School praised for children’s ‘love of learning’ by inspectors
A city school has been praised by Ofsted for “developing a love of learning” after being judged good following its most recent inspection.
Venerable Bede Church of England Academy on Tunstall Bank was praised by inspectors for its “high expectations ofstaffandpupils”andthe“enjoymentexperiencedbypupils in the wide range of subjects they can choose to study”.
Inspectors also praised the school for its Christian ethos and extra-curricular provision.
The report stated: "Pupils understandtheimportanceof the school’s values of joy, hope, forgiveness, wisdom and perseverance.Thepersonaldevelopmentprogrammebroadens pupils’ horizons. They learn to value people's differences.
"There are plenty of opportunities for pupils to get involved in wider school life. Pupils appreciate the range of sports that they can play and the opportunities to learn musical instruments.
"Pupils with leadership responsibilities,suchasprefects andbullybuddies,areproudof their roles.”
Pupilswerealsopraisedfor theirgoodbehaviourwithlowleveldisruption“rareandnever tolerated”, and the school was commended for its curriculum provision.
Lead inspector Graham Findlay said: “Pupils benefit fromacurriculumthat’sbroad and ambitious. The curriculumbuildsonwhatpupilshave
studied in primary school and prepares them well for their next step in employment, education
or training.
"Pupils, including those withspecialeducationalneeds
and disabilities, are well supported. Pupils who need help with reading benefit from additional sessions with trained staff so that they catch up quickly.
"In each subject, leaders haveidentifiedwhattheywant pupils to know and remember. This subject knowledge is taught in a carefully considered sequence that helps pupils to build their knowledge over time.”
Afterbeinginformedofthe judgement,headteacherDavid Airey said: "We are delighted to be able to say that Venerable Bede Academy remains a good school.Weareproudofourpupils, families and staff and the work which we do together.
"We are particularly pleased that Ofsted have commented on our ethos and values being central to the life of the school, and that our pupils understandtheimportanceof these.”