Agenda item

The Committee had before them the report of Sue Bainbridge, Schools and Learning Manager.  Mrs Bainbridge informed Committee that Oxfordshire, at 77%, were above the national average figure of 66% representing students who are entered for 2 GCSE Science papers.  There was a wide variation in the number of students entered for GSCE Science from school to school.  The number of students entered from The Oxford Academy had been affected by the ability to recruit science teachers.

The Committee were informed that where there had been a significant decrease in the numbers of students entered for GCSE Science papers, alternative subject options were being pursued by students at some schools, such as BTEC and Engineering qualifications.

The proportion of students attaining at least 2 GCSE Science grades A*-C’s has varied in the past, with the figure dipping slightly last year to 70% in Oxfordshire, below the national average of 72%.  Again, the Committee heard there was wide variation in this figure on a school by school basis.

Despite students sitting the English Baccalaureate (EBac) and other vocational courses, Committee heard that too many students were under-performing, with 6 schools in the County achieving grades significantly below the national average.  There was a need to understand why students are underperforming.

It was noted that the percentage of A and B grade passes achieved in Oxfordshire, notably in GCSE Chemistry, is higher than the national average.  However, passes at grades B and C are below the national average.

When asked, Ms Bainbridge advised that it was not clear if schools were super-serving high achieving children, or simply seeking good maths and English results.  It was also unclear which examination boards’ schools were using.  This is an issue that needed looking at in detail, in order to obtain a better understanding of the issues surrounding the data on this issue.

Although top-tier students were doing well, and those attaining lower grades were improving, data indicated that work may need to be concentrated on the middle section of students.  Head Teachers groups had invited officers to attend their meetings as supporters.  Officers were very aware of the need to support schools and academies regularly, as well as helping to develop links between local schools and the Universities.  A new science partnership had been developed where experts in science subjects are able to share best practices.

Members noted in discussion that schools achieving top grades also appeared to have high attendance levels and a staunch approach to discipline in their schools.  However, it was noted that in some schools the percentage of children entered in exams, compared to the percentage of non-achievement was astounding.  A new emphasis on education was needed and the strengthening of links with the Universities was to be encouraged.  It was noted, however, that more interest could achieved in dealing with businesses direct.

The Committee expressed their view that work was needed on those students achieving mid-level grades.  These students were more likely to contribute to the local area, being recruited by employers at technician-level.  Those students achieving A* and A grades, were frequently lost to the local economy.

Officers re-iterated that tracking progress of cohort groups takes time, and that the team responsible for this was small.  Although they had a statutory responsibility to maintained schools, there remained a need to support academies through influence and challenge.

The Committee discussed the difficulties of recruiting science teachers and expressed the view that if this was of difficulty during a recession, it would be even more challenging to train and work within Oxfordshire when things improved.  Councillor Sanders remarked that housing costs had impacted on recruitment in city schools.

It was suggested that Oxfordshire Schools Forum be invited to address the Committee on professional development within schools, as they, rather than the Oxfordshire County Council, have the funding mechanism to ensure that schools are working effectively.

Councillor Waine observed that although Oxfordshire was performing just ahead of the National Average in science, sustaining improvement would be difficult.  Science subjects should be at the fore, given the science-based industries based within Oxfordshire, and the fact this is not the case is inexcusable.  He felt that schools chose BTEC courses for students as this is an easier option.  There were felt to be too many children within this category and schools were hedging their options, rather than raising expectations.

The Committee heard in discussion that apprenticeships needed looking at, as did developments in job creation.  Students needed to get appropriate career advice, and be sure that vocational courses offered to them were suitable and sensible.  These courses distorted league tables, as they were excluded from the figures.

Councillor Hoare indicated that those students doing well could possibly have private tutoring funded by parents.  The Committee also noted that there was no information available with regards to the investment levels from parents buying into extra tuition.

Frances Craven, Deputy Director for Education & Early Intervention, confirmed that the position was not straight-forward, and the data indicates that there are difficulties in vulnerable groups.  The Committee also heard that the there is evidence to show that some schools place their experienced practitioners with the more able students.  Other schools concentrate their expertise in groups where students are less able, encouraging students to improve their grades from D’s into C grades, and C’s into B grades.  The needs of pupils needed looking at and BTEC qualifications need viewing favourably, as equivalents to GCSE’s.  However, that is not to say BTEC’s may not be the right qualification for some pupils.

Councillor Stratford recognised the need for improvement in sciences at Bicester Community College.  He supported the suggestion for Oxfordshire Schools Forum to address Committee, and questioned the role of governors in their ability to challenge schools on this issue.  He reminded Committee that Members of Parliament blame local authorities for failing schools, whilst the ability of council’s to have an effect on schools has been whittled away.  Local authorities do not employ staff or hold school funds, and their impact on secondary schools is minimal.

Mr Stan Taylor, of Oxfordshire Governors Association, informed Committee that a recent HM Inspector commented on the quality of challenge by governors when questioning and raising issues.  He commented that there was a need for governors to receive training on the data available to them and how to interpret this information.  The Committee confirmed their support for governors.

Ms Diane Wilson, informed the Committee that she represented thousands of members of the Council of Oxfordshire Teachers' Organisations (COTO), who are highly focused, working in schools across Oxfordshire with C/D borderline students.  Many of these teachers provide afterschool and Saturday support to students, in a drive to improve results.

RESOLVED:  The Education Scrutiny Committee noted the report and RECOMMENDED that the Oxfordshire Schools Forum be invited to address Committee on the development of Sciences within schools in Oxfordshire.