electronic and acoustic material, but when pupils describe and discuss their music they do not use musical language with sufficient detail.

101. Teaching and learning are very good. In Years 10 and 11, much is excellent. Teachers’ knowledge of music and national criteria underpins their very good planning and very high expectations. Therefore pupils are constantly challenged through varied tasks which all have an explicit focus. Musical skills are revisited and pupils are adept at using musical knowledge to improve their work. Teachers are excellent musicians and through their practical demonstrations boys and girls are inspired to learn and do as well as they can. The very good relationships and humour found in lessons means that pupils learn from each other and sympathetically evaluate others’ work. Pupils learn to explain musical concepts to each other, which means they are very clear about what they are doing. Time is used effectively and the very good feedback of their work in lessons means that pupils understand how to improve and attain the highest possible standards. From Year 7 as part of their music lessons, pupils use the impressive computers and recording facilities. This means they can record, save and refine their work regularly and use technology to help them compose more complex pieces of music.

102. The leadership of the head of department is excellent. He is an exceptional role model through his own teaching, and conveys his enthusiasm and love of music to pupils and other staff. Policy and planning is exemplary and provides excellent guidance and support for all teachers, including those new to the profession. Management is very good. Pupils progress is analysed comprehensively, however, they do not set their own targets at the end of each unit of work. This means pupils rely on teachers and do not know how to improve and measure their progress against national standards. The very good range of ensembles, which enrich the musical experiences of many pupils, illustrates the commitment of all staff, including visiting instrumental teachers to the musical life of the school. There has been very good improvement since the previous inspection, especially in achievement and the quality of teaching and learning.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The overall quality of provision in physical education is very good.

Main strengths and weaknesses

• Results in the GCSE examination are very significantly above the national average.
  
• The leadership and management of the department are very good.
  
  
• Very good relationships and good lesson management ensures that pupils have a very positive attitude to the subject.
  
  
• The very wide range of extra~curricular activities is very well supported by large and enthusiastic groups of pupils.

Commentary

103. In recent years GCSE examination results have been above the national average, and in 2004 they were very significantly better than the national average. Inspection evidence indicates that the pupils in the current examination groups are performing at least as well, with a majority achieving at the highest level.

104. The levels of attainment at the end of Year 9 are overall better than that achieved nationally. This represents good achievement by pupils, some of whom have only limited physical education experiences and skills when they arrive from their primary school, Pupils perform well in a wide range of activities. In games they demonstrate good ball control and are acquiring the skills to enable them to compete successfully. In gymnastics most pupils can create gymnastic sequences that are performed with fluency and control.