Acre Rigg Academy, located in Peterlee, County Durham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on June 21 and 22, 2023. The school is characterized by a caring and supportive environment where pupils genuinely enjoy learning. The leadership team is ambitious for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Pupils actively engage in their education, showing enthusiasm in answering questions and participating in various activities. The staff is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to achieve their best.
Safety is a priority at Acre Rigg Academy. Pupils feel secure and are aware of bullying, which they report as uncommon. They trust that staff will address any incidents of bullying swiftly and fairly. The school promotes kindness, and pupils look after one another, fostering a sense of community. They express their thoughts on equality and fairness maturely, demonstrating politeness and consideration in their interactions with each other and visitors.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including computer games, dance, and eco club, as well as visits from local authors and science professionals. These activities enhance the educational experience and support pupils' emotional well-being through groups like the young carers’ group and bereavement support.
Acre Rigg Academy has implemented a well-structured and thoughtfully designed curriculum that caters to the needs of all pupils. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with clear objectives for what pupils should learn and remember in each subject. Teachers create ongoing opportunities for pupils to practice previously learned skills, particularly in reading, where they revisit key concepts to aid comprehension of new texts.
Teachers at the school possess strong subject knowledge, which they use to break down complex information into manageable steps. They encourage pupils to explore their learning and develop curiosity, especially evident in mathematics lessons where pupils are prompted to find various solutions to problems and engage in discussions about their approaches. When introducing new concepts, teachers and teaching assistants quickly identify when pupils require additional support, ensuring that all students, particularly those with SEND, can build their knowledge and skills effectively over time.
Assessment strategies are employed to gauge pupils' understanding and retention of material. Teachers utilize this information to address misconceptions and adapt their teaching methods. However, there are instances where the pace of learning does not progress as swiftly as it could, which may hinder some pupils' advancement through the curriculum.
Reading is prioritized throughout the school, with a carefully considered approach to its teaching. Staff are well-trained in effective reading instruction and have recognized the need for pupils entering Year 3 to possess the necessary phonics skills for fluent reading. The curriculum includes books that align with the phonics being taught, and additional reading opportunities are provided outside of lessons, such as the 'Book and Bagel' sessions before school.
Strong relationships between staff and pupils create a conducive learning environment, with pupils displaying cooperation and eagerness to participate in lessons. Positive behavior is promoted and celebrated, and teachers effectively manage any instances of poor behavior by helping pupils understand and rectify their actions.
The school places a strong emphasis on personal development, with systems in place to identify pupils needing emotional support. The personal development team is skilled in providing assistance, teaching pupils to recognize their emotional needs and improve their well-being. The personal development program is well-planned, addressing the evolving needs of the student body and offering a range of experiences, including after-school clubs and roles that allow pupils to contribute to the school community.
Governors are knowledgeable and committed, possessing a clear understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They prioritize staff workload and well-being, with staff expressing appreciation for the support they receive from leaders.
The safeguarding arrangements at Acre Rigg Academy are effective, with a strong focus on pupil safety. Staff receive thorough training and regular updates on safeguarding procedures, ensuring they know how to respond to any concerns regarding pupil welfare. The school incorporates safeguarding into its curriculum, teaching pupils how to stay safe in their community and online.
To enhance its effectiveness further, the school should focus on ensuring that pupils are moved on to new learning when they are ready, thereby maximizing their progression through the curriculum. This involves developing teachers' classroom practices and supporting them in using assessment information accurately to facilitate timely advancement in pupils' learning.
