Every child deserves to belong, grow and thrive.
At Spark Vale Academy, our curriculum is built to help every pupil belong, grow and thrive. Many of our pupils arrive having found school overwhelming, confusing or difficult in the past. Our first priority is to make sure they feel safe, understood and valued, so that they can re-engage with learning with confidence.
Our curriculum is broad and ambitious, covering academic subjects, creative learning, life skills and physical development. Teaching is personalised and stage-not-age, which means we meet pupils where they are and support them to move forward at the right pace. We prioritise reading, communication and numeracy, because these are the foundations for independence and future opportunities.
What makes our approach unique is that therapy is built into the school day, not added on. Pupils have daily access to regulation, social communication, creative and well-being programmes, helping them manage anxiety, build trust and develop emotional resilience. Learning and therapy work alongside each other, rather than in separate boxes.
As pupils grow in confidence, they progress through personalised pathways that prepare them for adulthood. This may include academic qualifications, vocational learning, independence skills, careers education, financial literacy, supported work experience and opportunities to take part in the community.
Our aim is for every pupil to leave Spark Vale with:
• A strong sense of identity and self-worth
• The skills to communicate and self-advocate
• Qualifications or vocational achievements suited to their goals
• The confidence to move into college, training or employment
• And the belief that they have a place in the world
At Spark Vale Academy, we don’t simply teach pupils to achieve in school, we teach them to thrive in life.
Vision, Mission, Values
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We assess each pupil carefully from the moment they join us, so we understand their strengths, needs and the support that will help them succeed. This includes looking at reading, communication, emotional well-being and previous learning experiences, not just test results.
Assessment is ongoing and personalised. Teachers and therapists work together every day to notice what pupils can do, where they may need support, and how to move their learning forward. We celebrate small steps as well as big milestones, because confidence and trust are key to progress.
Every pupil has targets linked to their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and these are reviewed regularly with families and local authorities. We track academic progress, personal development and therapeutic growth so that we have a complete picture of each pupil’s journey.
Our aim is simple: to ensure every pupil is learning, growing and building the skills they need for a confident and meaningful future.
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum because it opens the door to learning, independence and confidence. We begin by understanding each learners starting point so that reading feels safe, manageable and achievable.
For learners who are learning to read, we use a validated Systematic Synthetic Phonics programme which builds sound awareness and decoding skills step by step. For pupils who can already read words, we focus on fluency, meaning and understanding so that they can make sense of what they read and express their ideas clearly.
Reading is supported across every subject. We develop vocabulary, speaking and listening, and opportunities to read for purpose and enjoyment so that pupils become confident and capable communicators.
We help pupils belong by making reading feel safe and supported.
We help pupils grow by building their confidence and developing strong skills. We help pupils thrive by giving them the independence to learn, explore and shape their future.
Our aim is for every pupil to feel capable, confident and ready to use reading in school, in the community and in later life.
Numeracy is essential for learning, independence and everyday life, so it is a core part of our curriculum. We begin by understanding each pupil’s confidence, prior knowledge and learning gaps so that we can build strong and secure foundations.
We teach mathematics through clear, structured and practical approaches that develop understanding, fluency and problem solving. Pupils learn how to apply number skills in real situations such as using money, telling time, planning, measuring and interpreting information.
Numeracy is supported across the curriculum and in the wider life of the school. Functional numeracy is practised in practical activities, enrichment opportunities and preparation for adulthood sessions so that pupils learn to use mathematics in ways that are meaningful and relevant.
We help pupils belong by creating a learning environment where it is safe to try new things and learn from mistakes.
We help pupils grow by building their confidence, resilience and understanding step by step. We help pupils thrive by developing the independence and practical numeracy skills needed for future education, work and daily life.
Our aim is for every pupil to feel capable and confident when using numeracy in school, at home and in the community.
SMSC is woven throughout daily life at Spark Vale Academy. It shapes how we learn together, how we build relationships and how we understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Pupils explore identity, values, beliefs and personal meaning through discussion, celebration and reflection. They learn to make thoughtful choices, consider consequences and treat others with kindness, fairness and respect.
Social development is supported through shared experiences, communication and collaboration in lessons, enrichment and community activities. Pupils practise working with others, building friendships and developing confidence in group settings.
Cultural development is strengthened by learning about different communities, traditions, perspectives and experiences. Pupils have opportunities to take part in creative, community and cultural activities that broaden horizons and deepen understanding.
We help pupils belong by creating a welcoming community where every voice matters. We help pupils grow by developing curiosity, empathy and confidence. We help pupils thrive by equipping them to participate positively in their community and in wider society.
Our SMSC approach nurtures dignity, self worth and a strong sense of identity, helping pupils to understand who they are and the contribution they can make to the world.
We promote British values in a way that is meaningful, respectful and relevant to our pupils’ lives. These values are part of how we learn, how we treat one another and how we take part in our community.
Pupils learn about democracy by having a voice in school life and being encouraged to share ideas, opinions and choices. They experience the rule of law through clear expectations, consistent boundaries and an understanding of why rules help everyone feel safe.
We promote individual liberty by supporting pupils to make decisions, express themselves and develop confidence in who they are. We teach mutual respect and tolerance by learning about different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, and by valuing each person’s identity and experience.
These values are woven through lessons, enrichment, assemblies, discussions and daily interactions. They help pupils understand themselves, others and their role in the world around them.
We help pupils belong by creating a community where everyone is respected and accepted. We help pupils grow by developing empathy, confidence and understanding. We help pupils thrive by preparing them to participate positively in society, now and in adulthood.
Our approach ensures British values are not just taught. They are lived.
Democracy
Rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of different faiths & beliefs
