A SECONDARY school in Bushey has been officially commended for its standards of teaching and nurturing of a broad and up-to-date curric- ulum.

The formal praise formed part of a report published by the Office for standards in education (Ofsted), received by Bushey Meads School this week.

The report in which teaching staff were also commended for their levels of regular assessment, manage- ment and leadership, follows an official inspection conducted at the school in Coldharbour Lane, Bushey, in March (2002).

In its report insectors said: "Teachers plan effectively so that lessons are well structured, leaving time for pupils to reflect on what they have learned.

"One of the clear reasons for good learning is the quality of relationships that exist between teachers and pupils, which leads directly to good attitudes on the part of many pupils."

"The teachers' own energy and interest were significant factors in encouraging good learning in pupils."

The overall attainment of pupils was noted to have risen since the last inspection in 1997, with the number obtaining Level 5 or above recorded as being well above national average.

Headteacher for Bushey Meads School, Dr Dena Coleman said: "When Bushey Meads School was last inspected in 1997 it received a good report.

"I am delighted the 2002 inspection has found that the school is now performing even better, on every measure. The report says teaching is good throughout the school, standards are well above national average at Key Stage 3 and poised to rise significantly at GCSE.

"Behaviour is good and so are relationships between pupils and between pupils and teachers. None of this could have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of my teaching staff, of whom I am very proud."

A total of 16 inspectors attended the school for this years inspection, a significant increase, which falls in line with Ofsted's new 'enhanced focus' on schools with sixth forms.

Inspectors concluded Bushey Meads' sixth form as working effectively, offering students a wide range of academic and vocational courses to meet a similarly wide range of needs.

June 17, 2002 12:30