Open Day

"Hello and a warm welcome, here at Gordon Children’s Academy we believe strongly in the partnership of parents and school working closely together for the benefit of the children.

"We create a positive atmosphere where everyone can feel happy, secure and valued, while providing an education that meets the needs of all our children. We expect high standards and a positive attitude – but above all, we want the children of our school to be happy, safe, have fun and enjoy being here.

"As part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, we strongly believe in teaching children how to become independent thinkers to prepare them for the ever-changing world that awaits them. With the family of schools that make up the Trust, we share a common mission to nurture all children to be successful, confident and can think and act independently. Staff are also encouraged to think accurately and reflectively about their practice.

"While you’re looking around, you might want to explore our school library and reading approaches. We encourage a love of books and of reading by providing a rich reading environment in our classrooms and in our library.  Ultimately, we aim for each child to experience success and to believe in themselves."

Mrs. Kirstie Jones | Headteacher

At The Gordon Children’s Academy, we are proud of the support and opportunities we provide our pupils. We cultivate a nurturing, supportive environment which encourages our children to be their best selves and work to achieve their best.

We were thrilled that the University of Exeter recognised these efforts in their report, stating that the Academy “conveys a positive, caring and creative atmosphere” and that “achievement continues to rise across the school with attendance and behaviour being of an excellent standard.”

1. WHO THEY ARE: Affectionately nicknamed Our Trust, it’s effectively the family name for the 18 schools in Our Trust. The schools within Our Trust are situated across Medway, Deal, Hampshire and Plymouth.

2. WHY A THINKING SCHOOL IS THE ONE FOR YOUR CHILD: A Thinking School challenges students to think deeply about their thinking, to be their best self and to gain the knowledge, tools and skills to shape their success in a life beyond school.

The children and young people we're presently educating will retire around 2070. According to experts most of the jobs our children will have don't even exist yet, and this is why developing skills to think independently and become life-long learners is so important.

3. HOW A THINKING SCHOOL WORKS: Our cognitive approach to education defines us but does not create a 'one size fits all'. Each and every member of the TSAT family is equally as important and shares a direction and ethos; put simply, we believe that we are stronger together.

Our schools work with each student so they are aspirational and ready to move forward and understand their role within their local community and beyond. The Thinking School approach to education is unique and we believe that it genuinely transforms the life chances of our children, teaching them the critical thinking skills they need to be resilient in life after school.

Pupils views are obtained about a range of curriculum areas.  We use the pupils responses and ideas to improve systems and ideas across the school. 

Students from our democratically elected Pupil Parliament empower our students to take an active role in our school community and be involved in the decisions we take in our school that affects them. 

We are also proud of the initiative our students have demonstrated in their pursuit to be more informed about the world we live. Our Eco Council is a group of children who meet monthly to discuss eco friendly proposals and environmental issues within the school. We give them this platform to nuture children to live their lives with consideration for global issues.

Pupils at The Gordon Children's Academy are expected to achieve standards of excellence in all areas of academy life including appearance. 

School uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the aims and values of the school and sets an appropriate tone. Personal presentation is important because it establishes good working habits and we want to make sure that every student develops a sense of pride in how they look. Students are ambassadors for The Gordon Children's Academy, and their behaviour when in uniform, including going to and from school, reflects on the school.

A well-worn uniform supports excellent behaviour, emphasises equality amongst young people and reflects the pride that our students have in being part of our community. Correct uniform must be worn at all times.