Mission Statement
At Leigh Academy Horsmonden, a spirit of friendliness, care, and thoughtfulness permeates our classrooms. This philosophy, embodied in the words ‘Happiness, Kindness, Success,’ is woven into the fabric of our school and has been instrumental in shaping our vision for the future, particularly as we embrace the opportunities of now being an IB World School.
Our mission is at the heart of what we do: to encourage lifelong learning and develop inquiring, knowledgeable caring individuals that understand the world around them while demonstrating respect.
Learner Profile Attributes
There are 10 Learner Profile Attributes from the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme that all children develop throughout their time at Leigh Academy Horsmonden. They represent the capacities and responsibilities for intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth. As IB learners we strive to be:
- Inquirers – We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
- Knowledgeable – We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
- Thinkers – We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
- Communicators – We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
- Principled – We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
- Open-minded – We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
- Caring – We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
- Risk-takers – We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.>
- Balanced – We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
- Reflective – We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
Promoting British Values
At Leigh Academy Horsmonden we promote tolerance and respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles.
We have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe. We value the importance of the current Ofsted guidance:
… should ensure that they and the school promote tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and lifestyles; and support and help, through their words, actions and influence within the school and more widely in the community, to prepare children and young people positively for life in modern Britain
As a school we value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate these. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Underpinning this are a range of curriculum topics which have strong links to British History.
British Values
- Democracy:
Democracy is clearly evident within our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and pupil questionnaires and pupil conferences. The elections of House and Games Captains, as well as the winner of the class Star of the Week are based solely on pupil votes. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils have discussed. - The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; Ambulance etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. The concept of the Rule of Law is also reinforced through teaching activities in our citizenship curriculum.
- Individual Liberty:
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, how they record, lunch options, participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. - Mutual Respect:
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. These ideas are reiterated through the school and classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy. - Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity, whilst recognising that the school is predominantly of one ethnic origin. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are regularly held. We follow the Kent Agreed syllabus for RE and use the Go Givers materials to enhance PSHE teaching.
Our Senior Leadership Team
- Principal: Mrs Hayley Sharp
- Vice Principal: Mr Sam Fenton
- SENCo – Mrs Julie Kerr