We recently had a two-day visit from Ofsted, where three inspectors rigorously evaluated our effectiveness as an education provider. It was a thorough and demanding inspection, including many lesson observations, 'deep dives' on our curriculum plans, conversations with over 150 students, and checks on our behaviour, pastoral care, and safeguarding. It's wonderful to share that "Q3 Academy Great Barr continues to be a good school", but this headline only scratches the surface. The feedback is brimming with praise for our Academy! In this newsletter, we are proud to share some direct quotes from Ofsted. "Q3 Academy Great Barr serves its community well. Relationships between pupils and teachers are strong and based on mutual respect." "Pupils achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). High numbers of pupils progress successfully on to higher education, apprenticeships and employment." "Leaders have set out clear expectations for pupils' conduct and behaviour. These expectations are well understood by pupils and constantly applied by staff. Pupils are consistently 'ready, respectful and responsible'. This means that the school environment is purposeful and pupils feel safe." "Bullying is uncommon. Most pupils are confident that adults will take it seriously and sort it out quickly if it does happen." "Many pupils attend the impressive range of opportunities and clubs on offer. In music, for example, a range of pupils from across the school meet up weekly to play, relax or simply chat about their musical interests." "There are also opportunities for pupils to develop their character and leadership skills. Many pupils, for instance, take pride in being part of the Combined Cadet Force and wearing their uniform in the weekly parades." "The headteacher is ambitious for all pupils, including those with SEND. Over recent years, he and other leaders have taken effective steps to improve the curriculum. All pupils now study a broad range of subjects in depth from Year 7 to Year 9." "Teachers, including those in the sixth form, have strong subject knowledge. They explain subject content clearly and check pupils' understanding well in lessons. Teachers use questions skilfully to help them to spot pupils who may be stuck. This means that pupils who need help get it quickly." "Leaders pay serious attention to ensuring that all pupils can read. Consequently, these pupils are becoming more confident and fluent readers. … A carefully chosen selection of books help pupils to improve their word understanding and broaden their knowledge of various health, well-being and social issues." "The school is calm and orderly. Disruption to learning is rare and very little learning time is lost. During lesson changeovers, pupils move around the building sensibly and without fuss." "Leaders work hard to promote staff well-being. Staff morale is high. Adults value the role they play in pupils' education. They are proud to work at the school." Read the full reportWe strongly encourage all parents, carers, and staff to read the Ofsted report in full. It really does capture our ethos and culture very well, and is the successful culmination of many years of hard work by leaders, staff, and students. As always, there are also helpful development areas which will further sharpen our focus in the coming months. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the inspection, including those who completed the surveys. It's been a delightful validation of our great work, and we now look forward to taking our Academy to even greater strengths. Upcoming Events
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