Curriculum

• Art
  Art

  Children at St Boniface School are all artists. We would like our children to have the freedom to express themselves as artists in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Children will be confident to engage with a range of media, for example painting, drawing, printing, sketching and modelling. They will acquire key skills which will be developed from Early Years right through to Key Stage 2. These include using tools confidently and appropriately, to being able to engage and explore a wide range of media. Children will explore a variety of traditional and contemporary artists and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms. Learners are encouraged to discover more about these artists and develop an understanding of the different art styles. E.g. landscapes, abstract, portraits and still life.
  Art will be incorporated across the curriculum to enable pupils to develop their depth of understanding. Art provides all children with a means to express themselves. Our high-quality art and design curriculum will engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As well as this, in Key Stage 2, art will be taught by a subject specialist teacher as part of our school's Enrichment program. This further enables our children to make progress as thoughtful, skilled and enthusiastic artists.

• DT - Design and Textiles
  DT - Design and Textiles

  Through the studies of Design and Technology, St Boniface children will become experimental learners developing their creative and innovative skills. Children will be able to effectively use skills including planning, designing, making and evaluating with regards to a completed product. They will have an understanding of the purpose of their learning and be able to apply their prior knowledge and skills within any context. Children will be able select appropriate materials and tools to assist with their project and will be able to record and evaluate their work in a variety of ways. They will have experience working in a group and independently to complete a given task. Children will gain a variety of skills, vocabulary and knowledge to help them continue to progress in Design and Technology in their future.
  Updated March 2021

• English
  English

  Writing Intent for St Boniface School
  A St Boniface child will leave our school with a toolkit to be a great writer. Writing is an integral part of our curriculum. All children from the Early Years to Year 6 are provided with many opportunities to develop and apply their writing skills across the curriculum. It is our intention that pupils develop a clear understanding of the writing process.
  Children are introduced to genres in writing by reading a well-chosen book with a quality text. The language features and structures of the genre are identified and discussed. Children are immersed in the book through writing in role, drama activities and art work. The teacher models and demonstrates how to write using the structures and features of the genre. A 'model text' is used so that children will be able to hear how a well-written text sounds, recognise grammatical features, and identify features in a genre. They will be able to 'magpie' good vocabulary. We give children the opportunity to hear the vocabulary of a text frequently, to unpick the author's word choices and to discuss the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases. A St Boniface writer will be able to discuss word choices, meanings and inference in writing and understand how important every word choice can be and the impact it can have on a piece of writing. Our intent is that children will know how to 'up-level' sentences by improving grammar, punctuation, sentences openers and the quality of word choices. Children will know that writers need to plan each stage, verbalise their thoughts as a writer and break down their writing into manageable chunks. Spelling, grammar and punctuation are important aspects of the English lessons. These are taught explicitly within each unit of work before being applied through the writing. Children will be given ample opportunities to write using everything in their writer's toolkit. They will write independently, so that we can assess what each child has embedded from the learning and can use independently in their writing. Each child is assessed against the standards for their year group and next steps are identified.
  Our intention is that a St Boniface writer has the toolkit to produce written work in all areas of the curriculum of a similar standard, using the tools that they have acquired during their writing journey at St Boniface.
  Updated March 2021

  Statement of intent - Reading
  At St Boniface we want children to develop a love of reading that will encourage them to become life-long readers. Reading is a key life skill that will benefit them throughout their lives.
  Reading in the early years and at Key Stage 1 focuses mainly on ensuring children know and can use phonics and 'tricky words' to decode text. Comprehension at this level focuses mainly on retrieval skills using picture as well as contextual cues. We use 'Letters and Sounds' to teach phonics on a daily basis and the children take home a reading book from the Oxford Reading Tree scheme. Children are encouraged to change their books at least once every week. Children continue on the reading scheme in Key Stage 2 until they reach the 'Free choice' section. As the reader develops in Key Stage 2, the focus shifts to developing a deeper comprehension of the text and the ability to discuss and evidence opinions.
  Reading lessons focus on developing vocabulary and micro reading or close reading of the text. Well-chosen quality texts are used to enrich children's vocabulary and develop their comprehension. Teachers lead discussions developing the children's understanding of specific age appropriate reading skills. Children regularly read aloud to teachers and support staff to develop their decoding and comprehension skills.
  All children are encouraged to read widely across both fiction and non-fiction to develop their knowledge of themselves and the world in which they live, to gain knowledge across the curriculum and develop their comprehension skills.
  When children leave St Boniface we want all children to be fluent, confident readers who are able to successfully comprehend and understand a wide range of texts. We want pupils to develop a love of reading, a good knowledge of a range of authors and be able to understand more about the world in which they live through the knowledge they gain from texts.
  Updated March 2021

• Geography
  Geography

  We endeavour to ensure that we are producing a Geographer who is curious, reflective and has a deep understanding of the world around them. In addition to this, we want them to have the skills to understand how the choices that they make will indeed influence the world that they live in, in both the present and the future. They have the responsibility to ensure that they are having a positive impact on our world. It is our responsibility as educators to ensure that we deliver a curriculum that is inclusive whilst taking in to consideration how we can make the world accessible to our students.

  We envisage that a Geographer will be able to make links with prior learning and have the skills to know how they might use their new learning. We will begin each topic by sharing the bigger picture and telling the children the purpose of their learning. We will use the key questions to build upon the child's understanding, and investigate new questions that they might have about the topic they are studying. The children will have a strong locational knowledge of different places and be able to compare different places considering how they are connected. In addition, they will be able to identify why a place is considered rural or urban. Children will have had the opportunity to develop their map reading skills from KS1 by having an understanding of their own local locality and then moving forward to understand different locations by looking at digital maps and recognising symbols on an OS map.

  In addition to this, they will able to identify different features of human and physical geography. During their time at St Boniface, they will have had multiple opportunities to develop their fieldwork skills by going on a range of trips. Trips to central London and places such as Cheam and the Isle of Wight will enhance their geographical knowledge and give them the opportunity to use different equipment/ apparatus to enhance their understanding of a place such as using trundle wheels to measure distance or compasses to develop their navigational skills. They will also collect and collate information in different formats such as traffic surveys and field sketches to develop their geographical understanding.

  A St Boniface Geographer will leave St Boniface confident and secure in their geographical knowledge whilst having the skills to share that knowledge with others.

  Updated March 2021

• History
  History

  Historians at St Boniface enjoy learning about the past through focused areas of study including Stone Age era, ancient civilisations, and modern history including changes within living memory. Children learn how local, national and global historical events have shaped our modern world and the diverse community in which we live. These areas of study ensure children develop an understanding of chronology both within and between periods of study. As historians, we know it is our responsibility to ask questions about the past, to consider evidence and weigh various points of view. These skills allow us to debate key issues of the time period studied and consider how we may see things differently now. All children at St Boniface have opportunities to investigate historical sources, explore historical places during educational visits and to write in a historical context.
  Updated March 2021

• ICT - Information and Technology
  ICT - Information and Technology

  At St. Boniface, we aspire to produce students who have a sound understanding of how technology influences and improves their lives through quicker processes and systems; allows them to explore ways to enhance experiences of hobbies and interests through different software and devices; provides access to information that they can use to broaden their research and learning opportunities.
  We endeavour to develop pupils into digitally literate users of technology - meaning they understand how their digital footprint affects their online reputation and how it can impact on themselves and others in real life.
  Updated March 2021

• Mathematics
  Mathematics

  
  A mathematician at St. Boniface is 'one who does good' through the realm of mathematics. Mathematicians will employ a positive and resilient approach to their learning and remove the notion of 'I'm bad at maths' to 'I will learn how to do this'.

  Our aim is to ensure that every child is mathematically numerate by becoming fluent, reasoning mathematically and can problem solve. The children can use various strategies to support their calculations and acquire the knowledge to apply these appropriately. A mathematician can employ a range of concrete manipulatives, pictorial representations and abstract equations (CPA) to their calculation process. Children will be able to solve an equation in several ways using conceptual variation and pattern - spotting, which develops their mathematical efficiency, often with links to a real life context.

  In addition, one must be able to confidently explain their process of calculation and reason using mathematical vocabulary. The children will appreciate the challenge of mathematics and believe that mistakes are made to learn and develop from. Children are encouraged to challenge mathematical themes that are typically seen as 'something you should know', and rather question 'why is 3x4=12?'.

  Thinking mathematically is an essential quality, which moves beyond the content knowledge and simultaneously develops their sophisticated process skills. Such thinking is developed through Low Ceiling, High Threshold Tasks which learners are to think, reason and make decisions. The children will have a deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than an accelerated one.

  All children will be mathematically numerate, as the learning is accessible to all and offers opportunities to greatly deepen one's mathematical proficiency at their own rate, by exploring ideas in greater depth. A mathematician will take advantage of the possibilities that have opened for them and try to create new possibilities.
  Updated March 2021

• Music
  Music

  Music should flow through the school through cross curricular links and as a separate subject easily. When children come through St Boniface they should have an appreciation for many different genres of music as laid out in our Composer of the Fortnight scheme running through the school. Here, children get to listen to different composers and pieces from many eras of music as well as using different instruments. Through the playing of the music in class and entrance into assembly children get to experience the different pieces and discuss what they hear.

  In those classes where they get that input regularly that their appreciation and awareness of different music grows and creates open mindedness in not only music but other subjects (history: it's impact on the transformation of music, science: how instruments work, the orchestra and pitches caused by size of instruments.).

  Delivery of regular music lessons give children the ability to recognise pitch, rhythm and timbre. Through some teaching of sol-fa children have ability to sing and change pitches as well as responding to call and response methods. Children also learn musical notation from a young age and then get to embed and apply it in year 4 where the children learn a brass instrument for a year.

  This opportunity allows the children to experience what it is like to learn a musical instrument and inspire them to take one on in the future. It also sets them up with basic musical skills so if they were to start learning an instrument in the future. The children get to perform as a group at some assemblies developing their performance skills. This skill of performance is incredibly important to everyday life and learning this skill early on in Primary school will set up the children up for great success in their future lives.

• Physical Education
  Physical Education

  We aim to build a curriculum that enables children to leave St Boniface with age expected levels of fitness, (balance, co-ordination and agility) and a good understanding of how PE contributes to physical and mental well-being.

  Children are taught, and are given the opportunity to practice, basic skills which they can apply to a variety of games. They are encouraged to develop their own games using and applying skills taught.  Through our enrichment programme, we have a specialist Sports Coach each Friday, who works across the school, building on skills and developing game- play.

  We aim to offer a range of experiences: water sports for year  6, athletics on a purpose-built track, taking part in sport as part of a team in activities such as Football Blitz, KS1 games and Cathletics as well as Wandsworth School Games. Children in Year  2 and 3 have weekly swimming lessons at Tooting Leisure Centre. During these sessions they develop confidence in the water and begin to swim using a range of strokes.

  We build in opportunities to promote fitness in everyday life through walking to and from activities: walking to swimming, to church and to the common. We regularly promote walking, scooting and bike riding through Walk to School week, Scooter Training and Cycling Proficiency.

  In our half-termly Forest School activities, we encourage climbing, balancing, jumping and teamwork as well as promoting the use of outdoor space in our local area.

  We run a diverse and changing range of afterschool activities including Zumba, football, basketball, street dance, tennis, gymnastics, yoga, and mindful activities promoting mental health. Through the clubs, we have established strong links with local clubs such as Tooting Gymnastics Club, Wimbledon AFC, Crystal Palace Diving Club and Tennis Icon.

   

  We promote healthy eating in school, providing fruit at break-time and a water only policy in school. Through Science and PSHE children are taught the importance of a healthy, balanced diet. School Dinners are encouraged and the school council works with teachers and children to encourage healthy, balanced packed lunches. We have a 'no fast food' policy in the playground.

• PSHE - Personal, Health, Social & Economic
  PSHE - Personal, Health, Social & Economic

  Children at St Boniface embrace the idea of 'being the best they can' in all areas of their academic, social and personal growth.
  The programme for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education at St Boniface aims to focus on cross-curricular links, nurturing children's interests and needs, high quality teaching and targeted planning and sequencing. Children learn to communicate their feelings using the appropriate language and are equipped with effective strategies to deal with specific situations. They are able to utilise their existing knowledge in new scenarios and employ critical thinking skills, avoiding peer pressure and making decisions for themselves. Children work on developing their emotional intelligence - empathy, appreciation, respect, effective communication - as well as essential life skills - problem solving, teamwork, creativity, aiming high and making the most of the learning opportunities. The children will have a sound understanding that will enable them to be successful once they leave our school. Having a positive work ethic is an essential quality, which enables children to move from a closed mindset towards a growth mindset. The children will know that embracing challenges and making mistakes is crucial to their learning and teaches them that we never stop learning. Growth mindset - the idea that intelligence can be developed rather than it being set in stone - is supported in all areas of the curriculum at St Boniface and the children will revisit this topic as they progress through the stages. Through teaching a broad, rich and deep curriculum, the children will be appreciative of one another and different cultures, clearly communicate and justify their ideas, take ownership of their learning and responsibility for their actions. All children are encouraged to be inquirers, individuals, globally-minded and sympathetic citizens.

  Updated March 2021

• Religious Studies
  Religious Studies

  'One Who Does Good'

  Our intention is that St Boniface School is a place where our relationships are based on the examples of Jesus through the Gospels; a place where people are respectful, trusting and caring towards one another.
  Through our worshipping in school and at mass and celebrating together we recognise, are united by, and rejoice in God's greatness and love for each one of us.
  As a Catholic School, we recognise our call to serve and contribute to our local and Parish communities and to appreciate the broader multicultural/faith community in which St. Boniface School is situated.
  The aim of our RE curriculum is for the children to grow in their own spirituality and faith, through their love for God and one another, their learning about and from God and their praise of God and His creation.
  At St Boniface we follow “The Way, The Truth and the Life” scheme. The scheme covers the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church and their implications for the lives of people today, and particularly for the lives of the pupils.
  We use RE Big Books as a creative and varied approach to lessons, documenting RE themed assemblies, Mass visits and the books provide an opportunity for pupils to refer back to later in the topic or the year.
  Through their experiences in school, we aim to nurture an understanding that the children are part of a global community united through the values of the Gospel. We aim to provide an environment where the children will learn about the mission of Jesus through careful study and emersion in scripture, which is rooted in experience.
  We develop children's understanding and knowledge of other faiths and cultures, respecting and appreciating alternative viewpoints. We recognise the social, moral, spiritual and cultural diversity of our communities.
  When children leave St Boniface we want them to know and love Jesus, have grown in faith, and be understand God's love for all people.

  Updated March 2021

• Science
  Science

  Children at St Boniface develop learning of their science through observations they make about the world around them. Children progress through the school, developing their independent learning skills and the ability to design their own investigations and take measurements with increasing accuracy. They will have an idea of the resources and equipment they need to complete an investigation and be able to hypothesise. Children will be enthused and excited by the science learnt and will have an active curiosity about the subject - regularly generating their own questions. 

  Teaching at St Boniface, allows opportunities for developing science knowledge and understanding based on their previous learning, have a broad and balanced curriculum, which inter links with other subjects.  The children have learnt to be resilient in finding the answers to scientific questions, use appropriate vocabulary when talking about science and are using scientific vocabulary across other subjects.  They will present scientific enquiries in a range of formats, including Computing, diagrams, graphs and charts and all children regardless of ability will be able to access science lessons with supporting resources. 

  Children will have the opportunity to explore different environments with at least one school trip per year.  Visits by and to secondary schools will help to enhance the learning and scientific resources that children are exposed to.  Science Week and Science Fair offer children further opportunities to be involved in investigative science. Extra-curricular activities offered by teachers such as Stem and Gardening Club will extend learning further.  St Boniface scientists leave the school with a love of science, motivated, enthused and able to understand how science is applied in the real world.

  Updated March 2021

Mixed Year groups at St Boniface:

At St Boniface, we operate in mixed-age classrooms and believe there are many benefits to this learning environment. Children are able to stay with the same teacher for two years, which enables the teacher to develop a deep understanding of their class. Additionally, the teaching is tailored towards pupils’ individual needs, as well as their own strengths. From a social and emotional perspective, pupils have the opportunity to befriend children from different age groups to their own. Consequently, these children are encouraged to take on the role of mentors to support their younger classmates while developing their own social competencies. We strongly believe that mixed-age classrooms encourages children to discover their untapped potential spiritually; academically, socially and emotionally.

Nurturing aspect.  Our teachers have their class of children for two years in a row and this enables them to get to know the children really well – this leads to planning for exactly what that child needs. 
Our St Boniface family.  Making friends in year above and below helps the community feel of school and children more comfortable interacting with older children. 
Cooperation.  Opportunities for younger children to be buddied up with a confident older child in their class. Mentoring skills for older children, peer support for younger children. 
Raising attainment and self esteem for summer born.  Summer born children are not youngest in class consistently – they get to be the more experienced older child every other year.  
Targeted support.  Younger children are stretched by being exposed to curriculum content for older students. Students who found topics/concepts challenging can be supported when revisiting them the following year, with a teacher who knows their gaps. 
Setting a good example.  Older children know routines and expectations and model these for younger. 
Friendship opportunities.  Children mixing with more children means they are more sociable.

All children at St Boniface are taught by outstanding teachers who teach what each child needs to learn at that time, supporting children when they need extra help and challenging those who are already confident to take their knowledge and understanding to a greater depth.