The News Magazine of Comberton Village College
ROLE MODELS A Leading Edge School
ISSUE 13, WINTER 2005
I’ve seen the future — and it works, says Ofsted chief COMBERTON can be the education model for the rest of the country. That was the view of Ofsted boss David Bell after he spent the day at the village college earlier this term. He had come to see Comberton’s citizenship provision after his inspectors had originally expressed some reservations about the way it is taught, although they were never able to observe it properly during the inspection. However, after seeing a Personal Development (PD) day in full swing, he had no qualms about giving it his whole-hearted backing. In fact, he admitted he was “very, very impressed” with the whole college ethos, not just the citizenship provision which Principal Stephen Munday had invited him to see. He left Comberton for a meeting with Education Secretary Ruth Kelly
promising to tell her: “I’ve seen the future and it works.” “When you look at the national priorities — improving attainment levels, giving youngsters healthy options, encouraging sports and community involvement – it’s all here at Comberton,” he said. “It’s a very powerful model. You have the range on offer, combined with the intimacy of a village college. “It’s very impressive and I’ve very much enjoyed visiting. It’s been different to a normal day, but I’ve been really very impressed. “I was particularly pleased to see the range of citizenship/PSHE activities taking place as part of your special activity day. It was clear that the students were very engaged in their work; from the Year 7s debating democracy to the Year 9s grilling prospective candidates for the post with children in care. “I think it is a good way of doing things. It’s giving youngsters the chance to do extended activities with outside guests. I believe it enhances what goes on in school on a regular basis.
Comberton pupils appear live on Blue Peter
“Personal and social development is all around you in this school — it is in the ethos and the fabric of the school.”
“The whole atmosphere and ethos of this school is very positive and clearly makes a powerful contribution to citizenship. “I was left in no doubt that my inspectors were right to judge the college the way they did. Undoubtedly it is an excellent institution and you should be very proud of what you have achieved over the past five years.” Principal Stephen Munday said he was delighted the chief inspector had taken an interest in the way Comberton delivers citizenship with five days during the year set aside for personal and social development.
TV TIMES: Comberton pupils with the Blue Peter presenters. Full story — Page 4
He added: “Such days are an excellent opportunity to provide education for children in a different way. They can have a greater impact than standard lessons.”
l Groundbreaking Comberton — Pages 6 & 7