- Executive Headteacher: David Jenkins
- Head of School: Kathryn Oates
- Acting Head of School: Sarah Hitchen
- Location: Ramsey, Isle of Man
- Size of school: Just under 500 children
‘Cornerstones allowed us to add structure and sequence to our teaching and learning programme, but always with our school’s character at the heart.’
Senior Leadership Team
Can you tell us a little bit about your school?
Our school is a three-form entry school of just under 500 children, with over 50 teachers and support staff, making it the largest primary school here on the Isle of Man. In addition to our 21 mainstream classes, we have a Specialist Provision Centre with over twenty children. The school is formed from the amalgamation of two primary schools, which means we are split across two buildings, although we are fortunate to share grounds – each building is only a stone’s throw from the other.
We have a clear set of aims for how we strive to develop our children at the school: ‘Grow character, Create beautiful things, Achieve high standards’ – three things which we believe Cornerstones greatly supports us with.
Where were you as a school with your curriculum journey before implementing Cornerstones?
We had a great collection of exciting learning activities built with the Island’s ‘Essentials for Learning’ principles. Many good things were happening, but we found that we would benefit from a greater degree of structure and consistency to bring our strengths together and repurpose them to fashion a more cohesive, ‘joined up’ whole school approach to teaching and learning.
How is your curriculum developing now?
We have been using Cornerstones now for quite a long time (we still have those big old folders), up to and including the current iteration of Maestro.
Cornerstones has allowed us to create a curriculum that keeps us on track with our core aims (Grow Character, Create Beautiful Things, Achieve High Standards), unique local heritage, and our school’s inherent strengths. Crucially, the support Laura and her team provided has helped us pull all this together in a thoughtful, sequenced way; we enjoy high engagement in a rich, broad curriculum that reflects our values and location.
Did you come across any stumbling blocks/difficulties whilst planning your curriculum?
Our initial difficulties were around ensuring that skills and knowledge were built on each other logically – which, with the advent of Maestro and with the excellent support of the team at Cornerstones, was something we could revisit and develop quickly and easily. The interest and passion that was shown in our individual setting and unique context by Laura and her team was something we massively appreciated – to see how they looked for and included Manx elements in our design was very welcome and helped us to feel that we were putting together something distinct and bespoke.
When it comes to ‘localising’ your curriculum, how do you do this?
We loved working as a team to identify ways to bring the Isle of Man into the Cornerstones Curriculum! From our rich Viking heritage here on the island to bring the topic ‘Traders and Raiders‘ to life, to the birth of the RNLI and the work of Sir William Hillary in our capital, Douglas, to add a local richness to the project ‘Coastline’, we have been able to ensure a vibrant local flavour to our teaching and learning.
What positive impact has the curriculum had on children’s learning?
Working with Cornerstones has dramatically impacted the quality of our children’s learning. We know that the activities and outcomes are well pitched to ensure a suitable and appropriate standard of learning, as well as ensuring a high level of engagement and enjoyment – our school is filled with purposeful writing, terrific artwork, design and crafts… It’s a really enjoyable, creative, and varied curriculum that enthuses our children and staff, and visitors to our school frequently comment upon it.
How has the curriculum helped children to build their skills or knowledge?
The curriculum’s thoughtful sequence helps us ensure that key knowledge, concepts and skills are revisited and rehearsed so that each new aspect of our children’s learning journey clearly builds upon prior learning – which provides context, purpose, and a clear sense of progression.
What are the three key differences Maestro/the curriculum has made to your school?
- A truly broad, balanced and engaging curriculum.
- Supporting a coherent, connected and ambitious learning programme.
- Enabling Rhumsaa to keep its unique character and context alongside the above.
What would be your top tips for other schools in the Isle of Man that are considering amending/changing their curriculum?
I would say make sure that you keep hold of your core values and beliefs from the outset – a new curriculum should support and enhance those, not replace them or push them to the side. Cornerstones allowed us to add structure and sequence to our teaching and learning programme, but always with our school’s character at the heart.
Summary
Before adopting Cornerstones, Rhumsaa had a strong foundation of engaging learning activities aligned with the Isle of Man’s ‘Essentials for Learning’ principles. However, the school recognised the need for a more structured and consistent curriculum. Cornerstones provided the framework to bring their strengths together, ensuring a well-sequenced, engaging, and locally relevant learning experience.
With ongoing support from the Cornerstones team, Rhumsaa has tailored its curriculum to reflect the island’s rich heritage, incorporating Viking history into Traders and Raiders and linking Coastline to the founding of the RNLI in Douglas. The curriculum has significantly impacted, ensuring a well-pitched, high-quality learning experience that promotes engagement, creativity, and progression. Maestro has helped staff build a coherent and connected curriculum while preserving the school’s unique identity.
Rhumsaa advises other schools to stay true to their core values when shaping their curriculum. Their journey demonstrates how a structured approach and a strong school ethos can lead to a rich and dynamic educational experience.
We would like to thank all the children and teaching staff at Bunscoill Rhumsaa for offering insight into their experience with us and how they have successfully implemented Cornerstones in their school.
