Our House System
Atlantic Academy has three Houses, each named after a local Portland landmark and represented by a distinct colour.
To foster a strong sense of belonging and ensure meaningful relationships are built, every student from Reception to Year 11 is a member of a House. In line with our all-through philosophy, we aim to keep siblings in the same House throughout their school journey. A student’s House is identified by the tie they wear.
Throughout the year, students take part in a wide range of House competitions and events, encouraging participation, teamwork, and healthy competition across all age groups.
Our Houses
Church Ope Cove House
One of Portland’s hidden gems, Church Ope Cove lies on the island’s sheltered east coast. Reached by steep steps, this historic and secluded cove is surrounded by a dramatic and unique rocky landscape.
Castle Cove House
This small, sheltered beach sits in the shadow of a great castle and towering cliffs. Historically, it was a place of arrival and departure for local fishermen—and, according to legend, more than a few cunning smugglers.
Chesil Cove House
Dominated by the breathtaking shingle bank of Chesil Beach, this iconic landscape is renowned for the thunderous sound of waves rolling across the stones, echoing far inland.
An All-Through Approach
Our House system is an innovative way of combining the pastoral and academic elements of academy life.
Our aim is to demonstrate the significant benefits of an all-through education, providing a seamless, highly effective, and engaging learning experience. This ensures that each phase of education fully prepares students for the next stage of their development.
All-Through Initiatives
-
Reading Programme: Upper School student ambassadors support and read with younger students
-
Student Voice: A newly structured approach ensures representation and collaboration across all phases
-
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors: Trained ambassadors in each phase to promote a positive and safe school culture
-
Vertical House Assemblies: Whole-school themes and discussions that bring all ages together
-
Inter-School Competitions: Events such as Sports Day and celebration activities that strengthen all-through connections
-
Charity Days: Each school participates in three charity events annually
-
Buddy Programmes: Older and younger students work together to support wellbeing and transition
-
Leadership Opportunities: Clear all-through leadership pathways across every phase
Curriculum
We continue to develop our all-through curriculum, ensuring strong alignment across phases and a clear sense of subject identity.
-
Each subject area and specialism is allocated to a specific school
-
Phase-specific specialists collaborate to develop expertise, curriculum planning, and CPD
-
Subject specialists teach across phases where appropriate, with a particular focus on Years 5 and 6
-
Linked schemes of work ensure continuity and progression from lower to upper school
-
A whole-school Exhibition of Learning takes place every term to showcase outcomes within the school and wider community
-
Staff CPD time is dedicated to strengthening subject knowledge, revisiting key units, and developing bridging units between key stages
School Points
Every week, students from Reception to Year 11 can earn positive points for their school. These points are collated weekly to determine which school has achieved the highest total.
Points can be awarded both in and out of lessons for a wide range of positive behaviours, including:
-
Commitment to academic work
-
Earning Golden Tickets
-
Acts of kindness or thoughtfulness
-
Polite, respectful, and considerate behaviour