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Ofsted Report
It‘s official – Wyvern Technology College is outstanding. The new academic year began with an Ofsted inspection in September when a team of inspectors, lead by Caroline McKee, assessed the quality of teaching and learning at the Fair Oak College and judged the school to be an Outstanding place of learning. During an intense two day inspection, the team considered the standards and progress of the college, along with its policy of equal opportunities, overall effectiveness, child protection, and the quality of provision at the College‘s Day Nursery. All areas were judged outstanding, with good qualities. Wyvern is a specialist school in technology with a second specialism of humanities. It also holds several awards, including Investors in People, Silver Artsmark and Leading Edge status. The college has been instrumental in course design, working with other institutions, which makes it a Leading Edge School. The Ofsted team praised the innovative curriculum offered by the college which prepared students for skills that will be needed to succeed in the 21st century. They also noted that the students were articulate, not afraid to take risks and learn from their mistakes, discussing problems and seeking answers for themselves. Students who had special educational needs also made the same good progress as others because of the outstanding programmes on offer along with the support of specialist staff and other students. The team found that the College ensured that lessons had pace, experimentation and excitement of discovery, while students articulated ideas fluently and with confidence – qualities encouraged by the ethos of mutual respect. Wyvern was recognised as being at the hub of a large community, working effectively with its Nursery, other schools, colleges, agencies and larger national institutions to create an ethos that is caring yet aspirational for all. The report noted, ‗It values each person as an individual, ensuring that all students who have even the most challenging of circumstances leave college with a qualification‘ while students‘ behaviour in lessons and around the college was seen as exemplary. Both the Holiday Playscheme and the Before and After school Club were praised, as was the on-site Nursery for its environment and resources. The report found that the nursery, ‗...provides excellent opportunities for independent learning ... progress is outstanding. Babies have a high level of care and personal attention and clearly enjoy being in the Nursery. All children show that they feel safe ... They make independent choices about activities and the older ones show that they can sustain concentration and play together imaginatively and well. A real strength is in the positive contribution made by the children...‘ Being attached to a Technology College means that computers are available for children in the nursery, encouraging the development of technology skills. Music, creative play, and the outdoor area were also seen as a highlight of the nursery. The Ofsted team found that the technology and humanities specialisms made an excellent contribution to students‘ achievement, personal development and enjoyment of college life. Their report found that, ‗Students are fully engaged in learning and are excited about the subjects, as well as understanding how to gain higher grades. In addition the college fosters skills that result in students who are good communicators, show tolerance to the problems of others and suggest solutions to overcome issues that arise......‘ The team found that students at Wyvern were friendly while their contribution in the local and wider communities, such as Kware, a school in Africa, was found to engender empathy for those less fortunate than themselves. Discrimination is not tolerated at Wyvern and the inspectors found that this atmosphere of equality is evident throughout the work of the college and shines through in many ways. In her summing up, Caroline McKee said, ‗This is an outstanding college. It is led by an inspirational headteacher who is supported by an exceptional team of senior managers, staff, governors and students who share his vision and commitment.‘ ‗This report is just about as good as it is possible to be,‘ says Mr Alan Newton, headteacher, ‗I am delighted that the commitment and hard work of all our staff has been recognised. This is a phenomenal way to begin our new academic year...‘ Please mention Parish Pages when responding to adverts