Appendix 1

ALTUS EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Minutes of the meeting held on 2October 2017

Present:Richard Bramwell(Chair)Trustee

Pam CowardTrustee

Rupert WardTrustee

Julian Appleyard Executive Principal/CEO

In attendance:Tom FayHead of College

Joy BellMinutes

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

1None received

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

2There were no declarations of interest.

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

3Resolvedthat Richard Bramwell be appointed Chair of the Committee until the first meeting of the Committee in the 2018/19 academic year

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

4The Committee received an analysis of the results of the AS Level and A Level examination results for the summer 2017 including data drawn from the ALPS system. It was noted that the average points score on entry of students has been increasing since opening the College.

5The Trustees scrutinised the results in detail and were very pleased to note the results at both AS and A Level which evidenced the College’s sustained high performance.

6The overall ALPS score for A Level puts the College in the top 25% nationally. The Trustees investigated the reasons why the ALPS grade had dropped by one grade at A Level which was largely down to the performance of two subjects. A few less well performing subjects were highlighted and discussed in detail by the Committee who were satisfied that appropriate action was being taken to improve results. These would be the subject of further reports to the Committee.

7The AS performance for the modular AS Levels places the College in the top 10% nationally for progress. Detailed discussion took place about the one subject progressing to A2 which did not have an ALPS score placing it in the top 25% and further monitoring will take place later in the year.

RECRUITMENT

8The Executive Principal/CEO outlined the recruitment process undertaken annually by the College which runs throughout the academic year resulting in enrolment in August. An explanation of the context of Rochdale and the local competition was given along with the impact of performance at partner schools. Trustees scrutinised the recruitment process and were satisfied that management were taking steps to maximise recruitment. Recruitment in Year 12 has been constant at 800 over the last two years with a total number of students in August of 1534. A Trustee noted the increase in students from Out of Borough schools and was given reassurance that the inclusive approach to Rochdale students had been maintained. One Trustee asked about progression from Year 12 to Year 13 which was reported as being strong as in previous years with less than 20 students unable to progress to Year 13.

ANNUAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT REPORT

9The Committee received and noted a report summarising the comprehensive staff development undertaken at the College in 2016/17. The Committee noted the extent to which support was provided to individual members of staff geared directly both to their needs and the performance of the College with an annual staff development spend of£22K.

10The Head of College advised that an ILM level 5 programme had been completed resulting in the availability of an internal coaching programme for staff. A further cohort of staff will enrol on the programme in 2017/18.

LEARNER IMPACT

11The following issues related to the work undertaken by trustees this Committee meeting:

  • continued A Level success
  • sustained high levels of ‘value added’ to students
  • exceptional levels of progression from Year 12 to Year 13
  • focussed intervention for students who are at risk of under achieving
  • strong AS results
  • focus on systematic and effective CPD for all staff

DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

125pm on Thursday, 7 December 2017.

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ChairDate