Avanti Gardens Curriculum Review

This page will give you the following information:

The Curriculum Review produced by the Curriculum Review Team
AST Board’s response to the recommendations of the Curriculum Review
FAQ’s with regards to the curriculum
Avanti Gardens’ Proposed Curriculum
Information on the consultation of school timings
Information on the consultation of term dates

Report from the Curriculum Review Team

In Autumn 2019, Avanti Schools Trust welcomed three schools into its family of schools. These schools (formerly known as Steiner Academy Bristol, Steiner Academy Frome and Steiner Academy Exeter) had received inadequate judgements by Ofsted, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education (Reports: Bristol, Frome, Exeter). Having brokered the responsibility for the schools, taking full account of the quality of education for the children attending, the Trust was energised to work with the school communities to explore and identify the key principles upon which a new non-faith curriculum could be designed. This also related to other work taking place within Avanti leadership teams to explore school structures, teaching and learning expectations and assessment.

Read the full report here.

AST Board’s Response to the Curriculum Review

“The Board considered the Curriculum Review report at a special Board meeting on Monday, 20^th April, and after extensive discussion, agreed to adopt substantially the recommendations in the report. A key aspect of the Review is the design of a research-informed, values-led, and community-inspired curriculum design which the Board envisages will – together with strong leadership and more detailed progression mapping, assessment, and quality assurance – provide a comprehensive and radical educational experience for the children at each school. The Board commended the fact that the review makes clear reference to elements of a Steiner Waldorf curriculum, and it remains our clear intention to establish Avanti schools embracing those aspects of Steiner Waldorf philosophy which seem appropriate. These synergies are important, given the heritage of the schools, and the Board is pleased that the Review includes a number of these aspects and in so doing, takes account of many of the genuine concerns that parents raised.” – Mike Younger, Chair of the Board

Read the Board’s response here.

FAQ’s

Has the AST Board accepted all of the recommendations listed in the curriculum review report?

The AST Board has accepted the majority of the recommendations, a summary of the responses to each individual recommendation is available on each school’s website.

Will phonics be taught in early years and in KS 1?

Yes, as the review indicates and international research confirms phonics is the most effective way of teaching reading to children of all abilities, enabling almost all children to become confident and independent readers.

Will pupils be required to take part in phonics screening tests in 2021 and beyond?

Yes. Avanti Schools Trust has no exemptions from these tests and they will be administered in each school from 2021.

Will pupils be required to take part in KS 1 tests in 2021 and beyond?

Yes. Avanti Schools Trust has no exemptions from these tests and they will be administered in each school from 2021.

How will technology be used and will there be limits on screen time?

Each school will firstly consider the pedagogical rationale for how using tablets or computers will improve learning. The principles of how to use technology successfully are not distinct from questions of how to teach effectively or how children learn.

Will schools start using the language of the national curriculum as opposed to Steiner terms such as kindergarten and middle school?

Yes. In line with our other schools we will no longer refer to kindergarten, lower, middle or upper school. We will instead refer to key stages and phases.

Will children in the Reception year be expected to attend school for the whole day?

Yes. Reception class pupils will be expected to be in school from the published start time to the official end of school.

Will children continue to be able call teachers and other staff by their first name?

No. In line with our other schools we will be asking children not to use first names with teachers and other adults.

Will children be required to wear a uniform from September 2020?

No, there will be no change to the current uniform requirements in September 2020 but we intend to launch a formal consultation on the possible introduction of a uniform in each school from September 2021.

Avanti Gardens Curriculum

To view the new curriculum for September 2020 for Avanti Gardens School click here.

Consultation: School Timings

The school is consulting to make changes to the school day. The changes, alongside the rationale for the proposal and the timescales of the consultation are set out in the letter below. We are keen to get your feedback before putting in place any changes for September 2020. The new timings outlined below are founded on what we as a professional educational leaders believe will support us in our quest to continue to raise standards in the school.

Read the school timings consultation letter here.

To share your views in the consultation please click here

Consultation: Term Dates

The school is consulting to make changes to the school’s term dates. The changes, alongside the rationale for the proposal and the timescales of the consultation are set out in the letter below. We are keen to get your feedback before putting in place any changes for September 2020. The new timings outlined below are founded on what we as a professional educational leaders believe will support us in our quest to continue to raise standards in the school.

Read the term dates consultation letter here.

To share your views in the consultation please click here