The National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE) has named Danes Hill School, Surrey the 44th school to be accredited for the third time with the NACE Challenge Award. The award is given in recognition of school-wide commitment to high-quality provision for more able learners, within the context of challenge for all.
NACE CEO Rob Lightfoot said: “Danes Hill School has worked hard to attain the NACE Challenge Award for a third time. It has continued to display a thorough commitment to developing an effective environment in which all learners are challenged and supported to reach their full potential.”
The award is based on the NACE Challenge Framework, which sets out criteria for high-quality provision for more able learners within a wider ethos of challenge for all. The framework is available as part of the NACE Challenge Development Programme – a suite of resources developed by NACE to help schools evaluate and improve their provision for more able learners.
NACE’s assessor reported: “The school is very well led. There is a consistent ethos that can be heard and seen from parents, staff and, more importantly, pupils.
“The curriculum is well sequenced and well thought out with the ‘Evolve8’ a particular highlight. Building on the ‘Junior School Ignite’ programme which focuses on ‘sparking curiosity and building confidence’, the Upper School programme covers key themes and learning dispositions such as self-care, service and empathy and resilience and adaptability. It goes beyond normal curriculum content in developing pupils into the citizens of the future.
“There is a range of opportunities and experiences available to the pupils beyond the taught curriculum but also woven into the curriculum when appropriate.
“Pupils are quick to begin learning tasks including maths starter grids, showing a good level of independence. Behaviour for learning attitudes are always positive, with pupils discussing their work as they eagerly undertake tasks. They are curious to learn more.”
Improving provision for the more able remains a priority for many schools. The experience and evidence gathered by Challenge Award-accredited schools also shows that effective strategies to improve provision for the more able are likely to have a positive impact on the achievement of a much wider group of learners.
To attain the Challenge Award, schools must complete a detailed self-evaluation using the NACE Challenge Framework, submit a portfolio of supporting evidence, and undertake assessment by a NACE associate. The assessment process includes examination of school data and key documents; lesson observations; and interviews with school leaders, learners, parents and governors.
CEO Rob Lightfoot said, “The Challenge Award is presented in recognition of whole-school commitment to and achievement in providing effective challenge and support for all – spanning school leadership, curriculum, teaching and learning, processes for identification and tracking, extracurricular opportunities, strong communication and partnerships, and ongoing evaluation.”
Danes Hill School will continue to play an important role within our international community of Challenge Award-accredited schools, displaying a commitment to meeting the needs of more able learners and sharing their expertise for the wider benefit of the education community.