Imagine a place where everyone knows each other a close-knit community. That place is Ark Swift Primary Academy. Here, on Australia Road in London, the school buzzes with activity. Ark Swift Primary Academy is not just a school. It’s a place where staff work together. They help pupils get the most from their time.
Opened on September 1, 2013, Ark Swift Primary Academy is an academy for children aged 3 to 11. The school is coeducational and does not apply any religious preferences. Ark Swift Primary Academy falls under the local authority of Hammersmith and Fulham.
The school has about 208 pupils. Expectations of all pupils are high at Ark Swift Primary Academy. Pupils enjoy learning and playing with their friends. Everyone knows the three simple school rules. These are ready, respectful, and safe. Pupils understand why these are important. They try hard to follow them. Teachers use the same approach to deal with any poor behaviour. Staff know their pupils well. Pupils know that staff will help them if they are upset. Teachers make sure that pupils have time to talk about any problems. Restorative sessions help to mend friendship issues. They also sort out incidents of bullying.
Parents are happy with the school. They describe it as a really great school. Parents like feeling included in events such as the Eid party. They recognize that staff go above and beyond to help pupils.
The curriculum reflects ambition for pupils. It matches the scope of the national curriculum. Curriculum plans are carefully sequenced at Ark Swift Primary Academy. Teachers know the purpose of each lesson. They know how to build on what pupils have already learned. Teachers only move on when pupils are ready. They are quick to spot if anyone has fallen behind. This is evident in English and mathematics. Teachers identify which step in the learning needs to be re-taught.
The teaching of early reading starts in Nursery at Ark Swift Primary Academy. Early years staff are expert phonics teachers. They share this expertise so that everyone follows the same approach. By the end of Year 2, most pupils are fluent readers. Weaker readers get lots of extra help. They use their phonics skills to work out unfamiliar words. Staff foster a real love of reading at Ark Swift Primary Academy. Pupils like talking about the books they have read. Reading rewards are very popular. Older pupils read a broad range of texts suited to their age.
Pupils widen their learning beyond the classroom at Ark Swift Primary Academy. They have a variety of after-school clubs. Leaders extend all pupils’ wider development. For example, pupils work with West London Zone. They also work with Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
Lessons are calm and not disrupted at Ark Swift Primary Academy. Pupils learn to be respectful. In circle time, pupils discuss issues such as name-calling. They also discuss homophobic bullying. They know this behaviour is wrong.
Staff well-being is a priority. Leaders remind staff that they are valued. Leaders do not overburden staff with unnecessary workloads.
Leaders and staff know the safeguarding issues. Members of the pastoral team work closely with pupils. They know their needs well. They know what action to take when there are concerns. Leaders discuss difficult situations with pupils. They do this in an age-appropriate way. For example, Year 6 pupils have workshops to learn about knife crime. Pupils and their families have access to an on-site counselling service. The pastoral team also provides mental health support to pupils.
Ark Swift Primary Academy is more than just a school. It’s a supportive and thriving community. It prepares young minds for the future.