Curriculum Statement
At Leighton Academy, we are committed to providing a high-quality, inclusive education that inspires a lifelong love of learning. Our curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum while offering enriched experiences that broaden pupils' horizons and develop their talents, interests and aspirations.
Underpinned by our core values of "Working Hard and Being Kind," we strive to ensure that every child feels valued, supported and challenged to achieve their very best. Through our aligned approach to teaching and learning, as outlined in the TLP Way for Teaching and Learning Handbook, we provide consistency across the school, ensuring that all pupils experience high-quality teaching and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and character they need to succeed.
Our curriculum is carefully planned to build upon prior learning, enabling pupils to make meaningful connections between concepts and deepen their understanding over time. A strong emphasis on vocabulary development supports pupils in articulating their ideas confidently and accessing increasingly complex learning across all subjects.
We recognise that every child learns differently. Therefore, our teaching is rooted in inclusive and adaptive practice, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, can access an ambitious curriculum. Through evidence-informed approaches, including the Education Endowment Foundation's Five-a-Day Principles for Effective Teaching, we provide the appropriate support, challenge and scaffolding needed for every child to thrive.
Alongside academic achievement, our curriculum promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through a rich personal development programme delivered through our Kapow scheme of work. We aim to nurture confident, respectful and responsible citizens who are fully prepared for the next stage of their education.
The TLP 6 Habits for Learning
Our teaching and learning culture is further strengthened through the TLP 6 Habits for Learning, which are embedded throughout daily classroom practice and help pupils become confident, independent and reflective learners.
Aim High
We encourage pupils to have high aspirations, take pride in their work and demonstrate resilience when faced with challenge.
Know Who / Know How
Pupils develop an understanding of how they learn best, recognising the strategies, resources and support available to help them succeed.
Create and Connect
Pupils are encouraged to make meaningful links between different areas of learning, developing creativity, curiosity and deeper understanding.
Show and Build
Pupils demonstrate their learning through discussion, collaboration and application, building upon prior knowledge and experiences.
Check and Change
Pupils learn to use feedback effectively, reviewing and refining their work to improve outcomes and deepen understanding.
Practise and Reflect
Pupils understand that improvement comes through practice. They are encouraged to reflect on their learning and identify their next steps for development. These habits support the development of metacognitive skills, helping pupils to plan, monitor and evaluate their learning so that they become increasingly independent learners.
Core Subjects
Reading
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum and we are determined that every child becomes a confident, fluent reader. In the early years and Key Stage 1, we use the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme to teach pupils the essential skills needed for reading success. This is supported by carefully matched reading books that enable pupils to practise and apply their phonics knowledge with confidence. Targeted interventions are provided for pupils who require additional support, ensuring that all children are given the opportunity to become successful readers. From Year 1 to Year 6, pupils also benefit from the Accelerated Reader programme, helping them to read books that are appropriately matched to their reading ability whilst developing a genuine enjoyment of reading. Our aim is to foster a lifelong love of reading and to expose pupils to a rich and diverse range of high-quality texts.
Writing
Our writing curriculum is based on the Literacy Counts Read to Write approach, which places high-quality texts at the heart of learning. Pupils are immersed in carefully selected literature and engage in a range of activities that develop vocabulary, reading comprehension, speaking and listening skills. Through drama, discussion, modelled writing and shared writing opportunities, pupils learn how successful authors craft their work before applying these techniques independently. This approach enables pupils to develop confidence as writers whilst strengthening their reading, language and communication skills.
Mathematics
At Leighton Academy, mathematics is taught using the Department for Education approved White Rose Maths programme. This mastery-based approach provides a coherent progression of knowledge and skills from Reception through to Year 6. Lessons utilise concrete, pictorial and abstract representations to develop deep mathematical understanding, fluency and reasoning. In addition to daily mathematics lessons, pupils regularly revisit previous learning through retrieval activities, including Flashback 4 in Key Stage 2 and carefully planned teacher-led retrieval activities in Key Stage 1. To further develop mathematical fluency and confidence, pupils access engaging online platforms such as Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots.
Foundation Subjects
We value the important role that foundation subjects play in providing pupils with a broad, balanced and enriching education. Our carefully designed curriculum ensures that pupils develop secure subject knowledge and skills across all foundation subjects. Each subject has been planned with clear progression and vocabulary development at its heart, enabling pupils to build upon prior learning and make meaningful connections across the curriculum. Through high-quality teaching and engaging learning experiences, pupils develop curiosity, creativity and a greater understanding of the world around them.
Physical Education
Physical education is a significant strength of our curriculum. Working alongside specialist coaches and instructors, pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities to develop their physical skills, participate in competitive sport and adopt healthy lifestyles. Our PE curriculum promotes participation for all pupils and encourages lifelong engagement in physical activity. Opportunities extend beyond curriculum lessons through clubs, competitions and sporting events.
Celebrating Success
Our commitment to excellence across the wider curriculum has been recognised through a number of prestigious awards and quality marks. These reflect the high standards of teaching, learning and enrichment opportunities available to our pupils. In addition, we are proud to hold the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award, demonstrating our commitment to promoting children's rights, inclusion, respect and active citizenship throughout school life.
At Leighton Academy, we believe that every child can succeed. Through our ambitious curriculum, inclusive teaching practices, the TLP Way for Teaching and Learning, and our 6 Habits for Learning, we equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and character they need to flourish both now and in the future.