Curriculum
We believe in education in its broadest sense because it has the power to change and improve peoples’ lives.
Our Curriculum Intent
At Marine Park Primary School in South Shields, the curriculum intent, guided by the PACE curriculum framework (Personal, Academic, Creative, and Enquiry), is to nurture well-rounded, confident learners who are equipped to thrive in a diverse and changing world. Rooted in the community's rich coastal heritage, the curriculum is designed to be inclusive, aspirational, and reflective of pupils’ lived experiences. Through PACE, the school prioritises the development of each child’s personal growth, academic achievement, creative expression, and inquisitive mindset. Learning is structured to promote resilience, collaboration, and a deep sense of curiosity, ensuring that every pupil is inspired to reach their full potential while developing the skills, knowledge, and character to succeed both now and in the future.
Our Curriculum Implementation
At Marine Park Primary School in South Shields, the curriculum is implemented through a structured and consistent approach that ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum. Daily maths and reading lessons form the foundation of core learning, with Read Write Inc. used as the phonics programme to develop early reading skills and foster a strong literacy foundation. The school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum where all foundation subjects, including history, geography, science, art, music, and PE, are taught weekly to ensure depth and continuity of learning. Lessons are carefully planned to be engaging, inclusive, and progressive, enabling pupils to build knowledge and skills over time. Cross-curricular links and enrichment opportunities further enhance learning, supporting pupils’ personal and academic development in line with the school’s commitment to the PACE curriculum.
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Our Curriculum Impact
Marine Park Primary’s PACE‑based curriculum in South Shields is designed not only to cover the National Curriculum but to genuinely transform pupils’ lives. Its structured Intent–Implementation–Impact approach ensures that children steadily build both academic understanding and crucial life skills. For example, carefully planned enrichment—such as science workshops with Northumbria University’s NUSTEM—boosts curiosity and widens aspirations in a community where real‑world experiences can be limited. By embedding local history and future industries (like Dogger Bank wind farm) into Year 6 workshops, pupils connect learning to community identity and career opportunities. Early intervention initiatives—such as phonics from Reception and targeted Reading Recovery—have been praised for accelerating literacy, helping pupils progress between Key Stages 1 and 2. Meanwhile, themed texts brought to life through immersive activities—like inviting a magician during a school-wide English unit—vividly enrich reading comprehension and creativity. The school’s inclusive ethos, with strong community partnerships, extra‑curricular clubs, and democratic pupil voice work, fosters confident, socially aware learners prepared for future education.