Inspectors put school into 'special measures' (From Oxford Mail)
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Inspectors put school into 'special measures'
7:00am Tuesday 27th October 2009 in
WHEATLEY Park School has been put into special measures after inspectors found a catalogue of failings.
Ofsted inspectors said the school was failing to give an acceptable standard of education and criticised disruptive behaviour by pupils and a failure to “safeguard” children.
The school’s governing body was also criticised for failing to tackle weaknesses.
Wheatley Park School, in Holton, which has 1,170 pupils, is the second in the county to currently require special measures — Ofsted’s toughest sanction.
It is the only secondary school currently in special measures and follows St Christopher’s Primary School, in Cowley, which was put into special measures in June.
The sanction means the school will have to draw up an urgent action plan to tackle the issues raised and be subject to regular spot-checks by inspectors.
If it fails to turn its performance around, it could be closed.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Kate Curtis said: “Ofsted has given us some positive and encouraging feedback as well as some tough messages.
“We will act on these with confidence and determination.”
When the school was last inspected, in April 2007, it was given a satisfactory rating.
Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Paul Smith said the authority did not plan to install an interim executive board, as it had done at St Christopher’s Primary School, nor were there plans to parachute in an executive headteacher.
He said: “The council will work very closely with Wheatley Park School to tackle the issues raised by Ofsted.
“The school was inspected very shortly after Ofsted’s new and toughened regime of inspection came in to force.
“The headteacher has already addressed several of the issues raised in the report and she is determined to tackle the rest in time for future inspections.”
Ofsted Inspector Cathie Munt said: “At the last inspection the school was asked to make improvements to the rate of progress made by pupils.
“The leaders of the school have not managed to achieve this.
“Poor behaviour in some lessons, especially in low-attaining groups, is not managed well enough, resulting in disruptions to students’ learning.”
John Bancroft, 73, from Horspath, has a 14-year-old daughter, Rosie, at the school, who is currently training for the 2012 paralympics as a swimmer. She was born with only part of her right leg.
He said: “It is a cause for concern and the school has absolutely got to take it seriously — and so have parents.
“We have always had a very positive impression of Wheatley Park School and they have been great in terms of Rosie’s disability.
“I have a sense that Ofsted’s reaction is somewhat over the top.”
Gawain Little, president of the Oxfordshire branch of the National Union of Teachers, said staff at the school were doing their best to support the children they teach.
He said: “We are at the very early stages of the implementation of the Ofsted framework.
“We would question whether the most effective way to develop school improvement is what seems like quite a punitive measure.”
The school is planning to hold two meetings for parents on November 10 and 11.
Comments(26)
abifarrell
says...
12:40pm Tue 27 Oct 09
wheatleymum
says...
3:13pm Tue 27 Oct 09
number1
says...
4:02pm Tue 27 Oct 09
Keep up the good work Wheatley, you have much support behind you.
Ian Germain
says...
5:05pm Tue 27 Oct 09
number1
says...
5:16pm Tue 27 Oct 09
lucyoxford
says...
6:54pm Tue 27 Oct 09
Kel33
says...
7:53pm Tue 27 Oct 09
This would never have happened in the days of Mr John and Mrs West!
You have my full support WPS!
Martha-Wheatley
says...
1:03pm Wed 28 Oct 09
As Head Girl, I have seen for myself the strenuous work that has gone into improving the school and I truly feel that this report is by no means a true reflection on our school. I am proud to be a Wheatley Park student and I know that I have been fully supported throughout my school life both with teaching and pastoral care.
I would urge anyone who is concerned about this report to read it for themselves as it appears to have been crudely re-written for this article and if you do read it carefully, you can see that the failing factors are minute and seemingly insignificant, although sadly the new Ofsted outline seems to rate them highly. And please do talk to current students, particularly higher up in the school, because you will find that we are very positive about our school experience and can give solid examples of opportunities and achievements we have taken part in.
Obviously the Ofsted findings are very important, and I know that Wheatley will take them on board and fix any problems immediately. It is just so sad that we were one of the first schools since the framework changed as i'm sure any school in our position would have suffered.
Finally, i'd like to add that the Sixth Form has been great to me. I am in my final year and have already applied to University with a huge amount of support and help from the teachers. I have found my education engaging and exciting and have gained the results to prove that you can achieve highly at Wheatley Park. It's so sad that our new Head of Sixth Form had been here for a matter of days before we were inspected with no time to make the changes needed, and his positive impact on the Sixth Form as a community, is already evident and I know that by next September, we will be an even stronger Sixth Form than before.
Truth Teller1
says...
6:20pm Wed 28 Oct 09
FormerPupil
says...
11:29pm Wed 28 Oct 09
Wheatley Park is not a bad school and has some fantastic teachers that are on a par with those anywhere else in the country.
It is a small minority who let the school down, which is more a result of lax and careless parenting than it is the teaching.
If you want to succeed in life and have high aspirations then Wheatley Park will not be your downfall.
Joe C
says...
11:58pm Wed 28 Oct 09
However, the recent inspection that took place, indeed frustrated me as I now feel that the Ofsted report is inaccurate and exaggerated. I feel that this in no way reflects on our schools community and the school will do well to overcome these expectations.
The school has always been supportive to its students (including myself!) and has good disciplinary measures towards students disobeying rules and regulations.
Once again, I feel this report is quite inaccurate, and I express my opinion with reason and belief. I sincerely believe that the school and the community will do well into resolving any issues that may be a concern.
sammyii96
says...
8:50pm Thu 29 Oct 09
sammyii96
says...
9:00pm Thu 29 Oct 09
ginjaninja
says...
9:16pm Thu 29 Oct 09
Let Down
says...
5:38am Fri 30 Oct 09
Tanya Field
says...
11:11pm Fri 30 Oct 09
Sam 'Ura' Isaacs
says...
11:40am Sat 31 Oct 09
A levels were a mixed bag for me. I was predicted A's in all of them (Bio, Chem, Hist) but achieved B,D,D in As. Firstly I put this down to myself; my attitude was all wrong and didn't put thw work in to achieve high grades. However I feel the school didn't push me into working 'above and beyond' which was vital to success. The content and teaching in the subjects were fine, but I wasn't aided in making the massive jump between GCSE standard and A level standard.
Subsequently I got my head down and worked my sock's off last year and achieved A,A,B (which i was chuffed to bits with). This was with the aid of external tuturs in biology and chemistry. This is where it got interesting, they weren't teaching the subject differently to the teachers at school. Obviously I had the amazing benefits of their complete attention to my cause, but it wasn't so different. However the main idea they pushed was the whole ATTITUDE towards understanding, learning and exams (the area the WPS were weak at). So in my opinion the school (from key stage 3 to A levels) really has to work on the development of students attitude towards learning and achieving. It is mooooore than vital!
It is not all doom and gloom though. I have rarely had any problems with teachers at WPS, I'm sure Ms Curtis will be able to sort things out (I really rate her leadership skills, and most of her ideas). However I would like to say a MASSIVE thank-you to the WPS History department, Ms Glynn, Mr Ingledew and the team. I thoroughly enjoyed my history experience throughout my 7 years at the school and I believe your course content, and actual teaching is totally BANG ON! Keep up the awesome work!
SX
sixthformerwheatley
says...
11:44am Sat 31 Oct 09
It upsets me that a Headteacher as strong as Ms Curtis can be branded as simply 'inadequate' and be said to have 'failed' her students, when in reality, she has done nothing short of turning the school around. When arrived, in 2003, the school was under the leadership of Nick Young, and it was a complete mess. Since Ms Curtis took over the Headship, things have changed dramatically, and it just does not make sense to me how we can be seen as being a worse school now as we were then.
I think the new Ofsted regime is based around a framework that does not really take into account what really matters- the actual opinions of students and parents. The results of the questionaire included in the report totally conflict with the 'scores' given to us by Ofsted- clearly showing it's flaws.
I have recieved nothing but support from across the school, particularly in recent years. I am especially surprised at the sixth form's apparent inadequacy, because I can honestly say that the Sixth Form leadership team fully supported me through my AS Levels last year, and are continuing to show their support this year. I feel totally safe at Wheatley Park and I am proud to be a student- I think that in itself goes to show that we are not a failing school, and we will prove this to Ofsted. I hope parents reading about the report do not make rash decisions about their children's futures based on technicalities. Wheatley Park is a fantastic school and does not deserve some of the above responses, which are frankly ridiculous. I cannot comprehend how the school can be ripped apart by someone who does not even have children at the school- don't believe everything you hear about Wheatley Park. I can say with conviction is has most definitley not let me- nor my fellow students- down in any way.
sixthformerwheatley
says...
11:44am Sat 31 Oct 09
It upsets me that a Headteacher as strong as Ms Curtis can be branded as simply 'inadequate' and be said to have 'failed' her students, when in reality, she has done nothing short of turning the school around. When arrived, in 2003, the school was under the leadership of Nick Young, and it was a complete mess. Since Ms Curtis took over the Headship, things have changed dramatically, and it just does not make sense to me how we can be seen as being a worse school now as we were then.
I think the new Ofsted regime is based around a framework that does not really take into account what really matters- the actual opinions of students and parents. The results of the questionaire included in the report totally conflict with the 'scores' given to us by Ofsted- clearly showing it's flaws.
I have recieved nothing but support from across the school, particularly in recent years. I am especially surprised at the sixth form's apparent inadequacy, because I can honestly say that the Sixth Form leadership team fully supported me through my AS Levels last year, and are continuing to show their support this year. I feel totally safe at Wheatley Park and I am proud to be a student- I think that in itself goes to show that we are not a failing school, and we will prove this to Ofsted. I hope parents reading about the report do not make rash decisions about their children's futures based on technicalities. Wheatley Park is a fantastic school and does not deserve some of the above responses, which are frankly ridiculous. I cannot comprehend how the school can be ripped apart by someone who does not even have children at the school- don't believe everything you hear about Wheatley Park. I can say with conviction is has most definitley not let me- nor my fellow students- down in any way.
Donal Wheatley
says...
1:12pm Sat 31 Oct 09
As a current student, and Head Boy of Wheatley Park School I have seen the school from the inside out, I have seen it grow, develop and thrive and I’d like to put my opinion forward about the recent Ofsted Inspection and its outcome.
From the first day of the inspection it was clear that the team had their mind made up on the judgement of the school. During the interview I had with one of the inspectors she attempted to put words in our mouths, undermine us as pupils and disreguard our opinions. How can the outcome of such a biased, ill-mannered and unprofessional inspection be taken seriously to start with?
I think everyone fully realises that there are a number of things that need to change at Wheatley Park School but the outcome of this report is inaccurate. The fact that we got outstanding for healthy lifestyle based on the comment that there aren't many (and I quote the Ofsted Inspector) ‘wobbly kids’ around the site is ludicrous.
Wheatley Park has served me, and many others, extremely well. I have come out with brilliant grades and made friends for life. Some of the teaching here has been of first class standard and this can be said across the board. I have had a wealth of opportunities to explore, develop and learn at Wheatley Park and this is down to the constant hard work of the staff and support team.
A lot of the behavioral issues start at home and if children haven’t been brought up correctly in the first place then it is not a teacher’s duty to teach a child to say please and thank you at the age of 11, or in many cases 16. Some of the behavior at Wheatley Park School is atrocious, but this type of behaviour goes past what any school can deal with. This needs special measures like Pruis and in some cases mental health units and judicial backing. The school often has to deal with planned transfers and exclusions from other schools which is why we end up with some of the worst behaved children in Oxfordshire. With these children there is often nothing that can be done by ANY school.
In response to the above comment from ‘Let Down, Horspath’; that incident is obviously appaling and inexcusable but I’d like to know whether you actually reported this and if the teacher is still there. This type of thing is not tolerated at Wheatley Park School. In response to the Sixth Form and your University applications ‘LDH’ the system has been changed since you applied last year. The school successfully recognised that this position needed to be reviewed and acted upon it. We now have a new and energetic Director of Sixth Form whose head is firmly screwed on and I have been fully supported with my application. Every school makes mistakes with teaching staff and it is a shame that you had to, as you see it, be affected badly by this. I am also aware of who you are and wonder if you've told the whole story or explained the bigger picture?
If parents were that appaled with the school then they’d take their children out of it. And to be honest with you, let them. As the situation stands, we are in speacial measures and instead of complaining or bad-mouthing the school you should support it, and your children – if you have any here – through the process.
I would also like to add that I would not have reccomended Wheatley Park School when I joined under the leadership or Nick Young in 2003 but would now, without a shadow of a doubt, fully recommend it to any parent considering secondary education.
formerwheatleystudent
says...
1:43pm Sat 31 Oct 09
I feel that I succeeded at every stage throughout my time at the school and although I may not have done as well as I possibly could have, i do not blame the school at all. As i think there should be more emphasis on students helping themselves, rather than relying on others. So i feel I not only gained an education academically at Wheatley, but also an education in life.
As for the comments from "let-down", they are out of order and seem rather bitter. As I was also applying for university last year and know for a fact Wheatley park laid on multiple sessions/days to help with the whole process of ucas forms ect. There was even interview practice sessions, so I really don’t get what talking about. Also surely someone who has constantly “achieved the highest grades in their class”, should have the common sense to put a backup plan in place themselves and not need to be told by the school. So in my opinion you are just trying to blame the school for your own mistake, in thinking that you were better than you actually are.
Zoeoxford
says...
9:52pm Sat 31 Oct 09
However, I do think the Ofsted's report seems to have some of their priorities mixed up. In the questionnaire, the majority of parents' feedback was positive, and said that they thought the teaching was good, their children feel safe there and they are happy with the school. Yet this was not reflected in the conclusion and comments made by Ofsted in the report. They seemed to focus highly on management and "safeguarding" of pupils; of course these things are important, but surely it's more important how the pupils and parents feel about the school?
I have watched many developments take place in the school, from the new building to a UK Youth Parliament representative. Also, just to be at the prize giving this year, I think a lot of people felt proud just to be a part of the school community.
Furthermore, there are many teachers at the school of an exceptional standard, who put so much effort into making lessons interesting and providing children with life skills. Under our new head of year, bad behaviour has seriously decreased and there was even a trip to Thorpe Park last year as a reward for a good year.
I have had a great time in my years at Wheatley Park; met some great people, learnt a lot - education wise, but also about myself. I hope the Ofsted report doesn't put other people off sending their children there.
smithformerstudent
says...
3:41pm Sun 1 Nov 09
1. I am a former student who last year achieved BBC in my a-levels, I was predicted to get ABB and I completely admit that the sole reason I did not achieve my predicted grades was that I (emphasis on the I!), did not put the hours of revision in. the teaching team at WPS gave me any extra support I asked for, with one teacher going out of their way to encourage me and re-affirm my motivation. As to assistance in applying for university, and I write this from the library at uni: when writing my personal statement I was able to ask practically any teacher for advice or proof reading, with the most valuable assistance coming from a teacher who I hadn’t otherwise encountered. There is a strong feeling of community and achievement at WPS, both academically and in extra-curricular activities, with artwork, sport and School productions just a small part of the successes of WPS.
2. As to Donal,Wheatley, I am not surprised to hear your account of Ofsted putting words in your mouth and undermining you as a pupil and agree that this discussion isn’t even warranted over such an unprofessional report. This archaic system of judging schools according to a set criterion by bureaucrats and pen-pushers is outdated and should be replaced with a system in which the pupils and parents judge the school, a system that would place Wheatley high on the list where it should be. Myself and other former students, current students and parents have a better awareness as to the success of WPS.
3. Taking myself as a case study, I am from a less-than well off background and have only ever lived in council estates. When I arrived at WPS in 2003, it was under the headship of Nick Young and was close to being out of control, ever since Kate Curtis took over I saw dramatic leaps forward, right up until I left, and with a younger sibling still there, continue to hear of the outstanding level of teaching. In my earlier years I fell in with the wrong crowd and was caught breaking the rules. I accepted and learnt from the experience in such a way that it was forgotten to the extent that I was asked, not elected, to replace a drop out of the Head boy/girl team. The point here is that it is down to how the individual pupil sees education and authority, that lesson is the responsibility of parents, and one that is increasingly being handed over to teaching staff.
4. I’m not denying that there are some problems at WPS. In my time I heard and witnessed some down-right despicable things, which happens at every school, but this was pupil to pupil and always ended in swift and firm consequences from the staff.
5. As to Let Down, Hospath, I have a strong assumption as to who in my year you are and I have some advice/comments. Yes you were a regular high achiever, one of the best if I remember correctly. However, that should mean that you had sense enough to plan ahead and learn the ins and outs of what you had to do to prepare for university application. In my personal opinion I believe you rested on your laurels and as a result were shocked when it didn’t all fall into place. That is down to you and no amount of scathing remarks to a school that has supported me and countless others is going to change that. As to the anecdotes of teachers bullying you, I find it hard to believe they are true as I came into contact with the same teachers and none were ever of such immoral standing as to engage in such nonsense. However I’m not here to discredit your claims, just to put my opinions across. Indeed WPS has changed its education ‘system’ (I don’t know the word for it) but everyone in our year was aware of that. The straight fact is that WPS had to change their system, and it fell on our year to be the last of the old. As you say the last chance for you on this old system is January, take this passionate feeling of injustice and do something about it by passing with flying colours and I wish you all the best. Ultimately it’s down to what you do with lemons, make lemonade or complain that they’re the wrong sort.
In short, this report is flawed and inaccurate. I received an undeserved amount of support throughout my education and, to an extent, was treated as an equal adult by my teachers for the sole fact that I showed a willingness to learn and respect to elders and positions of authority, something that must be taught from the home and not fobbed off onto teachers with the resulting label of failure.
WPS is a great school where pupils can thrive and develop; it does not deserve this scathing report and as an indicator to its support and impact on us, look at the number of current and former pupils who stand by it and comment here!!
Rant over.
WheatleyParkgirl
says...
5:54pm Sun 1 Nov 09
The school has supported so many of it's students, through oxbridge coaching, putting together portfolios for art schools and drama/performance auditions. If you felt like you didn't get the right support it's because you didn't ask for it. For example I am not a very good chemistry student at all, in fact I spent the last year doing pretty bad and achieving an E, and instead of giving up on me my teacher has been working ridiculously hard with me so I can gain a C? Even though I have no interest on carrying on chemistry but need a C to move on to further education. A lot of schools wouldn't even let me carry on the course.
In the end it's down to you. I've seen people who were average students at primary school but have worked extremely hard and are set on getting AAA at a level.
I'm not really questioning whether we should be in special measures or not, because safeguarding is key. But, I think the whole thing has been blown out of proportion and Wheatley Park is a completely supportive, safe, fun and creative environment to be. I wouldn't be the person I am today without it and I would never have moved schools.
westy`
says...
2:58pm Tue 3 Nov 09
It appears to me that this outcome was preordained, and the evidence to prove it was built upon autocratic small print, which was hurried into the regulations a fortnight earlier, and not yet communicated to schools. I don't see this as a balanced judgement, I believe this inspection was a sham, and the evidence to prove the judgement was actively sought out and engineered.
We as parents should perhaps reappraise our understanding of the role and agenda of "her majesty's inspectors"; who are they serving, us or their paymasters, and why would that be different? and where has their brief originated?
I small a particularly unpleasant and fat rat.
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Headteacher Kate Curtis
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MalcolmNewdick says...
11:43am Tue 27 Oct 09
Ofsted is right to point out where the school is under-performing, but special measures doesn't seem like the right solution to me. At the heart of the school are its people - students and teachers - and they need positive feedback not the negative image associated with the outcome of this inspection.
Wheatley Park school has my full support.
Malcolm Newdick