Grace Academy is committed to providing the quality of education students deserve
THE quality of teaching, learning and assessment is recognised as improving at Grace Academy Coventry as teachers, staff, parents and carers celebrate the outcome of the most recent Ofsted inspection in December 2018.
The report recognised that staff are committed to providing the quality of education that pupils deserve, and also stated that new principal, Anu Monga, is “…building a team of leaders and teachers who share her vision and have the skills to deliver it.”
With a full complement of wellqualified staff, improved methods of assessment and accountability, and an understanding of the knowledge base every individual student needs to be successful, the Ofsted report summarises parents’ views of Ms Monga in the quote, “You are brave, strong and gracious. I believe in you.”
Commenting on the improvements the leadership team has made over the past year, Ms Monga said:
“The actions we have taken have made a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning at the academy and students are on the right track to making the required level of progress.
“We know that this term will be challenging for us, along with every other school in Coventry, and we will not leave any stone unturned to prepare our students for the most important exams of their life in the summer. With the right quality of staff who are experts in their field, we strongly believe our students will have every chance of being successful.
“Our tailored learning programmes are performing well, and we believe they are fit for purpose to meet the individual learning needs of our students.”
Ms Monga said the whole staff team is working to help make Grace Academy a centre of excellence for students, both personally and academically, encouraging young people to be good human beings through every aspect of the academy’s activities.
Dave Boden, head of ethos for Grace Academy, added: “We promote the academy’s core values of Grace, Respect, Integrity, Potential and Excellence that are at the heart of everything we do. This is fundamental in helping to develop our students’ moral, social, and cultural well-being so they can succeed in every area of life.
“We offer a range of opportunities in the arts, sports, and community projects, as well as career guidance and advice, aiming to produce confident young people who can make a positive contribution to society and know their pathway to success.”
Values days are organised to help students explore key issues such as self-esteem and how to achieve their full potential. Careers fairs, online business competitions, and interview practice are conducted in conjunction with a number of business experts who work in partnership with the academy.
Commenting on the success of the most recent careers fair, teacher Seta Bassi said: “Events like this allow students to explore possibilities and opportunities, planting the seed and enabling them to find out what industry expects of them.
“We have a range of further education institutions represented, including Warwick University and Coventry University, and we hope this will raise aspirations.”
Students have been involved in various projects in the community, including preparing and hosting afternoon tea for more than 20 local residents at the academy.
Speaking about her experience of the event, student Rachel Leach, of Year 12, said: “During the preparations, it’s given us the chance to give back to the community and also represent the school in a good way. We have been able to talk to local residents and it has inspired us to do more for our community as we realise how much they benefit from it.”
Local resident Linda, who attended the afternoon tea, said: “It has given me a break from catering and it’s nice to know that someone is waiting on me for a change. It’s good to know there are people around and something like this is great to look forward to.”
Tina Clough, family support worker, added: “It’s great to share experiences like this and it widens our perspective.
“The students learn to serve and gain confidence in doing something new.”
In another community initiative, a crew from the West Midlands Ambulance Service trained in excess of 600 students in vital lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation on World Restart a Heart Day.
After working closely with principal Anu Monga, Dame Kathy August DBE, visiting professor from the University of Salford Business School and education leadership coach, said: “It is a privilege to work alongside the principal and her team and to witness their complete commitment and relentless hard work to improve the educational opportunities and experience of students.”
For more information, you can contact the academy on 02476 589 000, e-mail coventry@graceacademy.org.uk or visit the website at: coventry.graceacademy.org.uk