Ofsted conducted a remote visit to Kingswood Secondary Academy on December 1, 2020, to assess the school's response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit was part of a broader initiative to understand how schools are managing the return to full education after an extended period of disruption. The visit was not an inspection, and no graded judgments were made. Instead, it focused on discussions with the principal, senior leadership team, and subject leaders to gather insights into the school's operations during the autumn term.
During the visit, it was noted that approximately half of the pupils had to isolate at home at some point due to COVID-19. At the time of the visit, Year 7 pupils were in isolation. Despite these challenges, the school maintained its usual curriculum for pupils in Years 7 and 8, ensuring that they received support in reading, writing, and mathematics as needed. The leadership team had made adjustments to the curriculum, prioritizing key areas of learning and placing a greater emphasis on emotional well-being and mental health within the personal development curriculum.
Teachers assessed pupils' learning across all subjects and used this information to adapt their curriculum plans. For instance, Year 11 pupils were focusing on Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Pupils in Years 9 to 13 continued to study their examination courses, demonstrating the school's commitment to maintaining educational standards despite the ongoing pandemic.
The leadership team has plans to return to the usual curriculum by summer 2021, which includes increasing access to specialist teaching rooms for all classes. Additionally, the school is developing resources for remote education, incorporating a mix of online lessons and paper-based materials. Plans are also in place to provide equipment for pupils who lack access to electronic devices, ensuring that all pupils, including those isolating at home, can follow the same curriculum as their peers in school.
The visit did not reveal any significant concerns, and the information gathered will contribute to Ofsted's national reporting, helping to inform future policy decisions. The principal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the school's experiences, which will aid in understanding the broader educational landscape during this unprecedented time.
Overall, Kingswood Secondary Academy has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic. The leadership team's proactive approach to curriculum adjustments, support for pupils, and commitment to maintaining educational standards reflects a strong dedication to the well-being and academic success of all students. The insights gained from this visit will be valuable in shaping future educational practices and policies as schools continue to navigate the complexities of delivering quality education during and after the pandemic.
