School’s Improvement Plans Are On Track
Following the publication of our latest inspection report, our headteacher, Mr Matt Vickery, has praised staff, students and parents for their hard work, commitment and support since he took up the post three years ago and says he is confident that improvement plans are on the right track.
Matt Vickery, said: “Over the last two years, a significant number of changes at Ysgol Clywedog have had a positive impact within the school, and we are pleased that Estyn has recognised these changes, and the conditions for improvement which they have created.
“I am disappointed however, that the school has been placed in special measures at this point. It is a shame that the inspection team was not allowed to report on our much improved 2019 summer results due to the results awaiting official verification. Those results were a reflection of all the hard work that the students and staff have put in during this time of change. We know the inspectors feel we need to improve in some areas, and I can assure students, staff and parents/guardians that we will continue work hard to meet and exceed everyone’s expectations.
“Estyn has made six recommendations to the school. Several changes to address these points have already been put in place, but have not yet had time to have an impact on overall GCSE outcomes.
“There are many positive comments within the report, especially regarding our students’ wellbeing and attitudes to learning, as well as the care, support and guidance the school provides. Our inclusive and caring ethos was praised, and the report was complimentary about the wide range of opportunities available to our students to develop their personal and social skills, both in school and in the wider community, which is important preparation for life beyond school.
“We are working hard to achieve improvements in teaching, and in the past year, we have concentrated on lesson planning which has led to a greater level of consistency. We must also ensure that our teachers have high expectations of our students and, equally, that we develop confident, aspirational learners. As part of our plans, we are developing strategies to improve teacher feedback so that it is more effective in helping students with their progress.”
“I was pleased that the report acknowledged the variety of opportunities we facilitate for more able and talented students to extend their learning experiences, and our excellent support for students with special educational needs (SEN).”
The report paid tribute to the school’s leadership and vision, noting that they have “raised staff morale and gained the confidence of the local community,” and it also stated that “the governing body provides constructive and valuable support for the school.”
Mr Vickery added: “We are looking forward to improved GCSE results again next year for Year 11 and then again the year after for Year 10, but this is only one aspect of the school. We will continue to strive to give all our students the very best all-round education, and to maintaining the caring and stimulating environment which makes our children feel safe, happy to be here, and keen to learn.
Phil Wynn, Chair of Governors, said: “It is important to state that this report does not change the direction of our improvement – it merely increases its pace. Nor does it change our ambition to ‘Be the best’ and see all of our students develop the skills and knowledge during their time at Ysgol Clywedog, which ensures they progress to their choice of further education or work-based training.”
We are now in the process of creating and implementing a Post Inspection Action Plan, which will be shared soon.
