Monday, November 7, 2005

Calder High School school passed with flying colours when it was the first in the Calderdale region to be tested by the new-style Ofsted inspection, which took place 5-6th October.

Calder High School was judged to be good in virtually all aspects, while the inspectors highlighted the Headteacher's leadership of the school as "outstanding".

Under the new system, schools undergo a shorter and more sharply focused inspection. Parents' views are also sought by Ofsted through a questionnaire. The new system sees schools graded on a four point scale of outstanding, good, satisfactory and inadequate.

Calder High was given just two days' notice before the start of the inspection, but answered to the demand with excellent results. During their snap visit inspectors noted how positively the students "contributed to the life of the school and the wider community." The report congratulated the students for their good attitudes and behaviour and noted that they were "keen to learn and work hard, taking pride in their work".

Much of this was due to the good level of both teaching and learning, the inspectors recognised. They said that both teachers and students were enthusiastic and committed, which was reflected in the ethos of the school, and that good relationships were formed which build students' self esteem and confidence. The inspectors regarded a large majority of lessons as good or outstanding and that "teaching matched student needs, motivated them, and prepared them to work independently".

Headteacher Stephen Ball said he was thrilled with the outcome of the inspection: "The whole school is responsible for the success of the recent report, and the Inspectors quite rightly recognised that this is a school which every child does matter."

The school is already actively involved in working on the areas of improvement pointed out in the inspection report, including the environment and décor of corridors and classrooms. Calder High is in talks with the council over improvement and development of the school and is working on a possible interior design partnership with the University of Huddersfield.

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