Earlsheaton Technology College
Encyclopedia
Earlsheaton Technology College (ETC) is a Secondary School
located in the West Yorkshire
town of Dewsbury
. The current Headmaster of the School is Mr. Paul Levey M.A.
The school mainly draws its pupils from within a 10 mile radius in which there are areas of significant social and economic deprivation. Most pupils start school with lower than average levels of attainment, and a higher than average proportion is eligible for free school meal
s. The number of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is greater than that of similar schools. It is a Charter Mark school, and gained Healthy Schools gold award in July 2007, recently it has gained the Sportsmark award and Artsmark silver award.
As a Technology College
, the School
is also continually improving the resources available to its students. It has recently opened a purpose-built CAD/CAM suite for use in the Design Technology
Department and has added a fifth dedicated ICT suite. All of the School's classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboard
s and it is in the process of developing an online curriculum which all pupils will be able to access.
Earlsheaton Technology College was in 2009 the best performing school in Dewsbury
and 16th best performing in Kirklees, in terms of the percentage of pupils achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs including Maths and English. It was also the most improved school in Dewsbury and 4th most improved school in Kirklees in terms of the percentage of pupils achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs including Maths and English compared to 3 years ago.
Most students are attentive in lessons, particularly in Key Stage 3. Students with special educational needs and/or
disabilities make satisfactory progress to complete focused practical tasks. Curriculum enrichment through food challenge competitions and special events such as ‘drop down days’ are beginning to provide a positive image of technology and are appreciated by students. The senior leadership team is determined to improve the quality of D&T experience for students and has begun to remove barriers to their achievement. The school is adopting a firm approach to tackle poor achievement. Monitoring systems identify students who are underperforming in Years 10 and 11 and intervention measures are in place to support them in catching up on coursework.
Grading of key areas
The 2010 inspection report of D&T portrayed the subject design and technology as Satisfactory overall. Unlike most subjects at Earlsheaton D&T still needs improving and the school is acting upon this with immediate effect.
Grading of key areas
This inspection report received by Earlsheaton was good overall and shows the dramatic improvements the school has made since the previous inspection report in 2003 when the school was just starting its change to where it is today.
s enjoy good relationships with their pupils, who readily identify them as a source of support and guidance. Teachers work hard for pupils and value them as individuals
Grading of key areas
In general OFSTED inspectors felt the school was running satisfactorily in 2003 but has rapidly improved in recent years.
•2010 44% (-3%)
•2009 47% (-6%)
•2008 53% (+8%) Earlsheatons Finest Year
•2007 45% (+5%)
•2006 40% (+2%)
•2005 38% (+1%)
•2004 39% (+1%)
•2003 38% (+13%)
Pupils with equivalent of five or more GCSEs grade C or Above including English and Mathematics (%)/Improvement on previous year:
•2010 32% (-8%)
•2009 40% (-2%)
•2008 42% (+6%) Earlsheatons Finest Year
•2007 36% (+9%)
•2006 27% (+0%)
•2005 27% (+5%)
•2004 22% (-8%)
•2003 30% (+12%)
Current School League Table Ranking's
Dewsbury:7th
Kirklees:29th
Deputy Headteacher David Archer commented the schools success in 2008 saying; "We're delighted with the results. We've exceeded our targets and for the first time ever over 50 per cent of our pupils got five A-Cs or more. The important measure is five A-C including English and maths and we've exceeded our target by three per cent. These results reflect the hard work of the pupils and the staff and the support that parents have given to their children."
In terms of GCSE results including English and Mathematics Earlsheaton Technology College is currently(2010) the worst performing school in Dewsbury and second worst in Kirklees.
Since 2003 results at Earlsheaton Technology College continued to improve dramatically, however the publication of the 2010 GCSE results show to some concern that results at Earlsheaton have declined for two consecutive years, with a steep fall of 10% since 2008.
Headteacher Paul Levy commented on the governments decision saying; "These cuts will deny a modern education to generations of pupils. At the moment 40 per cent of our pupils achieve five A* to C GCSEs, including English and maths, and this represents a significant achievement. But we would have anticipated a rise in standards if we had got the new facilities."
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
located in the West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county within the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England with a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972....
town of Dewsbury
Dewsbury
Dewsbury is a minster town in the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England. It is to the west of Wakefield, east of Huddersfield and south of Leeds...
. The current Headmaster of the School is Mr. Paul Levey M.A.
The school mainly draws its pupils from within a 10 mile radius in which there are areas of significant social and economic deprivation. Most pupils start school with lower than average levels of attainment, and a higher than average proportion is eligible for free school meal
Free school meal
A Free School Meal, provided to a child or young person during a school break, is paid for by Government. For a child to qualify for a Free School Meal, their parent or carer must be receiving particular qualifying benefits as stated by Government...
s. The number of pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is greater than that of similar schools. It is a Charter Mark school, and gained Healthy Schools gold award in July 2007, recently it has gained the Sportsmark award and Artsmark silver award.
As a Technology College
Technology College
Technology College is a term used in the United Kingdom for a secondary specialist school that focuses on design and technology, mathematics and science. These were the first type of specialist schools, beginning in 1994. In 2008 there were 598 Technology Colleges in England, of which 12 also...
, the School
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
is also continually improving the resources available to its students. It has recently opened a purpose-built CAD/CAM suite for use in the Design Technology
Design Technology
Design and Technology is a school subject offered at all levels of primary and secondary school. In some countries such as England it is a part of the National Curriculum. It is offered in many countries around the world such as Brunei, Bermuda, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Jordan...
Department and has added a fifth dedicated ICT suite. All of the School's classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboard
Interactive whiteboard
An interactive whiteboard , is a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface where users control the computer using a pen, finger, stylus, or other device...
s and it is in the process of developing an online curriculum which all pupils will be able to access.
Earlsheaton Technology College was in 2009 the best performing school in Dewsbury
Dewsbury
Dewsbury is a minster town in the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England. It is to the west of Wakefield, east of Huddersfield and south of Leeds...
and 16th best performing in Kirklees, in terms of the percentage of pupils achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs including Maths and English. It was also the most improved school in Dewsbury and 4th most improved school in Kirklees in terms of the percentage of pupils achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs including Maths and English compared to 3 years ago.
Subject Survey Inspection: Design and Technology (D&T) 2010
Teachers have a strong knowledge of materials and health and safety.Most students are attentive in lessons, particularly in Key Stage 3. Students with special educational needs and/or
disabilities make satisfactory progress to complete focused practical tasks. Curriculum enrichment through food challenge competitions and special events such as ‘drop down days’ are beginning to provide a positive image of technology and are appreciated by students. The senior leadership team is determined to improve the quality of D&T experience for students and has begun to remove barriers to their achievement. The school is adopting a firm approach to tackle poor achievement. Monitoring systems identify students who are underperforming in Years 10 and 11 and intervention measures are in place to support them in catching up on coursework.
Grading of key areas
- Students' achievement in D&T: Inadequate
- Quality of teaching in D&T: Satisfactory
- Quality of the curriculum in D&T: Inadequate
- Effectiveness of leadership and management in D&T: Inadequate
- The extent to which the school promotes awareness and relevance of D&T to students and parents: Satisfactory
The 2010 inspection report of D&T portrayed the subject design and technology as Satisfactory overall. Unlike most subjects at Earlsheaton D&T still needs improving and the school is acting upon this with immediate effect.
HMI Inspection 2007
The school has created a strongly supportive ethos; one in which pastoral support and inter personal relationships are effective and valued. Pupils speak very positively about their school and the great majority value and appreciate the support and friendship received from staff. The school is an orderly community with many strengths.Grading of key areas
- Overall effectiveness of the school: Grade 3 (Satisfactory)
- Achievement and standards: Grade 3 (Satisfactory)
- Personal development and well-being: Grade 2 (Good)
- Quality and provision of teaching and learning: Grade 3 (Satisfactory)
- Quality and provision of Curriculum and other activities: Grade 2 (Good)
- Quality and provision of care, guidance and support: Grade 2 (Good)
- Leadership and management: Grade 3 (Satisfactory)
This inspection report received by Earlsheaton was good overall and shows the dramatic improvements the school has made since the previous inspection report in 2003 when the school was just starting its change to where it is today.
OFSTED Inspection 2003
Pupils and Parents appreciate that the friendliness and support of Teachers Relationships amongst pupils are positive. Pupils have sound opportunities to assume responsibility and to exercise initiative. Teachers know their subjects well, they structure the content of lessons carefully. TutorTutor
A tutor is a person employed in the education of others, either individually or in groups. To tutor is to perform the functions of a tutor.-Teaching assistance:...
s enjoy good relationships with their pupils, who readily identify them as a source of support and guidance. Teachers work hard for pupils and value them as individuals
Grading of key areas
- Overall effectiveness of the school: Grade 3 (Satisfactory)
- Overall standards achieved: Grade 5 (unsatisfactory)
- Pupils’ attitudes, values and other personal qualities: Grade 5 (Unsatisfactory)
- The quality of education provided by the school: Grade 3 (Satisfactory)
- Leadership and management: Grade 3 (Satisfactory)
In general OFSTED inspectors felt the school was running satisfactorily in 2003 but has rapidly improved in recent years.
GCSE Results
Earlsheaton Technology College was one of the most improving schools in the country with the percentage of pupils achieving 5 A*-C GCSE grades steadily improving beyond yearly targets set by the school. In 2008 the school achieved its highest ever GCSE results with 53% of pupils achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs and it is now aiming to meet the national average for GCSEs for the first time. Recent results reflect a decline in standards at the school, resulting in a move from one of the best performing school in Dewsbury to the worst, the school now has a serious plan of action to tackle this and results are expected to significantly increase in the coming years. Despite a rocky performance in 2010 the school has turned itself around from its continuously poor performance during the 1990s.Past GCSE performance data
Pupils with equivalent of five or more GCSEs grade C or Above (%)/Improvement on previous year:•2010 44% (-3%)
•2009 47% (-6%)
•2008 53% (+8%) Earlsheatons Finest Year
•2007 45% (+5%)
•2006 40% (+2%)
•2005 38% (+1%)
•2004 39% (+1%)
•2003 38% (+13%)
Pupils with equivalent of five or more GCSEs grade C or Above including English and Mathematics (%)/Improvement on previous year:
•2010 32% (-8%)
•2009 40% (-2%)
•2008 42% (+6%) Earlsheatons Finest Year
•2007 36% (+9%)
•2006 27% (+0%)
•2005 27% (+5%)
•2004 22% (-8%)
•2003 30% (+12%)
Current School League Table Ranking's
Dewsbury:7th
Kirklees:29th
Deputy Headteacher David Archer commented the schools success in 2008 saying; "We're delighted with the results. We've exceeded our targets and for the first time ever over 50 per cent of our pupils got five A-Cs or more. The important measure is five A-C including English and maths and we've exceeded our target by three per cent. These results reflect the hard work of the pupils and the staff and the support that parents have given to their children."
In terms of GCSE results including English and Mathematics Earlsheaton Technology College is currently(2010) the worst performing school in Dewsbury and second worst in Kirklees.
Since 2003 results at Earlsheaton Technology College continued to improve dramatically, however the publication of the 2010 GCSE results show to some concern that results at Earlsheaton have declined for two consecutive years, with a steep fall of 10% since 2008.
Senior Team
- Headteacher- Mr P Levey M.A
- Deputy Headteachers- Mr D Archer, Mr C Molyneux
- Assistant Headteachers- Mr T Gallagher, Miss A Lyons, Mr M Ryder
- Heads of years- Miss S Jones, Mrs P Edmonds, Mrs K Simoni, Mrs J Smith, Mr S Irving
Heads of departments
- Art & Design- Mr S Bennet
- Design & Technology- Mr D Joshi
- English- Mrs J Flecther
- Geography- Mr R Guest
- History- Mr J Ellis
- ICT- Mr T Gallagher
- Mathematics- Mrs J Valentine
- Modern Foreign Languages- Mr A Smith
- Performing Arts- Mrs E Simpson
- Physical Education- Mr J Fletcher
- Practical Studies- Mr M Harrison
- Religious Education- Miss A Lyons
- Science- Mr J Adams
Trips and extra curricular activities
Trips organised by the school have included trips to different ski resorts across Europe; camping in Wales; trips to Paris; and a yearly visit to Alton Towers. The performing arts department offers trips to New York. Other extracurricular activities include participation in the annual Rock Challenge dance competition in Bradford.UNO sports tour 2007
In 2007 year 9 and 10 pupils from Earlsheaton Technology College travelled to America, Australia and New Zealand to play rugby, football and netbal.Building schools for the future programme
On 5 July 2010 education secretary Michael Gove announced the new government was axing Labours Building schools for the future programme which would have meant Earlsheaton being dramatically modernised and extended to improve facilities and increase capacity to accommodate more pupils with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of education at Earlsheaton, however although most were in favour of the expansion project many parents believed that the expansion would have negative consequences for the school and community. The decision to stop planned work at Earlsheaton which was due to begin in 2011 came as a result of the new government making dramatic spending cuts across the public sector. Expansion and modernisation of the school will now not go ahead for the foreseeable future.Headteacher Paul Levy commented on the governments decision saying; "These cuts will deny a modern education to generations of pupils. At the moment 40 per cent of our pupils achieve five A* to C GCSEs, including English and maths, and this represents a significant achievement. But we would have anticipated a rise in standards if we had got the new facilities."