Cardinham School, located in Bodmin, Cornwall, is recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 21, 2022. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are happy, friendly, and welcoming. They take pride in their school and exhibit positive attitudes towards learning. The leadership team has established high expectations for all students, creating a nurturing ethos where behavior expectations are well understood. This has resulted in a learning atmosphere free from disruption, allowing pupils to enjoy their educational experiences.
The school has made significant strides in enhancing pupils' understanding of bullying, with most students reporting that it does not occur. Those who acknowledge that bullying can happen feel confident that staff will address any issues promptly, contributing to a sense of safety within the school. Additionally, pupils actively participate in a variety of extra-curricular clubs and enjoy opportunities to perform, such as in their recent school play, Holes. Although some opportunities for student responsibilities have been limited due to the pandemic, leaders are working to reinstate these initiatives.
Leaders have accurately identified the school's strengths and areas for improvement. They are committed to considering staff workload and well-being, implementing changes to alleviate unnecessary burdens. The curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious, reflecting the local community's needs. Staff involvement in curriculum development ensures that it is tailored to the pupils' context.
While the curriculum is new in many subjects, leaders have set clear expectations for teaching. In areas where teaching is strong, pupils can make connections between different aspects of their learning. For instance, in geography, students apply their knowledge of the water cycle to understand rainforest climates. Teachers effectively use assessments to identify what pupils remember, allowing for quick remediation of misconceptions. However, there are still some subjects where teaching is not consistently effective, and leaders are working with staff to fully embed expectations and practices.
Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported effectively, learning alongside their peers. Staff have received adequate training to adapt learning for these students, fostering confidence and a positive attitude towards education. Reading is prioritized within the curriculum, with pupils learning phonics from the start. Regular assessments help ensure that all students receive the support they need to become fluent readers. Pupils demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for reading, frequently visiting the library and discussing their favorite books.
In the early years, leaders have designed a well-sequenced curriculum that prepares children for their next educational stage. Children engage positively with adults and peers, although routines for independent learning are still developing. This sometimes leads to reliance on adults for engagement with activities. Pupils show a good understanding of religious beliefs and cultures, promoting respect for diversity. The school prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, teaching them about democracy and tolerance.
The safeguarding arrangements at Cardinham School are effective, with a culture of vigilance among staff. Leaders ensure that policies are understood and that concerns are addressed swiftly. Pupils feel comfortable reporting issues to trusted adults, and they learn about personal safety, including online safety. The school has strengthened its recruitment procedures to ensure the safety of all pupils.
To improve further, the school needs to ensure consistent implementation of the early years curriculum, allowing children to practice independently. Additionally, while the curriculum is ambitious, some teaching methods require further development to maximize pupil learning. Overall, Cardinham School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its students.
