Our S.M.I.T.H Curriculum – St. Michael In The Hamlet Community Primary School

At St Michael in the Hamlet, we are guided by our core values;

Safe, Motivational, Inclusive, a Team and Happy

Intent

These principles underpin every aspect of our school life and shape the experiences we provide for our pupils. Our overarching aim is for every member of our school community; students, staff and families alike to experience success and personal growth through our bespoke, engaging and inclusive curriculum reflecting the aims of the national curriculum, our local heritage and the diverse world we live in.

We ensure that all children have access to a carefully planned thematic approach to learning. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and designed to give children opportunities to achieve their full potential across all areas of learning. We believe in nurturing not only academic skills but also creativity, curiosity and a love of learning.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Through all areas of the curriculum, children are taught how to keep themselves and others safe: emotionally, physically and online. Lessons and discussions are carefully woven into subjects to promote awareness, respect, and responsibility, ensuring our pupils understand how to make safe and informed choices in their everyday lives.

Our curriculum is intentionally structured to build on children’s prior learning over time. By linking key concepts across subjects and developing a breadth of subject knowledge, we provide a coherent and progressive learning journey. Topics are designed to motivate children’s natural curiosity and creativity, while remaining relevant to the lives of our children in our local community. At the same time, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity across all areas of the curriculum, ensuring that children develop understanding, respect and appreciation for people and cultures beyond their immediate experience.

Additionally, we are committed to preparing our pupils for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Our curriculum increasingly incorporates digital and financial literacy, enabling children to navigate modern life with confidence and competence. Sustainability and environmental awareness are also embedded across our teaching, encouraging children to consider the impact of their choices on the world around them and promoting responsible citizenship from a young age.

Implementation

All National Curriculum subjects are carefully planned and sequenced to ensure clear progression across both units of work and year groups. Lessons are designed so children can remember what they have been taught and are encouraged to integrate this into deeper levels of understanding. This approach ensures learning is meaningful, connected and enduring.

Our subject leads collaborate closely with our class teachers to ensure comprehensive coverage of knowledge and skills across all areas of the curriculum. Our creative curriculum aims to nurture children not only academically but also spiritually, morally, culturally, mentally, philosophically and physically. Every aspect of learning is designed to support the development of the whole child.

We recognise that each child is unique. Our curriculum is tailored to meet individual needs, encouraging children to explore the world around them, develop independence and become active, inquisitive learners. Reading is central to our approach across all subject areas, which is why we prioritise phonics in EYFS and KS1, with reading for pleasure and targeted interventions in KS2 to ensure all children achieve reading fluency.

Key vocabulary is carefully highlighted by subject leaders to ensure progression across year groups and to strengthen children’s subject knowledge. Learning experiences extend beyond the classroom: trips, workshops, inspirational speakers, family learning sessions and themed topic days enrich children’s understanding of the world and create memorable, motivating learning experiences.

We are committed to implementing the recommendations published in the Curriculum and Assessment Review led by the Department for Education (DfE) in November 2025. This review is aimed at ensuring the curriculum and assessment system are fit for purpose, promoting broader and more inclusive education and equipping children with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in life. We will explore how these emerging guidelines apply to our school and embed them into our practice in a way that aligns with our values and supports every child’s growth.

Impact

We carefully monitor children’s progress across the curriculum using end of unit summative assessments and on-going formative teaching assessments. Scaffolded support is provided where necessary to meet the diverse needs of our learners. Our goal is for pupils to feel safe, inspired, and confident to achieve their full potential, while also understanding their vital role as members of the SMITH team.

We aim for children to leave St Michael in the Hamlet with strong academic foundations, as well as the skills, curiosity, resilience and awareness needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our pupils are equipped to embrace diversity, champion sustainability, engage confidently with digital and financial challenges and contribute meaningfully to both their local community and the wider global society.

Subject Links

-where you’ll find subject overviews, National Curriculum links, progression documents, photos and more-