Appleton Academy

Curriculum

At Appleton Academy we value the unique child and our curriculum is designed to inspire, nurture and develop them as people with aspirations and dreams.  The curriculum aims to develop their sense of place; the knowledge of themselves and their place within their community and the wider world.  Learning opportunities build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills our children and young people require to succeed.  The curriculum develops self-esteem, the confidence to achieve, mistakes are celebrated and building reliance is key to longer term development.

The curriculum is broad, balanced and meets the requirements of the National Curriculum.  Learning is enriched further with active learning, specialist teaching, educational visits, careers development and a range of outdoor learning opportunities.

The library is the heart of our school.  Appleton Academy is an ambassador for First Story and the Bradford Literature Festival and reading is brought further to life with visits from authors and performers.

Children and young people are encouraged to be the best version of themselves, whatever that may be.

Primary

Specialist primary teachers teach the broad and balanced primary curriculum with children grouped by year group.  Learning is based on an imaginative enquiry, thematic approach that develops independent learning skills and provides opportunities to apply English and Maths knowledge.  The specialist teaching of Performing Arts, PE, Outdoor Adventurous Activities and Forest Schools further strengthens the curriculum.

Each half term, year group teachers produce a newsletter providing parents with further detail about each theme, the learning planned in all subjects and how they can support learning.

Secondary

Appleton Academy operates a one week timetable of 25 lessons of 60 minutes in duration.  A carefully planned, broad and balanced curriculum is on offer to all students, providing the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects in addition to the National Curriculum.  Each year group is divided into two or three bands, and students assigned according to their ability or taught in mixed ability groups depending on the subject.  ICT is an integral part of the curriculum and taught across all subjects as well as in specific digital literacy lessons.