saltash.net - Community College

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OFSTED Reports

Ofsted Report - November 2005




Saltash.net - Saltash, Cornwall Saltash.net - Saltash, Cornwall

saltash.net community school is celebrating after being inspected under the new Ofsted system. A team of 5 inspectors visited the school in November and judged it to be good with outstanding features.

Under the new system inspectors write directly to the students. In their letter, lead inspector, Peter Way, told them how impressed they had been with many things at saltash.net community school, especially the students themselves. In fact, they were so impressed with the behaviour and attitude of the students that they graded Personal Development and Well Being as outstanding.

Mr Way also told the students that the changes which had taken place at the school over the last couple of years had brought about many benefits. These changes have included specialist school status, a new Sixth Form Centre, and an increased choice of courses for students. He went on to say that one of the main strengths of the school was the way in which it provided a wide range of opportunities for the students to develop their own interests. Students' attendance was deemed to be very good and they were seen to enjoy most of their lessons.

The Leadership and Management of the school was praised, as was the quality of the teaching. The inspectors noted that the teaching leads to good learning because "teachers plan and deliver their lessons well using a variety of approaches to interest and inform the students". Inspectors recognised that as a result, attainment in national examinations has often been well above the national average.

At the end of the letter to the students, Mr Way made it clear that the students had a key role to play in bringing about future improvements. He emphasised the partnership in learning that is so important. He encouraged the students to read the whole inspection report and for the teachers to give even more feedback to the students on their performance.

Year 11 student, David Doidge, who was interviewed by the inspectors said, "It was fantastic that the team came in to see the school. There is so much talent here and we deserve to be praised further afield. I was really pleased that the letter singled out students but it's all credit to everybody who makes the school what it is."

Headteacher, Isobel Bryce, congratulated and thanked students, staff and the school's partners and friends in the wider community. "Without the commitment and innovation of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students and the excellent support we receive from our governors and the local community, we would not have achieved this result." She added, "It shows what you can do in a relatively short space of time when everyone associated with the school has the will to make things better for the young people of Saltash."