Ark Victoria Academy

At Ark Victoria, we believe English is a core subject; the fundamental skills of oracy and literacy developed in English enable pupils to access the wider curriculum. Our English curriculum develops a child’s love of reading, writing and discussion. Pupils leave us as passionate readers and confident writers. They read widely and often and are, therefore, able to discuss different genres and authors. They can make links between different texts. They engage in debate and discussion. Using research, they can form opinions and articulate their ideas. At Ark Victoria, pupils are careful listeners and confident speakers. We recognise the importance of nurturing a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts. 

At Ark Victoria we have 6 curriculum pillars

Resilient readers: Reading is the cornerstone of our curriculum and is arguably singular in its importance because of the extent to which other subjects rely upon it.  Excellence in almost any academic subject requires strong reading.  We therefore strive to develop resilient readers by giving pupils strategies and support as well as opportunities to read confidently and fluently.  The result is that pupils are able to securely access the full curriculum and read at or above chronological reading age. 

High quality teaching: High quality teaching in English. All teachers are experts in the modelling and teaching of English. Reading and writing skills are taught both explicitly and implicitly throughout pupils' educational journey. Teachers seek opportunities to link these English skills across the curriculum.

Knowledge rich curriculum: Knowledge rich curriculum our curriculum includes a broad range of carefully selected texts which enable in-depth exploration of concepts, themes and ideas. Texts are carefully selected for each year group to ensure appropriate content and challenge and an ambitious canon, overall. Our curriculum ensures expertise and technical accuracy in reading and writing are achieved through a progression model, building in complexity in grammar, punctuation and spelling so that our learners become fluent writers and critical readers. 

High ambition: The English curriculum challenges pupils at every stage of their journey through school. Pupils develop worldly knowledge through their reading and effective and engaging communication skills in their writing. The skills and concepts studied will provide access to study and work at the highest level. Teachers work to ensure that the most ambitious targets in English can be met by all pupils by scaffolding learning and meeting pupils at their challenge point. 

Diverse and inclusive: Our English curriculum supports pupils to recognise and shape their identity within the texts we study. It offers traditional and modern perspectives on British and world cultures. Exposing pupils to the diverse journeys and experiences within human history and our nature. We engage with pupils on subjects and through viewpoints that are new and familiar, supporting them to hear and define the voices of their generation and so many before. The emphasis on this being our curriculum can be seen in the ownership our students feel towards the subjects and topics we teach. The characters, plots and life lessons being a contribution to the young scholars they are and will become.

Strong Character: Our curriculum is a reflection of our pupils’ drive and resilience. It is a window into a myriad of culture’s which supports pupils to find their voice and identity, whilst also deepening their understanding of other people, history and cultures. We create a pathway for pupils to build a critical perspective and explore their role as a modern reader, whilst also challenging the stereotypes, prejudice and social norms that are instilled within the of world Literature. The curriculum is a springboard for discussion and supports pupils to negotiate their beliefs and role as a writer. It is there to support them through mirroring characters & themes that they can resonate with and write about. It will support pupils to instil characteristics needed to succeed in life through academia such as resilience, ambition and empathy to all people. It will support their voice and deepen their understanding of others and self. 

Please read our English progression narrative here: Discipline Concept Narratives