Parkwood E-ACT Academy, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on March 28 and 29, 2023. The leadership team demonstrates a strong understanding of the school’s needs and is dedicated to providing the best possible experiences for all pupils. The commitment of the staff is evident as they work closely with students, fostering an environment where learning is enjoyable and productive. Most pupils are able to articulate their learning effectively, and while many retain important knowledge, some struggle with recalling information from previous lessons.
The school promotes a robust set of values centered around being ready, respectful, and safe, which permeates the school culture. These values set high expectations for behavior, and pupils generally meet these standards, exhibiting respect towards peers and adults alike. Incidents of bullying are reported to be rare, and when they do occur, the leadership addresses them promptly. The overall atmosphere in the school is one of safety and care, contributing to a positive learning environment.
Parkwood E-ACT Academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to the interests of pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The leadership actively seeks pupil input to ensure that the activities provided are engaging and beneficial. Support systems are in place to help all students participate in these opportunities, ensuring inclusivity.
The curriculum is ambitious and designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Teachers are focused on building knowledge and skills progressively, with lesson activities that reinforce essential knowledge. Improvements have been noted in pupils' retention of knowledge, particularly in humanities subjects, where past challenges have been addressed.
While teachers effectively check understanding during lessons, there are areas for improvement in the feedback process. In some subjects, the methods used to provide feedback and assess understanding are less effective, leading to inconsistencies in the quality of independent work produced by pupils. Additionally, while support for pupils with special educational needs is generally strong, there are still barriers to learning that need to be addressed to ensure all pupils can achieve their potential.
The school has undergone significant leadership changes since the last inspection, which have positively impacted the curriculum, particularly for higher-attaining pupils. The new leadership team has implemented strategies that enhance critical thinking and engagement in subjects like English. Attendance has improved, reflecting the efforts of leaders to work collaboratively with pupils, parents, and carers.
Pupils feel comfortable reporting inappropriate behavior, and the school has established effective procedures for safeguarding. Staff are well-trained and aware of their responsibilities in ensuring pupil safety, including online safety. The school provides comprehensive pastoral care, ensuring that all pupils, especially the most vulnerable, receive the support they need.
Despite the overall positive evaluation, there are areas identified for improvement. Strategies to support pupils with special educational needs need to be more effectively tailored to individual needs to overcome learning barriers. Additionally, ensuring that understanding is consistently checked across all subjects will help address knowledge gaps and raise expectations for pupil performance. The school is committed to continuous improvement and is actively working to enhance the educational experience for all its pupils.
