Bank View High School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this school?

Bank View School is an exceptional school where pupils achieve their dreams and ambitions. Pupils experience a rich and exciting curriculum. They participate in the many clubs and activities that school offers, such as performing arts, games club, yoga and judo.

The school harnesses pupils' skills and interests, for example in sports and music.

Pupils enjoy the many enrichment and cultural activities that the school has to offer. Exciting residential trips allow pupils to experience the outdoors and learn new skills such as skiing or rock climbing.

The student council visited the Houses of Parliament and listened to a debate, which helped to develop the pupil...s' understanding of democracy. Trips to the theatre give pupils a deeper knowledge of the play or novel that they have studied. There are high expectations for all pupils' achievements, and in this school, pupils achieve exceptionally well.

Pupils have strong and trusting relationships with the adults in school. Adults model positive behaviours, and pupils learn to be kind and respectful to others. The school's environment is calm and friendly.

Pupils enjoy socialising with their friends at social times. Younger children love the exciting play equipment. Staff teach pupils how to take turns and share.

Pupils learn to play well with their friends. Older pupils join together for a game of football or enjoy time chatting together.

What does the school do well and what does it need to do better?

The school's curriculum takes account of the wide range of pupils' special educational needs and/or disabilities.

It is broad, ambitious, exciting and follows the national curriculum. The school has ensured that all pupils can access the curriculum and learn remarkably well. From their starting points, pupils achieve highly.

Learning to read is a priority. Younger pupils enjoy learning their letters and sounds through song, rhyme and poetry. Older pupils who are still in the early stage of learning to read have age-appropriate books and resources.

Pupils enjoy reading together in class and in the comfortable library areas which are available across the school. Specialist support is scheduled for pupils who need further help with reading. Pupils read a wide range of novels, non-fiction and poetry books that ignite their imagination and transport them to other cultures and times.

Students in the sixth form use their reading skills to support their independence when they use public travel, shop for food or follow instructions. The secure culture of reading has ensured that pupils develop a love of reading. A high number of pupils learn to read with confidence.

Staff are skilled at presenting knowledge clearly and checking pupils' understanding. The curriculum provides regular opportunities for pupils to revisit knowledge to help them remember prior learning. When required, the education, health and care plan (EHC plan) outcomes are broken down into small steps of learning.

This helps pupils to easily build on their prior knowledge and also allows staff to shape further teaching.

Pupils have very positive attitudes to learning. They enjoy school and are routinely eager to learn in lessons.

From an early age, pupils are taught how to identify their feelings and emotions. They understand how their feelings can shape their behaviour. Over time, this insight helps pupils to manage their own behaviour.

Pupils also learn which strategies will help them to regulate their behaviour, for example a short walk outside or some physical activity.

The school closely monitors the attendance of pupils. It takes swift and effective action when a pupil's attendance dips.

The school works together with families and external agencies to encourage and maintain good attendance.

The school's work to support pupils' personal development is highly effective. The school has ensured that personal development opportunities are embedded throughout the curriculum.

For example, pupils learn to listen to other points of view. Pupils in Year 11 attend a local college one morning per week to prepare them for post-16 provision. Sixth-form students undertake a pre-internship course in a local hotel to gain skills that prepare them for the world of work.

Older pupils reflected on their time in school and told inspectors that they are very proud of their personal achievements.

A well-thought-through careers programme opens pupils' minds to the wide range of opportunities that are available for them when they leave school. Through subject curriculums, pupils are taught about different careers.

Employers and professionals come into school to talk to different age groups of pupils about their work. Careers fairs allow pupils to gain further information about jobs, training or college. The school ensures that pupils are ready for their next stage in education, employment or training.

Since the previous inspection, the number of pupils has increased significantly. Throughout this development, governors and the school have worked tirelessly to ensure that the school's values, ethos and vision are secure and consistent across all of the school's sites.

The school has ensured that staff have effective opportunities for professional development.

Staff workload and well-being is a priority. A wide range of opportunities are available for staff to support their well-being, for example yoga, use of a gym and focused staff support groups.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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