Curriculum

At St Bede’s, our curriculum is rooted in the Gospel message and guided by our mission to Love, Learn and Serve. We believe that every child is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27) and is therefore valued, loved, and called to flourish. Our curriculum is designed to develop the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually — so that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and for their vocation in life.

Inspired by Jesus’ teaching to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34), we provide an inclusive and ambitious curriculum where all children are supported to succeed. Learning is carefully planned and clearly structured so that knowledge and skills build step by step across all subjects. Our curriculum reflects our belief that education is an act of service, enabling children to use their God-given gifts for the good of others.

Where needed, we offer a bespoke and highly adapted curriculum so that every child, including those with additional needs, can fully access learning. In line with the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), we encourage children to develop independence, resilience, and confidence, helping them to recognise their strengths and strive for excellence.

Reading at St Bede’s

Reading is central to learning at St Bede’s and enables children to access the whole curriculum and engage more deeply with the world God has created. We believe that reading opens hearts and minds, supports understanding, and nurtures imagination and curiosity.

• Children are read to daily, reflecting the importance of storytelling and shared learning, just as Jesus taught through parables.
• We follow the Essential Letters and Sounds phonics programme, ensuring a clear and structured approach to early reading.
• Reading fluency and comprehension are taught systematically, with additional support provided where needed.
• We work in partnership with families, recognising parents as the first educators of their children.

Through this approach, children become confident, fluent readers who enjoy reading and are well equipped to access learning across all subjects.

Teaching, Support and Assessment

High-quality teaching at St Bede’s reflects Jesus as the greatest teacher. Lessons are carefully planned, engaging, and adapted to meet the needs of all learners. Teachers use regular recap and practice to help children remember learning and build secure foundations over time.

In the spirit of compassion and justice, children who need additional support are identified early and supported through targeted interventions, pastoral care, and specialist support where appropriate. Assessment helps teachers understand each child’s progress and ensures that support is provided at the right time, enabling every child to succeed.

Our Values and Faith Life

Everything we do at St Bede’s is underpinned by our BEDE values — Behaviour, Engagement, Devotion and Excellence — and by Gospel values such as love, kindness, forgiveness, service, and respect. Inspired by Jesus’ call to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31), children are encouraged to care for one another, show respect for all, and act with compassion in their daily lives.

Through our curriculum, prayer, collective worship, and lived experiences, pupils are encouraged to become thoughtful, responsible, and faith-filled individuals who are ready to serve others and make a positive difference in the world.