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Recently the Salesian Sisters School, St John Bosco’s High School in the area of Liverpool known as Croxteth, experienced an OFSTED inspection. The school suffered the strain of inspectors who examined the school in great detail. The main part of the inspection was carried out by inspectors appointed the government. The Religious Education department was examined by two inspectors appointed by the Archdiocese of Liverpool. It is interesting to compare the findings of these two thorough inspections.
The Archdiocesan team had this to say of the ethos of St John Bosco’s High School
The school is an excellent example of a community being faithful to its foundation amidst the realities of its contemporary situation. The educational and spiritual values of St John Bosco continue to enhance the lives of the pupils and all who comprise the school community.
The commitment to fostering ‘Care quality and equality for all’ is impressively embodied in the personal leadership of the Headteacher, in the ministry of the Sisters and in the commitment of the staff.
The appearance of the girls, their courtesy and observed behaviour are a great credit to themselves, their families and the consistent efforts of their teachers. On a significant number of occasions pupils spoke of enjoying their time at ‘Bosco’ where they experienced the ‘safe, secure and happy environment’ espoused by the Mission Statement.
Pupils feel known and respected.
The inspectors appointed by The Office for Standards in Education wrote in a similar vein.
The ethos of the school is outstanding and its major strength. Christian values permeate all the school’s endeavours, but never with an oppressive feel. It is a pleasure to be in the school. Pupils are open, friendly, good humoured and courteous. In spite of the overcrowded building pupils move about with consideration for other pupils, their teacher and visitors.
In lessons and around the school pupils convey their enjoyment of the school community and testify to its value in their lives. The atmosphere is calm and releases the potential for good in all the members of the school. People are at ease with each other so that all energies can be directed productively to raising standards.
Pupils’ spiritual development is at the heart of the school's life. The school's motto, 'Serve the Lord with Gladness' is embodied in its mission statement to foster care quality and equality for all. The Salesian Sisters, who are committed to working for young people especially those in the most impoverished circumstances, give dedicated service in the school as part of their vocation. This school lives out its aims. Within the religious tradition the promotion of hope and optimism are central to its life and work. A chaplain supports pupils personal, especially spiritual and moral development very effectively. Pupils appreciate the assemblies and testify to the opportunities they give for reflection and thinking about themselves and others. In lessons provision is good, for example in a lesson on Spanish poetry, " students considering a poem by Lorca understood the roles of men and women in Spanish society in the 1920's and of the difference made by uncaring love and infidelity and its opposite.
“Pupils are clear about right and wrong within the school context even though they have to establish themselves in personal circumstances which sometimes contradict the values they are taught. The school operates in an area of high crime and vandalism but the emphasis within its daily life is respect, responsibility and self-discipline. Pupils are surrounded with an ethos where it is made easy to behave well. Within the School Council pupils are given opportunities to make decisions which help to order the school community for the benefit of all. Extra curricular and other opportunities provide occasions to learn about fair play, where competition is essential and when co-operation is appropriate as a member of a sporting team or orchestra. Pupils give generously to charity. Last year they raised more than £2000, donating, for example, to Barnado's, and the Meningitis Awareness Campaign. Each year in Advent, they make up hampers for homeless people at Christmas. In Lent other charities are supported. By these means they have opportunities to support those less fortunate than themselves. A key description of the environment and ethos that the school creates is evidenced in the tributes which pupils pay: ‘it is like a second home, everyone is valued.’ The staff take seriously their roles as examples and mentors. Staff morale is high. All have worked hard to produce this ethos. |
