Falconer’s Hill Academy in Northamptonshire has achieved the Inclusive School Award.
A Genuine Sense of Moral Purpose
The mission statement for Falconer’s Hill’s Academy states: ‘Our Children, Their Future, Our Responsibility’. ‘To ensure all our children are engaged in the present and prepared for the future’. This came through in abundance throughout the IQM assessment. The Head leads by example and has the interest of all the pupils at the heart of her decision making and strategic planning. She is most ably supported by her Deputy and wider Leadership Team who show a genuine sense of moral purpose to engage all pupils in lifelong learning. This extends to the staff, parents and Governors too.
Supporting Pupils and Families During Lockdown
The websites states: ‘Our exciting, engaging and innovative curriculum will ignite a passion for learning in all of us. Through discussions during the IQM assessment, this was evident. The values of ‘Aspiration, Ambition, Courage and Respect’ are at the core of everything the School Leaders and staff set out to do. There is a true sense of drive amongst the staff and School Leaders. There is an atmosphere of excitement and eagerness within the school community. There is also a deep sense of responsibility, this came through during the review with regards to the approach the school took during lockdown. The School Leaders and staff supported the pupils and families throughout lockdown and throughout their return to school ensuring all families were safe. They ensured pupils were engaged in learning at home providing the necessary resources as well as providing emotional and practical support with challenges the families faced. The support the school gave to all families was very much appreciated and well received.
Extremely Dedicated Staff
It became clear throughout the IQM assessment that all the staff were extremely dedicated, knowledgeable, skilled and eager to take risks. Their sense of drive and determination to improve the outcomes of all pupils came through strongly. The implementation of rigorous structures and processes support the different teams to work strategically and collaboratively together to ensure positive outcomes of all the pupils whatever their needs. Strong teamwork amongst the SLT, Team Leaders, Pastoral Team and the staff is at the heart of the school. The school is an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone is given the opportunity to extend their area of expertise and own skill set. The strong leadership and high expectations displayed by the Head cascades down, staff are motivated to aim high. Pupils are engaged in a relevant and well thought out curriculum. Learning is sequenced so that progress is continuous and confidence in learning is developed in all pupils whatever their needs.
The Next Step for the School
Leaders were extremely open regarding what they visualised and saw as the next step for the school. This was to improve reading outcomes throughout the school as well as to continue to improve Maths and Writing, making more cross curricular links across other subject areas. There have been vast improvements in the key points Ofsted had made in their 2017 inspection.
Developing Confidence, Resilience and Self-Esteem
The current Head. along with the support of the Deputy. continue to build the school with the dedicated support of the wider Leadership Team, the Pastoral Team and the staff. Every measure is being put in place to ensure the pupils build structure into their lives whilst developing confidence, resilience, self-esteem and an appreciation of the value of education.
Encouraging Ambition and Aspiration
It is true to say that Falconer’s Hill Academy encourages every pupil to be ‘ambitious and aspirational’. Pupils are being wholly prepared for their future learning journey in an inspiring, inclusive environment. Thank you very much for preparing such an enjoyable and informative IQM assessment.
Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award
If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:
028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: [email protected] for further details.
Want more information on the IQM Award? Click here to request your free IQM information pack.