Teaching, Learning and Curriculum at St Barnabas Trust
Teaching & Learning
In the Early Years, our play-based curriculum is driven by high-quality ‘continuous provision with enhancements’ and purposeful ‘focused teaching’ to secure foundational knowledge and refine core skills. We apply the evidence-based principles of the ‘Best Start in Life’ strategy to ensure a strong start in the prime areas, creating a seamless transition from the EYFS to Key Stage 1 by building the essential precursors for formal learning.
Assessment for Learning
Formative and summative assessments are used to inform the learning process. All assessment outcomes are shared with pupils so that they can see the progress they have made, respond to feedback and identify the next steps in their learning. Teachers and heads discuss pupil attainment and progress each term to identify where support is to be given. Data from across the Trust is gathered and shared in order that senior leaders can identify trends, establish priorities and set targets. Local governors and Trust directors receive termly assessment reports in order that they can monitor standards in individual schools and across the Trust and hold leaders to account.
Curriculum
From early years onwards, all our children are taught a broad, ambitious, knowledge rich curriculum and have access to high-quality extra-curricular provision. They are taught in our calm, orderly, safe and supportive schools with high levels of attendance. Children have fair access to a full curriculum regardless of which academy they and their parents choose.
“Curriculum development is a long haul task, but a beautiful one, and an ethically focused curriculum, carefully crafted, will mean the children and the staff and families and the planet will reap the benefits for years to come.” Katie Smith
English Curriculum
Reading
Reading starts in our nurseries with children playing with rhyme and sound and hearing traditional tales. They progress to being fluent readers via a systematic phonics scheme called ‘Read Write Inc’ which is validated for use in schools by the Department for Education. Comprehension is taught in KS1 and 2 using a ‘Shared Reading’ approach. All pupils are encouraged to read the Trust ‘Reading Spine’ which is made up of high quality classic and contemporary children’s literature. Children have access to the Accelerated Reader online system to help manage their home-school reading and develop a love of books. Teachers read to classes everyday. Fiction Express is used to support e-reading at KS2.
Writing
Writing begins in our Nurseries through purposeful mark-making and the ‘Helicopter Stories’ approach. This practice of verbally composing and acting out narratives continues into the Reception year, providing a consistent bridge for children to develop their storytelling voice and narrative sequencing.
Reception and Key Stage 1: Imagination & Transcription Alongside Helicopter Stories, children in Reception and through to the end of the Autumn Term in Year 1 engage with ‘Drawing Club’. This approach immerses children in high-level vocabulary and creative expression. From the Spring Term of Year 1 through to the end of Year 2, children progress to ‘Curious Quests’.
During this phase, there is a rigorous focus on transcriptional skills. We prioritize the development of physical stamina for handwriting, alongside the phonemic awareness and spelling accuracy required to translate oral stories into written form. This ensures that by the end of Key Stage 1, children possess the technical fluency needed to communicate their imaginative ideas effectively.
Key Stage 2: Composition & Craft In Year 3, we transition to the ‘Talk for Writing’ approach. Children internalize high-quality texts to build a rich repertoire of phrases, characters, settings, and plots. This progression ensures:
- Internalization: Vocabulary and confidence are built through interactive word and sentence games.
- Expert Modeling: Teachers lead the writing process through shared writing, explicitly demonstrating the conventions of grammar and punctuation for children to apply to their own work.
- Frequent Practice: Short-burst writing is used across the curriculum to ensure children write with frequency and purpose.
- Independence: Students move from imitation to innovation, using their banked knowledge to craft sophisticated original pieces.
Spelling and Handwriting
Teachers teach the conventions and rules of spelling. Children practice and learn spelling lists using ‘Spellzone’.
Children develop their letter formation through the Read Write Inc scheme as they learn their sounds. They learn to join letters by following the ‘Nelson Handwriting Programme’. Whenever they are writing they strive to beat their personal best which is displayed on desks to act as a guide. They can also choose to be assessed by their teacher for a ‘Pen License’ when they feel their handwriting has reached the Trust standard.
Maths Curriculum
All our schools have a mastery approach to the teaching of mathematics. Children quickly acquire fluency by first using a concrete approach followed by pictorial and abstract representation. Once fluent pupils are challenged to apply their understanding to reason and problem solve. Teachers are supported by the Power Maths scheme and calculation policy which is accredited by the Department for Education for use in schools.
Models and Representations – Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract Representation
Vocabulary and Language – Gives children a way to express their growing understanding of mathematical concepts
Manipulatives – Children learn concepts through developmentally appropriate hands-on experience
Calculation Policy – Ensures consistency of approach and progression between classes and year groups
Connections – Example; connecting multiplication with area & volume
Challenge, Application and Problem Solving – Strengthens and deepens understanding
Science Curriculum
Our pupils learn to be curious about the world and how it works. We teach them how to use observations and experiments to gain knowledge and understanding.
Chemistry – Pupils study substances that make up matter and the changes that take place when substances are combined
Physics – Children learn about the structure of matter and how the fundamental constituents of the universe interact
Biology – Pupils study life and living organisms
Religious Education Curriculum
At St Barnabas, our children explore the big questions about life, to be curious and find out what people believe and the difference this makes to how they live. Our children are equipped with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to handle questions raised by religion, belief and life itself. They are able to reflect on their own ideas and ways of living, leading to responsible, tolerant and well-informed citizens ready to take on the world – Bring it! Bring Respect!
Our RE syllabus is aligned to the Cornwall syllabus and is predominantly Christian in character although the major world religions are also represented.
Geography Curriculum
Geographical Concepts – Key concepts run throughout all the geography units we teach. These include; Physical Features, Human Features, Location, Environment, Settlements, Mapping, Comparison and Climate
Map Skills – Children develop their ability to read and interpret maps as well as create their own
Visiting Places – We visit places locally, nationally and globally both physically and virtually in order to gain an understanding of what they are like now and how they have developed or changed over time
At St Barnabas, we want our children to be fascinated about the world and the people in it. Their curiosity should last the rest of their lives. Our children should know about the diversity of places, people and human and natural environments and how geography has played important roles in the evolution of people and places.
History Curriculum
Chronology – Our children develop their chronological awareness of the past in order that they can order the periods in history that they study
Primary and Secondary Sources – During their time with us pupils visit historical buildings and museums. They handle artefacts, read documents and study photographs from the different time periods they study
Responding to the Past – Children are encouraged to ask perceptive questions and think critically about events and periods of history. They respond to historical periods in writing, pictures and songs as well as reenacting key events
At St Barnabas, we want our children to gain a coherent understanding that History is the study of the past, specifically, the people, societies, events and problems of the past. Furthermore, we want our children to understand Britain’s past and that of the wider world.
Computing Curriculum
We develop ‘thinkers of the future’. Pupils learn computational thinking and creativity which enables them to become active participants in the digital world. They understand how to use the ever-changing technology to express themselves and as tools for learning.
Our children understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences. They develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online.
Our computing curriculum is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across the curriculum.
Computer Science
Children should have an understanding of how modern devices and software operate at code level. We want children to know that algorithms and programs are devised by humans and, if run successfully, will perform functions for us in the background, seamlessly and systematically.
Our children begin their education in the early years with a variety of non-screen, practical activities. They then progress to writing simple programmes in Key Stage 1, followed by deeper teaching that enables them to create complex programmes with multiple variables in Key Stage 2.
Information Technology
Learning about ‘Computer Systems and Concepts’ begins in our early years with children gathering information and data during physical activities. They start to explore ‘Digital Media’ during activities that relate to: painting, pattern making, real / not real, sound making and music.
In KS1, children begin to manipulate physical devices, learn about inputs and outputs and explore the use of computers to present data and create audio files. By the end of KS2, children are able to explain how information is transferred over networks, create web pages, manipulate data and use programs to design projects in the real world.
Digital Literacy
Modern life is infused by technology. Children need to understand the potentials and dangers of such technologies, and how to interact with them safely on a daily basis.
Our children learn from the very start of their education journey the importance of internet safety and the safe use of technology. They explore what is and what is not classed as personal information and what information must not be put online. Through Years 1-6 they learn the skills needed to remain safe when online and being able to spot fake information. Internet safety is paramount and children leave our schools with the essential skills to keep them safe.
Physical Education Curriculum
The MAT employs secondary trained specialist PE teachers who coordinate all aspects of sport across the Trust. This ensures high quality PE lessons, a range of extra curricular clubs, access to competition and opportunities to watch elite sport.
PE Lessons – Children develop their skills across a range of individual and team sports during their PE lessons.
All pupils in the Trust learn to swim a minimum of 25 meters by the end of Key Stage 2
Extra Curricular Clubs – Each school runs an after school sports club for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils
Competition and Tournaments – All pupils are encouraged to take part in sporting competitions. Each half term the Trust runs a sporting tournament for teams of KS1 & KS2 pupils from each of our schools. To find out more see our PE & Sport page.
Elite Sport – Each term pupils have the opportunity to watch professional elite sport including; football, rugby, basketball, horse racing, and cricket. This affords them the opportunity to talk to and work with professional athletes. To find out more see our PE & Sport page.
Music Curriculum
Our aim is to give pupils the opportunity, skills and knowledge to find their inner musician. We focus on playing and creating music together. Staff have access to the Charanga online music resource to support the teaching and learning of music. Children also take part in whole class instrument lessons. We are always seeking opportunities for our children to perform in front of an audience.
Below you will find the Music Development Plan for each school.
Art Curriculum
We develop our pupils as young artists to express their; feelings, thoughts and observations in creative ways. They study the work of different artists and practice skills and techniques to enable them to produce high quality work of their own. Wherever possible we exhibit children’s work so that others can be inspired and gain enjoyment from it.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic, and Relationships and Sex Education Curriculum
Our pupils receive an education that prepares them for life’s opportunities and challenges. We equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with the critical issues they face every day such as; friendships, emotional wellbeing and change. We give them a solid foundation for whatever challenging opportunities lie ahead, so they can face a world full of uncertainty with hope.