Agenda item

11:00

Sue Bainbridge, Schools and Learning Manager to present the data including an analysis of schools bucking the trend.

Sue Bainbridge, Schools & Learning Manager, presented a report on the educational attainment of white working class boys and stressed that this purely presented the current information. There was no reason to assume that only the same general approach to tackling low attainment would work for this group and she was interested in the comments and guidance from members. She added that this matter was of national interest and that a report had recently been produced by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission. She undertook to send a link to members.

She referred to the work of the Access and Achievement Steering Group which was looking for best practice and schools bucking the trend. She was hoping to involve a greater level of experts, e.g. Further and Higher Education. In response to a question Sue Bainbridge outlined the composition of the Group. It was in the early stages and they were meeting with HMI to look at the Groups composition and HMIs involvement.

 Sue Bainbridge explained that there were some characteristics of best practice – inclusive culture; high expectations; best teachers in lowest sets; directed feedback; parental engagement; evaluation. These applied to all low attaining groups and she queried if there is something different we should do for this particular group.

During discussion the following points were made:

1)              Members highlighted the importance of role models and there was discussion of the mentoring system. It was suggested that a focus on the father and son relationship may be useful. To explain to fathers failed by the system in the past the opportunities available now. Sue Bainbridge supported the importance of parental involvement and the support of others and referred to the successful reading campaign using volunteers. There was reference to the involvement of Oxford University who gave an opportunity to young people to go on trips that made a difference to their motivation and aspirations. A member commented on the work done by a local youth worker and stressed the need to support local workers.

2)              Reference was made to the Big Brother system in America and Sue Bainbridge responded that buddying schemes were used for instance at Hill End for the most vulnerable young people.

3)              Members highlighted the academically successful education models elsewhere such as India and China and queried if there were lessons to be learnt. It was suggested that the experiences of children here were very different and that in addition to academic success we also prized creativity and innovation. What was apparent in these countries was the lust for education. Sue Bainbridge commented that schools were most interested in best practice in schools near to them which provided concrete examples of best practice.

4)              Responding to a comment that in today’s employment market it seemed that young people who do not leave education with 5 GCSEs were unemployable, Sue Bainbridge replied that it was essential to focus on preparing children for life not exams. Our best schools were doing that. There were different pathways for different children and an approved providers list had been developed to meet the needs of these young people. Attention was drawn to an Ofsted consultation which was an opportunity to change the current over emphasis on exams

5)              Responding to a member who would have liked to see key stage 1 data where he felt significant strides were being made Sue Bainbridge undertook to bring this data back to a future meeting. She also indicated that she would circulate information about a Pupil Premium Conference to be held on 12 Nov 2014

6)              The role of governors to help identify those in need of support was recognised and they had the responsibility not to give up on any child.

It was AGREED that data on the performance of white working class boys at KS1 be submitted to a future meeting