Just fifteen months after opening its doors, HMI Inspectors have judged Oasis Academy Coulsdon as making “good progress” and praises the leadership team and staff for being “emphatically focused on raising standards” whilst providing “an exemplary” level of care for its students.
The Academy was inspected on 3 and 4 February by two HMI Inspectors who observed the Academy’s work, scrutinised documents, and met with members of the senior leadership team, staff and students. The main judgement was:
“The Academy has made good progress towards raising standards”
“We are very pleased that the Inspectors agree with our own view on progress at the Academy.” Said David Millar, Principal: “Staff are working relentlessly to raise standards and improve the life-chances of our students and I am delighted that this has been acknowledged by the Inspectors. There is a lot in the Inspection Report that we can celebrate but it is just a small step on our way to become a centre of excellence.”
The report notes the ‘good improvement’ already made ‘over the relatively short period of time’ in students’ attainment in GCSE examinations. The percentage of students gaining 5 or more A* - C grades have risen from 51% in 2007 to 63% in 2009. Whilst those who have gained 5 or more A* - C including Maths and English has increased from 35% to 44%. Inspectors noted that senior leaders have introduced robust systems to improve attitudes of learners and these are beginning to have a positive impact with more students on course to reach their targets.
The Academy leadership and management teams have a strong commitment to raising standards and know what needs to be done to transform their vision for high achievement into action. The leadership team ‘robustly scrutinise’ their practice and are working closely with external consultants to raise standards further, limit the barriers to students’ engagement and motivate students to reach their potential.
When it comes to care, guidance and support the Inspectors said: ‘The Academy knows its students very well and the level of care is exemplary. The systems for ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of students are rigorous, clear and effective. Students feel very safe in school.’
The Inspectors judged behaviour in lessons and around the school as ‘good’ and found that students have responded very positively to the Academy’s strong ethos which has generated a strong loyalty to the Academy. Students told Inspectors that they feel valued and that staff listen to them.
The Inspectors observed that staff and students treated each other with respect and enjoyed a good humoured relationship which promoted students’ maturity and confidence and the students themselves feel strongly that behaviour and the Academy has improved. These improvements have been achieved by consistent practice of staff and high visibility of senior leaders both inside and outside the Academy. Students also like the fact that more courses are offered that suit their learning needs and Year 11 students particularly appreciate the fact that they are given laptops.
When looking at teaching and learning, many of the lessons observed were ‘good’ and “always at least satisfactory”. Inspectors saw students enjoying their learning through challenging, stimulating and varied activities. The students told Inspectors how much they appreciate the fact that teachers are making their lessons interesting and enjoyable. The Academy’s robust tracking systems means that teachers can target intervention support tailored to specific groups or individuals.
Executive Principal, John Murphy said: “It is very rewarding for staff to have their efforts recognised by students as well as the Inspectors. I would like to thank the students and staff for their hard work and commitment. We have had to implement a lot of new systems and structures in order to turn the school around and bring about these improvements; our aim is to create an Academy which students, parents/carers and the community are proud of.”
The Academy was praised for having established good links with primary schools to support transition and provides an extensive programme of enrichment opportunities to help widen students’ experiences.
The Academy Leadership team are now working on development plans and will implement systems to continue their drive to improve standards across all areas.
Principal, David Millar said: “I am so proud to be leading the Academy, there’s a real excitement from students and staff as we all work together to improve. We have so many plans and ideas for the future; I know we are going to achieve our goals and when our new building is completed this Academy is going to be amazing!”
To read the full report, click here.
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