Curriculum

Our curriculum organisation reflects as much as possible our belief that each child should feel valued. Frequently, we arrange subjects so that at least two teachers with two classes are teaching the same subject at the same time. This allows the flexibility for children to be regrouped as necessary according to the needs of the pupils and the curriculum.

By the time your child enters Leighton Middle School he or she will have completed two years of Key Stage 2. Clearly it is important that we build on the learning started in the early years of your child’s education, which culminates in the Key Stage 2 tests.

To achieve the secure and happy learning environment that the children need, we place them in classes when they enter the school in Year 5. Each class contains the full range of abilities. Initially the children will benefit from working with a small team of teachers whom they will get to know well. This team will be complemented by specialist teaching in some areas, such as French, Art, Music, Technology, Physical Education and some Science. Pupils’ learning needs become more specialised as they progress into Year 6, the final year of the Key Stage. At this stage, they meet more teachers while continuing to maintain a secure base with their Form Tutor.

In Key Stage 3, specialist teaching increases as the children work with an increased variety of subject teachers in Years 7 and 8. In agreement with other local schools our pupils complete an accelerated Key Stage 3 programme, which allows the Upper schools to move pupils rapidly into the Key Stage 4.

All aspects of our school life benefit from the close liaison which takes place between Leighton Middle School teachers and colleagues from Upper, Lower and other Middle schools. This liaison work provides continuity in both the pastoral and academic curriculum.

If you would like further information about our school curriculum please contact the Senior Leader of Curriculum and School Organisation, Mrs Jones.

Homework

Children will improve their prospects of academic success if they work as hard as they can at all times throughout their years in school. Teachers will set appropriate homework for pupils. In Year 5, there will only be a small amount of homework. In Year 6, it will be about half an hour each evening. It will gradually increase to one hour each evening in Year 8. All children have a homework diary. Please keep a regular check on the homework your child is doing and sign the diary each week. There is also a space for you to make comments. Form Tutors will check the diaries once a week.

The School Library 

Our School Library is a welcoming and busy environment which aims to support the whole school community in all aspects of learning, teaching and reading for pleasure. Pupils are encouraged to develop as independent learners using a range of resources catering for all ages and abilities.

The Library is open at morning break and lunchtime, during this time pupils are supported by our librarian. Year 8 pupils also help with general library maintenance and assisting younger pupils in information searching.

The Library has a wide selection of curriculum linked and general interest non-fiction books. We also have an excellent variety of fiction, including a recently introduced ‘teen reads’ section available to older readers, which has proved to be extremely popular.

The Library has twelve networked computers that pupils may use for searching the library catalogue, homework related activities and exploring the World Wide Web. The catalogue is also available on the Internet and provides regularly updated links to selected educational websites.

Phonics Scheme

The School uses the Soundswrite phonics scheme for intervention with key pupils.

School policies relating to Curriculum are available to view under 'About Us' - 'Policies'.  If you would like a hard copy of any of our policies please contact the School Office.