Last updated at 11:44, Monday, 08 February 2010

STUDENTS at a South Cumbrian school have been trained to review lessons like Ofsted inspectors.

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Ulverston Victoria High School is one of only four schools nationwide to pioneer a scheme where young people carry out professional surveys, including classroom observations, in a similar way to the government’s education watchdog.

There are 15 students from Year Eight, Year Nine and Year 13 who have been trained by Edge Instead, which is part of the Edge Learner Forum, an educational foundation which gives 14 to 25-year-olds practical and vocational learning opportunities.

The programme has already been used in two London schools. Now UVHS students are working on the project with Cumbria’s William Howard School in Brampton.

The Ulverston students have completed some classroom reviews in Brampton and are also doing reviews in their own school in Springfield Road.

Around 50 UVHS teachers are taking part and having their lessons observed.

Pupils are also trained to undertake a series of questionnaires and carry out pupil/teacher workshops.

Edge Instead says the project is simple but radical, by allowing students to discuss positive aspects of their school, things that could be improved and what staff and students can do to help.

Edge Instead says the reviews are non-judgmental and not critical of individuals, but practical suggestions are made for positive change and to improve staff/student relationships.

Leah Ambrose, 13, is involved in the project. The Year Nine UVHS student said: “It was a bit strange at first watching the lessons but after a few times I got used to it.

“We are looking to see if students are contributing to the lessons, how the students get on with their teachers and if they feel confident to put their hand up.

“The teachers have good relationships with the students.

“A lot of teachers use humour in their teaching, which is good. I’ve found that they teach in different ways and use different techniques.

“It’s good when teachers use video and images in lessons.

“I think this is good as it will give teachers a chance to improve if they need to.”

Roger Cahalin, an assistant headteacher at UVHS, said he is pleased that teachers have agreed to be involved as students’ feedback is important and the project is good for pupils’ confidence. Mr Cahalin said: “I think this is fantastic. It’s innovative.

“It’s great for the staff because it shows that there is that co-operation between staff and pupils.

“The pupils have been training much in the way that an Ofsted inspector would.

“The pupils are looking for a variety of teaching methods, energy and enthusiasm, structure of the lessons, student engagement and whether the needs of the individuals are met.

“It’s not the performance of the individual teacher, it’s the learning they see in the lessons.

“It’s great for the students’ confidence and self esteem.

“We want to really utilise our student voice for the future decisions of the school.”

The results will be published in a report developed by the pupils and then presented to the school’s senior management team.

UVHS hopes other local schools will consider getting involved in the programme.

First published at 13:00, Friday, 05 February 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk