Curriculum Provision at XII Apostles
Organisation
This is a one formed entry primary school which means that there is one class in each year group with one teacher and a teaching assistant. The children are organised into classes according to their age. There are 7 classes as follows: Reception, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6. Each class teacher in consultation with the Headteacher is responsible for organising and delivering all the subjects of the National Curriculum and Religious Education for the children in their class.
Whenever it is possible, class teachers can call on support from other teachers with specific expertise in such subjects as French, Information Technology, P.E., Music or R.E.
Our Curriculum Intent
Our Mission: Through learning and loving, we will follow Jesus
Our Intent
- For our children to fulfil their unique human potential, follow the Gospel values, and place Christ at the centre of everything they do.
Implementation
At XII Apostles, our outstanding curriculum is designed to fulfil the aims of our mission statement. As a Catholic Primary School, the Gospel values are interwoven into the curriculum and all aspects of school life. We believe that each child’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development lies at the heart of their education and underpins their ability to learn and achieve. We therefore aim to provide all pupils with positive, rewarding experiences through a carefully planned and coherent curriculum, founded upon our Christian values.
Our Intent
- For our children to receive the very best education by providing a broad, balanced, engaging, and stimulating curriculum, ensuring they develop the necessary skills in reading, writing, and mathematics—enabling them to fulfil their human potential across all areas of the curriculum.
Implementation
We follow the aims of the National Curriculum:
"The National Curriculum provides pupils with an introduction to the essential knowledge they need to be educated citizens. It introduces pupils to the best that has been thought and said, and helps engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement."
The National Curriculum is one element in the education of every child. There is time and space within the school day, week, term, and year to go beyond its specifications. It provides an outline of core knowledge around which teachers design exciting and stimulating lessons to promote the development of pupils’ understanding, knowledge, and skills as part of a wider curriculum.
Our curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of our children using a cross-curricular approach where appropriate. It is carefully planned and sequenced to ensure skill development and knowledge acquisition take place in meaningful and relevant contexts. Subject leaders’ long-term plans detail the progression of skills in each subject area.
Our Intent
- For our children to be aspirational, have high expectations of themselves, and be ambitious for their future.
Implementation
We strive to ensure our children have access to rich and varied life experiences that motivate and build confidence, helping them go out into the world and fulfil their potential. We actively challenge low aspirations and poverty of ambition.
There is a strong emphasis on developing positive learning behaviours through our focus on learning powers, which support pupils as they progress to the next stage of education and life beyond school. These powers—such as resourcefulness, resilience, collaboration, and independence—help children overcome challenges and become effective problem-solvers.
We encourage pupils to see themselves as lifelong learners, capable of growth and improvement. By nurturing these skills and mindsets, we aim to equip our children with life skills that will enable them to face new situations with confidence and purpose.
Our Intent
- To inspire children to explore, engage with, and care for the world through the sciences and technology—fostering curiosity, creativity, and awe for the natural world, while equipping them to solve real-world problems and thrive in a rapidly changing, technological future.
Implementation
At Twelve Apostles, we implement our STEM curriculum through engaging, practical, and carefully sequenced lessons in science, computing, and design technology that go beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum. Learning is rooted in enquiry, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving, allowing children to explore and understand both the natural and technological world.
We provide opportunities for outdoor learning, digital exploration, and hands-on projects that promote creativity and collaboration. Our lessons build knowledge and skills progressively, while nurturing curiosity, wonder, and responsibility for the environment.
Through cross-curricular links, enrichment activities, and inclusive teaching practices, we ensure all children are supported and challenged to reach their full potential and thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Our Intent
- For our children to have a sound understanding of their heritage and to have open hearts and minds toward the diversity in their immediate community and the wider world.
Implementation
In addition to the National Curriculum, each year group studies an element of local history and geography. Our curriculum reflects the rich heritage and environment of our local area. Children are encouraged to consider their role in the community and how they can contribute positively to it.
Educational visits and visitors enhance this learning, helping pupils develop a deeper understanding of how the local area has changed over time and how they can influence its future.
Our Intent
- For our children to be healthy in body and mind, and to give all children—particularly those who may not otherwise have the opportunity—the chance to participate in a range of sports and healthy activities.
Implementation
We provide a full, rich, and varied sports curriculum, enhanced by a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities. All children participate in sport without financial barriers, ensuring inclusive access for all.
Through sport, children learn to win graciously, lose with courage, and persevere through challenges. Health and well-being are promoted throughout the curriculum to help children develop a positive self-image and recognise the unique beauty in themselves and others, as they were created by God.
Our focus on learning powers supports the development of resilience, confidence, independence, and responsibility—helping children to grow into emotionally healthy and well-rounded individuals.
Our Intent
- For our children to appreciate, experience, and engage with all forms of the arts. To develop skills in music and art that will enable them to access the wide range of possibilities these subjects offer—both now and in later life.
Implementation
Our Art, Design, and Music curriculum is enriched through a range of visits and visitors. Children have the opportunity to visit art galleries, work with artists-in-residence, and attend an art residential. They study a variety of artists and their work to broaden their understanding of artistic expression.
Musical experiences include visits to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester to hear the Hallé Orchestra. We have strong links with Wigan Music Service, which offers individual tuition in a range of instruments and regular visits from musical ensembles, including jazz and brass groups. All children in KS2 can join the school choir and take part in regional events such as Let’s Sing and Young Voices. Throughout the year, children are given multiple opportunities to perform for a range of audiences.
Impact
At XII Apostles Catholic Primary School, the impact of our curriculum is that children leave us as confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and life beyond. Rooted in Gospel values, they develop a strong moral compass and a deep sense of respect, kindness, and responsibility. Our children achieve well across all subjects, with strong foundations in reading, writing, and mathematics, alongside curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. They are aspirational, resilient, and independent learners with a love of learning and a belief in their own potential. Through rich experiences in STEM, the arts, sport, and local heritage, they grow into well-rounded individuals who value diversity, care for the world around them, and strive to make a positive difference in society.
Please visit our class pages to view each year group's termly curriculum overview.
Assessment
Class teachers are responsible for the assessment and recording of achievement of their children in line with the schools’ policy on Assessment.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children will be assessed against statements in the EYFS profile on entry to the Reception class and summatively at the end of the Reception year. Please see link below for more information about the EYFS profile.
In line with the expectations of the National Curriculum, children will be summatively assessed at the end of each year against the objectives for that year group. At the end of Key Stage 1/Y2, the children will complete Standardised Assessment Tests (SATs). The results of these, along with the teacher’s assessments, will be used to judge whether the children have met the age related expectations, are working towards them or are working at greater depth in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Please see link below for more information about the age related expectations and assessment processes at the end of Key Stage 1.
At the end of Key Stage 2/Y6, the children will also sit the Standard Assessment Tests in Reading, SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and Mathematics. The results of these will be used to judge whether the children have met the age related expectations for that key stage, are working towards them or are working at greater depth. These tests are externally marked.
Children’s attainment in writing will be judged by the teacher using the children’s written work across the curriculum, in line with the interim assessment framework. Teacher’s assessment judgements are moderated internally and within external cluster groups to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Please see the link below for more information about Key Stage 2 assessments.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We are proud to offer a wide range of clubs and activities for everyone to enjoy. We provide many after school sporting activities including football, rugby, cricket, badminton, table tennis and netball. Many of these are seasonal. There is also a well-established school Choir that performs annually for parents and carers and provides a real opportunity for children who love to sing and perform to shine. Eco Club and CAFOD club also run throughout the year. However, there are a wide range of clubs available at different times in the year including a dance club, cookery club and an art club. Children who are interested in music can take lessons in a variety of instruments provided by external teachers.