Our approach

The curriculum at OA-Tunbridge Wells is carefully designed to reflect pupils’ complex needs while maintaining high ambition. We encourage students to recognise their personal learning journey and take pride in their achievements.

Whilst students attending our academy are not considered less academically able, it is recognised that their learning, prior to the point of them being referred, is likely to have been significantly disrupted. Our mission is to provide our students with creative, aspirational and inspiring opportunities which re-engage them in learning, allowing them to reach their maximum potential.

We work in partnership with home schools, parents, carers and external agencies to ensure we create a tailored package of support to best meet the individual needs of pupils at our academy.

Our curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and is underpinned by the following principles:

• Ambition for all – pupils are not academically disadvantaged because of their circumstances, progress tracked carefully to ensure ambition remains high
• Inclusion and personalisation, flexibility being at the heart of our curriculum
• Strong foundations – literacy, numeracy and emotional literacy are prioritised
• Preparation for adulthood – pupils are equipped with academic, practical and life skills to build resilience and determination, for post 16 and independent living

The curriculum we offer at our academy gives students:

• real-world learning experiences
• accredited subjects for interest, wider learning and to support post 16 transition, using non-GCSE qualifications to scaffold achievement
• rigorous and high-quality critique and feedback on their work
• the opportunity to develop leadership skills, including student leadership

This approach ensures pupils are on the journey to emotionally understand themselves and for schools to understand the individual’s strengths and challenges in order to reduce barriers that may otherwise prevent academic progress. The ultimate aim being for pupils to re-engage in mainstream learning.

Our purpose is to work collaboratively with students, developing students’ confidence and self-esteem by encouraging a culture of ambitious goals. Olive will support students to attain their very best in a range of qualifications, as well as developing skills and attributes necessary for a successful future. This personal portfolio of accomplishments will enable students to go on to make positive changes in their local communities and live fulfilled lives.

As part of the induction process, students’ well-being needs, academic strengths and challenges are identified in order to forensically understand their academic and emotional starting points. We offer personalised planning and differentiation for students with special educational needs and disabilities.