The Cornerstone Academy, located in Poole, Dorset, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on October 18 and 19, 2022. The school has established a positive environment where pupils enjoy attending and consistently meet the high expectations set by the leadership regarding their learning and behavior. The absence of low-level disruption contributes to a calm and purposeful atmosphere conducive to learning. Pupils feel safe and are encouraged to communicate with staff if they have concerns. The school effectively teaches pupils about safety, both offline and online, and addresses any instances of bullying promptly.
Pupils engage in a character development program that emphasizes the school's core values, allowing them to earn badges for demonstrating these values. They also participate in local democratic processes, providing them with a sense of active citizenship. The school values pupil input, as seen in the development of its new behavior policy, which incorporates student-selected terminology. Pupils express pride in their learning and appreciate the support from teachers, although there is room for improvement in fostering discussions about subject matter.
The curriculum at The Cornerstone Academy is ambitious and well-structured, particularly at key stage three, preparing pupils effectively for future learning. The increasing number of pupils studying the English Baccalaureate at key stage four reflects the school's commitment to a broad educational experience. The curriculum is designed to build detailed knowledge incrementally, resulting in high-quality work from pupils. Leaders are particularly attentive to the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that teaching is adapted to meet their requirements.
A consistent approach to teaching across subjects is evident, with teachers presenting knowledge clearly and systematically checking for understanding. This allows for the quick identification and correction of misconceptions. However, there is a noted need for improvement in promoting pupil discussions about subject content, which limits opportunities for pupils to articulate their learning effectively. Additionally, while leaders have raised expectations for literacy skills, the early reading curriculum lacks a strong focus on phonics, hindering the development of fluency and accuracy in reading.
The personal development program is well-planned and age-appropriate, covering essential topics such as healthy relationships and respect for diverse backgrounds. The school provides effective careers education, helping pupils make informed choices about their future pathways. The leadership team supports teachers through professional development, fostering a positive work environment that considers staff well-being.
Trustees and local governors maintain a clear vision for the school, providing appropriate support and challenge to school leaders. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders taking necessary actions to ensure the safety and welfare of pupils. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns, and there are robust policies in place to address issues such as sexual harassment and abuse.
To enhance its effectiveness, the school should focus on refining the early reading curriculum to ensure a sharper emphasis on phonics knowledge, enabling pupils to develop reading skills more quickly. Additionally, fostering opportunities for meaningful discussions in teaching will help pupils engage more deeply with subject content. Overall, The Cornerstone Academy demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a quality education and supporting the development of its pupils.
