Our Aims
We are:
- Child centred
- Adaptive and sensitive to need
- Authentic in our relationships
Vision & Ethos
Transforming lives
Our Vision
Our vision is to support all vulnerable learners, raising their aspirations through high quality engaging education which empowers and liberates their futures.
At The Keystone Academy, we believe that:
- Learning should be exciting and purposeful
- Every student should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever that may be, regardless of their abilities, needs, disposition or background
- Neurodivergence should be celebrated and seen as a strength
- Nurturing the whole child prepares them for success and happiness in school and life
- Students learn best in a safe and respectful environment
- We can overcome challenges and achieve great things through collaboration
We believe our approach to education will ensure that all students leave Keystone Academy happy, well-balanced, life-long learners who are well prepared for their future beyond school.
By nurturing our students to acquire a repertoire of skills and knowledge anchored around their personal pathways, we will support them to progress towards high quality post-16 destinations. We will adapt to individual needs and provide a bespoke curriculum for academic, vocational as well as social and emotional learning. This well-rounded approach will support and encourage all students to achieve their highest possible outcomes, enabling them to realise their hopes and dreams.
Be yourself. Be brilliant.
Child Centered Education
Child Centered Education
Students are central to our approach, with a child-centred focus ensuring each can reach their potential through tailored learning. The Academy emphasises ‘First Quality Teaching,’ incorporating effective planning, progress tracking, and timely intervention. The curriculum is broad, balanced, and regularly reviewed to meet student needs. Student engagement is prioritised, fostering discussion and critical thinking in a safe environment. The Academy works with neuro-diverse/developmental students, regularly assessing and providing bespoke interventions. Emphasising Stage over Age, the curriculum is continuously reviewed, offering a personalised approach aligned with individual aptitudes, interests, and dispositions for holistic student development.
Destination
Destination
The tailored curriculum at The Keystone Academy ensures that all students progress towards high-quality destinations in both academic and vocational learning. The curriculum structure allows students to attain their highest qualifications, developing a repertoire of skills and knowledge tailored to personal pathways. Independent learning is emphasized at KS4, preparing students for post-16 study and positive destinations. The academy maintains a broad and balanced SMART curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning habits and informed choices for future steps. Each student has an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) with regular target setting and reviews, and the academy actively engages with parents/carers for 100% online parental involvement. Progress reporting includes various methods, fostering a vibrant parent partnership to contribute to the academy’s improvement.
Enablement
Enablement
All students receive support for emotional well-being and personal growth through detailed Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and a mix of in-house and linked support services. Staff encourage positive social interaction, mentorship, and peer support, fostering a self-regulating cohort of confident and communicative role models. The academy prioritises a positive environment, inclusion, and participation, promoting a love of learning. A restorative approach to behaviour, coupled with a clean slate each day, helps students manage overwhelming emotions and develop coping strategies. The Behaviour policy aligns with trust principles, allowing real-time monitoring for parents/carers. From Key Stage 3, students develop independence, organisational skills, and a sense of responsibility. The extra-curricular programme integrates into a slightly longer school day, promoting peer interaction in supportive settings. Older students take on responsibilities, including leadership roles, while activities at various Key Stages cater to interests and, at KS4, focus on career opportunities without neglecting personal development.
Engagement
Engagement
The Keystone Academy is committed to offering specialised education to students who have faced challenges in achieving success. The academy prioritises the holistic development of students, providing dedicated mental health counselling, various support therapies, and tailored parental support. Drawing on expertise in trauma-informed teaching and proven education strategies, The Keystone Academy aims to achieve exceptional outcomes for all learners. It is pioneering a whole-school approach to emotional intelligence coaching, collaborating closely with Shropshire local authority to contribute to a focused, joined-up education approach. Additionally, The Keystone Academy seeks connections with the local authority’s TMBSS and the NHS to promptly identify and support students in immediate need, preventing further trauma.