September 2022 Ofsted inspection visit
We were pleased to welcome an Ofsted inspection visit in September 2022. The full text of the report is linked below. Leaders were pleased that inspectors recognised the Quality of Education at South Bank provides is Good. Behaviour and Attitudes were judged as Good, and safeguarding effective.
‘Leaders are ambitious to develop pupils’ employability skills in preparation for their future. They have designed a curriculum within specific career pathways. Pupils participate in workshops and complete work placements with a range of the school’s business and education partners. This supports pupils’ learning in class… Provision for careers education, advice and guidance is excellent.’
‘Pupils are happy and safe here. They behave well in lessons and have positive attitudes to their studies. Leaders have high expectations for the behaviour of pupils. Pupils listen to their teachers and show respect for different cultures and beliefs. Bullying is rare. When any bullying does occur, leaders take action to address it.’
‘Leaders have built strong partnerships with London-based businesses and further education and skills providers. Through these partnerships, pupils participate in a range of school-based projects and enrichment outings and visits… Through these activities, pupils gain strong employability skills and develop their confidence and independence.’
‘Sixth-form students successfully progress to destinations that meet their career interests and aspirations.’
‘In most subject areas in Year 11 and the sixth form, leaders have identified the key knowledge and skills they want pupils to learn. They have sequenced the curriculum to build on pupils’ prior knowledge. Pupils build a strong understanding of key subject knowledge over time… Teachers have strong subject knowledge… They identify when pupils have not understood and give them the support they need.’
November 2020 Ofsted remote monitoring inspection
South Bank UTC hosted a monitoring visit from Ofsted in November 2020. Its findings are below. We were pleased that inspectors noted the innovative and responsive approach to Covid-19 led by leaders, including for example, a Year 14 programme whereby students were able to remain at the UTC for an additional 6th form year, covering the first year of an undergraduate degree programme in engineering at no cost. This enabled students to progress directly to the second year of a degree the following year.
From this visit, inspectors noted that:
- Approximately one-fifth of pupils and students have had to work from home at some point this term due to self-isolation or awaiting COVID-19 test results.
- All pupils and students are studying their usual range of subjects.
- Leaders have reordered the curriculum content in some subjects. Pupils and students do less practical work in science and engineering than usual. Leaders aim to give more opportunities for practical work by the summer term 2021.
- Teachers have checked all pupils’ and students’ starting points in each subject this term. This has helped them to prioritise key skills and knowledge. For example, there is a focus on reading skills in Years 10 and 11.
- Pupils in Year 10 spent the first three weeks of this term learning a ‘recovery’ curriculum in English, mathematics and science. This was to cover work that pupils may have missed in Years 7 to 9 at their previous schools. Year 11 pupils also spent time at the start of term catching up on work in these subjects.
- Students in Years 12 and Year 13 continue to study their chosen subjects. In both year groups, teachers of A-level courses have adapted the curriculum this term to cover work that students may have missed. In September, a higher number of students than usual joined Year 12.
- Leaders set up a Year 14 this year. This caters specifically for a group of learners whose apprenticeships fell through in summer 2020 as a result of COVID-19. They are now working towards a Higher National Certificate in engineering.
- Remote education is an established part of the curriculum, particularly for students in Years 12 to 14. Students regularly complete and upload assignments online as part of their courses. Pupils and students isolating at home have access to work from their timetabled lessons each day. For example, teachers record voiceovers to their PowerPoint lessons. Staff are familiar with online learning and leaders plan to deliver additional training as the year progresses.
The full report can be read here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/142905