by Lorraine Gibson.

Using an approach that places the child as ‘a powerful protagonist in their own learning’, that is encourages them to be involved in creating their own lessons, has helped a Dorset school achieve Ofsted’s highest possible rating of Outstanding.
Rushcombe First School, awarded the rating across all areas after the inspection last year, says it is recognition of its innovative approach and high academic success record.
In what it calls the Rushcombe Approach, it draws on constructivist theory – where the learner adopts forward-thinking teaching and learning methods.
These include a drama-based process called mantle of the expert in which children construct their own curricular investigations.
The ‘drama’ refers to its use of theatre in projects as pupils learn by stepping into fictional stories.

REPORT: Rushcombe pupils are ‘proud’ of their school

They also use art-based methods inspired by the Reggio Emilia schools of Northern Italy, where children as young as four work in a studio environment to produce personal art works.
The school’s deputy headteacher, Gavin White, explains: “The Rushcombe Approach looks to provide something different in the educational field by ensuring that the child’s voice is at the heart of our teaching and learning – in doing so, we aim to empower a rights-respected child.”

Ofsted said that the school was outstanding in the key areas of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision.
It was glowing in its praise, citing that ‘pupils flourish at this school and are proud to be part of it’ and that their behaviour is ‘exemplary’.
It also defined achievement across the curriculum as outstanding, adding that ‘leaders have designed a rich, inclusive and ambitious curriculum that has the pupils’ needs at its heart.’
Headteacher Caroline Mahon said: “This is a fabulous recognition of all of our children who demonstrate their love of learning and wonderful personal qualities on a daily basis, as well as the exceptional commitment of the school’s highly-skilled staff team.”
The grading is a remarkable accolade since the Outstanding grade is exceedingly rare under the most recent education inspection framework.

REPORT: Rushcombe pupils are ‘proud’ of their school

Towards the end of last year, Ofsted published data on their reinspection of Outstanding-rated schools, which showed that more than 80 per cent hadn’t retained the lofty status.
Underlining the achievement, Rushcombe says that in the last 100 inspections of primary schools, only two per cent achieved Outstanding.
So what’s at the core of this? The school says it has a motivating and rigorous approach to the curriculum where children experience the ‘awe and wonder’ of learning while developing knowledge, skills and understanding – techniques frequently identified as unique in the educational field.
Mrs Mahon added: “We are delighted that our Ofsted inspection has given recognition to the values and principles we have worked tirelessly towards. “We believe that Rushcombe First School is a very special school.”

If you have a child aged 4-9, or a child who is due to start school in September 2024, and are interested in learning more about Rushcombe First School, you can contact the school office for information on 01202 695722 or email office@rushcombe.dorset.sch.uk.