School wins Ofsted praise

8:50am Friday 9th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THORNBURY'S high-performing Castle School has once again impressed education watchdogs.

An Ofsted team recently inspected the school's specialist Visual Art department and judged it to be outstanding'.

The report cements its standing as one of the top schools in the country.

The inspectors, who visited the school over two days in March, said in their report: "Students are provided with a breadth of opportunities to learn about art, craft and design from different times and places, including contemporary practice.

"Inclusion in art and design is outstanding. The curriculum meets a very wide range of individual needs and interests.

"Teachers are supportive to students who find tasks particularly difficult but are equally able to challenge the more able students because staff are confident in their subject knowledge."

The report highlighted the strength of leadership and vision within the department and throughout the school.

Inspectors said: "Clarity of vision and commitment at all levels creates the conditions for the subject to succeed.

"The headteacher clearly values the contribution of the subject and specialism to the school's distinctiveness and drive for continuous improvement."

Ofsted inspectors judged the school to be good with many strengths when they inspected the school as a whole two years ago.

Headteacher Melanie Warnes said: "The outcome is an accurate reflection of the excellent staff and outstanding students that we have at the school.

"We are delighted that this has been recognised by Ofsted. As headteacher I am very proud of my staff, our students and the excellent relationships we enjoy with parents and the local community."