The new OFSTED inspection regime gives schools  just two days notice of an OFSTED visit. Our inspection took place on  23rd and 24th November, when the five-strong team interviewed staff, students and parents and observed lessons.

We await the published report, but oral feedback given was extremely positive and confirms that we are an effective and improving school with many good features and that much progress has been made since the last inspection.

We are good value for money!

The inspectors said that our students ‘were passionate’ about their school. One student was quoted as saying: “Every year this school gets better and better.”

Our 6th Form was seen as an asset to the school and the inspectors recognized the effort staff and students were putting in to achieve high standards.

The inspectors found no areas of our school to be unsatisfactory. Everyone made them welcome and they thanked us for making the inspection process run smoothly.

OFSTED inspections are obviously stressful but for us it was important confirmation of what we already knew.

The Sydney Russell School is a good school!

 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE– WE PASSED!

                 Wednesday 16^th November was a red letter day at Sydney Russell as West Ham starlet Anton Ferdinand visited to talk with two groups of Year 8 boys. The purpose of the visit, organised by literacy co-ordinator Mrs. Purnell, was for Anton to encourage the boys to aspire to the highest standards by discussing with them his own experiences in life.

                 The awestruck boys witnessed a Parkinson-style interview in which Anton revealed tantalising autobiographical information. We learned of his tough formative years, kicking a ball around a tiny flat in Peckham with his brother (some bloke named Rio apparently) and the gruelling physical regime demanded of professional footballers. Indeed, he himself was rather shattered, having played for England Under-21s the previous night, and had only arrived back in the country at 5a.m. that morning!

 

Year Eight Boys give

Anton the Ferd Degree

Anton explained the crucial importance of education in his life, and the life of the boys in front of him. Although he had a natural flair for the beautiful game, and the strength of character to nurture it, he remained committed to his studies, encouraged by a supportive father and the realisation that qualifications were required just in case a career in football did not work out quite as planned. In short- a wonderful role model for all pupils at our school.

As Anton was smuggled  out of the library, displaying the deftness of a winger to sidestep the clamour for autographs, Mrs Purnell thought how beneficial the experience had been. The boys certainly thought so. Feelings of goodwill to Anton flowed through her; an experience that lasted almost exactly 72 hours, when the new idol of Year 8 scored a most unwelcome last minute equaliser against her team, Spurs. Oh well, perhaps she can forgive him just this once!

Anton Ferdinand with Year 8 Upper Band Students