High hopes for improved A level results at new academy

THE headteacher of what was formerly one of the worst performing schools in the borough is expecting a turnaround in A level results this year.

Oasis Academy Hadley, Bell Lane, became an academy last year after being placed on a Government hitlist of failing schools.

Computer system failure means the school has not calculated its overall results yet, but headteacher Lynne Dawes said she hopes the results are in line with the national average – which would be an improvement on past years when A level results have consistently been below national levels.

She credited improved teaching - the school has replaced a quarter of its staff, and appointing two new deputy headteachers, as key. The school timetable has also been redrawn, with the school day beginning at 8.30am with lessons, and registration and tutorial groups taking place later in the day.

Ms Dawes, who has been principal of Albany School since 2004 and was then reselected as principal of the newly renamed Oasis Academy Hadley last year, said: "Moving into academy status has given us a real opportunity to improve. We've made stronger links with parents with the mixed year learning groups, which are like tutor groups and give pupils a chance to chart their progress and get pastoral care.

Now 85 per cent of year 9 pupils have a GCSE in media, ICT, business studies or performing arts. We introduced this because we felt pupils were ready to begin a specialism in one of their subjects and get used to having success early. We're expecting our GCSE results next week to be well above floor targets."

Herpreet Singh, 18, achieved two A*s and a B and will go to City university to study law.

She said: "When I first opened my letter I couldn't see anything, none of these letters in front of me made any sense to me. I got what I needed but I'm annoyed about the B in politics. This last year has been quite disruptive. I think we suffered a bit because we were the guinea pig year but I think it will be much better next year. I do think the school has changed for the better."

Demitra Ellina, 18, said: "I did well, I got more than I needed, an A* and two Bs so I'm pleased. I'm going to Southampton to do biomedical science, I wanted to go to university outside London to see what it was like as I've always been in Enfield."

Anfaal Goolamally, who was predicted four As, said she was waiting until she got home to open her results because she was nervous. She said: "I thought I might go into clearing as I haven't applied anywhere but I'm going to take a gap year next year to do some work and get some experience, perhaps in a hospital."

From http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/news/8341960.High_hopes_for_improved_A_level_results_at_new_academy/