School to set standard across UK
A WEAR Valley secondary school will be used as a model for schools across the country.Barbara Miller, a consultant from the Department of Children, Schools and Families was so impressed with the strategies being employed at the King James I Community Arts College in Bishop Auckland that she has used the school’s methods in a national report to be sent out to education establishments across the UK.
Speaking about her visit, Barbara said: “The visit was extremely positive, and the strategies being used are having a huge impact on raising low aspirations. The drive for improvement is very joined up and very well led in terms of raising aspirations, just as the drive to improve attendance is secured by a joined up approach.
“Behaviour at the school is very strong and students feel that they are involved in real decision through the student voice, and the staff have high expectations of their students.” Durham County Council chose King James for Barbara’s visit as part of her study into the factors that contribute to the progression of pupils in different types of locality. Headteacher Stephen Rodchester said: “It’s nice to have the recognition for our work here, and she really seemed impressed with our creative approach to learning. For example, we have a student radio station that allows pupil to learn about talking properly and how to read and write.”
Barbara was particularly interested in the maths department, and head of maths Fred Johnstone said: “We just do what we do, and now the children are reaping the rewards of all the effort.”
Barabra spoke to year nine and ten students, and all those questioned said they were proud of their school and had a very productive relationship with their teachers, who are the best thing about the school.
