This week, our pupils continued to build on their basketball skills with a focus on dribbling. Together, we explored some of the common mistakes players can make, such as double dribbling, travelling, or carrying the ball and how to avoid them. The children then had the opportunity to practise the four key passes used in basketball, combin ...

King’s Academy Rowner is a vibrant and caring community where every child is empowered to flourish. In our most recent Ofsted inspection (October 2022), we were graded Good overall with Outstanding personal development. Inspectors commented: “There is a shared sense of pride about being part of ‘Team Rowner’. Leaders combine a strong sens ...

Year 6 have begun exploring the fascinating world of pirates in their history lessons by investigating who the very first pirates were. At the start, the children held some stereotypical ideas about pirates, but they are already broadening their thinking and deepening their understanding. The children have been learning to distinguish betw ...

It’s already time to start thinking about  Year 7 in September 2026 . If your child is currently in Year 6, applications to transfer to secondary school are  now open  and information has been e mailed home to you. 📅  Deadline:  All applications must be submitted by  31 October 2025 . You can apply online, or you can a ...

Year 5 have made an excellent start to their hockey lessons this term. The children have shown great enthusiasm, teamwork, and determination as they have learned how to dribble, pass, and defend. Already, they are developing strong skills and working together brilliantly. Hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport that is enjoyed by million ...

We are really looking forward to seeing our whole school community back together and, most importantly, exciting the children about all that the new term will bring. We can’t wait to welcome the children back this morning. Please arrive from 8.40am via the main pedestrian gate next to Forest School. The gate will be locked at 8.50am and c ...

We have had two very purposeful INSET days this week, where our teaching and support staff came together for professional learning, collaboration, and preparation, all with one aim, to make sure our children receive the very best. Across the two days, staff completed a range of learning activity including: ☕ Time to reconnect and share upd ...

As of today, the summer holidays have officially begun. If your child has left behind a packed lunch box, jumper or any other belongings, please do pop into school on Monday morning (21.7.25), by 12 noon to collect it. After today, anything unclaimed will be recycled or donated. We would like to wish all our pupils, families and staff a saf ...

We are pleased to announce that King’s Academy Rowner has been awarded the Bronze School Games Mark for our commitment to physical education, school sport, and active opportunities for all pupils during the 2024–25 academic year. This nationally recognised award celebrates schools that go above and beyond to encourage physical activity and ...

We are thrilled to share that we have been awarded the prestigious Gold Artsmark Award in recognition of our rich, inclusive, and inspiring arts provision. This achievement reflects years of dedicated work from our pupils, staff and wider school community. Through creativity, collaboration and commitment, the arts have become an essential part of life at Rowner, offering every child the opportunity to express themselves, explore culture, and grow in confidence.

Highlights of Our Artsmark Journey
From graffiti art and sea shanties to plastic-sculpture and textile design, our curriculum is filled with diverse and engaging opportunities. Pupils have explored the work of BAME artists, connected with local creatives such as Pete Codling and Dan Williams, and even used art to discuss important social issues like climate change and equality.

We have also made fantastic use of our Trust network, working with specialist secondary colleagues, accessing an ‘Atelier’ for hands-on creative experiences, and participating in exciting projects like The Giant Sing and DanceLive! at Portsmouth Guildhall.

Inclusion and Wellbeing Through the Arts
With a higher-than-average number of children with SEND, inclusion is central to our arts curriculum. Our staff have undertaken training in ‘access strategies’, ensuring that every child has the tools to succeed in arts-based learning. From sculpture to song, we have seen incredible improvements in pupil confidence, emotional expression and teamwork.

Our weekly music appreciation and singing assemblies are a highlight for many, filling the hall with wonderful sounds.

A Culture of Creativity and Growth
The Gold Award also recognises how the arts have influenced our school culture and staff development. From curriculum design to CPD, we’ve worked hard to ensure that the arts are not ‘extras’, but central to how we learn and grow together.

We are proud to run a number of free clubs, including drama, art and DanceLive, so that every child has access to enrichment, regardless of background.

What’s Next?
Our journey doesn’t stop here. We’ll continue to champion creativity, build cultural links, and invest in our staff and pupils. We remain committed to embedding the arts across our curriculum, not just because they inspire creativity, but because they nurture wellbeing, self-belief and ambition.

Well done to our wonderful pupils, staff and community. This Gold Artsmark Award is yours to celebrate!