Constructing Futures
Following a recent Ofsted inspection, our Construction Division has been awarded grade 2 status, with the inspector describing teaching at the college as "inspirational". The grade is an unprecedented two grades higher than the college's 2008 grading.
The rapid turnaround has been attributed to renewed staff commitment and team ethos, the sharing of good practice and a passion for teaching, along with the introduction of new vocational staff fresh from the construction industry.
"This grade is a huge vote of confidence in our teaching staff and facilities. It gives local construction students an excellent college right on their doorstep", said Mohan Chana, Assistant Principal for Technology.
The Construction Division will be further boosted by its move to Sussex Coast College Hastings' new building at Ore Valley in 2010, where facilities include an atrium space containing houses, on which students will practise construction techniques. The division also recently opened its new Energy Centre on Castleham Industrial Estate and courses at the new Motor Vehicle Training Centre in Bexhill are already full. "The Construction Division is aiming high and pushing forward in all directions", says Mohan. "Our next goal is to achieve an ‘outstanding’ grade next time Ofsted visits".
The Ofsted report also stated the college had made "significant" progress in the following key areas:
- Improving students' achievements, particularly 16 to 18 year olds.
- Establishing and improving quality at Academy 6 (A levels).
- Improving quality assurance procedures, self-assessment and improvement planning.
Sue Middlehurst, College Principal, said; "It is impossible to overstate the significance of this report. It shows Sussex Coast College Hastings is transforming into a centre of excellence worthy of its fabulous new buildings".
