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Ark Oval is a primary academy that opened in 2011, transitioned from the existing Oval Primary School. It is a mixed, non-denominational, two form entry primary school for local children. We aim to offer a great education in a friendly neighbourhood school with the highest possible aspirations for our pupils.

Aims, Vision and Values

At Ark Oval Primary Academy we are committed to giving every pupil the skills and knowledge to fulfil their potential and make their dreams reality. Our values embody the SPIRIT of our school. 

• Scholarship. We believe we can make our dreams a reality. We strive for excellence and place achievement at the heart of our school.
• Perseverance. We never give up even when we find it difficult. We know that pushing ourselves makes us better and we can always improve and achieve more.
• Integrity. We are honest with ourselves and with each other. We do the right thing.
• Respect. We treat others as we want to be treated. We are responsible for our conduct and our environment.
• Independence. We are secure in who we are and are confident enough to embrace change and challenge.
• Thankfulness. We are thankful for the opportunity to transform our dreams into goals.

Curriculum

Reception pupils follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

We provide a stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environment where children will be motivated to communicate, explore and learn independently. A carefully planned range of activities provides a rich, age-appropriate learning experience across the curriculum.

All children need a firm mastery of English and mathematics as early as possible. Our first priority is to build a secure foundation in literacy and numeracy as the basis for all other learning. Pupils are taught to read, write and work with numbers fluently and confidently. Where pupils need extra support it is provided, to ensure that every child reaches and exceeds nationally expected standards.

We provide a rich curriculum, stimulating new interests and enhancing children's learning experiences. We invite professional artists, actors, writers and musicians into school and offer a range of trips and events to stimulate learning and broaden pupils’ interests and experience.

Specialisms

Ark academies have a special focus on mathematics and we invest in attracting and training the best teachers. Ark Oval Primary is developing a distinctive, world-leading maths curriculum based on the Singapore approach. Our aim is to ensure that every child achieves mastery of mathematics concepts, computational skills, problem solving and application of mathematics to daily life activities. Children learn drawing strategies to solve complex problems and build strong links between objects, pictures, and abstract numbers. We teach mathematics topics in depth, so children understand the “how” as well as the “why”.

Ofsted

Ark Oval Primary Academy was inspected by Ofsted in December 2012 and was graded as "good". Read the full report here. 

The Ark network

Ark Oval Primary Academy is part of Ark, an international charity transforming lives through education. Ark has 38 schools across the UK in Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. Ark exists to give every young person, regardless of their background, a great education and real choices in life. Ark schools are all non-selective and in areas where they can make the biggest difference.  

Read more about Ark: http://arkonline.org/