EDGELEY PARK ACADEMY

Report of the Inspector – Year 1993/94

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This report is required to be produced under the provisions of the “Accountability to the Supporters Act 1993”, and as such incorporates an assessment of the extent to which the objectives of the Academy’s Governors have been met, together with an appraisal of both the teaching staff and the pupils.

Overall Objectives of the Academy

The Governors have determined that the objectives of the Academy are as follows:

1 To obtain a placing in the top two academies, which are classified by the Authorities as Division 2, based on continuous assessment examinations, (hereinafter referred to as Automatic Promotion)

2 To maximise performance in specific tests against a wide range of other Academies, (Cup success)

3 To develop the Academy Facilities (Ground Improvements)

4 To maximise external funding opportunities, by way of sponsorship and commercial activities (Fund Raising)

Summary of Achievements

Automatic Promotion – at the time of writing this report, this objective remains attainable, although recent tests against the York and Bournemouth Colleges mean that high pass rates in the remaining assignments are essential if the Academy is not to suffer the imposition of the end of term Play-Off examinations, where performance in previous terms has not been sufficient to ensure success

Cup Success – this objective has only been partially met. The first test of the term saw failure at the hands of the Hartlepool Ragged School – a most unsatisfactory performance against one of the poorer establishments. Unfortunately the Academy will not be able to arrange its annual day out to Wembley Grammar following a woeful enquiry at the hands of Huddersfield Tech. The Academy has had the opportunity to test itself against purportedly higher standard pupils. An outstanding demonstration against the QPR Premier School was unfortunately followed by failure against the Bristol Secondary Modern. Overall, whilst the Academy has not been awarded a prize the Board of Governors are satisfied with progress in this objective.

Ground Improvements – the Board of Governors recognise that success in the first two objectives will require investment in the infrastructure of the Academy, and to this end have instituted some development work. They do, however, need also to recognise that provision for the Friends of the Academy, (FOTA), in the form of shelter at the Railway End of the premises should be a priority task. At present, it does appear that the Governors are intent on the provision of accommodation elsewhere, contrary to the wishes of FOTA

Fund Raising – good progress has been made in this area, albeit that there does appear, on occasions, to be a lack of appreciation on the part of the Governors of the extent to which goodwill can be sacrificed for a quick financial return. This issue came to a head when entrance fees for the examination against Bristol SM were determined, and has been highlighted by the FOTA publication, “The Tea Party”

Appraisal of the Teaching Staff

The staff, under the Headmaster, Mr Bergara, and comprising Mr Sainty; Mr Jones and Mr Wylde, have worked hard to ensure that the Objectives 1 & 2, (Promotion and Cup Success), are achieved. Mr Philpotts was engaged, after leaving Wigan School, to supervise the work of the junior pupils.

The Headmaster appears to be at times uncertain of the quality of a number of his pupils, and has also encountered problems of discipline. It is also felt that Mr Bergara attempts to deal with such problems by withdrawing pupils from the Academy. It is also evident that a number of pupils continue to be submitted for examination when ill-prepared, badly motivated, or simply unable to pass the test. It is of concern that the Headmaster clearly favours some pupils, and pays little attention to others – a problem that should be remedied immediately.

Appraisal of the Pupils

Edwards N – Following disciplinary problems last term, he came back strongly and performed well, although examinations against Fulham GS and Bristol SM led to his exclusion from further tests. Now confined to the sanitorium for the rest of term.

Ironside I – For a greater part of term not submitted for examination, but when tested has performed adequately, although prone to simple mistakes.

Todd L – The most improved pupil, although recently excluded from evaluation by the Headmaster. It would not be surprising were he to attend a wealthier Academy next term

Wallace M – The Headmaster has discovered that he performs better in a subject other than that thought to be his strength. Full marks for effort – however, his basic abilities remain to be fully tested.

Frain D – A long standing pupil of the Academy, whose ability is without question, but application is not all that it could be.

Flynn M – A consistent pupil, witnessed by his 100% examination attendance record. Scope for improvement in the more creative aspects of his work.

Gannon J – His progress this term has been disappointing, given his success in previous examinations. Subject to disciplinary action and subsequently sent to the Notts County Reform School.

Miller D – A sound contribution to the overall performance of the Academy.

Williams W – Confined to the sanitorium for much of the term, but when entered for examinations, acquitted himself well.

Finley A – The Headmaster has not considered himself able to sit the examination. Given his end of term performance last year, this is surprising, as would his retention at the Academy for next term.

Connelly S – A newcomer to the Academy who has spent a portion of this term in the sanitorium. Has the potential to be entered for examination, but will require more experience.

Barras T – Has not had the opportunity to display the ability which he demonstrated two terms ago. The Headmaster thought it appropriate for him to spend a time at the Rotherham College in order to practice his skills.

James M – Not a hard worker, but his ability to assist other pupils in attaining test scores has largely been ignored. This pupil would be an asset to the Academy were the Headmaster to give him the opportunity.

Emerson D – An old boy of the Academy who returned following financial problems at the Hartlepool Ragged School. It is unclear why the Headmaster selected him to be a pupil, since his ability to work creatively has not been used.

Ward P – The Academy’s Head Boy has great ability, although his application is open to question. During the latter half of the term has been entered for examination more frequently than his performances have merited.

Beaumont C – A long standing pupil, who now appears to have reached school leaving age. The Headmaster believes that he should be a regular candidate for examinations although test results indicate otherwise.

Ryan D – A pupil who shows flair and application in his work. Although there is no documentary evidence it is believed that problems with the Headmaster have led to his exclusions from examination recently.

Preece A – A productive term for this pupil, with a particularly exemplary test result against the QPR Premier School. Has flair, but application is open to question.

Francis K – The Academy’s star pupil. His performance in terms of effort and examination success indicates that wealthier Academies will seek to ensure that he studies elsewhere next term

Carstairs J -The Headmaster has not regarded this pupil as being able to enter more than one examination this term

Foreign Exchange Students – The Headmaster has recently adopted a policy of encouraging students from abroad – Murray B (USA) and Cantona J (France) are the first entrants

Other Students – A number of students have left the Academy this term, none of whom were entered for serious examination, (Williams P; Whitehead P; Deegan M; Wilkinson I; and Quinn J). In addition, the Headmaster has just enrolled Keeley J as support for the rest of the term

Inspector’s Summary

Overall, the Academy has been reasonably successful this term. Further work is necessary to ensure that the Objective of Automatic Promotion is achieved. Should the Board of Governors wish to see the Academy reclassified to Division 1 status by the Authorities, test results indicate that sufficient funds will have to be made available in order to attract better quality pupils.

April 1994