High Tunstall College of Science remains a ‘Good’ School in their latest Ofsted inspection
High Tunstall College of Science in Hartlepool continues to be a good school, according to their latest Ofsted report.
Many positives came out of the report, such as how proud the students are of their new school building and how comfortable they are, especially now that lockdown restrictions have lifted slightly and that they are no longer restricted to staying in one classroom.
Furthermore, the new site allows staff to provide ‘a high level of supervision’ and make students feel safe and well cared for.
Many pupils feel that the school has improved in recent years and that they find lessons interesting, with most who were spoken to stating that their learning continued seamlessly, when they were required to do so from home.
Since the pandemic, some extracurricular activities and social events are starting to resume and the report commented on how it was clear that ‘a strong sense of community is returning’.
The staff were particularly praised, with pupils feeling that pastorally, they had people there who were readily available and supportive. It’s noted in the report that ‘Pupils are confident that adults will help them if they have worries or concerns’.
The staff were also commended for how they are working hard to get to know the students after the interruptions caused by the pandemic.
With regards to the students’ learning, a well-considered vision for the curriculum is clear from the school’s leaders and they ensure it ‘caters for pupils’ academic and personal development. Ofsted were satisfied that, since the pandemic, checks will be made on the impact the curriculum is having on both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students.
Ofsted were further impressed with the support provided for pupils with Special Education Needs and/or disabilities, labelling it as ‘effective’ and commending the school for how these pupils study the same curriculum as everyone else, with teachers adjusting their lessons accordingly for those students. Furthermore, a high staffing ratio means teachers and support staff give lots of one-to-one support.
The inspection also mentioned how the school’s Shine Centre helps to keep those pupils at risk of exclusion engaged with learning and how leaders are clearly committed to meeting the needs of these pupils, using exclusion as a very last resort.
Leaders ensure the curriculum goes well beyond the academic. The PSHE curriculum is wide-ranging. It includes statutory content about relationships, health and sex. These lessons also teach pupils about how to stay safe, online safety and the value of the law, mutual respect and tolerance. Pupils are also taught about good study skills, with teachers delivering this content in a plain-talking manner. They give space for pupils to ask questions. The lessons are supplemented by sessions in tutorial time and through assemblies.
Another great Ofsted inspection for a North East School. If you’d like to attend our Ofsted Update, which is happening on Thursday 25th November at the Durham Centre, please click here