We are a thriving and engaging three-form entry school in the heart of West Kent in the town of Paddock Wood. Our ethos encapsulates high standards and expectations, excellent learning and teaching, and the positive wellbeing of our pupils and colleagues. We have a strong and committed teaching team which is widely respected and supported by our academy community. Our teachers vary in experience from Newly Qualified to 30+ years, and each brings something valuable to share, and a passion to learn. Our staff and the wider Trust team has a lot to offer new colleagues, in terms of sharing experience and opportunities, and professional development and training.
Our broad curriculum is supported by specialist teachers of music, French, PE, computing and outdoor education. Some features that help us stand out from other schools are that all of our pupils learn French, learn other subjects in French and leave us conversant in the language, pupils leave us with a strong understanding and appreciation of music and sporting skills and that we embed independence, stamina and considered risk into children’s learning, for example through EYFS and KS1 team games and initiative exercises, Year 3 outdoor/forest skills, Y4 mountain biking, Year 5 caving and kayaking, and Year 6 skiing/snow-boarding. We have our own school minibuses and we very frequently take children out into the local area and into central London, as well as taking Year 5 pupils to the Brecon Beacons and Year 6 pupils to France or Scotland. We have a strong regard for extra-curricular learning and a healthy catalogue of sporting and other successes and awards.
Our academy benefits from significant parent and community support, but we are not complacent - we are committed, hard-working and welcoming. Our children are delightful; calm, focused and very eager to learn.
‘Our highly ambitious community builds thinking learners, who act with agency and create lasting memories.’
In our last Ofsted inspection, we were awarded a second consecutive good judgement. Inspectors noted that our academy “demonstrates an accelerated rising trend in attainment and progress.”
As an IB World School we strive to develop students who are internationally-minded, through: collaboration, communication, inquiry, respect and creativity. Nurturing a passion for life-long academic learning through a broad and balanced curriculum is a priority; through agency we will develop individuals to reach their potential academically, emotionally, socially and physically. Our children will become an integral part of their community, understanding their place on a local and global platform; they will take responsibility for the small steps they take throughout their lives, which will create impact on a broader level. We will help them to aspire to be ambitious, for themselves, their families, their friends and for their community as a whole." - Principal Libby Fidock
Please find our Trusts Vision: https://vision2030.org.uk/