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Ofsted

Following Ofsted's visit in July we are pleased to report, despite the pandemic slowing down our progress, we have continued on our journey of change and lots of improvements have been made. The inspectors have highlighted positive developments in different aspects of the school:

Overall Progress

  • Leaders, supported by trustees and the local authority, have begun to make positive changes to the school. The pandemic, however, has slowed a lot of their work.
  • Arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Teaching and Learning

  • Across the school, reading is a key feature of school life. Pupils read widely in class, experiencing a range of interesting and engaging texts from different genres and cultures.
  • Staff know, and use well, appropriate phonics programmes to teach pupils to read.
  • Many teachers have good subject knowledge.

Behaviour

  • New behaviour routines with higher expectations have led to improvements. Pupils are increasingly being respectful towards their peers and teachers, particularly when in lessons.
  • Leaders have raised the bar with regard to what type of behaviour is expected in the school. There is a clear set of rewards and sanctions. Personal Development is good.

Personal Development and Extra-Curricular Activities

  • Personal Development is rated "Good".
  • There is a growing number of clubs, trips and experiences. ... Pupils that attend clubs, such as ‘robotics’ take part in national competitions.

Vulnerable Students and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

  • Leaders have improved aspects of school provision for some of the most vulnerable pupils. There is a clear process to support pupils who find reading tricky.
  • Information about pupils with SEND is shared with teachers. Teachers are using this information with increasing effectiveness to improve the support that pupils with SEND receive.

Sixth Form

  • The Sixth Form provision is rated "Good".
  • The Sixth Form is a harmonious community where students support and care for one another. They are excellent role models for younger pupils.
  • Students in the Sixth Form are well prepared for their next step in life.
  • Pupils and students in the Sixth Form access a well planned personal, health and economic education curriculum. Pupils learn about topics such as finance and relationships. They benefit from clear independent careers advice and guidance.
  • The Sixth Form curriculum is clearly designed and implemented well by teachers . Assessment is appropriate and linked clearly to the key knowledge taught. Students progress well.
  • Sixth Form students ... enjoy their trips abroad to places such as Italy.

 

Areas for Improvements and Action Being Taken in Response

Whilst inspectors noted that most students and their families are engaging positively with school life, we still have improvements to make, particularly with some students and families who have found the pandemic most challenging. To that end, we have already launched a number of strategies including:

  • A ‘Student Engagement Team’ leader for each year group : These staff, working closely with the Head of Learning, will engage directly with the most vulnerable students and their families during the school day, helping ensure that these students are fully benefiting from school life.
  • A free breakfast for students from families in need of assistance to ensure that students are on time and are ready for the school day.
  • An expansion of alternative provision opportunities to engage vulnerable students.
  • A Parent Teacher Association starting in the Autumn Term 2022 to involve parents more fully in school life.

We are working hard to improve Hertswood Academy and look forward to all students and families working with us to develop a truly cohesive community.

Ofsted - Hertswood Academy | OFSTED.GOV.UK

Ofsted Report 2022 | PDF

 

Ofsted Website Quotes   2022 2

Ofsted Website Quotes   2022 1

Latest Tweets

⚽🏅 Remel (Year 9) has made the community proud, with his nomination as Player of the Season for the district football team! pic.twitter.com/QGgF2FMF4Y
@ HertswoodUK - Dec 01, 2023
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📚🎄 's friendly team of Students Librarians was delighted to welcome a new group of students to their ranks. First on the agenda at the Year 7 students' first librarian meeting -- helping the older students to put up their Christmas tree with literary decorations! pic.twitter.com/C5s9JzacpI
@ HertswoodUK - Dec 01, 2023
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📷🤝 Congratulations to the winners of this month's Photo Challenge, Esmerelda (Year 7) and Dragos (Year 8). The November's challenge saw students trying to capture a photo showcasing friendship. pic.twitter.com/1dWRd2s6Pb
@ HertswoodUK - Dec 01, 2023
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🎨🦌🦎🐍A good mix of animals and styles by 's Year 11 artists in their ten hour project. pic.twitter.com/BhCZpqUuaD
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 27, 2023
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🎨🐯🐱 Some of the cats in progress, by 's Year 11 artists, in their 'Land, Sea and Sky' project, acrylic on canvas. pic.twitter.com/ydIIIsZpSp
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 27, 2023
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@ HertswoodUK - Nov 24, 2023
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🚒👩‍🚒👨‍🚒 Well done to the students on the LIFE Project earlier this term, learning how to be a firefighter through drills, hose work, ladder safety, use of fire apparatus and general first aid. 🥇 pic.twitter.com/I8SB6nBuK8
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 21, 2023
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💐🌵📷🌧 Despite four hours of rain, 's young photographers from Years 10-13 had a great day at , with at least some sunshine towards the end of the day! ☀ pic.twitter.com/jHpnzmL5ZF
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 16, 2023
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🎶 Congratulations to 7S/Mu1, this year's winners of 's 'Cupcake Challenge' for learning the elements of music. They were delighted to receive their reward this afternoon! 🧁 pic.twitter.com/GFGNr5w9a3
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 16, 2023
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🎃🍂📷 Great work by 's young photographers on their fantastic submissions on the theme of 'Autumn', with Iris (Year 7), Charlie (Year 9) and Kacey (Year 11) submitting the winning entries! pic.twitter.com/G5jgMxZyDr
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 15, 2023
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An amazing performance for our Year 2 children at as they took back in the annual speed stacking event. pic.twitter.com/AVYfI7bIsr
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 15, 2023
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@ HertswoodUK - Nov 13, 2023
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A terrific day of sports for our children. Our Year 4 children finished second in the Rapid Fire Cricket tournament while our Year 6 Hockey team lost 1-0 but still managed to qualify for the Partnership Finals. Congratulations to all and thank you to for hosting pic.twitter.com/vDN51J46oD
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 09, 2023
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🥼🔬👨‍🚀 students had a great time at New Scientist Live 2023. A highlight was Chloe (Year 9) getting to speak directly to on the International Space Station, who told her about 'blue jet' lightning, which strikes upwards towards space! pic.twitter.com/UnxIcwgw4s
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 08, 2023
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🎃🕸🍿 Great costumes on display at 's Year 7 Halloween Disco on Monday! Our thanks to our PTA for organising the fantastic event. pic.twitter.com/qsuRk5hOPt
@ HertswoodUK - Nov 02, 2023
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This month, Years 7 to 11 at welcomed guest speakers from the organisations 'One Chance' and 'DBA Project', for workshops on county lines and the severe implications they have on individuals. pic.twitter.com/7WPeAG7jy0
@ HertswoodUK - Oct 31, 2023
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🍕👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 Great pizzas by Year 10 students as part of their work on dough-making this term, which also included scones and bread rolls. pic.twitter.com/ykkzn2Najr
@ HertswoodUK - Oct 19, 2023
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📷💐 Great work by Year 10 Photographers at on the topic of 'Natural Forms', using studio lighting equipment and macro close up studio boxes. pic.twitter.com/5VNum1hUr5
@ HertswoodUK - Oct 19, 2023
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Be aware the Academy will be open as usual tomorrow, Tuesday 17th October.See our statement regarding today at https://t.co/1ZDguFHD8F and thank you for your continued support.
@ HertswoodUK - Oct 16, 2023
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Unfortunately due to security concerns the school will be closed today (Monday 16th October). We apologise for the late notice, and will update you later in the day regarding tomorrow.Thank you.
@ HertswoodUK - Oct 16, 2023
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