It was back to school last week as I revisited Nova Hreod Academy to see the fantastic transformation that is currently underway there. Having visited the school just over a year ago, I was back to see how headteacher Darren Barton was getting on with the ambitious aims that he set out when he first took over in 2014.
The turnaround so far has been reflected in recent results. In 2014, 38% of pupils were achieving A*-C grades in their GCSEs. In 2015, that figured jumped to 68% of pupils. This is a significant increase and has been triggered by the schools new focus on values as well as an ethos which promotes the importance of learning.
The core values of the school include a commitment to learning, ownership of an individual’s learning, responsibility and excellence. Students are also taught key British values including tolerance, respect, democracy and meritocracy – all helping them to not only gain the qualifications that they need, but also to ensure that they become outstanding members of society.
As somebody who went to a school which was bottom of the league tables, I know how important these values are. I spent many a lesson in an extremely disruptive environment where little learning took place. A number of my classmates became underage parents and two of my friends ended up in prison. Although we wouldn’t admit it at the time, we were desperate to be taught the life lessons which Nova Hreod teaches its pupils.
To ensure that pupils aren’t disrupted in their learning, Mr Barton has introduced a crucial discipline policy which expects all students to be kind, helpful and polite at all times. There has also been a clamp down on the school uniform, ensuring everybody looks smart and presentable – an important rule that gives pupils preparation for when they enter the jobs market.
Of course the best ambassadors for the school are the pupils themselves and they have given the new approach an overwhelming endorsement. I spent over half an hour speaking to members of the student council; Amalie Duperon, Ilija Mostarlic, Grace Moon and Liam Blackburn. Each of whom were incredibly engaging, inquisitive and intelligent, and all have bright futures ahead of them. We had all agreed by the end of the discussion that every school benefits when pupils are keen to learn and when there is mutual respect between pupils and teachers.
The turnaround taking place at Nova Hreod is extremely positive. Both students and staff can be proud of the schools recent achievements and positive results, both of which are testament to their tremendous hard work.
