Ambition

Character and Qualities 

Our curriculum aims to support all pupils to develop positive personal traits and to become independent learners who take responsibility for their actions. To show care, respect and kindness within their local and wider communities, so they become actively involved in public life as adults. 

Confidence and resilience 

Our curriculum equips all pupils with the tools needed to be confident and resilient individuals who are able to use their knowledge of strategies learnt to keep themselves mentally healthy. 

Transition 

A successful and effective transition means that young pupils flourish. At Valley Invicta Academies Trust, we place significant importance in ensuring the transition process is smooth and rigorous for all pupils. Learning about change and how to cope with it will help with any transition. This will also prepare them for many other changes and challenges they will face in life.

Transition beyond KS2 

It is our intention to ensure that preparation for Secondary Transition is embedded within our curriculum. This will enable all pupils and parents to feel fully informed and to have access to experiences that will motivate and encourage ambition.  

Maidstone is an area where the secondary education options are extensive and strong. We believe that it is our responsibility to support pupils and parents in making the choice that is right for them. Within VIAT, there are three comprehensive schools (SST, Valley Park School and The Lenham School) and one grammar school (Invicta Grammar School) and the majority of our pupils attend one of these schools. The school authorises absence in Year 5 and 6 for parents to take their children to look around the local schools and, in their Personal Development lessons, the pupils explore what the different schools have to offer. As part of the decision making process, the school gives a presentation to Year 5 parents about the process for applying for a secondary school place and, in particular, how to apply to take the 11+ test which would enable a child to attend grammar school should they pass. We give parents an overview of the structure and broad content of the tests, we signpost to resources that parents may wish to use at home with their child, and we share pupil Cognitive Ability Test (CAT) scores with parents to give an indication as to whether a grammar school education might be suitable for their child. 

Breadth of Experiences. World of work/Careers 

World of Work/Careers   

Within our setting pupils are provided with rich opportunities and experiences from the beginning of their school experience to understand the world of work and the opportunities and pathways that are available to them. The breadth of careers within our curriculum challenge and tackle stereotypes of work and promote entrepreneurship. The aim of this part of our ambition curriculum is for pupils to feel confident in their pathways for their future and to recognise how education supports them on this journey. 

Building Skills from the Early Years 

We create an exciting curriculum, which develops curious attitudes. In celebrating what makes our individual pupils unique we harness particular interests, to help shape our work. Quality story books and topics help us to tailor activities, which maximise engagement and progress and prepare pupils well for Transition into Year 1. 

Closing the Gap  

Early Intervention 

Equality of opportunity   

As a diverse and multinational community, we ensure that pupils from all backgrounds and starting points are able to access and enjoy the opportunities our curriculum has to offer. Pupils can thrive together and have an understanding that difference is a positive and that uniqueness should be celebrated. Our curriculum and school ethos and values promote an inclusive environment and meets the needs of all pupils and protected characteristics. 

Widening horizons 

Our wider curriculum enables pupils to explore a variety of opportunities allowing them to discover their interests and talents through extra-curricular activities, clubs, trips and visitors. Through memorable experiences, pupils are exposed to diverse and rich opportunities from which they can learn and develop a range of transferable skills. Musical, sporting and artistic talents are all valued and celebrated! 

Global Citizens benefit our communities. 

Our curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to successfully navigate their role as a member of society, recognising and understanding how fundamental British Values underpin life in modern Britain. They are given opportunities to discuss and challenge local and global issues and are encouraged to use their learning to become actively involved in public life as adults.