Civitas Academy, located in Reading, Berkshire, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on February 6 and 7, 2024. The executive headteacher, Salima Ducker, leads the school, which is part of the REAch2 Academy Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Cathie Paine and a board of trustees chaired by Gavin Robert. The school has a strong community ethos, emphasizing inclusivity and support for all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds. Pupils express a sense of belonging, stating that everyone is part of the community, which fosters a positive environment for learning.
Behaviour among pupils is exemplary, with clear expectations set by school leaders. From early years, children learn essential routines and how to collaborate with peers. In lessons, pupils are attentive and actively engage with their learning, recognizing the value of education and aspiring to various careers, including scientists and pilots. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with high attendance rates. Pupils enjoy exploring their interests through clubs such as dodgeball, debate, and Warhammer. The school also invites inspirational speakers, including Olympians, to promote healthy lifestyles. Planned trips, like the Year 6 residential to the Isle of Wight, ensure maximum participation and enrich the pupils' experiences.
Parents generally express satisfaction with the school's provision, highlighting its promotion of diversity and respect. The school excels in personal development, integrating global citizenship themes throughout the curriculum. This approach helps pupils understand their roles in the world and how they can contribute to their communities. The comprehensive personal, social, and health education curriculum equips pupils with knowledge about health, friendship, and emotional discussions. Pupils actively participate in leadership roles, such as elected school councillors, fostering a sense of belonging and respect for diverse views.
Civitas Academy has developed an ambitious curriculum, carefully sequencing key knowledge for pupils. The school effectively supports a high proportion of pupils for whom English is an additional language. The focus on vocabulary, oracy, and reading enables pupils to access the rich curriculum. Leaders maintain oversight of all subjects, providing new teachers with effective support and guidance. Staff feel well-supported and value the training opportunities provided by the trust.
Teachers effectively check pupils' understanding during lessons, offering additional guidance or challenges as needed. They break down complex ideas into manageable parts, ensuring that pupils with special educational needs receive the necessary support. Vocabulary is revisited at the start of lessons to reinforce understanding. In core subjects, activities are well-planned to facilitate skill practice and rapid recall. For instance, daily opportunities in mathematics help pupils revisit key number facts.
Pupils develop a love for reading early on, with a strong emphasis on phonics teaching. Children quickly learn letter sounds, and expert staff deliver the phonics curriculum effectively, ensuring pupils read with fluency and comprehension. The school boasts well-stocked libraries and book corners that cater to pupils' interests, encouraging a diverse range of reading. Older pupils describe captivating books read to them, fostering a culture of reading and recommendations among peers.
While assessment practices are well-established in English and mathematics, there is a need for improvement in other subjects. The school is working to implement effective assessment processes across foundation subjects to identify and address gaps in pupils' understanding. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. Overall, Civitas Academy continues to provide a good education, with a strong focus on personal development, community, and academic achievement.
