The Larkmead Promise

The Larkmead Promise is our vision and ethos statement, capturing the experience of our students and staff and setting out our ambitions for the future. The film on our website shares the full detail behind these headlines.

 

At Larkmead we will work together to help you to achieve your ambitions, hopes and dreams. Larkmead is a very special school and community, with wonderful students and staff. We believe that everyone can achieve great things.

At Larkmead there is a whole world of exciting new knowledge and skills to learn, opportunities to embrace and challenges to meet. When you join you will carry on getting better at the things you love, and you’ll develop your curiosity and creativity, discovering all sorts of new talents and passions. You will enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum as we open up the awe and wonder of learning that will stay with you for life. We want you to develop as actors, artists, athletes, coders, cooks, craftspeople, dancers, engineers, explorers, film makers, geographers, historians, linguists, mathematicians, musicians, performers, photographers, scientists, writers and much, much more.

Larkmead staff really get to know you so that they can support and encourage you to achieve your very best. In classrooms, kitchens, labs, performance spaces, studios, workshops and our many sports areas you will learn and develop and amaze yourself with what you accomplish. Your work will be a challenge, and that’s good because you are making new connections and learning new things. Coaching and reflection will build your confidence and independence. You’ll know that it’s ok to make mistakes, because that helps us to learn, stick with things and keep getting better.

At Larkmead, everyone matters and makes a difference. We know that everyone’s individuality, diversity and differences make us a happy, inclusive and vibrant school and society. You will find likeminded friends and supportive, encouraging staff who will help you be yourself and grow. You’ll explore opinions and develop positive attitudes towards other people and our planet. With our links to charities and campaigns you will stand up for what’s right, playing an active part in making your community and the world a better place, at Larkmead and for life.

At Larkmead you will develop your self-confidence and do yourself proud. We celebrate your effort, your achievement and other qualities through regular rewards, special assemblies and awards, and you’ll glow with pride. Our Houses drive competition and collaboration, where everyone’s achievement has an impact as an individual and as part of something bigger. Your School Council and the Vale Academy Trust Parliament are just some of the chances for you to make a wider contribution that has real impact.

Larkmead is a happy, caring community with high expectations and ambitions for everyone. Positive behaviour for learning and consistency support everyone to follow our simple, sensible rules. With our great tutors, Pastoral Support and Learning Support Departments, you’ll know that we are here for you when you need support and advice, that we believe in you and we’ve got your back. Being ‘ready, respectful and safe’ means you will be happy, secure and thrive, and petting staff dogs around the school brings a sense of calm and puts a smile on your face.

Larkmead is packed with wonderful opportunities and specialist facilities. As an Arts Mark Gold school our strengths in the Visual and Performing Arts sing out. Theatre trips and workshops will inspire you, and our regular performances, concerts, shows, exhibitions and celebrations are a great showcase for everyone’s creativity. We’re a Sports Mark Silver school, and our Dance Studio, D&T centre, new science labs, media suite, photography and art rooms, garden, bike repair workshop, and music performance block with studios and band practice rooms are just some of the special settings that help you shine. You’ll love reading, supported by our great LRC, author visits, competitions and Carnegie Award. Partnerships with Abingdon School, St Helen’s, Radley College, universities, employers and many others boost the Larkmead wow factor.

At Larkmead you’ll enjoy a wealth of enriching experiences. Adventure, teamwork and challenge build friendships, confidence and independence, from PGL in Year 7 through Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. You can enjoy trips to Barcelona, CERN in Switzerland, skiing and other visits at home and abroad. Alongside clubs and teams, you can enjoy science challenges at Abingdon School, St Helen’s and in the ATOM science festival. You’ll work with universities, employers and experts. You can run your own business in Young Enterprise, and Larkmead’s award winning careers advice and events are fantastic.

Larkmead’s vibrant Sixth Form is an inspiring pathway to success. You will make the most of our specialist study facilities and enjoy time with friends in our renovated Sixth Form common room. You will benefit from the pastoral care, high expectations, wider enrichment and dedicated teaching that achieve outstanding value-added results. You will take a lead in school and in collaboration with our wider partnerships. You will move on from Larkmead to university, apprenticeship or employment with great qualifications, great friends and great memories, ready to meet your next challenge and enjoy the opportunities ahead of you.

At Larkmead you will know that you are part of something special and that you are special too. You will be able to push for personal excellence as you make your ambition your special mission. You will enjoy the sense of pride that comes with knowing you have achieved your best. You’ll know that you are an important member of one community, where you can be yourself as an individual, and where you are creating a very bright future.