The new secondary department at Samuel Rhodes School in Islington has a “breathtaking impact on all those who visit”, an Ofsted report has concluded.
Inspectors found the state-of-the-art building, in Highbury New Park, N5, was already having a positive impact on learning – despite opening just 20 days before their visit.
Their report also noted that pupils now have more opportunities to learn trades like hairdressing and building, with dedicated areas for these in the new building.
The primary section of the school moved to Montem School in Hornsey Road, N7, last year – one mile away from the secondary department. Both sections of the school cater for children with special educational needs.
Inspectors said the refurbished primary site has had an immediate impact, with a fun environment where pupils are “happy and excited about their learning”.
Headteacher Jackie Blount said: “This success could only be due to the hard work of the pupils and the exceptional, untiring work of the staff who not only raised achievement again last year, but also managed to move both the primary and secondary departments to fabulous new accommodation in Hornsey and Highbury.”
Cllr Paula Belford, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “Of course, moving school sites has presented challenges; but staff and pupils have risen to those challenges and are reaping the rewards. I’m delighted the hard work of everyone has been recognised in this latest report. This is one of the first 'Building Schools for the Future' projects to be finished, with a promising future ahead.”
The Ofsted report concludes: “The quality of teaching is good. Effective part-time specialists in art and music therapy pay keen attention to motor skills and creative thinking, which has a good impact on learning. Practical lessons seize pupils’ interests; they love to learn by doing.”
Inspectors rated the overall effectiveness of the school, and the school’s capacity for sustained improvement, as “good”.
Page Last Updated: 20 November 2009