Agenda item

To consider a report by the Corporate Director: Communities (copy enclosed) which outlined the findings of the Foundation Phase and the provisional exam and teacher assessment results.

                                                                                                          9.35 a.m.

A copy of a report by the Corporate Director: Communities, which outlined the findings of the Foundation Phase and the provisional exam and teacher assessment results, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

 

The report detailed the performance of schools at all key stages and outlined provisional external examinations results at Key Stage 4 and post 16.  An analysis of results would be provided when verified and benchmarked information made available in December. 

 

The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Primary summarised the following areas of the report:-

 

Foundation Phase – A more rigorous moderation process for Foundation Phase Outcomes had been adopted across all schools to ensure procedures were reliable and robust.  The previous methods of assessing the progress of children between Foundation Phase Outcomes and the previous KS1 Assessments had been indicative and not absolute.  Denbighshire was now ranked eleventh Wales, compared to eighteenth in the previous year, which compared favorably with the ranked free school meal position.  Detailed results had been included in Appendix 1.

 

Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessment Results – At the end of KS2 year 6 pupils had been expected to achieve a Teacher Assessment Level of 4.  Although Denbighshire’s ranking of 12^th had compared favorably with the free school meal ranked position, it had been disappointing as it had been the Authority’s aspiration for all key indicators to be in the top ten performing Authorities in Wales.  Details of results had been included in Appendix 2.  

 

The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Secondary summarised the following areas of the report:-

 

Key Stage 3 Teacher Assessment Results – Performance at KS3 had improved with all core subjects having made significant improvements.  The improvement rate had been below many other Local Authorities.  However Denbighshire had moved from 13^th to 17^th in Wales.  Detailed results had been included in Appendix 3.

 

Key Stage 4 External Examinations – Detailed results included in Appendix 3.          

All secondary schools have improved in the Level 1 and Level 2 thresholds.  However two schools had dipped in performance.  The national trend in attainment in English and Mathematics had declined with Post 16 having remained static.  key stage 4 results were provisional and the Welsh Government would provide Local Authorities and schools with detailed valued added data in the Core Data Sets.  Details of the percentage of pupils achieving the Level 2 including English, Welsh and Maths, and Level 3 threshold results had been included in Appendix 3.

 

Level 3 threshold results (A Level and vocational equivalent) - The percentage of candidates achieving the Level 3 Threshold had improved from 97% in 2011 to 98% in 2012.  Appendix 3 included detailed results.

 

It was confirmed that modernising the education service to achieve a high level of performance was one of the Authority’s Corporate priorities, and the raising of attainment at all key stages, particularly Key Stage 4, was a key objective. 

 

The support for schools in Literacy and Numeracy would be provided regionally from April 2013.  Challenge and support for Headteachers and management in schools would be provided on a regional basis from April, 2013 by System Leaders.  Education Officers would monitor and assess the quality of the regional support when the new systems and structures were in place In April, 2013.  Officers working for the region would strengthen the moderation process for KS3 Teacher Assessments and this would improve the quality of external moderation and ensure continuity and parity of Teacher Assessments across North Wales.  Members were informed that uncertainty remained regarding the continued 14-19 Learning Pathways Grant and ESF ‘Potensial’ funding after 2014.

 

The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Primary responded to questions from Ms G. Greenland.  She explained that a consultation paper would be circulated which would include radical proposals in respect of the Foundation Phase and assist in providing clearer guidance to schools.  It was also confirmed that Family Link Workers would be utilised to address the reduction in the number of Health Visitors.

 

In reply to questions from Councillor J. Butterfield, it was confirmed that the consultation paper, which would be a radical revision of the provisions of support, would be circulated to all stake holders involved in the foundation Phase.  The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Secondary provided details of the Teacher Assessments KS3 and Provisional Examination Results in respect of Rhyl High School and outlined the steps being implemented to address and improve the figures.  He explained that the discrepancy in reading level assessments between primary schools and high schools were related to a fluctuation in Teacher Assessments, and it was confirmed that records pertaining to the academic achievements of children under the umbrella of corporate parenting were available.

 

Councillor E.W. Williams expressed caution regarding the Foundation Results presented by some Local Authorities and expressed the view that Denbighshire had been very robust in the analysis of its Foundation Phase results.  The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Primary stressed the importance of the need for rigorous assessment, uniformity and regional moderation.       

 

During the ensuing discussion, the officers provided the following responses to questions and issues raised by Members:-

 

Performance was down due to fluctuation

 

-  Confirmation was provided that performance was down due to a fluctuation in results at St Brigid’s, Denbigh and Ysgol Dinas Bran but this had not been a matter for concern. 

-  Details of the process for assessing children from feeder schools, and the impact on the High School assessments, were outlined.  Members were informed that a robust transition process was in operation and liaison strategies between Primary and High schools were in place.

-  Dr D. Marjoram expressed her appreciation to the officers for the inclusion of Special Schools in the report.

-  Confirmation was provided that data was available to enable Primary Schools to track the progress of pupils following their transition to the High School.  The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Primary highlighted the importance of ensuring the effective transition of pupils and the ability to monitor their progress.

-  The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Secondary referred to the success achieved by Ysgol Plas Bron Dyffryn, Denbigh and confirmed that the results achieved would be shared with other Local Authorities.

-  It was explained that the blank spaces under the heading of Welsh in the KS3 Teacher Assessment Results related to schools which taught Welsh as first or second language.  Details of the assessment options were outlined by the officers.

-  The Chair made reference to KS4 results at Denbigh High School.  The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Secondary confirmed that the results achieved in English and Welsh had been favourable.

-  The School Effectiveness Performance Officer: Secondary responded to a question from the Chair relating to Banding.  He explained that it was anticipated that Denbighshire High Schools would be in Bands 2 and 3 with none in Bands 4 and 5.

 

Councillor A. Roberts referred to the School Standards Committee and confirmed that Ysgol Y Castell, Rhuddlan had shown signs of improvement.  He explained that Clocaenog C.P. School had achieved exceptional results.  However, concern had been expressed that pupils learning Welsh at the school were disadvantaged when assessed through the medium of Welsh, particularly children from a none Welsh speaking background, and this also reflected in the Schools core attainment figures.  Councillor E.W. Williams endorsed the views expressed and felt that allowances should be made under such circumstances.

 

RESOLVED – that:-

 

(a)   the Performance Scrutiny Committee receives the report, and

(b)   the views and comments of Members on the performance of schools against previous performance and the external benchmarks be noted.