Page 16 - link magazine

16 swindonlink.com • January 2012
Isambard celebrates Ofsted despite academy delays

Headteacher Rachael Mattey is very pleased with Ofsted’s latest verdict on Isambard Community School, but is frustrated by the continued
delay over conversion to academy status.
“Our second Ofsted inspection with how we’ve still managed to the surrounding community and to academy order in September, and
has shown a good overall result, improve despite big changes each local organisations. there has been no change to our
with several outstanding features year, taking in a new year group “As there isn’t an established contract. However the PFI funders
and outstanding capacity for im- and associated staff. He also made community here in Redhouse, Isam- perceive that academy status would
provement,” said Rachael. positive comments about the huge bard School plays an important part constitute a change to their level
“The inspector was impressed contribution our students make to in creating traditions and a sense of of risk.
community. “There is now a barrister looking
“The lantern parade is in its into the legalities of the orders for
Money invested in education fourth year now, and provides PFI schools all across the country, a
will pay long term dividends a focal point every Autumn. We process which is going to take some
have also recently hosted Battle of time. Meanwhile it’s costing schools
Education is never far from the news and in times of recession and the Bands, and one of our students like ours a lot of money as we’re not
cutbacks, parents will more than ever recognise the need to invest in is planning a talent show. Another getting our share of academy top-up
their children’s education to give them the best chances to succeed in group of students has been com- funding in lieu of local authority
a competitive jobs market when they are older. missioned to produce the artwork services. We’re still not entirely in
Belt tightening and cutting their study discipline in their ap- for a local business.” control of our own destiny.”
corners should not apply where proach to coursework and final However, al-
education is concerned according exams and give them confidence though a strong
to David and Andrea Parkinson in their abilities. Ofsted result
who run Aspire Tuition at Basepoint “Regrettably some young people and good rela-
Business Centre in Westlea. come to us too late, so we recom- tionship with
“We’ve had more enquiries this mend parents contact us as soon as the commu-
year which is a reflection of parental they have concerns for their child.” nity stands the
worries about the prospects for their Aspire Tuition caters for young- school in good
children,” said David. “The pupils sters from age 7 years, working stead for acad-
we see have different needs, some with qualified teachers, usually in emy status, it
are desperately trying to ensure a ratio of one to four. During an could now be
they achieve the basic requirement initial assessment, strengths and April before
of many employers: grade C GCSE weaknesses are identified and an c o n v e r s i o n
in English and Maths. individual programme is devised finally takes
“Many are looking to boost their for each learner. Parents are kept place.
knowledge to achieve higher grades informed of their progress with “The Govern-
to give them the edge, but what we regular reports. ment issued our
also do is help youngsters improve For details see the advert below. Rachael Mattey
with Isambard
year 8 pupils
Help your child to succeed!
Home education opens up a different world
Mum of 7 Liz Brackenbury has taken two of her children out of main-
Most Year 10 & 11 (GCSE) students we stream secondary schooling in order to educate them at home and says
assess cannot answer these questions: the option is available to other parents.
“I’d toyed with the idea of home such as joint art and craft sessions
a) what is the 7 in 6.347? education for quite a while after we so children get the chance to work
b) what is 3/8 of 160? had met some home-schoolers at with others and have a social life
Lower Shaw Farm.
with a wider circle of friends.”
c) what is 7647 divided by 3? “After Josh, 12, and Phoebe, 11, Other activities include drama,
left primary school I decided to forest school work, woodwork,
If your child is in Year 7 or above, do they educate them at home because I archery and cookery, which enable
know the correct answers? If they don’t, they felt senior school is too anonymous, pupils to develop life skills.
Liz explains the legal situation.
and that lots of the curriculum gets
may need some extra help with maths. rushed through. “It’s not a statutory requirement
David Parkinson, Centre Director “Now they have a private tutor to send your children to school,”
Answers: for the academic side, which is she said. “As long as you prove
a) 7/1000 structured in preparation for GC- that you’re making provision for
b) 60 SEs, and then they choose subjects your child to learn, home education
c) 2549 H English, Mathematics and Science they want to do. This way I feel offers another option for parents.
H Fully qualified teachers they’re receiving a better quality of “The children have to be fairly
education and can learn in a way self-motivated and so do the
H Accelerated GCSE programme that suits them.” parents, and the costs of private
A typical day for Josh and Phoebe tutoring do mount up. But I feel it’s
H 11+ training and preparation includes three hours’ study in the a privilege to be closely involved in
H Free assessment and first lesson morning before pursuing interests your child’s education. It seemed
in the afternoon. Josh loves dance, so against the grain at first, but it’s
H Boost your child’s confidence for Phoebe it’s horses and she such a relief to not worry about
spends time helping out at a stables. their schooling. The home educa-
Liz says home-schooling parents tion experience has opened up a
and children are not on their own in whole new world for Josh, Phoebe
Telephone: the town. “There’s a growing group and the rest of my family.”
01793 726263 of home-schoolers in Swindon and To contact Liz Brackenbury mail:
www.aspiretuition.co.uk the mutual support is brilliant. [email protected]
Parents organise different activities, www.nwilts-he.org.uk

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