Woodham Academy, located in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on April 18 and 19, 2023. The school has experienced significant growth in both size and popularity, with a new building currently under construction to accommodate the increasing number of students. Parents of Year 7 pupils have expressed appreciation for the support their children receive in settling into the school community.
The leadership at Woodham Academy prioritizes the needs of students in all decision-making processes, which is essential as the school continues to expand. Strong relationships between staff and students are evident, with pupils expressing trust in adults for support. Those who have faced challenges in previous educational settings find a fresh start at Woodham, thriving in the supportive environment. The school emphasizes respect and tolerance, with a majority of students agreeing that bullying is taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Leaders maintain high academic expectations for students and are ambitious about providing enriching experiences beyond the classroom, including international trips and work placements. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, allowing students to explore interests in sports, performing arts, leadership, engineering, and environmental initiatives. These opportunities are highly valued by the students.
The curriculum at Woodham Academy is designed to be ambitious and broaden students' horizons. In subjects like art, students learn about famous paintings weekly to enhance their cultural understanding. The curriculum also addresses important social issues, such as obesity through a focus on diabetes in science classes. Leaders have prioritized the development of students' academic vocabulary across all subjects.
Assessment practices are in place to ensure that students retain essential knowledge, with regular recall activities integrated into lessons. In subjects like history, effective assessment identifies gaps in understanding, while other subjects are working on refining their assessment systems to better inform teaching. Teachers employ effective modeling and questioning techniques to engage students and address misconceptions promptly.
Support for students who struggle with reading is a priority, with additional targeted assistance provided. Weekly reading sessions during tutor time aim to foster a love of reading among pupils. Behavior in the school is commendable, with students demonstrating focus and engagement in lessons. They understand the expectations for their conduct and appreciate the recognition they receive for positive behavior.
The personal development curriculum has been redesigned to deliver essential messages more frequently, covering topics such as tolerance and diversity. Leaders are committed to further enhancing this provision to build students' resilience and independence. Staff members take pride in being part of the Woodham community, valuing the professional development opportunities available to them and recognizing the positive impact of their growth on student education.
The safeguarding arrangements at Woodham Academy are effective, with students feeling safe and supported. Staff educate pupils on safety in various contexts, and additional mental health support has been prioritized as the school has grown. Leaders are well-informed about local safeguarding risks and ensure that staff receive regular training.
While the school has many strengths, there is a need for continued development in assessment practices to ensure they accurately identify knowledge gaps. This will enable teachers to adapt the curriculum more effectively. Overall, Woodham Academy continues to provide a supportive and enriching educational environment for its students.
