At Newquay Junior Academy, we ensure that every child develops the knowledge, skills and values they need to thrive both in school and beyond. Through our carefully planned curriculum and enriching experiences, we promote resilience, confidence and independence, allowing the children to grow into respectful, responsible and compassionate individuals.   

We place great importance on character development, well-being and an understanding of the wider world. Our approach to spiritual, moral, social and cultural education (SMSC) helps the children develop a strong moral compass, respect for others and an appreciation of different cultures and beliefs. We actively promote British values and celebrate diversity, fostering a sense of belonging within our academy community.   

Through engaging lessons, extracurricular activities and community involvement, we encourage curiosity and creativity while empowering the children to make healthy choices, build positive relationships and develop the skills they need for lifelong success. 

Spiritual Development 

We provide opportunities for all children to reflect on their beliefs and values, helping them to develop self-awareness and a sense of purpose. Through exploring subjects such as art, music, science and humanities, we aim to inspire a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them. We enrich their experiences through trips to places of worship, museums and spiritual landmarks, where they can deepen their understanding of human creativity and achievement. 

Moral Development

We promote a strong understanding of right and wrong by encouraging all pupils to follow the NJA Way, respect our academy values and understand the impact of their choices on themselves and others. Through our curriculum, children explore moral and ethical issues across a range of subjects. In English, they consider characters' decisions and moral dilemmas through high-quality texts, while in history they examine significant individuals and events that have shaped society and challenged injustice. In PSHE, pupils discuss real-life situations, exploring themes such as fairness, equality, respect, rights and responsibilities, as well as recognising and challenging bullying and discrimination. These experiences help pupils develop integrity, empathy and the confidence to make positive, responsible choices both within the academy and beyond.

Social Development 

We provide a wide range of opportunities for all pupils to work collaboratively, develop strong interpersonal skills and make a positive contribution to their communities. Through our curriculum and wider opportunities, we nurture children to become proud citizens of Newquay, responsible citizens of the United Kingdom, and compassionate global citizens who understand their role in an increasingly interconnected world. Pupils develop a secure understanding of British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance. Our oracy programme enables children to communicate confidently, listen actively and engage respectfully with different viewpoints, preparing them to contribute positively to society at every level.

Cultural Development  

We celebrate cultural diversity through our curriculum and wider academy experiences, enabling pupils to understand, value and respect the rich contributions that different cultures, faiths and communities make to modern Britain and the wider world. This is woven throughout subjects such as RE, art, music and geography, where pupils explore global traditions, cultural heritage and the ways in which identity is shaped by history, place and community. Our carefully curated English curriculum further enriches this understanding through high-quality texts that act as mirrors, reflecting pupils' own identities and experiences; windows, offering insight into the lives and perspectives of others and sliding doors, inviting children to step into new worlds, broaden their horizons and develop empathy for people whose experiences may differ from their own.

Picture News

Throughout the year, Picture News plays an important role in our assemblies and Personal Development curriculum, helping pupils make sense of the world around them through current, age-appropriate news stories. By exploring local, national and global events, pupils develop an understanding of different viewpoints, ethical issues and the responsibilities of being informed citizens.

Through discussion and debate, children build confidence in expressing their ideas, listening respectfully to others and considering a range of perspectives. These sessions strengthen our teaching of British Values while developing empathy, curiosity and critical thinking. They also provide valuable opportunities to explore digital literacy, enabling pupils to question the reliability of online information, recognise bias and understand the importance of evaluating sources. As artificial intelligence and digital media become an increasingly significant part of everyday life, these skills equip our pupils to navigate the modern world with confidence, discernment and integrity.

Lyfta

At Newquay Junior Academy, Lyfta is an integral part of our Personal Development curriculum, helping pupils to develop empathy, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through immersive, real-life stories from people and communities across the globe, children explore themes such as identity, diversity, belonging and social responsibility. Lyfta supports our commitment to British Values and the teaching of protected characteristics, encouraging pupils to become thoughtful, respectful and active citizens. Weekly Lyfta sessions provide opportunities for meaningful discussion, reflection and critical thinking, helping every child to appreciate different perspectives and celebrate the diversity of our wider world.

NatWest Thrive

We are proud to take part in NatWest Thrive, an engaging financial education programme that equips pupils with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about money. Through interactive lessons and practical activities, children develop an understanding of budgeting, saving, spending, borrowing and recognising financial risks. By introducing these important life skills from an early age, NatWest Thrive helps pupils build financial resilience, preparing them to become responsible, independent and informed members of society.