At Leigh Academy Langley Park, we have designed our SMSC curriculum with the intent that our children will become resilient, independent learners who are equipped with the necessary skills to be successful, moral adults that live healthy lifestyles and believe in their own abilities. This ties in with our Learner Profile Attributes which are used alongside the SMSC and FBV symbols both in lessons and around the academy.
We aim to deliver a curriculum that:
- Enhances community and celebrates diversity within our academy.
- Is inclusive, develops self-confidence and identifies that all children are unique.
- Encourages children to be self-motivated, independent, resilient and open-minded by developing inquiry based skills that allow them to make mistakes and learn from them.
- Promotes an equal value on physical and mental well being and ensures they are prepared for life in modern Britain.
- Develops children’s knowledge of the world and the choice of careers available to them, whilst challenging stereotypes.
These are our SMSC symbols we use at LALP. The children are able to identify with these and relate their learning to them. They act as conversation points throughout all learning opportunities.
These are our Fundamental British Values symbols. The children use these to identify which value they are demonstrating through our Primary years Programme.
Assemblies
At Leigh Academy Langley Park we know we have a duty to develop children who are lifelong learners, who have a love of learning today for life tomorrow. In order to develop our learners into responsible citizens, aware of and active within the local and global community. Britain’s future depends on empowering the next generation to become active citizens.
Assemblies play an important part in this and Assemblies are planned carefully relating to current affairs and topics of interest within the local and wider community. Assemblies are centred around a ‘Theme of the Fortnight’ which gives time for our community to link topics of interest, have informed discussions and can plan how they are going to demonstrate their knowledge in a supportive way.
Monday
Whole School Assembly introducing Theme of the Fortnight/Picture News story for the week
Tuesday
In class Assembly, learning songs of the fortnight
Wednesday
Guest Speaker Assembly including Reverend Mark.
Thursday
Reflection time to support discussions about the Theme of the Fortnight
Friday
Whole School Celebration Assembly
Picture News
To support our ‘Theme of the Fortnight’, we use a resource called ‘Picture News’ in order to broaden our extra curricular offer to all. The information delivered to the children is related to current global affairs which is also discussed during our PSHE lessons taught in class. Picture News enlightens children’s ideas about the world around them thus helping them to become internationally minded. This work also links with the fundamentals of the PYP. For additional information about picture news, please visit their website which can be accessed here.
The Family Trust
Over the course of a year, The Family Trust visit us to deliver Assemblies based on Christian messages and teachings from the Bible. This also forms part of our PSHE, RSE and RE curriculum here at LALP.
Celebrating our Successes!
Our Celebration Assemblies on a Friday are certainly something which we are proud of at LALP. We come together to celebrate all of our learner’s successes throughout the week, no matter how big or small these are!
Every member of each class has the opportunity to work to receive the ‘Golden Apple’ award and the reasons behind their successes during the week are shared aloud by the member of the Senior Leadership Team leading the assembly. Willow makes an appearance every week and presents her ‘Class of the Week Award’ to the class who has particularly demonstrated resilience, tolerance and compassion when working with her.
Dog Mentoring at LALP
Willow is our Dog Mentor at LALP. She helps to promote children’s emotional wellbeing and resilience. Through the programme, our children build a unique bond with Willow which enables them to face whatever obstacles they may encounter as well as celebrating their individual success at school.
Willow promotes our SMSC values by teaching the children how to communicate effectively to express themselves, gain responsibility for looking after an animal and knowing that in order to look after her, they need to show her how to do the correct thing.
Willow is a vital part of our school community, She works with all children over the week to ensure they can be the best version of themselves!
Panda Anti-Racism
Their mission is to work collaboratively with young people, parents, teachers and professionals to make a difference to people’s lives PART supports equality, embraces inclusion and educates others to do the same. PART works towards enhancing anti-racism education and supports a decrease in mental health issues, hate crimes and ignorance to effect positive change.
We have worked with Zara within her workshops and continue this learning throughout the year. She delivers workshops that are concentrated on specific issues relevant to the LALP , these include; impact vs intent, stereotypes, mental health, biases, resilience and assertiveness.
All children at LALP that have taken part on these workshops thrive from being apart of this and allows children to ask questions, develop understanding and empathy.
PSHE / RSE at LALP
During the 13 years that a child is at school, they will undertake many ‘firsts’ such as first mobile phone, first friendship break up, first time walking to school unaccompanied etc. The intent of the PSHE curriculum within Leigh Academy Langley Park is to equip pupils with the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes to manage risk, be lifelong learners, successful members of society and conscientious global citizens. This allows our children to develop as individuals under our Learner Profile Attributes. All leaders are ambitious in regard to each subject providing an educational diet which enables each child, regardless of circumstance, to be the best version of themselves.
At Leigh Academy Langley Park, our intent is to build a PSHE curriculum, which develops learning, and results in the acquisition of knowledge and skills, enabling children to access the wider curriculum, work collaboratively with others and make a positive contribution to the life of the school. Our curriculum will prepare children to be a global citizen in a diverse society and prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences for later life through the development of risk management. We are aware that the delivered curriculum must reflect the needs of our pupils. Through knowledge harvests at the beginning of each inquiry, we ensure we reflect on these needs when planning. We build on the statutory content already outlined in statutory guidance and link this with the IB PYP Scope and Sequence documents. Teaching and learning in the classroom should show progression across all Key Stages within the PSHE core themes: health and wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world. Each phase builds on the vocabulary, knowledge and skills taught in the previous years to allow children to acquire further knowledge, know more and remember more. At Leigh Academy Langley Park, we are aware of the way that PSHE supports many of the principles of safeguarding and links closely to SMSC and British Values. We are all aware of the important role the PSHE curriculum has in supporting schools to implement the 9 protected characteristics of The Equality Act 2010.
We expect teachers to use the school’s PSHE scheme of work to equip pupils with an age-appropriate, sound understanding of risk, with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions and to recognise the importance of their own mental health and well-being. Our PSHE curriculum will incorporate an age appropriate understanding of RSE, as set out in the statutory guidance and the Medway RSE Scheme, enabling all children to be safe and to understand and develop healthy relationships both now and in their future lives.
We strive to provide our children with learning opportunities across and beyond the curriculum, through inquiry, discrete lessons, focused school projects and other activities that enrich pupils’ experiences. There are always occasions where teachers may feel it necessary to teach PSHE as a result of an issue that has arisen in their own class.
Our academy environment reinforces the PSHE curriculum through questioning, inquiry learning and discussion topics on displays throughout school. We use British Values and SMSC displays to provide further opportunities for children. Through links with local charities, churches, links with the local communities, fundraising opportunities, visitors and national and international events we provide enrichment opportunities to contextualise learning. PSHE is an important part of school assemblies where children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural curiosity is stimulated, challenged and nurtured.
For all pupils, the PSHE curriculum will promote knowledge and skills necessary for responding to challenges in their future.
Staff will receive CPD where necessary to ensure they are able to understand how the curriculum impacts knowledge, skills and understanding. This is tracked effectively across the year groups to inform next steps, including challenge. This takes the form of assessment, but also pupil voice, inquiry books and tracking.
Learning in all year groups is progressive to ensure no time is wasted by repeating skills and understanding. Prior knowledge is identified at the start of each new inquiry.
Impact is assessed using formative and summative assessment. Each year group tracks and evaluates the skills taught across the National Curriculum and evidence of progress is noted on the coverage document.
Monitoring is also conducted by middle and senior leaders along with Governors and Academy Directors. This informs discussions about next steps. Pupil voice is also collated regularly through the School Council, Questionnaires and Learner Profile evaluations.
Information for parents is shared through the school website, weekly newsletters and parent workshops. Parental views on the impact of the curriculum is a focus for questionnaires throughout the academic year.
RE at LALP
Organised within the framework of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, the intent of the RE curriculum within Leigh Academy Langley Park is to equip pupils with the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes to be lifelong learners and conscientious global citizens. This allows our children to develop as individuals under our Learner Profile Attributes.
At Langley Park Religious Education has a significant role for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It promotes respect and open-mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs and encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection. The principle aim of Religious Education is to engage pupils in an inquiry focused approach where they can develop an understanding and appreciation for the expression of beliefs, cultural practices and influence of principle religions and worldviews in the local, national and the wider global community.
The teaching of skills and knowledge is thoroughly planned to ensure there is a clear sequence in learning across the subject. Although classes do not have a “subject” timetable, there are clear expectations for planning and delivery of Religious Education (RE)in each year group. Teachers plan to meet the needs of their pupils whilst still meeting the expectations of the National Curriculum.
Through the Primary Years Programme, children are given opportunities to visit places which will enhance their understanding of the knowledge and skills taught, along with visitors to school to deliver workshops, assemblies and sessions in class which aim to challenge stereotypes and create ambitious learners with a drive to succeed in life.
In Key Stage 1, children begin to look at religions, focusing on celebrations and rituals. In Key Stage 2, we offer a wider range of learning opportunities about the world’s religions including deeper understanding of the origin of those religions and their key stories and teachings. Pupils explore aspects of Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism during their time at Leigh Academy Langley Park.
High quality learning will be undertaken and evidenced, showcasing a deep understanding of the main religions of the world, their community and their future. This evidence will be seen through using the correct vocabulary, explanations and respectful opinions, as well as evidence of PYP elements and book scrutinies to ensure all pupils continue to progress. The children at Langley Park will demonstrate a positive attitude towards people of any religion and show an understanding of cultural beliefs different to their own. The children will demonstrate respectful behaviour to all and this is transferable outside of school in the wider community and beyond.
PE at LALP
School and physical education can provide:
- A code of conduct for the school that permeates all subjects, including PE.
- Pupils are taught about the need for different roles and different responsibilities, including teamwork and decision-making.
- A pupil voice for PE & School Sport (e.g. re curriculum, extra curricular activities, kit).
Possible evidence:
- A code of conduct for the school that permeates all subjects, including PE.
- Pupils are taught about the need for different roles and different responsibilities, including teamwork and decision-making.
- A pupil voice for PE & School Sport (e.g. re curriculum, extra curricular activities, kit).
School and physical education can provide:
- Pupils are taught about age appropriate rules, fairness and respect, through a variety of PE activities.
- Pupils learn to work individually and in groups.
- An established ethos in PE with regard to how to win and lose fairly and understand good sports-personship.
- Competition against oneself is encouraged in addition to competition against others.
Possible evidence:
- Pupils can play within the rules in any activity.
- Pupils can understand the need for rules, adhere to them and can develop rules for activities that they create.
- Pupils adhere to and understand the rules of safety.
- All pupils can solve problems on their own or with others.
- Pupils demonstrate good social skills.
- Pupils know and adhere to the rules and social etiquettes related to any type of competition.
School and physical education can provide:
- PE recognises individual differences
- There is an ethos where the views of individual pupils are listened to and respected within an acceptable framework.
- Pupils are taught safely and about safety.
- There is a buddy and mentoring system in PE.
Possible evidence:
- Pupils respect individual differences and are confident express their opinions and respect others’ views.
- Pupils are able to make judgements about their own and others’ performances.
- Pupils feel safe in curricular and extra curricular activities and during off site visits.
- Pupils use the buddy and mentoring system to build confidence and this is apparent in how they work together.
School and physical education can provide:
- Pupils are taught about historical, cultural and religious differences, through a variety of PE activities.
- The culture in PE respects cultural differences.
- Pupils are taught about the environment and different activity contexts.
- There are appropriate rewards and sanctions in PE for inappropriate behaviour.
- The school engages in competition and encourages competition within and across the community.
Possible evidence:
- Pupils will know, understand and be able to articulate different styles of dance and the historical aspects of various activities.
- Pupils avoid stereotyping groups.
- Pupils can articulate their own beliefs.
- Pupils respect PE equipment and school buildings/facilities.
- Pupils respect the countryside and venues during off site visits.
- Pupils know the values of the school and PE, contribute to their development, and accept rewards and sanctions.
- All pupils can access competition within and outside of the school and demonstrate appropriate behaviour and regard for rules and regulations.
School Leadership Opportunities
At Leigh Academy Langley Park, we have a variety of leadership roles that empower our children to have an impact on our school community.
House Captains are elected by the children in their House after giving a speech about what they can offer their House. All children from Reception to Year 6 vote for their House Captains. There are two representatives for each House, one Captain and one Vice.
This is a formal group of pupils who act as representatives of their classmates in discussing school issues with the Senior Leadership Team.
The role of the pupil Diversity Champions is to actively promote all aspects of equality and diversity within our school. They play an active role in creating an accepting and inclusive culture, where it allows all children to feel safe and valued.
The role of the school Librarians are as follows :
- To keep books tidy and in the correct order.
- To help with the library displays and book promotion.
- To help other students find what they are looking for.
Our Year 6 Peer Mediators are trained to help pupils resolve their arguments peacefully at lunch times.
Our Digital Champions support the school in keeping safe online, using digital tools safely and in a way that makes their learning better.
Our British Value Ambassadors are responsible for upholding the importance of and supporting the children with understanding the following British Values:
- Tolerance of those Different Faiths and Beliefs;
- Mutual Respect;
- Individual Liberty;
- Democracy;
- Rule Of Law.
All of our leaders and their roles can be found on our school LALP Leadership Board.
Protected Characteristics
The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Everyone in Britain is protected. This is because the Equality Act protects people against discrimination because of the protected characteristics that we all have. Under the Equality Act, there are nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender (sex), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and sexual orientation. We actively promote these in school through: our core values, our policies, assemblies, British Values, extra-curricular activities, discussion within curriculum subjects and so much more. Alongside this, we have developed these characteristics to link specifically with our PSHE/RSE curriculum through reading and discussion. Below is an outline of story books, which highlight these protected characteristics that are shared across the school year for each year group.
Module 1
My Shadow is Pink – Scott Stuart
Protected Characteristic
Gender
Module 2
Blue Chameleon – Emily Gravett
Protected Characteristic
Race
Module 3
Mommy, Mama and Me – Lesléa Newman
Protected Characteristic
Families and how they can be different
Module 4
Dachy’s Deaf – Jack Hughes
Protected Characteristic
Disability
Module 5
Red Rockets and Rainbow Jelly – Sue Heap and Nick Sharratt
Protected Characteristic
Differences
Module 6
Giraffes Can’t Dance – Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Protected Characteristic
Self-confidence in being you
Module 1
A House For Everyone – Jo Hurst
Protected Characteristic
Gender
Module 2
Verdi – Jannel Cannon
Protected Characteristic
Age
Module 3
My World, Your World – Melanie Walsh
Protected Characteristic
Race
Module 4
What the Jackdaw Saw – Julia Donaldson and Nick Sharratt
Protected Characteristic
Disability
Module 5
The Lion Inside – Rachel Bright and Jim Field
Protected Characteristic
Self-confidence in being you
Module 6
The Odd Egg – Emily Gravett
Protected Characteristic
Families and how they can be different
Module 1
One of a Kind Like Me – Laurin Mayeno
Protected Characteristic
Gender
Module 2
My Daddies! – Gareth Peter
Protected Characteristic
Families and how they can be different
Module 3
Just Because – Rebecca Elliott
Protected Characteristic
Disability
Module 4
Blown Away – Rob Biddulph
Protected Characteristic
Race
Module 5
That’s NOT how you do it! – Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar
Protected Characteristic
Accepting Differences
Module 6
I am Enough – Grace Byers
Protected Characteristic
Self-confidence in being you
Module 1
Can I Join Your Club? – John Kelly and Steph Laberis
Protected Characteristic
Differences
Module 2
The Hueys in The New Jumper – Oliver Jeffers
Protected Characteristic
Self-confidence in being you
Module 3
The Truth About Old People – Elina Ellis
Protected Characteristic
Age
Module 4
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family – Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
Protected Characteristic
Race, religion and beliefs
Module 5
A Handful of Buttons – Carmen Parets Luque
Protected Characteristic
Families and how they can be different
Module 6
Beegu – Alexis Deacon
Protected Characteristic
Isolation
Module 1
The Way Back Home – Oliver Jeffers
Protected Characteristic
Race
Module 2
King & King – Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland
Protected Characteristic
Families and how they can be different
Module 3
Dogs don’t do ballet – Anna Kemp
Protected Characteristic
Self-confidence in being you
Module 4
And Tango Makes Three – Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Protected Characteristic
Families and how they can be different
Module 5
Mixed – Arree Chung
Protected Characteristic
Race
Module 6
The Kingest Red – Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
Protected Characteristic
Race, religion & beliefs
Module 1
Sulwe – Lupita Nyong’o
Protected Characteristic
Race
Module 2
My Princess Boy – Cheryl Kilodavis
Protected Characteristic
Gender
Module 3
Mirror – Jeannie Baker
Protected Characteristic
Diversity
Module 4
Leaf – Sandra Dieckmann
Protected Characteristic
Differences
Module 5
We are Family – Patricia Hegarty
Protected Characteristic
Families and how they can be different
Module 6
Eric – Shaun Tan
Protected Characteristic
Race
Module 1
Introducing Teddy – Jessica Walton
Protected Characteristic
Gender & Friendship
Module 2
King of the Sky – Nicola Davies
Protected Characteristic
Age
Module 3
I Talk Like a River – Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith
Protected Characteristic
Disability
Module 4
Rose Blanche – Roverto Innocenti and Ian McEwan
Protected Characteristic
Religion, race, discrimination and prejudice
Module 5
The Island – Armin Greeder
Protected Characteristic
Race and refugees
Module 6
Red: A Crayon’s Story – Michael Hall
Protected Characteristic
Self-confidence in being you