Cardinal Griffin Catholic College

Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School Inspection report

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124468 Unique Reference Number Staffordshire Local Authority 281732 Inspection number 15 °16 March 2006 Inspection dates Sue Harrison HMI Reporting inspector

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

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Comprehensive Type of school Voluntary aided School category 11 °18 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll School

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The governing body Appropriate authority Chair Mr J F Lumb Not previously inspected Date of previous school inspection Stafford Road School address Cannock Staffordshire WS11 4AW

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01543 502215 Telephone number 01543 574929 Fax number

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11-18 Age group 15 °16 March 2006 Inspection dates 281732 Inspection number .

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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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.

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Introduction

The inspection was carried out by one of her Majesty's Inspectors and three Additional Inspectors.

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Description of the school

Cardinal Griffin is a Catholic comprehensive school set in a former mining area, with areas of significant social deprivation. It gained specialist status in science in 2004. Sixty five per cent of the pupils are Catholic and come from a broad catchment area. The non-Catholic population comes from the local area. The proportion of pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities is below the national average. A small number of pupils come from minority ethnic groups or have English as a second language. In September 2005 the school joined the Chase Collegiate, a post-16 consortium, which includes eight other schools and a further education college.

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Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 7 Inspection Report: Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, 15 °16 March 2006

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What the school should do to improve further

■ ensure all pupils achieve their full potential, particularly in English and mathematics at Key Stage 4 by promoting systems to identify potential underperformance ■ develop teaching that engages all learners and stretches the more able

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What the school should do to improve further

■ extend the work on assessment for learning so all pupils are given sufficient guidance on what they need to do to improve their work further.

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Grade:

Teaching is satisfactory overall, including in the sixth form. There are some very good lessons which stimulate effective learning and many lessons have some good features. However, the school recognises that the quality of teaching is inconsistent and is taking positive steps in terms of in-service training to ensure that this is addressed. The best teaching uses good subject knowledge well to support learners. Lessons are well planned, breaking down skills into small steps to enable pupils to make progress. In these lessons pupils enjoy and take a pride in the work they produce. Relationships are based on respect; pupils work well together and help each other. Where teaching is weaker, planning is less effective. Teaching lacks challenge and tasks are not well matched to the ability of the pupils. This results in pupils not being engaged in their work. Lesson planning does not always address methods of extending the most able

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Grade:

pupils. Assessment is also inconsistent. Although progress is monitored and reported regularly, this is not always backed up in all subjects by clear advice as to how pupils can improve their work.

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Grade:

The curriculum is satisfactory. The school provides a broad and balanced range of activities that meet the national statutory requirements. It has undertaken a fundamental review of the curriculum and is introducing changes to give pupils opportunities to progress at a pace suited to their individual needs. It is too early to evaluate the impact of these measures. The school is developing a wider curriculum for 14-19 year olds, for example by introducing more vocational options within the school and in conjunction with the local college. For example, some pupils in Years 10 and 11 are accessing courses in health and social care and motor vehicle studies. Some courses that were introduced as part of the school's science specialism did not fully meet the needs of pupils and these have been withdrawn and replaced by more appropriate provision. Post 16 students are benefiting from a wider range of vocational opportunities in addition to

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Grade:

a satisfactory range of traditional GCE A-level subjects. A good variety of enrichment activities 4 of 7 Inspection Report: Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, 15 °16 March 2006 enhances the formal curriculum. A wide range of activities is offered, including music, drama, computer clubs, visits and opportunities to contribute to community events.

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Grade:

The school is rightly proud of its caring ethos and staff are vigilant of the needs of vulnerable pupils. Appropriate arrangements for child protection are in place. Teachers pay due attention to health and safety; however the school recognises the urgent need to improve the inadequate toilet facilities. The school has systems in place for tracking pupils' progress and parents receive regular updates. Although some teachers give pupils helpful guidance on the next steps in learning, pupils are not always given enough support in lessons or through marking to know what they need to do to improve. Systems to target pupils who are underachieving have been strengthened in 2006 for Years 10 and 11; they are now being given additional support with their work. Academic support and guidance is good for post-16 students. Pupils with learning difficulties receive targeted support, for example through one-to-one and small group work. Pupils whose first

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Grade:

language is not English are made to feel welcome and supported well. The school is addressing the deficiencies in careers education for younger pupils. Older pupils appreciate the good careers advice on the pathways they can follow on leaving school.

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Grade:

5 of 7 Inspection Report: Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, 15 °16 March 2006 .

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Grade:

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 6 of 7 Inspection Report: Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, 15 °16 March 2006

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

As you know a group of inspectors recently visited your school. Thank you for the warm welcome you gave us and your help in finding our way around and giving us your views about the school. I am writing now to tell you about our findings. We think the school provides a caring and supportive atmosphere and that most of you enjoy coming to school. Your parents support the school well, though some of them would like to hear more about the outcomes of any concerns raised. The majority of you are well behaved and make satisfactory progress. You work hard and are kept interested in many lessons but in some the work doesn't challenge you enough and a few of you misbehave. Many of you enjoy the opportunities to take part in clubs and other activities outside lessons. You generally get on well with each other and with staff and you are developing good personal skills that will help you when you leave school. Students in the sixth form provide good support for younger

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Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

pupils. The school achieves satisfactory examination results overall and good results in some subjects. We think some of the more able pupils could do even better in some GCSE subjects. The headteacher is aware of this and changes are taking place to identify where this is happening and to try and put it right. We have asked the governors and leadership team to make sure that teaching is sufficiently challenging for all of you and that you know what you need to do to improve your work further. They understand clearly what the school does well and what needs to be improved and we believe the school will be able to make further improvement. We wish you every success in the future. 7 of 7 Inspection Report: Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, 15 °16 March 2006

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