Skip to content

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Schools & FE · School inspection (2012 framework)

Hartsdown Academy

Inspected 7 Jul 2011 · published 7 Sept 2011 · URN 136571

Help us get it right

Sign in (free) to send feedback, so we can tell you when it's fixed.

Original PDF ↗

Summary

No overall grade in this framework

What we read, and from where

Click a reading to see it highlighted in the report.

  • Inspection date verified

    7 Jul 2011

  • Postcode verified

    CT9 5RE

  • Name on report verified

    Hartsdown Technology College

  • URN verified

    136571

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of the report

Deep dive

What this report says

In plain English

Join free to get a short, plain-English summary of any report.

Tone of the report

How positive or critical the inspectors' language is, from the words they chose. No AI involved.

+57Positivemore positive than 53% of reports of this type
OutstandingGoodSatisfactory

In line with other reports of this type.

Markers show where typical reports of each grade sit.

Praiseoutstandingstronginspirationalexemplaryexcellenthighly effectiveeffectivelyexceptionally
Criticisminadequateweaknessesunacceptablenot alwaysconcernslowlimitednot yet

How the report reads, start to finish

Every paragraph in order, sized by length. Tap one to see it on the page.

FindingsAbout the inspectionWhat needs to improveLeadership positive critical
  • Findings1946w+73
  • Leadership1605w+35
  • What needs to improve71w+33

Strengths

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Concerns

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

Next steps

Quoted from the report. Tap to see it on the page.

What the report dwells on

Topics by how often they come up, coloured by how they are described. Open one for an example.

Anatomy of the report

How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.

Pages
15
Words of findings
3,618
about usual (typical 3042)
Reading level
Hard
Flesch 44, typical 45
Average sentence
18 words
Next steps
4
typical 2
Hedged sentences
3%
“some”, “not always”, “most”…

Where the words go

Findings 42%Leadership 35%What needs to improve 2%About the inspection 21%

Full report text

Hartsdown Technology College Inspection report

p.1

Unique Reference Number 136571 Local Authority Kent Inspection number 382288 Inspection dates 6–7 July 2011 Reporting inspector Paul Metcalf

p.1

This inspection of the school was carried out under section 5 of the Education Act 2005.

p.1

Type of school Academy School category Community Age range of pupils 11–18 Gender of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils in the sixth form Mixed Number of pupils on the school roll 1078 Of which, number on roll in the sixth form 118 Appropriate authority The governing body Chair Dorothy Collins Headteacher Andrew Somers Date of previous school inspection 29 January 2008 School address George V Avenue Kent CT9 5RE Telephone number 01843 227957 Fax number 01843 299642 Email address info@hartsdown.kent.sch.uk

p.1

Age group 11–18 Inspection dates 6–7 July 2011 Inspection number 382288 achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.1

Further copies of this report are obtainable from the school. Under the Education Act 2005, the school must provide a copy of this report free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge not exceeding the full cost of reproduction may be made for any other copies supplied. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.2

You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the documentation in any way. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to 'Subscribe'. Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.2

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by five additional inspectors over two days. They observed 31 lessons taught by 31 teachers across all subjects. Meetings were held with staff, students and the chair of the governing body. Inspectors observed the college's work and looked at a wide range of documentation and data including improvement plans, college policies, assessment data, safeguarding documentation and the governing body minutes. The responses to questionnaires completed by staff, students and 45 parents and carers were analysed. The inspection team reviewed many aspects of the college's work. It looked in detail at a number of key areas.  The attainment and progress of different groups of students, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those learning English as an additional language.  The quality of teaching and assessment in English and mathematics.  The impact of specialist status on learners' outcomes, the work of the college and

p.3

Introduction

the engagement with the community.  The impact of leaders at all levels in driving and securing improvement.  How well provision in the sixth form meets students' needs.

p.3

Information about the school

Hartsdown Technology College is larger than the average secondary school, and has a designated hearing impaired unit for five students. A significant proportion of students are known to be eligible for free school meals and the proportion of students with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including those with a statement of special educational needs, is very high. The proportion of students who speak English as an additional language is above average and increasing with significant numbers of students from migrant families, especially Czech and Slovak Roma. Mobility is high and approximately a quarter of the students joined the college since September. The college is designated as a specialist technology college and its accreditations include Enhanced Healthy Schools status, the Safer Schools Award and Investor in People status. The college became a National Challenge School in 2009, and an academy on 1 April 2011.

p.3

Information about the school

Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.4

Main findings

Hartsdown Technology College provides a good standard of education. Care, guidance and support, as well as engagement with the community, are outstanding. Under the inspirational leadership of the Principal and senior staff, as well as the increasingly competent and confident middle managers, the college has continued to secure improvements in external examinations. The proportion of students gaining five A* to C grade GCSE passes, including English and mathematics, has improved from 12% to 43% over the past five years. This is in spite of increasing rates of mobility and only three quarters of students undertaking all of their education at the college. The college confidently predicts the 2011 results to show further improvement. The last inspection report described the college as good with some outstanding features, and the college has worked extremely hard to consolidate and improve upon this, with a

p.4

Main findings

particular focus on raising attainment in English and mathematics. The demanding targets of the National Challenge programme have been met and exceeded. Attainment remains low, but is improving rapidly as a result of staff stability, improved teaching, personalised programmes and better use of data. Progress is good for most students, and outstanding for hearing impaired students and those who speak English as an additional language. Provision and outcomes in the sixth form are satisfactory, but also improving as new staff are establishing their roles. Students enjoy college and value the guidance and support they receive. Business partnerships are used well to introduce students to the world of work and build their self- esteem. As one student remarked, 'I won't be frightened if I meet a boss now.' Attendance has improved, with a significant decrease in the number of persistent absences. Students' behaviour is good. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural

p.4

Main findings

development is outstanding and builds well upon the seven ethos values which permeate the work of the college and are highlighted in displays. The restorative justice system is used well to resolve conflict, and is having a positive impact on reducing exclusions. Students value the mixed-age tutor groups, which reinforce social cohesion and encourage differences in cultures to be shared and celebrated. The quality of teaching is good, with supportive relationships between staff and students. Lesson planning is generally well considered and suitably identifies the complex needs of students in each class, but does not always successfully address those needs. Behaviour management is good and teachers' subject knowledge, as well as their understanding of examination requirements, is secure. Assessment and tracking systems are well developed so that all students know their target grades and what to do to meet them. Students talk

p.4

Main findings

confidently and positively about the support they receive from their teachers and their key workers. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.4

Main findings

The promotion of community cohesion is outstanding and the college benefits from extensive links with local, national and international communities. Parents and carers speak highly of the college and its improving reputation, and feel it is led and managed effectively. Regular progress reports are valued. Safeguarding procedures are outstanding and the college is recognised as a beacon of exemplary practice. Leadership and management are good. The Principal and senior staff have a strong commitment to improvement which is unequivocally shared by all staff. The college has an accurate view of its strengths and weaknesses, gained through regular reviews. Staff questionnaires confirm that all staff feel involved in what the college is trying to achieve. The development and engagement of middle managers have ensured that the vision of the college is more broadly supported and widely implemented. Recommendations raised

p.5

Main findings

in the last inspection report have been decisively acted upon. The college has a good capacity to sustain further improvements.

p.5

What does the school need to do to improve further?

 Further raise attainment so that in GCSE and equivalent examinations in 2012, it is in line with the national average by: Improve provision in the sixth form by raising attainment, improving teaching and consolidating provision. improving teaching so that, by the spring of 2012, at least three quarters of lessons are good or better ensuring that teaching takes account of the spread of ability and higher-attaining students are sufficiently challenged.

p.5

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

Students' achievement is good. Attainment on entry to the college is very low, and in the bottom 10% of schools nationally. Its external examination results represent good progress as a consequence of the focus given to English and mathematics, and the active promotion of literacy to support increasing numbers of students who speak English is an additional language. Lesson observations, students' work and college data confirm that learning and progress are good. Learning was strongest in lessons where students' independence was encouraged and literacy skills challenged and supported. Students responded enthusiastically when learning opportunities took account of their prior learning and promoted their personal development. In satisfactory lessons, learning tasks did not always meet the needs of students sufficiently well. Learning was not checked to identify students who needed further explanation before moving on.

p.5

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those eligible for free school meals make good progress. Students who speak English as an additional language, many of whom join the college partway through their secondary education, make outstanding progress as a result of personalised provision and support to develop their literacy skills. Students in the hearing impaired unit also make outstanding progress as a result of individual tracking and the excellent liaison between specialist staff and subject teachers. For example, in a one-to-one session on conversion graphs, a student made Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.5

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

outstanding progress as a result of very effective planning and liaison with the mathematics department. Students enjoy college, as reflected in attendance that is now broadly average and improving. They are aware of the need to eat healthily and take regular exercise, as recognised in the Enhanced Healthy Schools status, but they still have a limited knowledge of what constitutes a healthy diet. Students show respect for the needs of others and engage well with each other. For example, older students who speak English as an additional language mentor new students to the college.

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

These are the grades for pupils' outcomes

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

Pupils' achievement and the extent to which they enjoy their learning 2

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

Taking into account: Pupils' attainment¹

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

The quality of pupils' learning and their progress 2

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

The quality of learning for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their progress

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

The extent to which pupils adopt healthy lifestyles 2

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

The extent to which pupils contribute to the school and wider community 1

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

The extent to which pupils develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

Taking into account: Pupils' attendance¹

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

The extent of pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 1

p.6

Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils 2

1 The grades for attainment and attendance are: 1 is high; 2 is above average; 3 is broadly average; and 4

p.6

How effective is the provision?

Teaching and learning are improving, with particular strengths in English and mathematics. The key characteristics of the highly effective teaching observed in many lessons included strong subject knowledge, excellent relationships and innovative resources which are regularly translated into different home languages. In a minority of lessons, the teacher talked too much and students became passive or disengaged, thus limiting their progress. Assessment is good and students' attainment is prominently displayed in each subject area. Students have a good awareness of their target levels/grades and a good understanding of what they must do to meet them. Good use of peer- and self- Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.6

How effective is the provision?

assessment is commonplace, as seen to good effect in a Year 8 English lesson where it enabled students to identify their progress towards their set targets. All students, including one who had only been in the college for four weeks, knew their levels and what they needed to do to improve. In a small minority of lessons, planning is not yet sufficiently informed by assessment. The curriculum is innovative. The Year 7 transition curriculum offers a suitable link between primary and secondary school, with a focus on the core subjects supported by cross-curricular projects. Different pathways allow students to personalise the curriculum and provide opportunities to take additional science, study classics or support the core subjects. There are good opportunities to develop literacy skills, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities have high rates of participation. The specialism contributes well

p.7

How effective is the provision?

to enrichment opportunities such as masterclasses, technology competitions and theme days such as the European Market. Effective monitoring and targeted support are underpinned by the extended data collected about students' achievements and attitudes. Progress and learning are constantly reviewed and purposeful education plans produced where students are identified as underperforming. Students are known as individuals and their feedback confirms high levels of confidence in the school, especially with regard to future education and career choices. Transition arrangements are very well supported, with strong links to partner primary schools and other education providers. Students whose circumstances make them potentially vulnerable are exceptionally well supported by teachers and assigned key workers. The college works very effectively with a range of external agencies to offer appropriate and ongoing support for such students and their families.

p.7

How effective is the provision?

These are the grades for the quality of provision

p.7

How effective is the provision?

Taking into account: The use of assessment to support learning

p.7

How effective is the provision?

The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils' needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships

p.7

How effective is the provision?

The effectiveness of care, guidance and support 1

p.7

How effective are leadership and management?

Senior leaders and middle leaders have worked determinedly to address the weaknesses identified in the last report. Attainment and progress have improved, especially in English and mathematics. Leadership is unrelenting in its drive to further improve the quality of teaching with regular lesson observations, ongoing feedback and sharing of practice recognised in the Investor in People status. The proportion of good and better teaching is improving quickly, although the college's judgements are slightly generous and do not provide sufficient detail for further analysis. Nevertheless, the development plan provides a manageable set of priorities, with clear timescales and success criteria, and data are used well to address underperformance and target interventions. Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.7

How effective are leadership and management?

The governing body is effective and actively involved in the strategic direction of the college. It enjoys wide representation from local business and the community, but not all groups of parents and carers. It ensures that safeguarding procedures are exemplary, with all policies regularly reviewed and ratified. The college offers training and support to other schools, and its practice is recognised through its Safer Schools Award. There is a strong appreciation of safeguarding amongst staff at all levels, including a 'safeguarding wall' in the staff room. Regular safeguarding assemblies deal with issues such as safety on the streets, cyber bullying and road/rail safety. Quality assurance procedures and risk assessment systems are outstanding. The college takes good account of students' diverse needs. The use of Czech and Slovak speakers to engage parents and carers who are less confident speaking English confirms

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

the college's commitment to supporting equal opportunities. Attendance rates at parents' consultation meetings are high. The college has an acute awareness of the community it serves and is actively involved in a number of local initiatives including the New Year's parade, the Battle of Sound contest, work with the Turner Gallery and support for the Dreamland Project. Nationally, the college has supported anti-bullying week and Children in Need as well as raising money for, and awareness of, prostrate cancer. International food days, supported by the specialism, as well as trips to France, Italy and Poland, and raising money to build a school in Kenya offer an international perspective to students' work.

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

These are the grades for leadership and management

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

Taking into account: The leadership and management of teaching and learning

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of the governing body in challenging and supporting the school so that weaknesses are tackled decisively and statutory responsibilities met

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of the school's engagement with parents and carers 1

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of partnerships in promoting learning and well-being 1

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness with which the school promotes equality of opportunity and tackles discrimination

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness of safeguarding procedures 1

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness with which the school promotes community cohesion 1

p.8

How effective are leadership and management?

The effectiveness with which the school deploys resources to achieve value for money 2

p.8

Sixth form

Outcomes for students in the sixth form are satisfactory. Attainment is below national averages but improving. Attainment on entry is lower than in comparable sixth forms, and progress is satisfactory for all groups. Students feel safe and understand what is involved Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.8

Sixth form

in a healthy lifestyle. They make a good contribution to the college through activities such as paired reading, the 'student voice', setting up charitable events and doing work experience in the hearing impaired unit. Retention rates are satisfactory. Attendance and punctuality are good. Teaching in the sixth form is variable. The best lessons carefully match teaching to individual students' needs, but sometimes teacher talk dominates and students do not have the chance to develop as independent learners. Relationships are very strong and teachers demonstrate good subject knowledge. Assessment is a strength and questioning is used to very good effect to check understanding. For example, in a Year 12 English lesson the teacher made excellent use of open-ended questions to encourage students in their responses. Questions were personalised to take account of the ability of the students, thus ensuring that they all made progress whatever their staring point. All

p.9

Sixth form

students know their targets through regular progress reviews, although peer- and self- assessment are not used as effectively as elsewhere in the school.  Curriculum programmes are broad and students feel that their needs are suitably catered for with a range of academic and vocational qualifications as well as enrichment opportunities such as street dance, jewellery making and indoor rowing. Care, guidance and support are strong, with students benefiting considerably from the advice given regarding university applications and future choices. Transition in to and out of the sixth form is a strength, with three quarters of Year 13 students proceeding to university. Leadership and management are satisfactory. Staff are relatively new in post, but they are reflective and have introduced a series of initiatives which have quickly identified and addressed underperformance in a number of subject areas, including geography and

p.9

Sixth form

graphics. Assessment is used effectively to check that students are on the right courses. Mentoring is used to set inspirational goals. Safety procedures meet requirements and students know how to stay safe. Systems are embedded sufficiently to enable further improvement, but the actions taken have not had time to have a full impact on attainment and progress.

p.9

Sixth form

Overall effectiveness of the sixth form 3

p.9

Sixth form

Taking into account: Outcomes for students in the sixth form

p.9

Sixth form

The quality of provision in the sixth form 3

p.9

Sixth form

Leadership and management of the sixth form 3

p.9

Views of parents and carers

The Ofsted questionnaire was returned by only a very small minority of parents and carers. Of these, a very large majority felt that their child enjoyed college and the college kept them safe. They said that the college met their child's needs well, that teaching was good and that the college was well managed. Almost all parents and carers felt that the college kept them informed about their child's progress, but a small minority wished for Inspection grades: 1 is outstanding, 2 is good, 3 is satisfactory, and 4 is inadequate Please turn to the glossary for a description of the grades and inspection terms

p.9

Views of parents and carers

more help in supporting learning. A very small minority commented about unacceptable behaviour and this was mirrored in some of the comments received. Many positive comments were received about the care and guidance offered to students as well as the commitment of staff in supporting students. The views expressed were followed up, and although largely endorsed by the findings of the inspection team, behaviour and the management of any incidents arising were judged to be good.

p.10

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Ofsted invited all the registered parents and carers of pupils registered at Hartsdown Technology College to complete a questionnaire about their views of the school. In the questionnaire, parents and carers were asked to record how strongly they agreed with 13 statements about the school. The inspection team received 45 completed questionnaires by the end of the on-site inspection. In total, there are 960 students registered at the college.

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Statements Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Total % Total % Total % Total % My child enjoys school 17 38 22 49 3 7 3 7 The school keeps my child safe 21 47 19 42 3 7 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

My school informs me about my child's progress 27 60 17 38 0 0 1 2

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

My child is making enough progress at this school 23 51 16 36 4 9 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The teaching is good at this school 19 42 20 44 3 7 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school helps me to support my child's learning 17 38 18 40 5 11 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 17 38 21 47 4 9 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school makes sure that my child is well prepared for the future (for example changing year group, changing school, and for children who are finishing school, entering further or higher education, or entering employment) 22 49 17 38 1 2 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school meets my child's particular needs 22 49 18 40 2 4 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 17 38 20 44 5 11 3 7

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 21 47 17 38 3 7 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The school is led and managed effectively 22 49 19 42 2 4 2 4

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

Overall, I am happy with my child's experience at this school 21 47 20 44 1 2 3 7

p.11

Responses from parents and carers to Ofsted's questionnaire

The table above summarises the responses that parents and carers made to each statement. The percentages indicate the proportion of parents and carers giving that response out of the total number of completed questionnaires. Where one or more parents and carers chose not to answer a particular question, the percentages will not add up to 100%.

p.11

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding These features are highly effective. An outstanding school provides exceptionally well for all its pupils' needs.

p.12

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 2 Good These are very positive features of a school. A school that is good is serving its pupils well.

p.12

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 3 Satisfactory These features are of reasonable quality. A satisfactory school is providing adequately for its pupils.

p.12

Grade Judgement Description

Grade 4 Inadequate These features are not of an acceptable standard. An inadequate school needs to make significant improvement in order to meet the needs of its pupils. Ofsted inspectors will make further visits until it improves.

p.12

Type of school Outstanding Good Satisfactory Inadequate

New school inspection arrangements were introduced on 1 September 2009. This means that inspectors now make some additional judgements that were not made previously. The data in the table above are for the period 1 September 2010 to 31 December 2010 and are consistent with the latest published official statistics about maintained school inspection outcomes (see www.ofsted.gov.uk ). The sample of schools inspected during 2010/11 was not representative of all schools nationally, as weaker schools are inspected more frequently than good or outstanding schools. Percentages are rounded and do not always add exactly to 100. Sixth form figures reflect the judgements made for the overall effectiveness of the sixth form in secondary schools, special schools and pupil referral units.

p.12

Common terminology used by inspectors

Achievement: the progress and success of a pupil in their learning, development or training.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Attainment: the standard of the pupils' work shown by test and examination results and in lessons.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Capacity to improve: the proven ability of the school to continue improving. Inspectors base this judgement on what the school has accomplished so far and on the quality of its systems to maintain improvement.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Leadership and management: the contribution of all the staff with responsibilities, not just the headteacher, to identifying priorities, directing and motivating staff and running the school.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Learning: how well pupils acquire knowledge, develop their understanding, learn and practise skills and are developing their competence as learners.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Overall effectiveness: inspectors form a judgement on a school's overall effectiveness based on the findings from their inspection of the school. The following judgements, in particular, influence what the overall effectiveness judgement will be.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

 The school's capacity for sustained improvement.  Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils.  The quality of teaching.  The extent to which the curriculum meets pupils' needs, including, where relevant, through partnerships.  The effectiveness of care, guidance and support.

p.13

Common terminology used by inspectors

Progress: the rate at which pupils are learning in lessons and over longer periods of time. It is often measured by comparing the pupils' attainment at the end of a key stage with their attainment when they started.

p.13

carers to share with their children. It describes Ofsted's

main findings from the inspection of their school.

p.14

Inspection of Hartsdown Technology College, Margate CT9 5RE

On behalf of the inspection team, thank you for your welcome when we visited your college recently. We very much enjoyed the opportunities we had to meet with you. The discussions and responses to the questionnaire helped us to come to some important judgments about the college. We concluded that your college provides a good level of education. Examination results are improving quickly and we were pleased to see the progress that you are now making in your lessons. We were particularly impressed with the improvements in attendance and hope you will continue to attend lessons and benefit from the education provided. The quality of teaching is good and the care, guidance and support provided are outstanding. We were pleased to read your positive responses to the student questionnaire and to hear that you enjoy college, feel safe and value the college's support in helping you prepare for the future. We have asked your teachers to continue to work on raising attainment and improving

p.14

Inspection of Hartsdown Technology College, Margate CT9 5RE

teaching. The college agrees that this can be done by making sure that lessons are adapted to meet the individual needs of students and by offering more challenge in lessons. We have also asked the college to improve provision in the sixth form, although we note that a start has been made on this. You can also help by attending regularly, behaving well and working hard to meet your targets. Once again, thank you for your contribution to the inspection and very best wishes for your future success.

p.14

Inspection of Hartsdown Technology College, Margate CT9 5RE

Paul Metcalf Lead inspector out in the guidance 'Complaining about inspections', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.14

Discuss this inspection

Members compare notes on inspectors and inspections here. Join free to read and post.

Join the discussion