Longdendale High SchoolOfsted inspection, 19 Mar 2009

Longdendale Community Language College Inspection report

p.1

106267 Unique Reference Number Tameside Local Authority 324362 Inspection number 18–19 March 2009 Inspection dates Linda Tetik HMI Reporting inspector

p.1

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

p.1

Secondary Type of school Community School category 11–16 Age range of pupils Mixed Gender of pupils Number on roll 862 School (total) The governing body Appropriate authority Mrs Sandra Ward Chair Mr Brian Parker Headteacher 7 March 2006 Date of previous school inspection Spring Street School address Hollingworth Hyde Cheshire SK14 8LW 01457 764006 Telephone number 01457 766483 Fax number

p.1

11–16 Age group 18–19 March 2009 Inspection dates 324362 Inspection number .

p.1

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.

p.2

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. 2 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009

p.2

Introduction

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

p.3

Description of the school

Longdendale Community Language College is a smaller than average 11–16 mixed comprehensive with specialist language status. It attracts students from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds. The proportion of students eligible for free school meals is in line with the national average. Most students are White British. The proportion of students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and the proportion with a statement for special educational needs are in line with the national average. It has recently achieved the Artsmark Gold Award, the Gold Healthy Schools Award, the Silver Eco Award and the Tameside Inclusive Schools foundation Award. Longdendale is a local authority lead practice school for developing the social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL) programme.

p.3

Key for inspection grades

Outstanding Grade 1 Good Grade 2 Satisfactory Grade 3 Inadequate Grade 4 3 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009

p.3

Grade: 2

Longdendale Community Language College provides a good education. Inspection evidence indicates that pupils make good progress during their school career. In 2008, standards at the end of Key Stage 4 rose and were well above average, with over three quarters of pupils gaining five or more A* to C grade GCSEs. This improvement has been the result of careful tracking of pupil progress and effective interventions. Progress in English and mathematics and in Key Stage 3 has been slower, but inspection evidence shows that there is improvement. The headteacher and senior leaders have a clear ambition to raise standards and to ensure that pupils have opportunities to develop their academic and personal skills. The quality of teaching and learning is good overall, but this is not consistent across the school. In good lessons, teachers engage learners through activities that are lively, challenging and well-matched to

p.4

Grade: 2

their needs. In the small proportion of lessons that are satisfactory the needs of some learners are not fully met. In some, pupils are less engaged and this leads to low level misbehaviour and slower progress. The high quality marking that is evident in some classes is not yet fully consistent across the school. Most pupils have good attitudes to learning and they say they enjoy school. This is reflected in the good relationships they share with staff and peers. Attendance is in line with national averages. There is a small number of pupils who are persistent absentees. The school has been successful in reducing this number and works effectively with other partners to achieve this. The curriculum is good. The wider range of subjects, the increase in vocational courses and the extensive range of extra-curricular activities increase pupils' engagement and contribute to raising achievement. As a specialist language college six languages are offered and nearly all

p.4

Grade: 2

pupils leave school with a GCSE in a modern foreign language, which is well above the national average. Care, guidance and support are good. Targets are being used effectively to raise standards and pupils receive good academic guidance. Pupils are well-prepared for their future economic well-being and the large majority go on to further education, training or employment. Leadership and management are good. The role of middle managers has been developed and good progress has been made towards resolving the areas for improvement at the last inspection. The governing body is kept well informed and many are regular visitors to the school. They are supportive and are developing in the role of 'critical friends'. The school has a cohesive senior leadership team. The improvements in attendance and standards are evidence that the school has good capacity to improve.

p.4

What the school should do to improve further

■ Increase the rate at which pupils make progress in English and mathematics.

p.4

What the school should do to improve further

■ Ensure pupils consistently experience high quality teaching.

p.4

What the school should do to improve further

■ Ensure behaviour is good in all lessons.

p.4

Grade: 2

Standards are above average and achievement is good. Pupils enter school with a wide range of attainment, but overall it is above the national average. They make good progress during 4 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009 their school career at Longdendale: the proportion of pupils who attained five or more higher grade GCSEs improved to 76% in 2008. This is well above the national average and the school met its targets for pupil participation and attainment in the specialist subjects at Key Stage 4. There is a trend of improving attainment and the pupils' average points scores at GCSE have been above average for three years. In 2008 the proportion of pupils who achieved a higher grade at GCSE was above the national average in science, music, physical education (PE), Spanish, geography and English literature. There has been a year on year trend of overall good

p.4

Grade: 2

progress by pupils in Key Stage 4 since 2006. Progress in mathematics and English has been slower. This is a high priority identified by the school and intervention strategies are beginning to have a positive impact. Pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make similar progress to other learners. Pupils' progress was slower in Key Stage 3. In 2007 the proportion of pupils achieving Level 5 and above was broadly average. In 2008 there was an improvement in the proportion of learners achieving Level 6 and above in English, mathematics and science.

p.5

Grade: 2

Pupils' personal development and well-being are good. Most pupils have good attitudes to learning and behave well. They say they enjoy coming to school and attendance is in line with national averages. Pupils say they feel safe and have confidence that any incidents of bullying reported will be dealt with effectively by the school. They have a good awareness of how to stay healthy. Many select healthy options at lunchtime and choose to participate in extra sporting activities in addition to the two hours of physical education a week. Pupils make a positive contribution to the school and the wider community. Some volunteer to be peer mentors, assisting younger pupils to settle in when transferring from primary school. Others have responsibilities linked to the school's specialist status and act as ambassadors at events. Many pupils participate in charity events. The student council has been successful in contributing

p.5

Grade: 2

to improvements to school facilities. Pupils develop good numeracy, literacy and information and communication technology skills. Assemblies and lessons contribute to pupils' good spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. They engage well during assemblies and are encouraged to reflect on their roles as members of the school community. Good awareness of different faiths and cultures is fostered through the curriculum, such as learning about the Haka dance in physical education lessons.

p.5

Grade: 2

The quality of teaching and learning is good but this is not yet consistent across the school. In the best lessons, teachers have secure subject knowledge which they use well to enable pupils to make good progress. Teachers also use question and answer sessions well to extend pupils' thinking and learning skills. They plan activities that are well-matched to the needs of learners, providing appropriate pace and challenge. Information and communication technology is used well to add interest and to motivate learners. Pupils say they enjoy lessons where they can work in groups, discuss ideas and where they are encouraged to think for themselves. Clear targets are set and opportunities to evaluate their work against expected standards contribute to pupils' awareness of what is expected of them to improve. A proportion of teaching is satisfactory. In these lessons there is insufficient pace and challenge to ensure that pupils make

p.5

Grade: 2

good progress. In some lessons pupils are not fully engaged and there is a low level of 5 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009 misbehaviour. There is sometimes inconsistency in the quality of marking and assessment which does not help pupils improve their learning.

p.5

Grade: 2

The school has a broad and balanced curriculum that meets statutory requirements. Since the last inspection, a broad range of subjects have been made available, ensuring that pupils' needs and interests are well met. Specialist status provided the strong focus on developing vocational courses. The introduction of a new catering course and the reintroduction of a business studies course have provided popular options for pupils in Key Stage 4. The personal, social, and health education programme includes a scheme of work on economic intervention and enterprise to support the economic well-being of the pupils. This programme is enhanced by contributions from businesses within the local community. In Key Stage 3 a study skills course, Learning2Learn, is having a positive impact. The needs of the higher attaining pupils are well met through the curriculum in the 'Challenge in Lessons' strategy. There are a wide variety of enrichment and

p.6

Grade: 2

extra-curricular activities, including cheerleading, foreign and residential visits, and sports and arts clubs that enhance pupils' enjoyment.

p.6

Grade: 2

The care, guidance and support at the school are good. Staff provide booster and revision classes in addition to the many extra-curricular clubs. Pupils are appreciative of this support and it contributes to their good progress. Supervision of learners around the school is well-managed. Pupil progress is tracked carefully. The effective use of individual targets for pupils helps to enable them to understand how they can raise their performance. Parents, carers and pupils are kept informed about current attainment, projected targets and progress. Guidance about future courses and careers is good. Pupils at risk of underachieving are identified early and support strategies put in place. The Pastoral Support Centre provides very good support for pupils who are at risk of exclusion. The school works well with parents and other agencies such as the Youth Support Service to re-engage learners back into school life. Strategies to

p.6

Grade: 2

improve attendance are having an impact. Safeguarding arrangements are fully in place and meet government requirements.

p.6

Grade: 2

Leadership and management are good. The headteacher and the senior management team share a clear vision which, together with the use of challenging targets, is raising standards. The school's self-evaluation is accurate and good progress has been made in tackling issues raised at the last inspection. Strategies to raise achievement are having an impact. This illustrates that there is good capacity to improve. Staff and parents have contributed to the more focused improvement plan. Resources have been provided for staff to develop their skills through professional development. The role of the middle managers has been developed and they monitor pupil progress in their subject carefully and are held to account. There is good collaboration between subjects to raise standards. The school's arrangements for promoting community cohesion and equality of opportunity are good. The annual languages festival brings

p.6

Grade: 2

learners together from a wide variety of backgrounds. The school has links with schools in 6 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009 Europe and is developing links with India. Specialist status is well-managed and external links strengthened. Supporting the teaching of modern foreign languages in local primary schools helps smooth transition for pupils. The governing body is committed, supportive and developing in the role of challenging the school. Finance is monitored well and the school gives good value for money. 7 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009 .

p.6

Grade: 2

in the guidance 'Complaints about school inspection', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. 8 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009

p.8

Inspection judgements

School Overall Key to judgements: grade 1 is outstanding, grade 2 good, grade 3 satisfactory, and grade 4 inadequate

p.9

needs of learners?

Yes Effective steps have been taken to promote improvement since the last inspection How well does the school work in partnership with others to promote learners' well being? 2 The capacity to make any necessary improvements

p.9

Achievement and standards

2 How well do learners achieve? 2 The standards 1 reached by learners How well learners make progress, taking account of any significant variations between groups of learners 2 How well learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make progress

p.9

Achievement and standards

1 Grade 1 - Exceptionally and consistently high; Grade 2 - Generally above average with none significantly below average; Grade 3 - Broadly average to below average; Grade 4 - Exceptionally low. 9 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009

p.9

learners?

2 The extent of learners' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development 2 The extent to which learners adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which learners adopt safe practices 2 The extent to which learners enjoy their education 3 The attendance of learners 2 The behaviour of learners 2 The extent to which learners make a positive contribution to the community How well learners develop workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being

p.10

learners' needs?

How well do the curriculum and other activities meet the range of needs and interests of learners? 2 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported?

p.10

and supporting all learners?

How effectively leaders and managers at all levels set clear direction leading to improvement and promote high quality of care and education 2 How effectively leaders and managers use challenging targets to raise standards 2 The effectiveness of the school's self-evaluation 2 How well equality of opportunity is promoted and discrimination eliminated 2 How well does the school contribute to community cohesion? How effectively and efficiently resources, including staff, are deployed to achieve value for money The extent to which governors and other supervisory boards discharge their responsibilities Yes Do procedures for safeguarding learners meet current government requirements? No Does this school require special measures? No Does this school require a notice to improve? 10 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009

p.10

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

Thank you for your warm welcome when we came to your school recently. We would particularly like to thank those of you who talked to us. We enjoyed meeting you and getting to know your school. You will be pleased to hear that we judged your school to be good. Here are a few examples of the good things we found during our visit.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ More of you are achieving five higher level GCSEs.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You say you enjoy school and feel safe.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ If bullying occurs you are confident that it will be dealt with effectively when reported.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ You enjoy the wide range of extra-curricular activities the school provides.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The curriculum has been developed and contributes to raising standards.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ The staff provide good care, support and guidance.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

We have asked the school to make sure that:

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ they increase the rate at which you make progress in mathematics and English

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ you all enjoy high quality teaching consistently

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

■ there is good behaviour in all your lessons.

p.11

Text from letter to pupils explaining the findings of the inspection

You can help your school do even better by continuing to work hard, attending regularly and behaving well. 11 of 11 Inspection Report: Longdendale Community Language College, 18–19 March 2009

p.11