“Achievement through hard work strength through kindness” This is the motto of Angel Oak Academy. Located in Peckham London it’s a place where children grow flourish and sparkle. Angel Oak Academy is named after a significant oak tree. Artist and poet William Blake saw his first vision there in 1765. He described it as a tree filled with angels. Bright angelic wings adorned each branch like stars. The academy’s name reflects the area’s academic and creative heritage. It also symbolizes a safe nurturing environment for students.
Angel Oak Academy aims to invest in the personal academic and cultural capital of its students. The goal is that each student leaves with diverse experiences and knowledge. This empowers them to engage with all aspects of society academically intellectually and socially. The school uses a mastery approach to teaching and learning. Each objective is taught in depth. There is a substantial amount of subject knowledge and skill behind every lesson. Knowledge Organisers are provided. They help children and parents understand key information. Regular quizzes ensure long-term memory retention.
The school has high expectations for all students. Barriers to learning and participation are removed. Each child feels valued. Angel Oak Academy works closely with parents. This partnership helps students with special educational needs reach their full potential. Parents hold valuable information. They play a crucial role in their children’s education. The academy strives for every pupil to experience success. It keeps a register of students with special educational needs. These children are identified assessed and supported early on. Learning programmes are tailored to individual needs. Collaboration with parents other professionals and support services is key. The aim is to foster a move from dependent to independent learning.
Many students come from deprived backgrounds. Some families are first-generation immigrants. Some parents lack legal status and recourse to public funds. The school uses pupil premium funding for a three-teacher model. Each year group has three teachers. This allows for smaller groups for focused learning. The most experienced teacher works with students needing extra help. The school prioritizes maths and English. It focuses on building a solid knowledge foundation. They don’t rush pupils through the curriculum.
The school’s curriculum is rich in knowledge. There is a focus on building long-term memory. Regular quizzes reinforce learning. The school uses knowledge organisers. These A4 sheets list facts needed to understand class texts. The school also focuses on cultural capital. Students read books considered culturally important. This includes classics like Alice in Wonderland Macbeth and Anne Frank. The aim is to equip students with knowledge and confidence. They should be able to engage with people from any background.