News & Headteacher Blogs

We have recently undertaken a review of provision for our ‘More Able students’,  looking at how these students are stretched and challenged in class.  The review was conducted by Elaine Ricks-Neal, a Nace Association and Bace Challenge Award Adviser (National Association for Able Children in Education) and attended by some school Governors. It was a multi-pronged audit, with lessons observed, students’ books looked at and interviews held with both staff and students.

 An interim report from the day has highlighted strengths in the programme, some of which are listed below:

• The Senior Leadership Team have a strong commitment to ensuring able pupils are stretched to their full potential..
• Pupils are proud of their achievements and are eager to share their knowledge in lessons and around school.
• Formative assessment practices were well honed.
• Very wide range of enrichment and extracurricular opportunities.
• Positive learning behaviour shown by pupils.
• Teachers’ consistently modelled enthusiasm, had very good subject knowledge and were able to inspire and motivate their pupils.
• School has a culture of high expectations and this is communicated well by school leaders.

Governor Mrs Weston said: “We always find it very rewarding to see the 'school in action' at first hand and to be able to gather our own evidence from such visits, which in turn enables us to support the work of the school. The culture of engagement from the students, attention to lesson tasks, maturity and respect over a range of subject lessons was very heartening to see. This reflects the continued enthusiasm and dedication of the staff. The pride in work seen the more able students' books was also very evident.”

Headteacher, Mr Prosser added “This audit is part of our ongoing commitment to meet the needs of all of our students at The Downs School.”