Ark pioneer academy, Barnet: opinions pls

[purelaxation]

Considering this brand new school for my DS. It opens in September 2019 so she will be part of the founding year group which has its pros and cons.

Another option is Queen Elizabeth girls which is established and doing well but has tired old buildings and fewer sports facilities.

Extremely confused so grateful of any opinions out dthere.

Tired old buildings don’t matter.

Have a good look through the websites for other ARK schools, for example Evelyn Grace in Brixton.

Read through all the behaviour and discipline policies.

They are one of the very rigid zero tolerance academy chains and it wouldn’t suit me, but others love them.

Thanks Nicola. Any other views out there? I'm torn because qe girls is improving each year but my ds would be in the founding year of a brand new school at ark and will be taught by heads of year for a couple of years. I'm worried about the level of discipline at Ark (No talking in the corridors, no running in the playground at playtime!). Both options have their pros and cons. I'd love to hear more views and opinions...need to decide by 15th March. TIA.

QE girls has a swimming pool, pitches etc. I actually think it has quite a lot of sports facilities.
It does very well in GCSEs, the head is inspirational and its value add is very strong. It's a school on the up for sure.
The only consideration is that the A Levels aren't that strong yet but that's perhaps because so many move into other options including Woodhouse.
I think QEG is the surer bet this year anyhow.

Thanks for your insights fandabby. Have you seen an ark school in action? Qe is increasing its intake this year so class sizes will increase. The head at Ark pioneer is also inspirational and a very strong character. They are rigorous with their recruitment and I am confident that they attract and recruit strong teachers. I think in a couple of years it might be highly sought after. Almost like a private school with facilities to match. My biggest concern is how well an independent thinker with a supportive family will fit into such a rigid system.

We are in the same situation, very confused. But not a lot of people seem to be talking about the Ark School.

Kiran are you also weighing up both qe and ark? Which are you leaning towards and why? Would be interested to hear as many points of view as possible. I know my DS will fit in well at QE and be happy there. However selfishly I face the fear of missing out on Ark if it does turn out as outstanding as it sounds.

Hi Purelaxatipn. I am pulled between Ark and St Andrews the Greek School. Both are equally good. Ifeel the same am I gona miss out on this opportunity. But my worry is how strict they are, and the schools finishing times. As we are near Southgate my child will not get home till 5.30. If she went St Andrews she will home in 10 minutes. I am also concerned about the altar rigid behaviour policy and senction for not behaving appropriately will it destroy the individual of a person. Have you had the behaviour policy of the Ark Academy.

Any my older daughter has been through QE girls and left 3 years ago after GCSE. Generally a good school, but they had there own issues. I hope that the new head teacher has resolved them.

I share your concerns. I think children deserve respect and the freedom to be themselves and feel like ark may be stifling. Agree with you on journey time..it will be a long day for your child..However other aspects of ark are super impressive..it almost feels like a private school without the liberalism.

The rules and regs are definitely a big deal...I'm sure the kids will quickly get used to it. I want my kids to look back on their education fondly and not view it as a stressful experience...so many pros and cons. Please anyone else with views/opinions on Ark pioneer or ark schools in general...Please share!

Bump. Anyone who has real experience with Ark can comment please? Very keen to know more, as we live very close and want to know if this is a viable option.

Ark are superb. My son goes there. Only 2 year groups in, but so professional, well organised and academic. Have a daughter at QE girls. It’s OK, but so mindfulness and woke oriented and were woeful over lockdown. My younger daughter will be going to ark as well.

Hi IrishParent - my DD just had an offer from Ark - shes nervous so its good to know your feedback and glad to hear your son is enjoying it.

@Irishparent

Ark are superb. My son goes there. Only 2 year groups in, but so professional, well organised and academic. Have a daughter at QE girls. It’s OK, but so mindfulness and woke oriented and were woeful over lockdown. My younger daughter will be going to ark as well.

What does woke oriented even mean?

Oriented towards a focus on liberal identity and social issues versus a strong academic focus.

@Irishparent

Oriented towards a focus on liberal identity and social issues versus a strong academic focus.

So QE Girls is like that? Are you sure. My sister went there and it wasnt like that at all/ How are they focused on social issues

Yep. They are. Focus and priorities are not academic. I think it’s displacement activity so they don’t have to push themselves or the girls academically.

Kiranshah which school did you end up with please? Does anyone else have feedback re QE Girls vs Ark Pioneer?

My DS is at QE. It's extremely poor educationally. Sloppy lazy teaching (watching videos and answering questions on them) for multiple subjects. PE is walking around the field. Agree with the comment that they're hiding behind wellbeing objective to avoid focus on academics. Utterly regret not going for Ark. Many friends are extremely happy with it as are their kids. My DS has a lovely friends circle making it difficult to pluck her out. Don't make the same my mistake. Go for Ark 100pc.

@purelaxation

My DS is at QE. It's extremely poor educationally. Sloppy lazy teaching (watching videos and answering questions on them) for multiple subjects. PE is walking around the field. Agree with the comment that they're hiding behind wellbeing objective to avoid focus on academics. Utterly regret not going for Ark. Many friends are extremely happy with it as are their kids. My DS has a lovely friends circle making it difficult to pluck her out. Don't make the same my mistake. Go for Ark 100pc.

Wow this is sad to hear

The grades are very high, one of the highest in Barnet but this may be down to smart kids perhaps with tutors?

I've really no idea how the grades are achieved. It's a mixed demographic with v mixed abilities. Parents will definitely need to be on the ball due to the many gaps to be filled. Homework virtually non existent (5 mins on days it's given) even when physical school is on. Remote learning is cameras off when other state schools have cameras on to check the kids arev engaged . Any points raised with senior leadership are basically ignored. Utterly shocking and disappointing.

wow thats interesting feedback - Pure do you mind if i private message you please

I know that this is an old thread but I was wondering whether anyone had any other experience of Ark Academy that they could share. I like the school but I’m concerned about the level of discipline there.

Hi all just to give you an update. My daughter eventually joined Ark Pioneer back in 2012 and now is in Year 9. Its an amazing school and i am so happy with my decision. Shes doing really well, a very focused school, good discipline and very professional. I wanted to share the feedback as i was so confused which school to go for. It has a recent outstanding Ofsted rating too.

sorry i mean 2021 not 2012!