2004 Inspection

A standard inspection of the school was carried out in November 2004. It was a very positive experience and the many strengths of the school were recognised by the inspection team.

Inspectors praised the high standards of teaching and learning which were identified as being one of the school’s strengths: “Good quality teaching is one of the school’s strengths and has a positive impact upon student’s learning, attitudes and behaviour. It contributes to the good standards achieved by the majority of students.” No important shortcomings in teaching were identified and standards attained at the school greatly exceed the targets set by the Welsh Assembly Government and compare well with the majority of schools in Wales. “ There are no important shortcomings in the teaching of 70% of classes. This greatly exceeds the WAG target of 50% to match this criterion. At 99%, the WAG target for 95% of teaching to achieve grade 3 or better is also exceeded.” In addition, Inspectors have also praised the school's inclusion process and describes the school as having a caring and positive attitude towards students with Special Educational Needs which successfully meets the needs of students with wide complex needs.

The team also recognised that the school has clearly identified aims and a vision securely focussed on school improvement. “The school has clear published aims and associated values which include respect for the individual to enable fulfilment of potential and gain the widest possible range of skills and knowledge including knowledge of society and community”.

The climate for learning has been recognised to be challenging, but positive and nurturing. “There is a strong emphasis on nurturing self discipline, honesty and responsibility. There are good relationships between teachers and students and students learn in a warm and caring environment where there are good levels of mutual respect and courtesy. Moral development is promoted successfully through the school's emphasis on respect, consideration for others and responsible for their own actions”.

Inspectors described the school as being a “civilised, caring and supportive community”. Teachers have a thorough knowledge of the students. The students who were interviewed were appreciative of the support given by teachers and non teaching staff. They felt secure and were confident that any problems such as bullying would be dealt with quickly.

A good range of successful strategies are used to support students if they experience difficulty in school. “The leadership team is very supportive and active in ensuring a caring atmosphere where students are valued as individuals.”

The following are direct quotations from the ESTYN report:

The school has a caring and positive attitude towards students with SEN and is successful in meeting the needs of students with wide and complex needs.
There is a strong community ethos in the school with en extensive range of links within the local community which enhances students’ educational experiences. There are no important shortcomings in the teaching of 70% of classes. This greatly exceeds the WAG target of 50% to match this criterion. At 99%, the WAG target for 95% of teaching to achieve grade 3 or better is also exceeded.
Good quality teaching is one of the school’s strengths and has a positive impact upon student’s learning, attitudes and behaviour.
Teachers are suitably well qualified to match the requirements of the school’s curriculum. They have good knowledge and understanding of the subjects which they teach and they extend and up-date their expertise through continuing professional development
Teachers plan their lessons carefully and present their students with appropriately challenging work which is well matched to their needs. Enthusiastic and committed approaches to teaching ensure that most students make appropriate progress.
Standards. Figures compare very favourably with other schools and greatly exceed WAG targets. (Estyn 2004)
The school has clear published aims and associated values which are displayed throughout the school and understood by all. These encapsulate respect for the individual, to enable fulfillment of potential and gain the widest possible range of skills and knowledge including knowledge of society and community.
Leadership has a clear vision and overview for the school’s direction.
The vast majority of students show interest in their work and have a positive attitude towards learning. The school places a strong emphasis on nurturing self-discipline, honesty and responsibility. The vast majority of students respond well and have a clear sense of right and wrong and show respect for others and adults.
There is a strong community ethos in the school.
Students and the vast majority respond and conduct themselves maturely at all times.
Relationships between teachers and students are good – students learn in a warm and caring environment where there are good levels of mutual respect and courtesy.
The school is a civilised, caring and supportive community.