Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
Our approach to curriculum, teaching and learning - The St Thomas More Way
Aspire and Flourish
At St Thomas More, Christ is at the centre of everything we do. Our curriculum is not simply about what children learn, but about the people they become. Inspired by the Gospel and rooted in our Catholic faith, we seek to provide every child with the knowledge, skills, character and confidence they need to flourish as unique children of God and to use their gifts in the service of others.
Our vision, Aspire and Flourish, reflects our belief that every child has God-given potential. We have high expectations for every pupil and are committed to providing a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that enables all children to succeed, regardless of their starting point or individual needs.
A curriculum rooted in Christ
Our Catholic faith permeates school life and sits at the heart of our curriculum. Through every subject and every experience, we encourage children to develop a sense of wonder, curiosity and gratitude for God’s creation and to understand their responsibility towards others and the world around them.
Our school values of forgiveness, honesty, respect, love, empathy and service guide the way we learn and live together. Catholic Social Teaching provides an important lens through which children consider issues of human dignity, the common good, stewardship, peace, subsidiarity and the option for the poor.
We believe that education should help children to become compassionate, thoughtful and active members of their communities. Therefore, opportunities to explore Catholic Social Teaching are woven throughout our curriculum, enabling pupils to make meaningful connections between their learning, their faith and the wider world.
Prayer, worship and reflection are also an integral part of school life. Our classrooms provide sacred spaces for prayer and reflection, and our collective worship helps children to deepen their relationship with God and understand how the teachings of Jesus can guide their lives.
Excellence in teaching and learning
Our teaching is underpinned by The STM Way, our shared approach to high-quality teaching and learning. It provides consistency across the school while allowing teachers to respond thoughtfully to the needs of their pupils and the demands of different subjects.
We believe that excellent teaching combines high expectations, strong relationships, clear routines and ambitious learning. Teachers explicitly teach important knowledge and vocabulary, model new concepts carefully and provide pupils with opportunities to practise, apply and deepen their understanding.
Lessons are carefully structured to build on what children already know. Pupils are supported to retrieve prior learning, encounter new knowledge and vocabulary, learn through clear explanations and modelling, practise with increasing independence and apply their learning in meaningful contexts. Challenge and stretch are incorporated so that every child is encouraged to continue developing.
Our approach is evidence-informed and focusses on effective teacher practice as a key lever for improving learning. Teachers use questioning, modelling, guided practice and regular checks for understanding to identify misconceptions and adapt teaching in the moment.
Building knowledge and independence
We recognise that children learn best when new learning connects with what they already know. Our curriculum is therefore carefully sequenced so that knowledge, vocabulary and skills are revisited and developed over time.
Knowledge organisers and learning slips help pupils understand the essential knowledge and vocabulary within each unit and lesson. They provide clarity about what children are learning, why it matters and how new learning connects to previous learning. This supports pupils in building strong knowledge that they can remember and apply independently.
We place particular emphasis on developing children's language and oracy. Pupils are encouraged to speak confidently, articulate their ideas clearly, use appropriate vocabulary and substantiate their thinking with evidence. Through structured discussion and carefully planned questioning, every child is given opportunities to think, communicate and listen to others.
An inclusive curriculum for every child
We want every child to know that they belong, that they are valued and that they can succeed. Our consistent approach to routines, teaching and learning creates a calm, safe and predictable environment in which pupils can concentrate and flourish.
Teachers know their pupils' starting points and adapt teaching to ensure that barriers to learning are addressed. Additional scaffolding and support are provided where needed, with the aim of gradually developing independence. Our high expectations remain consistent for every child.
We believe that mistakes are an important part of learning. Through supportive feedback, questioning and opportunities to revisit and improve their work, pupils develop resilience, confidence and a willingness to keep trying.
A culture of kindness, respect and aspiration
Our Golden Three — Be Present, Be Kind, Be Respectful — underpin the way we learn and live together. These simple expectations help us create a culture in which pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
We expect children to take pride in themselves, their learning and their school. Our classrooms are purposeful and welcoming, with displays that celebrate learning and provide useful scaffolds. We strive to create an environment that nurtures both academic and spiritual development.
Above all, we want our children to leave St Thomas More with a love of learning, a strong foundation of knowledge, confidence in their God-given gifts and a desire to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
At St Thomas More, we aspire for every child and seek to help every child flourish — academically, socially, morally and spiritually — with Christ at the heart of all that we do.