Excellence in Practice Visit - Rushcliffe Spencer Academy

Join us at Rushcliffe Spencer Academy to explore how high expectations, ambitious curriculum design, and a relentless focus on student success work together to promote genuine independence in learners. As one of the largest secondary schools in the region, serving more than 2,000 students, the school has developed systems and approaches that ensure every young person feels known, supported, and empowered to succeed.

During this visit, delegates will see how the school’s ambitious curriculum is realised in the classroom through high-quality teaching, purposeful assessment, and meaningful learning experiences. You will observe how teachers create rich learning environments that promote high-quality interactions, challenge, and independent practice, while hearing directly from students about how lessons, homework, and assessment support their learning journey. School leaders will also share their approach to continuous curriculum development and improvement.

The visit will showcase several key strategies that underpin the school’s success, including its Focus First approach, which ensures that teachers have a deep understanding of the students they teach and can make informed adaptations to help every learner thrive. Delegates will also learn about the school’s Looking Back, Looking Forward model, a systematic approach to reviewing curriculum effectiveness, addressing misconceptions, and refining classroom practice across teams. In addition, leaders will share how their Boost model provides dedicated opportunities for students to strengthen and deepen their knowledge, skills, and understanding, supported by a carefully designed approach to home learning that encourages independent application beyond the classroom.

Throughout the visit, delegates will gain insight into how the school’s core purpose—giving everyone the chance to shine brightly—is translated into everyday practice. You will discover how a culture of belonging, kindness, collaboration, and high expectations enables students to access excellent opportunities, achieve strong outcomes, and develop the confidence to make a positive difference in the world.

Agenda

08:15 - Arrival and refreshments with Sarah Sismey, Principal

08:30 - 08:45 - Welcome and update from Inspiring Leaders

08:45 - 09:30 - School vision, aims and current priorities with Sarah Sismey, Principal

09:30 - 10:45 - School Tour with Sarah Sismey, Principal, and RSA;s Leaders

10:45 - 11:00- Q & A

11:00 - 11:30 - Discussions & reflections

11:30 - Close

This will be a great opportunity to meet with like-minded professionals, share thoughts and experiences, and learn from each other

Parking Instructions: Please park in the area marked with cones.