“At the top of the “good” grade as judged in the school’s most recent Ofsted report (September 2011) and working towards “outstanding”. This was the judgement of five senior leaders from schools around the country who recently carried out a review of teaching at Woodham Academy.
They found the leadership and management of the school to be highly effective and the vast majority of the teaching to be excellent. The use of digital media such as iPads and Skype was seen as a major strength as was the high level of challenge in lessons. Students were described as “confident and proud”.
Of particular interest was Woodham Sports Academy, not just because of the professional coaching available in a range of sports (football, gymnastics, dance, basketball, American football, cricket, softball, table tennis, water polo and swimming) but also because of its unique student contract. All students are expected to maintain exemplary standards of behaviour, effort and attendance which led to 89% of members achieving 5 A*-C including English and Mathematics in 2013.
Having been confirmed as an area of excellent practice, Woodham Sports Academy is advising a number of schools from across the country on how to develop young people through sport.
Woodham Academy is a member of Challenge Partners, a network of excellent schools throughout the country dedicated to ensuring that all children get the best possible education.
Headteacher, Christine Forsyth, says “At Woodham Academy, we believe that every child has a right to a high quality education. We are delighted that experts from outside of the school commented on Woodham Academy’s high expectations, good behaviour and innovative teaching”.
