Teaching & Learning

At Harris Primary Academy South Kenton, we are ambitious for every child. Our vision is for all pupils to Thrive, Belong and Achieve through high-quality teaching, a knowledge-rich curriculum and consistently high expectations. 

Our teaching is informed by evidence-based pedagogy and focuses on helping pupils build strong knowledge, develop independence and achieve success. Teachers provide clear explanations, model new learning, use effective questioning and regularly check understanding to ensure every child makes strong progress. 

Inclusion is at the heart of our approach. We believe that every child should have access to ambitious learning, regardless of their starting point, background or individual needs. Through high-quality teaching, effective adaptations and responsive support, we ensure that all pupils can participate, succeed and reach their full potential. 

We also place a strong emphasis on oracy, recognising that speaking and listening are essential for learning and achievement. Pupils are encouraged to discuss ideas, explain their thinking, use ambitious vocabulary and learn collaboratively through purposeful classroom talk. Developing confident communicators helps our children build understanding, confidence and readiness for the future. 

Behaviour and Learning Culture

Excellent behaviour creates the conditions for excellent learning. We foster calm, safe and purposeful classrooms where pupils feel valued, respected and ready to learn. 

Our pupils are encouraged to demonstrate resilience, work hard, participate fully and take pride in their achievements. Clear routines, positive relationships and high expectations help every child develop the learning behaviours needed for success. 

At Harris Primary Academy South Kenton, we are committed to ensuring that every child belongs, participates, is challenged, is supported and achieves their full potential.

Our Harris Federation Curriculum Lead is Sam French.

The Academy aims to:

• Meet the needs and aspirations of all students
• Ensure all students can successfully access the curriculum offer, making any reasonable adjustments required where particular needs are identified
• Recognise high achieving students and ensure they are given opportunities to stretch and challenge their learning
• Plan opportunities for students to develop their personal potential
• Establish an agreed range of policies and practices to guarantee a consistent approach towards learning and teaching in every classroom.
• Involve all staff in developing and improving the quality of learning and teaching
• Provide all staff with developmental opportunities to extend and enhance their range of teaching and repertoires
• Develop staff to deliver skills beyond their own subject specialism and incorporate cross curricular initiatives, in particular Literacy and Numeracy
• Identify students’ achievements and areas for improvement, through rigorous monitoring of progress and to plan appropriate interventions to enhance learning

The suite of policies attached provide further details on how the academy support and progress the aims outlined above.