision
Holy Family is a nurturing environment in which each child is encouraged to reach their full potential. As a family we celebrate each child’s uniqueness. As a school, we believe that children are all individuals and therefore, we aim to encourage mutual respect, responsibility and foster self-esteem in a happy and caring atmosphere. The teaching and learning of PSHE supports and upholds this vision. PSHE deals with the diverse beliefs, values and attitudes that individuals and societies hold. They help pupils to develop themselves, their understanding of the world, and their ability to communicate their feelings. PSHE helps children to acquire British values and attitudes which are necessary if they are to make sense of their experiences within school and life itself, value themselves, respect others, appreciate differences and diversity and feel confident and informed as a British citizen. Our vision is for every children to feel enabled to reflect on and clarify their own values, attitudes and feelings by having the opportunity to explore a range of values and attitudes they encounter in their lives and in their future lives.
At Holy Family we aim to teach the children in Key Stage 1, to:
a. generate ideas by drawing on their own and other people's experiences
b. develop ideas by shaping materials and putting together components
c. talk about their ideas
d. plan by suggesting what to do next as their ideas develop
e. communicate their ideas using a variety of methods, including drawing and making models.
We aim to teach the children in Key Stage 2, to:
a. to talk and write about their opinions, and explain their views, on issues that affect themselves and society
b. to recognise their worth as individuals by identifying positive things about themselves and their achievements, seeing their mistakes, making amends and setting personal goals
c. to face new challenges positively by collecting information, looking for help, making responsible choices, and taking action
d. to recognise, as they approach puberty, how people's emotions change at that time and how to deal with their feelings towards themselves, their family and others in a positive way
e. about the range of jobs carried out by people they know, and to understand how they can develop skills to make their own contribution in the future
f. to look after their money and realise that future wants and needs may be met through saving.
Emotional Literacy
"What is Emotional Literacy?"
Emotional Literacy is the term used to describe the ability to understand and express feelings.
Emotional Literacy involves having self-awareness and recognition of one’s own feelings and knowing how to manage them, such as the ability to stay calm when angered or to reassure oneself when in doubt. It includes empathy, i.e. having sensitivity to the feelings of other people and it has been said that emotionally literate people are able to employ self-discipline in order to harness their emotions and identify and reach their personal goals.
Emotional Literacy also includes being able to recognise and adapt to the feelings of other people, whilst at the same time, learning how to manage and express one’s own emotions effectively. This is helpful to developing good communication skills and the enhancement of our relationships with other people.
It is especially important that young children develop Emotional Literacy because they need to have a recognition of their emotions in order to know how to behave, mature and ultimately be happy.
"Why is Emotional Literacy Important?"
Emotional Literacy to be important in promoting happiness and self satisfaction.
Having an ability to understand and express feelings improves a person’s self esteem. Evolutionary theory has suggested that we first developed having appropriate awareness of other people in order to aid the survival of human society. In the modern age, a person’s ability to empathise and cooperate with other people can translate into their social and economic success.
It has also been said that without relationship skills, a person’s social support and friendships can disappear. Therefore, recognition of the need for effective teamwork can make the development of Emotional Literacy as important as having technical competence.
Many people (as well as children) may have trouble expressing their emotions simply because they are not used to talking or thinking about their feelings or because they are afraid.
"How Can Emotional Literacy Be Developed?"
The first stage in developing Emotional Literacy is usually for a child to become comfortable exploring and discussing their feelings. Exercises to improve such expression can at first be as simple as making statements such as ‘I am happy’ or, ‘that makes me upset’. These can then be expanded upon and developed over time as the child’s confidence and competence grow.
We use a wide range of activities in understanding and helping children develop Emotional Literacy through the use of activities which;
Promote the child’s co-operation with others;
Create situations for children with positive social interactions with other children/people which helps to build the child’s self esteem;
Model effective social behaviour; and which
Using hypothetical situations to encourage children to discuss how other people might be feeling.
Special Person
All of us have chosen a special grown-up in our school who we can talk to if we have any worries or if we would just like to talk to someone. We choose this grown up in September and we can talk to them at any time throughout the year.
For more information about what specific classes do to support emotional literacy please see the class webpages.
The Holy Family Catholic Primary School Promoting British Values
The Department for Education requires all schools ‘to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’ The school’s values and ethos is one of tolerance and respect. The recognition that all people are to be valued regardless of beliefs, background or ethnic origin is reflected in the school’s Equality Statement and rooted in the school’s Mission Statement and Aims. Our school actively promotes British values inside and outside of the curriculum in the following ways:
Democracy
Pupils are taught how they can influence decision making through the democratic process and have the opportunity to have their voices heard within the school. The pupil elected school council works with staff to improve the school and influence school policy. Members of the school council are provided an opportunity to visit The Houses of Parliament and experience first-hand democracy in action. In addition, pupil questionnaires and interviews are further opportunities to promote the pupil voice within the school and to prioritise actions and evaluate the success and impact of change. Class teachers often use class votes to decide upon class activities.
The Rule of Law
We actively promote and teach the pupils about the rules of law that governs the class, school or country. Policies and procedures are in place to tackle behaviour and attitudes which are contrary to the school’s moral code and expectations. Pupils are taught the difference between right and wrong as well as the importance of honesty, forgiveness and reparation through our class and school rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police; the Fire Service and Road Safety teams are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. Year 5 and 6 are also visited by the NSPC where they learn about the importance of following various rules/laws to ensure their own personal safety and that of others.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self- esteem and self-confidence is very important and this is done in an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance within the school. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect, alongside the responsibilities that go with these rights. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices within the school, ranging from the pupil choice challenges in lessons to the participation of extra-curricular activities, right down to the choice of their school lunch.
Mutual Respect
As a faith community, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect as we actively encourage children to take Jesus as their role model and to live out our Mission Statement “to live, love and learn with Jesus” on a daily basis. Pupils are regularly involved in activities in assemblies and class acts of worship, where they are helped to understand why mutual respect is a vital value and where they can reflect on the ways in which we can show respect to one another.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
As a Catholic worshiping community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Assemblies and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class. Active support of charities, both in Britain and overseas, develops the children’s appreciation of and respect for the differences and inequalities in the world and of all the things that we share as human beings, for example the need for food, shelter, security and love
MFL at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we develop the confidence and competence of each child in the foreign language they are learning. Our goal is for them to be passionate, curious and confident about their own foreign language learning abilities when they finish the primary school phase of their education.
We will help them develop and demonstrate substantial progress in the 5 key language skills necessary for learning French:
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Grammar
We aim to ensure that pupils of all abilities develop solid foundations in these key language learning skills - properly preparing them for the next stage of their language learning journey. These skills will develop children’s ability to understand what they hear and read and enable them to express themselves in speech and writing. We will extend their knowledge of how language works and explore the similarities and differences between the foreign language they are learning and English. We will also help strengthen their sense of identity through learning about culture in other countries and comparing it with their own.
Curriculum aims for French
By the end of keys stage 2, pupils should be able to:
Listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding.
Explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words.
Engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help.
Speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures.
Develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases.
Present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences.
Read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing.
Appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language.
Broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary.
Write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly.
Describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing.
Understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English.
MFL Policy
MFL Curriculum
MFL Skills and Knowledge Progression
Computing at the Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Intent
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we believe that every child should have the right to a curriculum that champions excellence; supporting pupils in achieving to the very best of their abilities. We understand the immense value technology plays, not only in supporting the Computing and whole school curriculum but overall, in the day-to-day life of our school.
We believe that technology can provide: enhanced collaborative learning opportunities; better engagement of pupils; easier access to rich content; support conceptual understanding of new concepts and support for the needs of all of our pupils.
Curriculum aims for Computing
At The Holy Family Catholic Primary School we follow the National Curriculum Programmes of study for Computing. This is delivered using the 'Purple Mash' scheme of work. We aim to:
Provide an exciting, rich, relevant and challenging Computing curriculum for all pupils.
Enthuse and equip children with the capability to use technology throughout their lives.
Give children access to a variety of high quality hardware, software and unplugged resources.
Instil critical thinking, reflective learning and a ‘can do’ attitude for all our pupils, when engaging with technology.
Teach pupils to understand the importance of governance and legislation regarding how information is used, stored, created, retrieved, shared and manipulated.
Equip pupils with skills, strategies and knowledge that will enable them to reap the benefits of the online world, whilst being able to minimise risk to themselves or others.
Use technology imaginatively and creatively to inspire and engage all pupils, as well as using it to be more efficient in the tasks associated with running an effective school.
Provide technology solutions for forging better home and school links.
Utilise computational thinking beyond the computing curriculum.
Early Years
We provide our pupils with a broad, play-based experience of computing in a range of contexts.
We believe the following:
Early Years learning environments should feature ICT scenarios based on experience in the real world, such as in role play.
Pupils gain confidence, control and language skills through opportunities to ‘paint’ on the interactive board/devices or control remotely operated toys.
Outdoor exploration is an important aspect, supported by ICT toys such as metal detectors, and walkie-talkie sets.
Recording devices can support children to develop their communication skills. This is especially useful for children who have English as an additional language.
Computing Policy
Computing Curriculum
Skills and Knowledge Progression
Knowledge Organisers
Please click on the relevant year group
E-Safety
E-safety is an integral part of children’s education in today’s digital world and is embedded in their learning at school. We also want to help our parents and children improve their own understanding of e-safety issues so they can learn to use the internet and all digital media in a safe and secure way.
E-safety rules are posted in all classrooms and discussed with the pupils as appropriate at the start of each year and throughout.
Please see our Policies section for our E-safety policy.
If you have any concerns please come and speak to a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Digital Parenting - Safer Internet Day Film for Parents and Carers
This film accompanies the Safer Internet Day education pack for parents and carers. The film looks at what is important in digital parenting and signposts parents and carers to resources they might find useful.
Department of Education Online Parent Support Website
Childnet is a great website resource for parents and children on online safety.
Internet Matters is another great site to use - it has advice on cyberbullying, how to talk to your children about internet safety and quick guides to different types of social media such as Instagram and Snapchat.
