SIAMS
As a Church of England school, Bishop Rawstorne Academy is not just inspected by OFSTED but also the Church of England. This is done through the SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) schedule. Inspectors will grade the school on the following over-arching inspection question:
“How effective is the school’s distinctive Christian vision, established and promoted by leadership at all levels, in enabling pupils to flourish?”
This question is explored through seven strands:
- Vision and Leadership
- Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills
- Character Development: Hope, Aspiration and Courageous Advocacy
- Community and Living Well Together
- Dignity and Respect
- The impact of collective worship
- The effectiveness of religious education
One overall grade is awarded reflecting the contribution of these strands to the flourishing of students and adults in a Church school. In addition, a standalone grade is awarded in all schools for collective worship and in voluntary aided (VA) schools and former VA schools for religious education (RE). This grade is based on teaching and learning alone.
Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy has a deeply Christian history and tradition. Described as “an exceptionally caring…a place where students are confident, keen to learn and take on challenges. A school with excellent spiritual and moral development…based upon the teachings of Christ.” (SIAS Report 2007).
In our SIAMS inspection (“017-18) we have been described in as:
- Each member of the academy community, adult and student, is valued and enabled to flourish as a child of God.
- Pastoral care is exemplary and demonstrates how the academy lives out its deeply held Christian values. Leaders and all staff provide excellent role models of hope and compassion; they genuinely care for each individual student and their families.
- Students are supported to believe in themselves, each other and their teachers, so that they have a secure sense of self-worth and develop skills for their future life and learning.
- Spiritual development is enhanced by the richly creative curriculum and extra-curricular provision.
- Through worship and links with local clergy, students and staff are taken to the threshold of faith and enabled to reflect positively on their own views and beliefs.
SIAMS Report