It was a case of 'back to school' for the governors last Tuesday for one of our twice-yearly Visit Days. While we access a wealth of data and information about the school in our governor meetings, there is no substitute for spending time in school, visiting lessons and speaking to students.
It was great to see students engaging so well with their
studies. Their behaviour around the school was exemplary. We were grateful to
the teachers who kindly received us into their classrooms. Sitting in on a Year
10 assembly helped the governors see how high expectations of conduct and commitment
are promoted to students.
The
focus of the visit was on the curriculum. We wanted to see whether Key Stage 3
students were stimulated and stretched by the range of lessons on
offer. The students
to whom we spoke appreciated the breadth of the curriculum at Matravers. They
especially enjoyed arts subjects. The Year 9 students on our panel had evidently given
thought to their future career choices, which helped inform their GCSE options.
It
was reassuring to hear that the students felt safe and cared for in school, and
were aware that they can always talk to members of staff should they have any
problems. The students said they felt proud to be members of the Matravers
community and were happy that they had come to our school. They appreciated
recent investments in the school’s facilities and resources. Particularly the
resurfaced tennis courts and new style exercise books. The latter were a real
aid to learning. All the governors were impressed by the students’ polite
attitude and the spirited and thoughtful answers they gave to our questions.
The visit concluded with an excellent lunch at the school canteen. We didn't just come in for the food, though. Honest.
