110. Subject knowledge is a strength and has contributed to the development of very effective, published learning resources, which support pupils’ learning very considerably. The teaching team works very well together, and benefits from being based within the lOT faculty. This is very helpful, as all resources and expertise are shared. Results have improved since this team came together. Curriculum planning to enable coverage of two subjects in such a short time is very effective. A very good range of different activities within lessons, including role-play and use of the computers, appeals to all sorts of learning styles and keeps pupils very interested and engaged in learning. Although one group has fewer lessons per two weeks than the other, the department works hard to ensure that this does not compromise standards. Assessment is good, helping pupils to understand how to improve their work.

111. Leadership and management are very good. Teamwork is very successful and new staff are developed and supported very well. The department is developing its links with outside businesses, using these with Year 10, for example, to create a real marketing campaign. There are too few links currently to set pupils’ learning in a more realistic context. There was no report on business studies at the previous inspection, so no judgement can be made about improvement.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP

Citizenship

The overall quality of citizenship is good.

Main strengths and weaknesses

• The personal, social and health programme makes a good contribution to citizenship.

• The new head of the subject has a clear vision for citizenship, and has identified appropriate area for development.

• Systems for assessing and reporting on citizenship are at an early stage of development.

• Pupils achieve well in developing skills of enquiry, participation and responsibility in response to the generally good quality teaching.

Commentary

112. Citizenship is well established in the school. All subjects including personal, social and health education lessons and tutorial lessons are delivering the many aspects of the subject. In addition pupils are learning the skills of citizenship and political literacy through tutorials, which have encouraged them to express their views. Good opportunities are also provided for pupils to participate in school decision-making such as the council meetings. The citizenship agenda of political literacy, social and moral responsibility and community participation strongly underpins the school’s ethos, thus providing a strong basis for the delivery of the subject.

113. Standards for pupils in Years 7 to 9 are above average and pupils achieve well. They show a good understanding of the nature of British society today as it affects them, their school and people in the wider community. Standards in Year 10 and 11 are also above average and achievement is good. Among other topics they are developing their understanding of ways of securing a healthier life style and what can be learned from the experiences of other people.

114. In personal, social and health education lessons, where citizenship is often the focus o[ the lesson, the quality of teaching and learning is generally good. Lessons are well planned and objectives shared with pupils so they know on what to concentrate. Pupils are given ample opportunities to express their views in whole class discussions and in paired and group work and this improves their speaking and listening skills. Pupil’s skills of enquiry and communication are good and their knowledge and understanding about citizenship is developing well.