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Posted on April 19th 2012
“This is an outstanding academy,” Ofsted
Harris Girls’ Academy has been classed as ‘outstanding’ in every aspect of its work, following an inspection by Ofsted in March 2012.
After two gruelling days of lesson observations, assessments, interviews and questionnaires, the Ofsted team concluded that East Dulwich Girls’ was outstanding in all four of the reported categories:
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achievement of pupils
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quality of teaching
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behaviour and pupil safety
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leadership and management
The new Ofsted framework, introduced this year, focuses on lesson observations, student achievement, progress over time and development of literacy across the curriculum, as well as conversations with students, parents and staff.
“Students achieve exceptionally well.” Ofsted 2012
Inspectors praised the ‘relentless pursuit of excellence by leaders and managers and the highest aspirations for every student’, saying this was central to our success.
Our academy has been in the top 2% of schools nationally for student progress for the past two years, and Ofsted agreed that all students ‘achieve exceptionally well’ and ‘have very positive attitudes to learning’.
"The curriculum is outstanding.” Ofsted 2012
They were particularly impressed to see consistently students choosing to learn, describing them as ‘extremely keen to achieve’. Ofsted said ‘a calm atmosphere pervades the academy’ with students overwhelming agreeing that ‘the academy is a safe place to be’.
“A calm atmosphere pervades the academy.” Ofsted 2012
The team rightly noted that ‘students’ well-being, health and safety are at the heart of the academy’s work’, that ‘bullying is rare’ and that ‘high levels of respect were shown as students listened attentively to their peers’. Health Sciences, which includes a focus on the wellbeing of our students, is one of the academy’s particular strengths and specialisms.
“A superb range of opportunities.” Ofsted 2012
With the new focus on literacy and development of the ‘basics’, the inspection team described the curriculum as providing ‘memorable experiences, broadening horizons, motivating students and raising aspiration’. Developing literacy being seen as ‘paramount’, they said.
Nobody enjoys the Ofsted process – it is hard work for all involved; but the staff at Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich have been proud to see the results of the tremendous work they have done and the effort they have invested being glowingly reflected in this first outstanding result under the new framework.
Jane Fletcher, Principal
A paper copy of the Ofsted report has been sent home with each student. If you do not receive it for any reason and would like us to post one please contact us and we shall arrange it. Thank you.
