Special measures 'unfair to Endeavour'
A Hull school's slide into special measures is "grossly unfair", according to its former chairman of governors.
As reported in yesterday's Mail, Endeavour High School, in Beverley Road, Hull, is said to be making inadequate progress by Ofsted inspectors.
A report into their findings, which is yet to be published, will confirm the school has been placed in special measures for the second time in just over five years.
But Councillor Daren Hale, who helped steer Endeavour through special measures in 2004 and 2005 in his role as chair of governors, has said such a move is unjust.
He said: "If these findings are confirmed, it would seem grossly unfair to judge a school before the GCSE results are released.
"This summer, the school's results will show significant improvement, which will be the envy of many schools in the city.
"To judge a school before the results is like awarding the World Cup based on results at half time, and that can't be just, reasonable or fair.
"Everyone in the local authority who goes into Endeavour recognises it's an improving school with good behaviour, good teaching, good standards and good pupils."
The school, which has just under 900 pupils, was visited by inspectors last month.
The Mail understands the school will appeal the decision.
A source close to the school said the report contains conflicting evidence.
They said: "It is not a report of a school in special measures, it is incredibly positive about a number of things, such as the care, guidance and support given to pupils and the curriculum.
"No teaching was judged unsatisfactory, yet teaching and learning was inadequate.
A spokeswoman for Ofsted told the Mail it could not comment on Endeavour's report because it has not yet been published.
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by An educated parent., Hull
Saturday, July 04 2009, 9:01PM
“Gina.
My son has just completed his GCSEs at Endeavour and is expected to gain 10 A or A* grades. He has enjoyed his time there and has made the most of the opportunities he has been offered. I am proud to say that his grammar, punctuation, spelling and general English skills are no where near as poor as the ones you display. I think your child would receive a better education at this school than the one I feel you are qualified to offer.
It is true this school has problem children but they are a minority. Unfortunately, it is also true that lesser abled children do suffer when classes are disrupted due to lack of discipine (and the ability of teachers to apply punishments or deterrents). This is true of many inner city schools.”
by Terese, East Yorkshire
Saturday, July 04 2009, 8:31PM
“A lot of interesting comments. I wonder Gina if your son will have the functional skills needed to enter the world of work. Will he be able to stand in front of a group of people he doesn't know and present an idea? Will he be able to work in a team? Will he be able to work to a deadline? I know for a fact that these skills are vital for work but very difficult to gain when learning on your own. I have spent two days with pupils in Endeavour and thoroughly enjoyed both. As a result I will be joining the teaching staff in September and look forward to the challenge of being part of the team that take the school forward. I am sorry your son won't be joining us.”
by gina, hull
Saturday, July 04 2009, 10:21AM
“my son does not sit in front of a pc all day, its me who does most nights, he has all the required ks3 books. like i have already said he will do much better than the endeavour students because i care and because he can work without distractions.”
by Sally, Hull
Friday, July 03 2009, 10:16PM
“I have worked at Endeavour and believe me the teaching staff do a brilliant job, there are over twenty five different languages spoken at the school (so I was told) and that can't be easy when your trying to teach through an interpreter. The disruptive students are about 1 or 2% of the students on roll, This school should never have been built on this site, well that's my opinion anyway. The head is really dedicated to turning this school around, and he has a brilliant team.”
by Phil., at home.
Friday, July 03 2009, 7:54PM
“..... And if they will not accept a fair standard of discipline John, then move them out of the school environment completely, at let those who want to learn do so.”