Shevington High School, located in Wigan, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 15 and 16, 2022. The school fosters a welcoming community where pupils take pride in their participation and work diligently. The behavior of the students aligns with the high expectations set by their teachers, demonstrating politeness and respect towards peers and adults alike. In the classroom, students engage actively, listening attentively and concentrating on their tasks.
Students express a strong sense of safety within the school environment, appreciating the respectful relationships they share with one another and with staff. They are confident that any instances of bullying would be addressed promptly by teachers. The leadership team, including governors, exhibits ambition for all students, maintaining a clear vision for the school’s direction. They have innovatively integrated information technology into the learning process, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, progress effectively through the curriculum.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has limited opportunities for enrichment activities, but school leaders are now encouraging students to participate in various clubs, societies, and team games, which many are embracing enthusiastically. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with leaders promoting the study of modern foreign languages, including Mandarin, alongside European languages, enabling students to achieve well.
Subject leaders have carefully designed the curriculum, considering the sequence of content delivery to facilitate knowledge building over time. However, there are some subjects in key stage three where the curriculum structure may inhibit deeper learning, preventing students from fully grasping essential concepts. Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, which aids in effective curriculum delivery. They clearly explain concepts and ensure that students utilize technology to access well-designed resources. Regular recaps of important learning help students retain previously acquired knowledge.
Assessment strategies are effectively employed to check student understanding, with teachers using assessment data to identify misconceptions and adapt the curriculum accordingly. Students appreciate the feedback they receive, which aids in their improvement. The positive attitudes of students contribute to a conducive learning environment, with lessons proceeding without disruption.
Leaders accurately identify the needs of students with special educational needs, and teachers utilize this information to provide effective support, allowing these students to progress through the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Robust systems are in place to identify students with weak reading skills upon joining the school, enabling targeted interventions to enhance their reading confidence and fluency. Initiatives to promote reading for pleasure are fostering a stronger reading culture within the school.
The personal development curriculum is well-structured, offering students opportunities to discuss relevant issues, including relationships, health matters, and financial budgeting. Effective careers education and guidance are provided, with independent advice and insights from former students about their career paths.
Staff members appreciate the support from leaders and governors in managing their workload. Governors are well-informed and actively contribute to the school’s improvement efforts. The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture of safeguarding evident throughout the school. Staff training is thorough, ensuring that they can identify and respond to potential risks to students. Overall, Shevington High School continues to provide a supportive and effective educational environment for its students, with clear areas for improvement identified in the curriculum structure for certain subjects.
