On 21st April 2008, I attended the Cross Ofsted Education Directorate’s Inclusion Forum in Camden, North London, at which a group of senior Ofsted inspectors (HMI) developed their understanding of successful inclusion policies and listened to a group of young people talk about their experiences of re-engagement with the education system. Some had gone through a period of disengagement; others had been identified early as being at risk of disengaging and all had benefited from an enriched curriculum and pastoral system.
These young men and women aged 14-18 talked with honesty and with eloquence about how their Catholic school, Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Sports College in Wolverhampton, had given them chance after chance ("it's not just about the second or third, but the twenty-fifth chance!") and helped them to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. During the session entitled The journey from disaffection to re-engagement, they stood up one at a time and presented themselves as authentic, reflective individuals who had come through difficult times to be able to visualise and realise success in their fields of interest, whether academic study, music, sport or drama. Teachers were praised for "going the extra mile" and "having faith" in their students, who come from diverse backgrounds and of all faiths and none.
Later, when questioned, Headteacher Mary Keelan said that the Catholic ethos of the school underpins all interactions between staff and students; it is impossible to "unpick" the distinctive Catholic nature of the school from the daily workings of successful policies to tackle exclusion and disadvantage.
These young people were clearly proud of their school and the efforts that staff within the school had made to help them discover their true selves. They wanted to share their experiences in order to help others. One young man reflected on how a school retreat had given him the motivation to succeed and engage with education, while others had experienced support in a particular curriculum area such as languages or art to assist them with harnessing their talent.
It became clear that at the root of the school's inclusion policies is a care for others that is rooted in Gospel values and these values have changed the lives of those who now have the confidence to stand in front of a large group of adults and tell their story.
The students’ word of the day? "Empowerment".
The Ofsted inspectors were impressed: 'one of the best experiences I have ever had in a conference', said one; 'I was spellbound', said another. The post-conference letter to Miss Keelan thanked the school for its efforts and 'outstanding' presentations. 'The students were highly impressive', the inspector said, '- they have clearly developed a positive sense of self belief which I believe will be a significant factor in their future success.'
Students and staff of Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Sports College, Wolverhampton, with Headteacher Mary Keelan and Assistant Headteacher Toni Ellis
Students convinced Ofsted inspectors to take part in an ice-breaker!
Students gave individual presentations
More about the school:
Our Lady and St Chad is a Catholic sports college and one of the most diverse schools in Wolverhampton. Statistics show acute levels of social deprivation in the local area. The school has been lauded by HMI in the past for its work on standards, particularly regarding the improved results of African-Caribbean male students who were in danger of disengaging from education.
In 2007, the HMI Black Inclusion Project Rapid Response Team visited the school to understand more about its conspicuous success in raising standards, reducing exclusion and youth offending and encouraging community involvement. Students reported consistently high levels of respect between staff, students and parents, consistent positive encouragement, planned regular liaison with parents and success in an enriched 14-19 curriculum all having a positive impact upon academic progress.
The school uses its Specialist Sports College status to work with the community and the school is now open as a community sports centre in the evenings with links to 43 schools in Wolverhampton. The community sports programme focuses on the reduction of youth crime, creating sustainable pathways and providing adult education.
Our Lady and St Chad features in the recent CES publication Catholic Schools and Community Cohesion: CES Guidance (2008) www.cesew.org.uk/communitycohesion and you can find out more from the school's website www.olsc.org.uk.
Laura McCann
Policy & Briefing Officer
20th June 2008
