Our ethos is driven by innovation and an unbounded joy of learning that goes far beyond the classroom.
Through a dynamic and creative approach to the curriculum, we inspire a love of learning in children and encourage everybody to discover something they love.
Thematic learning gives each class a new, exciting text or theme every term. Throughout the term teachers let children’s curiosity lead the way, as together they raise questions inspired by the theme (How do kites fly? How do bats see in the dark?) and use maths, writing, research and artistic skills to answer them.
Themes are carefully chosen to provide opportunities for children to build their emotional literacy and address individual needs.
Learning Superheroes
Accompanying children through their learning adventure, our Learning Superheroes embody our school's learning habits: collaboration, reflectiveness, resourcefulness and resilience. Our children are regularly reminded of these learning habits, which are inextricably woven into the learning process alongside our seven values.
Throughout the school, rather than work to a set of rules imposed on the children, we cultivate our school values, which grow inside our youngsters at St Peter's developing a strong framework for life.
Early Years to Year 3
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From Rising Three in Nursery to Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, allowing children to explore and learn through a balance of freely chosen activities and teacher-supported tasks.
Inspired by exciting themes and seasonal topics, children enjoy reading, writing, art, mathematics and a wide range of activities such as messy play to develop social, language and physical skills.
In Reception we focus on a variety of themes and texts, nurturing each child’s unique talents and perspectives to develop confidence, creativity and enquiring minds.
Years 1 and 2 are defined by a creative and dynamic approach to the National Curriculum, with learning based on themes such as ‘Life on an Island’ or set texts such as Stig of the Dump.
Teaching focuses on English and Maths, but aspects of Art, Geography, History and Science help children to develop new and unique understandings of a broad range of subjects.
In Year 3, pupils build on all the abilities they have developed throughout their time at St Peter’s 2-8, preparing them for life beyond at St Peter’s 8-13. We explore the National Curriculum through exciting themes and texts, such as Resilient Romans or Peter Pan. English and Maths are key priorities, complemented by Art, Geography, History and more.
Subjects
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In this ever-increasing digital world, ICT is integrated to enhance the children’s learning. Children are adept at using programable robotics, VR Headsets, Augmented Reality and the creation of digital content as a platform to share learning. Our classrooms are equipped with fully interactive whiteboards and iPads.
Music is a fun and vibrant part of school life for children at St Peter’s. Class and year group lessons are taken with a specialist music teacher, focusing on all aspects of creating music. Group performances are especially valuable in developing collaboration, coordination and creativity.
Our lively, interactive approach to learning languages encourages children to develop an inquisitive and positive attitude towards other cultures, whilst learning a hugely valuable skill. Italian teaching begins in Nursery and continues to Year 3, with a weekly 40-minute lesson taught by a specialist teacher. Lessons involve learning through play, song and physical response.
Our hugely popular Forest School gives children the opportunity to learn about nature and the environment and develop skills for life, including risk-taking, collaboration, resourcefulness and creative thinking. Activities include den-building, toasting marshmallows on an open fire and searching for mini beasts.
All children from Nursery to Year Three participate in two specialised PE lessons each week, in addition to a dedicated weekly swimming lesson. The children are taught the skills of many competitive games as well as gymnastics and dance. Through physical education, we aim to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and teach our children the importance of teamwork.
Our “classrooms without walls” approach means that much valuable learning takes place outdoors, making use of our fabulous school grounds, the city of York and environment beyond. Children learn about history, geography, nature, art, music, theatre and even chocolate! We also welcome special visitors throughout the year to inspire our pupils, including authors, animals, police officers and even a Roman Centurion.
Our Library
At the heart of our school is our modern, colourful and expansive library, where children discover a lifelong love of reading. With a vast range of books for all ages, the library is the perfect place to go on an adventure without leaving the school.
The library is part of the Junior Librarian Scheme, an online portal where children can browse books, keep up with news on their favourite titles and write their own reviews.