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Key Stage 1 & 2

Our curriculum is broad, balanced and ambitious, designed to build pupils’ knowledge and skills at every stage of learning. Through carefully sequenced learning and high expectations, pupils develop strong foundations and the confidence to succeed in school and beyond. Key Stage 1 is Years 1 and 2; Key Stage 2 is Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

At St Matthias, we provide a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that is designed to engage and inspire all pupils. Our curriculum prepares children for life both within and beyond school, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Learning is carefully planned from the Early Years to Year 6, ensuring that knowledge and skills are built sequentially and cumulatively over time. We place a strong emphasis on inclusion and high expectations, ensuring that all pupils can achieve and make sustained progress.


Building Strong Foundations

We prioritise the development of core skills, recognising their importance in enabling success across the curriculum.

  • Reading: Pupils develop fluency, confidence and enjoyment through a structured approach combining phonics and comprehension.
  • Writing: Pupils learn to communicate clearly and effectively through a high-quality, text-based approach, supported by strong oracy.
  • Mathematics: Pupils develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving through carefully sequenced learning.

We focus on ‘keeping up’ rather than ‘catching up’, identifying and addressing gaps in learning quickly so that all pupils can progress confidently.


How We Teach

Our teaching is informed by evidence-based practice and a clear understanding of how pupils learn best.

  • Learning is carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge
  • Teachers check understanding regularly and address misconceptions
  • Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils
  • Knowledge is revisited to ensure it is securely embedded over time

This approach enables pupils to develop a deep and lasting understanding across the curriculum.


Our Curriculum Subjects

Core Subjects:

  • English (reading, writing, grammar, punctuation and spelling)
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Religious Education (R.E)

Foundation Subjects:

  • Art and Design
  • Computing (including Online Safety)
  • Design and Technology
  • Geography
  • History
  • Modern Foreign Languages (EYFS – Y6)
  • Music
  • Oracy
  • PHSE and RSE
  • Physical Education (including swimming in KS2)

Supporting Every Child

We are committed to ensuring that every pupil succeeds. Staff identify and remove barriers to learning through effective assessment, high-quality teaching and carefully planned adaptations.

Support is targeted and purposeful, enabling pupils to achieve long-term success and independence.


Find Out More

You can find out more about how we teach our curriculum in detail by visiting our individual subject pages [here].

You can explore our curriculum in more detail by visiting our individual subject pages.

You can also find further information about the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2 using the link below.