Agenda item

To present information in relation to the following:-

•  Teacher Assessments KS3 (Summer 2011)

•  External Examination Results (2011)

•  School Inspections

•  School Self-Evaluations

Teacher Assessments KS3 - not discussed.

External Examination Results - not discussed.

School Inspections

Information from Estyn Inspection reports undertaken at Ysgol Gynradd Dwyran, Ysgol Gynradd Henblas, Ysgol Gynradd Pencarnisiog and Holyhead High School was presented for the SACRE’s consideration.

The Chair welcomed Mrs Rhian Hughes, the Head Teacher of Ysgol Pencarnisiog to the meeting.

The Head Teacher reported that in February, 2016, a full Estyn inspection was conducted at Ysgol Pencarnisiog, following a period of instability in the leadership of the school. 

It was noted that the Estyn report made five recommendations, which the school had to respond to within twelve months. Recommendation 3 of the Estyn report cited that the school should:

“Ensure that schemes of work respond fully to the requirements of the National Curriculum and the syllabus for Religious Education.”

The Head Teacher informed the SACRE that Estyn had returned to the school after twelve months to monitor progress against the recommendations.

During the Estyn inspection, the Head Teacher worked very closely with the schools Support Advisor and the GwE Support Advisor who serves Anglesey SACRE, who ensured that the school responded to Estyn’s recommendations. A post-inspection Action Plan was put in place at the school, and staff collaborated and mapped the general overview for RE, ensuring that their plans across the school met the RE requirements. The school used Welsh Government’s RE guidelines in the Foundation Phase and KS2 for forward planning, and also made use of resources still available on the Cynnal website.

A detailed presentation was given by the Head Teacher on the course of action Ysgol Pencarnisiog followed to meet Estyn’s requirements. It was noted that work to improve standards at the school is ongoing, but the school has been removed from the list of schools requiring Estyn monitoring. The Head Teacher thanked the GwE Advisors for their excellent support and guidance during this difficult time.

The SACRE congratulated the Head Teacher for the good work and progress made at the school, and thanked her for today’s presentation.

Councillor Gwilym O Jones reported that he has attended a collective worship session at the school, and was very impressed by the way the children responded well during discussion and were rewarded for their effort.

Ysgol Gynradd Dwyran

The Education Officer reported that Ysgol Gynradd Dwyran has appropriate schemes of work that respond to the requirements of the National Curriculum and the Agreed Syllabus for RE. It was noted that lessons are planned in the short, medium and long term, and teaching at the school is structured.

Extra-curricular activities are available to pupils, and the school fosters pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural and social development successfully, and reflects on topics such as Syria.  It was noted from the Estyn report, that the standard of teaching at the school was very acceptable. 

Ysgol Henblas

The Education Officer reported that Ysgol Henblas satisfies the requirements of the National Curriculum and RE. The school promotes pupils’ moral, social and spiritual development effectively, and Collective Worship sessions reinforce these values.

It was noted that Estyn has placed Ysgol Henblas in the ‘significant improvements’ category, and will be returning in twelve months’ time to monitor the school’s progress.

Holyhead High School

The Education Officer reported that Holyhead High School provides a broad and balanced curriculum. The personal and social education programme contributes well towards the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils.

The Chair noted that Gobaith Môn’s work was recognised in the Estyn report, although the organisation itself was not named. Section 11 of the Estyn report states that:-

“The school works well in partnership with a youth engagement programme that concentrates on building teamwork and leadership skills. This has helped to improve pupils’ wellbeing and attainment”.

The Chair reminded the SACRE of Mr Joe Morino’s presentation on behalf of Gobaith Môn at SACRE’s last meeting, and referred to the praise Gobaith Môn received from the Head Teacher.

It was agreed to note the information.

School Self-Evaluation Reports

The SACRE has not received any self-evaluation reports since its last meeting. Members were concerned that schools are not responding, and they discussed ways of getting schools to co-operate and present their self-evaluation reports. It was suggested that schools who had not participated be named, and the SACRE agreed.

Action:

The Education Officer to write to schools asking them to prepare self-evaluation reports by the next meeting of the SACRE. Schools who complied/did not comply would be named.