At St John’s Cathedral Catholic Primary School, our curriculum is deliberately designed to be ambitious for all and to ensure that every pupil, including those who are disadvantaged or with SEND, can learn and succeed. It provides a rich, balanced and challenging education that builds systematically on prior learning so that all pupils make excellent progress. Rooted firmly in our Catholic identity, our curriculum aims to shape pupils into responsible, reflective 21st‑Century Christians who recognise their God‑given dignity and the dignity of all. Our Gospel Values—love, respect, honesty, generosity, creativity, responsibility and justice—are not simply taught but lived, forming the moral and spiritual foundation of our school. We want pupils to understand how they can make a positive contribution to their local community and wider society, developing an awareness of their role as global citizens and the challenges faced by humanity. Our mission, “Loving to Learn; Learning to Love,” underpins every aspect of curriculum. We strive to equip pupils with the knowledge, character and cultural capital they need to thrive academically, spiritually and socially.

High-quality planning and teaching at St John’s ensures that learning is ambitious for every pupil, with inclusive and adaptive classroom practice enabling all children—including those who are disadvantaged or with SEND—to secure strong foundations and access the full breadth of the curriculum. Teachers use a carefully sequenced, topic‑based approach that builds securely on prior knowledge so pupils can make strong progress over time. Creative, engaging subject teaching lies at the heart of this approach, supported by strong subject knowledge and a clear understanding of curriculum progression. Personalised support is embedded within high‑quality first teaching, complemented by evidence‑informed interventions when needed. Catholic Social Teaching continues to be woven through every subject, enabling pupils to explore big questions, engage in meaningful project work and understand how to put faith into action. Drawing on Portsmouth’s rich local history, we provide memorable experiences and purposeful trips that deepen learning across the curriculum. Our broad and strong extra‑curricular offer—including sport, music and play‑based clubs—further enriches pupils’ personal development, nurturing their gifts, confidence and wellbeing.

Through our authentic commitment to teaching and learning, the school currently holds an outstanding judgement for its Catholic Schools Inspection, is a long-standing Artsmark school and holds an Oscar Romero Award for faith in action. Our trusting partnership with parents and high expectations for all, means pupils become resilient and lifelong learners with a passion for social justice. Enjoyment of the curriculum is demonstrated through the children’s high achievements, excellent attendance, their confidence and exemplary behaviour. Our data reflects this with attainment consistently above national and local results. Pupils feel safe, loved and certainly thrive at St John’s.

National Curriculum in England: Primary

Accessibility Plan:

You can find our accessibility plan with our policies under 'Key Information.'

Summer Term topic Knowledge Organisers