Soham school praised for Ofsted report
A SOHAM school has been praised by government inspectors for its quality of teaching, leadership and the behaviour of students.
The team from Ofsted – the Office for Standards in Education – said Soham Village College had a number of very strong features which made it popular with both parents and students.
They found students' achievement was significantly above average and that teaching was good, which motivated pupils.
The inspectors' report said they had observed some outstanding practice in lessons, with teachers' subject knowledge being good and the relationships between students and teaching staff very good.
"In the best lessons, learning objectives are precise and well understood by students," said the report.
"Attainment in lessons is good, with attainment by students with special educational needs and/or disabilities outstanding.
"A very purposeful learning atmosphere exists in a large majority of lessons. Students clearly enjoy their learning and relationships with teaching staff are very good."
The report said students also benefited exceedingly well from the opportunities to contribute to the local and wider community.
According to the inspectors, the headteacher, senior staff and governors knew the strengths and weaknesses of the college and, together with the increasingly robust middle management, were committed to moving the school forward.
They called the college, which has 1,341 students aged between 11 and 16, a "safe and harmonious" community, with pupils' behaviour around school exemplary and showing exceptional social cohesion at break times.
"Students' social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is outstanding," added the report.
Inspectors said the areas for improvement identified at the previous inspection in 2007 had been effectively dealt with and that, coupled with the improvement in achievement and strong outcomes, showed good capacity for further improvement.
The Sand Street college was encouraged to improve the quality of teaching and learning and to build on improvements already made.
Dr Carin Taylor, college principal, said she was pleased Ofsted had recognised that several aspects of the school were outstanding.
"These judgements are testimony to the positive and cohesive quality of our school community, which delivers significantly above average academic achievement with exceptional care, guidance and support for its students," she said.
"I am delighted that Ofsted recognised the many improvements we have made in recent years and thank our students, parents, staff and governors for their rich contribution to this outcome."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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