Curriculum Intent

Our Curriculum Intentions 

The curriculum at St. Aidan’s supports our vision by providing every student with the opportunity to experience “life in all its Fullness” (John 10:10). Rooted in our Christian ethos this vision guides us to nurture each student’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Underpinned by the National Curriculum, our curriculum is carefully constructed to create intrigue and interest, and to ignite in our students a passion for learning which they will carry through into their future careers. As well as being rich in knowledge, our curriculum imparts the skills that are needed for young people to achieve the very best academic outcomes which will support them to succeed in all aspects of life.  

Each subject is intelligently sequenced so that specific knowledge and skills build from one phase to another. This secures a deep understanding of the content being learnt and prepares students for what comes next. Opportunities to develop literacy skills run through all our subject learning journeys which engage students in activities designed to promote written and spoken language. Reading is a priority at St Aidan’s and students read regularly during WALK time and in lessons at all key stages.  

Our curriculum is delivered using the YCST teaching and learning principles which are informed by the latest evidence-based research from the cognitive science of learning and memory. The intentional use of these principles allows students to connect learning and remember more thus equipping them for success in retrieval practice and assessment. 

Each subject delivers content that is linked to the environment and sustainability. By providing our students with the knowledge and skills they need to have a positive impact in the world, our sustainable curriculum will enable them to contribute solutions in our local community and globally in an equitable and just way. There are also clear subject links to career pathways which raise aspiration and support students to envision and work towards their future goals. 

Our academic curriculum is inclusive for all students and is complemented by The St. Aidan’s Offer; an extensive programme of trips, visits, and activities carefully planned to engage and enthuse students in ways that we believe are limited in the confines of a school environment. The St. Aidan’s Offer reinforces our curriculum by enriching young minds and igniting inspiration and passion that will elevate achievement by inherently transferring into work in the classroom.  

Linked closely to our vision and values, the curriculum at St. Aidan’s, enriched by The St. Aidan’s Offer, provides students with a deep subject knowledge, the skills to learn, and the confidence and character to achieve and flourish in an everchanging society.