St Ignatius College, located on Turkey Street in Enfield, continues to be recognized as a good school following its inspection from November 5 to 6, 2019. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils enjoy their education and maintain respectful relationships with their teachers. The ethos of the school encourages students and staff to embody the principle of being 'men and women for others,' promoting a culture of respect and care.
Pupils exhibit commendable behavior in lessons, demonstrating a strong appreciation for their education. They take pride in their work, presenting it well and moving calmly between classes. The school leadership is proactive in maintaining order, ensuring that bullying is not tolerated and that any incidents are effectively addressed. The school provides a wide array of extracurricular activities, including clubs for music and sports, which are well attended. These activities are seen as essential for developing confident and contributing members of society.
The curriculum is designed with high aspirations for all pupils, allowing them to revisit previously learned concepts, which aids in applying knowledge in new contexts. Teachers are adept at identifying gaps in learning and adapting lessons accordingly. For instance, science teachers have developed new units to enhance understanding of complex topics like electricity. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the teaching of languages and art. In languages, while vocabulary practice is emphasized, opportunities for pupils to construct sentences and paragraphs are insufficient, which hinders their overall language development. In art, students preparing for GCSE struggle to utilize subject-specific knowledge effectively, indicating a need for better retention of previously learned material.
The school maintains high standards of behavior and respect among pupils, encouraging them to take on leadership roles as 'Ignatian brothers' to mentor younger students. During lessons, pupils are focused and eager to tackle challenging work, although they can become disengaged when curriculum aims are not sufficiently ambitious. In English, pupils demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, as evidenced by their ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
Teachers possess excellent subject knowledge and present information clearly, using homework effectively to reinforce learning. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive support primarily outside of lesson time, and while they thrive in well-structured subjects, they may struggle when the curriculum is not adequately adapted to their needs.
Staff express satisfaction with the support from senior leaders, who prioritize staff well-being and workload management. Leaders minimize meetings and promote collaboration, which benefits teachers who may not specialize in certain subjects. The school's safeguarding arrangements are effective, with well-trained staff who understand reporting procedures. Regular safeguarding briefings allow for discussions on various situations, ensuring that pupils receive necessary support.
Despite the school's strengths, there are areas requiring attention. The curriculum in some subjects lacks coherent planning and sequencing, particularly in languages where writing skills need further development. In art, pupils need to enhance their use of subject-specific vocabulary to articulate their learning effectively. Additionally, the curriculum must be better adapted for pupils with special educational needs to ensure they can grasp concepts being taught.
Overall, St Ignatius College demonstrates a commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience, with a clear path for improvement in specific areas to enhance student outcomes further.
