The COVID lockdown took its toll on students getting ready for sixth form life at an Isle of Wight high school, a virtual Ofsted visit has found.
While the pandemic continues, all Ofsted inspections have been postponed but in a national research programme, more than 1,200 schools are being remotely visited to discuss the effects Covid has had on education since the start of the September term.
Led by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, the review is also looking at how schools are managing the return to full education following the extended break earlier in the year.
On the Island, and across the country, schools closed on March 20 with students switching to remote learning and summer exams cancelled to stop the spread of the virus.
With the months of lost learning time and a degree of uncertainty around exams next summer, the report is hoping to share insights from schools with the government and education sector.
One of the schools taking part in the research is Christ The King College, which is currently rated as ‘inadequate’ by the school inspectors.
A remote visit took place towards the start of November and in a letter to Matthew Quinn, the college’s executive headteacher, inspectors said no significant concerns were found during the remote visit.
Carrying out the visit, inspector Janet Pearce found all pupils are able to study the full range of subjects the college offers but leaders thought pupils needed to build up their stamina and concentration to get the most out of their lessons and the college day again.
Pupils in Year 7 have been assessed in literacy and numeracy earlier than usual in the term, with staff focusing on extending vocabulary and confidence with language.
Specific skills are being revisited by students in Years 10 and 11 where, for example, they were not able to practise physical activities such as science experiments and art projects while in lockdown.
It was also found older students are not as ‘well prepared’ for sixth-form study as others have previously been because of what they missed during Year 11, including, inspectors say the ‘experience of GCSE examinations’.
Inspectors noted that some parents have not been able to support remote learning because of difficulties with internet access, which effects those needing to self-isolate who have a mix of educational materials, both digital and paper-based.
By Louise Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Traffic Advice Issued For Walk The Wight
Hovertravel's Hoverbus Showcases All-New Look
Bear Grylls Pays Homage To Young Islander Ginny Following Ultimate Scouting Award
Southern Vectis To Open May Community Fund For Worthy Causes Across Isle Of Wight
Terrorism Plot Teen From Isle Of Wight Further Sentenced
Ryde's Waterside Pool Secures £254,000 Of Government Refurbishment Funding
Flood Warnings Eased But More 'Unsettled' Weather On The Way
Sculpture To Commemorate People Affected By Dementia
Police Appeal Launched Following East Cowes Waitrose Alcohol Theft
Unmanned Dinghy Towed To Safety By Cowes Lifeboat
Red Squirrel Property Shop Ventures Into Dubai Property Market
Isle Of Wight MP Bob Seely Announces Blueprint To Fund A3055 Improvements
New 2024/5 Annual Waste And Recycling Guide Out Soon
Platform One Announces Winner Of 2024 Wight Noize Competition
Royal Duke To Visit As Newport Minster Reopens
Isle Of Wight Council To Support 'No Mow May' 2024
English Coastal Path Complication Amid Osborne House Queen Victoria Collection Fears
Seaview Pub Picks Up National Award
Isle Of Wight Radio Child Of Wight Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open
Fire Service Issues Water Safety And Mud Rescue Advice For Isle Of Wight
