A selection of

ILT/eLearning comments from

Ofsted Inspections of
Colleges in the West Midlands

Jim Judges jim.judges@wlv.ac.uk Dec.2007

JISC RSC West Midlands www.rsc-wm.ac.uk
(1) 4th June 2007
Summary of grades awarded
Effectiveness of provision Good: grade 2
Capacity to improve Good: grade 2
Achievement and standards Satisfactory: grade 3
Quality of provision Good: grade 2
Leadership and management Good: grade 2
Equality of opportunity Good: contributory grade 2

Effectiveness of provision
Teaching and learning are good. The internal lesson observation system is
comprehensive, but feedback on areas for improvement is not always
sufficient. Many teachers use information learning technology (ILT) very
well to aid learning. In the less effective lessons, the pace is too slow and
learners lack challenge. Initial assessment of learners’ literacy and
numeracy needs is good. The quality of feedback on learners’ work is
inconsistent. Teachers track learners’ progress well.

The effectiveness of the steps taken by the college to promote

improvement since the last inspection

The college has taken good steps to improve the quality of its provision
since the last inspection. It has embedded key skills and Skills for Life
effectively in most programmes, and the use of online assessment has
raised achievement. Managers have invested significantly in ILT and staff
have created collaborative teaching resources to improve learning. Staff
development in the use of ILT has been significant and effective.

Quality of provision Good: grade 2

The quality of provision is good and this agrees with the college’s self
assessment. Teaching and learning are good and this also concurs with
the college’s self-assessment. Inspectors agreed with most of the
college’s judgements in the joint observations. The internal lesson
observation system is effective, but feedback does not always emphasise
areas for improvement sufficiently. Observers identify and share good
teaching practice effectively. Advanced skills teachers support teachers
effectively.

..The planning of teaching and learning is thorough and aims and

objectives are clear and achievable. In the best lessons, the pace is brisk
and activities challenge learners of all abilities. Learners work well
together and with their teachers. Most learners enjoy their lessons. The
use of ILT across the college is a particular strength; teachers used ‘smart
boards’ very effectively to enliven learning. In the less effective lessons,
the pace of learning is slow, activities are less challenging and learners do
not work to their potential.
Leadership and management Good: grade 2

..Staff engage in a wide variety of professional development activities and

are well qualified. Most college accommodation is adequately equipped
and resourced. Most classrooms have good ILT systems. A new
construction technology centre provides an excellent learning
environment.

(2) 14th-18th May 2007

Summary of grades awarded
Effectiveness of provision Satisfactory: grade 3
Capacity to improve Good: grade 2
Achievement and standards Satisfactory: grade 3
Quality of provision Satisfactory: grade 3
Leadership and management Satisfactory: grade 3
Equality of opportunity Good: contributory grade 2

Sector subject areas

Health, public services and care Satisfactory: grade 3
Engineering and manufacturing technologies Good: grade 2
Construction, planning and the built environment Satisfactory:
grade 3
Information and communication technology Satisfactory: grade 3
Art, media and publishing Satisfactory: grade 3
Preparation for life and work Satisfactory: grade 3

Quality of provision
The quality of provision is satisfactory. Teaching and learning are
satisfactory and have improved overall since the last inspection but
standards in different sector subject areas vary. Teaching by full-time
teachers is better than that of part-time colleagues. Some teachers use
information learning technology (ILT) successfully but others do not. In the
better lessons and most work-based learning, teachers and employers
relate activities to learners’ individual needs and use a range of lively
approaches to interest, challenge and develop their skills.

Engineering and manufacturing technologies Good: grade 2

Quality of provision
Quality of provision is good. Teaching and learning in practical lessons and
the work place are good. Teachers develop learners’ occupational skills to
a high standard. They employ ILT well, including an automotive
engineering learning package, which makes good use of simulations and
videos.
Questioning to check and extend learners’ knowledge and understanding
is good. Some theory teaching is less effective and occasionally lesson
plans lack detail.

Preparation for life and work Satisfactory: grade 3

Quality of provision
The quality of provision is satisfactory. Teaching and learning are
satisfactory. When good, teachers use a variety of stimulating activities. In
the better ESOL lessons, teachers make good use of workplace experience
and stimulating texts to develop learners’ reading skills. Lessons for those
with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, where appropriate, are
effective including, for example, the promotion of sexual health. However,
too much teaching and learning is unimaginative, an issue not recognised
in the self assessment report. Teachers employ too narrow a range of
teaching and learning methods and rely too heavily on exposition and
paper-based learning materials.

(3) 14th May 2007

Summary of grades awarded
Effectiveness of provision Satisfactory: grade 3
Capacity to improve Satisfactory: grade 3
Achievement and standards Satisfactory: grade 3
Quality of provision Satisfactory: grade 3
Leadership and management Satisfactory: grade 3
Equality of opportunity Satisfactory: contributory grade 3

Sector subject areas

Agriculture and horticulture Good: grade 2
Engineering (motor vehicle) Satisfactory: grade 3
Leisure, travel and tourism Satisfactory: grade 3
Arts, media and publishing Satisfactory: grade 3
Preparation for life and work Satisfactory: grade 3

Sector subject area

Agriculture and horticulture Good: grade 2

Quality of provision
Teaching and learning are good. Lessons are mainly good, have clear
objectives, and tutors are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Most lessons
have a range of activities including individual and group work. Information
learning technology (ILT) is used to good effect. Tutors effectively
recognise learners’ needs. Practical teaching is good. There is good
implementation and awareness of safe working practices. Key skills are
satisfactory.

Engineering (motor vehicle) Satisfactory: grade 3

Teaching and learning are satisfactory. Most lessons are well planned and
use a satisfactory range of teaching methods to consolidate and extend
learning. Learners’ individual needs are not well met in theory lessons,
with some learners’ progress not being fully developed, due to a limited
range of teacher led learning activities. ILT is used effectively in some
lessons, but it is not used well to develop independent learning. In better
lessons, learners build on their practical experiences to extend their
knowledge. In weaker lessons, teachers place too much emphasis on
whole group teaching methods and do not allow learners to explore and
develop the skills they need. Learning resources range from adequate to
industrially advanced, modern and inspiring learning environments that
incorporate new technologies very effectively.

Preparation for life and work Satisfactory: grade 3

Teaching and learning are satisfactory. Most teachers have good expertise
and experience. On some programmes, learning is well planned in the
context of everyday life, with a good variety of learning activities and
materials. In the best lessons, the initial and diagnostic assessments are
used effectively to inform planning. However, on some programmes, more
able learners are insufficiently challenged and tutors rely too much on
paper-based materials with too little ILT to support learning.

(3) 30th April 2007

Summary of grades awarded
Effectiveness of provision Good: grade 2
Capacity to improve Good: grade 2
Achievements and standards Good: grade 2
Quality of provision Good: grade 2
Leadership and management Good: grade 2
Equality of opportunity Good: Contributory grade 2

Sector subject areas

Health, social care and childcare Good: grade 2
Hairdressing and beauty therapy Good: grade 2
Leisure, travel and tourism Good: grade 2
Preparation for life and work Good: grade 2
Business administration Good: grade 2
Leadership and management Good: grade 2
Teachers are well qualified and demonstrate good vocational expertise.
Staff benefit from very good access to training and development. Learning
resources are generally good and both staff and learners have good
access to information learning technology (ILT). Curriculum management
was identified as a key area for improvement at the last inspection. It is
now at least satisfactory, and in many areas it is good. Staff appreciate
the good communication and open, consultative style that the college has
established. Morale is high and staff express confidence in their
managers.

Leisure, travel and tourism Good: grade 2

Teaching and learning are good. Most lessons are well planned and use a
good variety of activities to engage learners. Information and learning
technology is used well to develop research skills and improve learners’
understanding of current industry practice. In travel and tourism, there
are well developed resources on the virtual learning environment. In most
lessons, learners are effectively challenged by teachers who frequently
check that learning is taking place. However, in a small minority of lessons
learners are not sufficiently challenged and in these lessons they make
too little progress. Assessment is well planned and assessment practice is
good.

Business administration Good: grade 2

Teaching and learning are good. Most lessons actively engage learners in
stimulating practical activities using modern office equipment. Good use
is made of interactive learning technology and learners are able to take
responsibility for their own learning. Assessment tasks are interesting and
well designed to encourage learners to collaborate and work in groups.
Most learners work purposefully and they interact well with each other,
showing respect for different points of view. In a minority of lessons,
insufficient attention is given to the development of learners’ numeracy
skills.

(4) 23rd April 2007

Summary of grades awarded
Effectiveness of provision Good: grade 2
Capacity to improve Good: grade 2
Achievements and standards Good: grade 2
Quality of provision Good: grade 2
Leadership and management Good: grade 2
Equality of opportunity Good: contributory grade 2

Sector subject areas

Health, public services and care Good: grade 2
Science and mathematics Satisfactory: grade 3
Information and communication technology Good: grade 2
Hairdressing and beauty therapy Satisfactory: grade 3
Preparation for life and work Good: grade 2
Business, administration and law Good: grade 2

Overall Judgement
Effectiveness of provision Good: grade 2
Much teaching and learning are good. Most teachers plan well and use a
wide range of teaching and learning activities.

Main Findings
Quality of provision Good: grade 2
Quality of provision is good. Teaching and learning are good for most
learners. Learning is of a high standard for apprentices, advanced
apprentices, Train to Gain and Learndirect learners. In the better lessons,
teachers plan well and use a wide range of good teaching and learning
activities. Classroom management is good. Teachers make effective use of
information learning technology (ILT), an area which was targeted for
improvement in the last self-assessment report. They are good at
developing learners’ confidence by encouraging discussion and the
generation of ideas and presenting ideas and promoting independent
working. Teachers challenge poor punctuality effectively. Most teachers
are appropriately qualified and experienced. Assessment of learners’
progress is effective, frequent and accurate. Learners comment positively
on the quality and timeliness of assessment feedback.

When teaching and learning are less effective, teachers plan poorly, talk
too much, do not involve learners adequately in learning, and take
insufficient account of individual needs. Use of individual learning plans is
insufficiently effective.

Science and mathematics Satisfactory: grade 3

Strength: Very good accommodation and ILT resources

Quality of provision is satisfactory. Teaching and learning are adequate. In

the best lessons, teachers involve learners in interesting and enjoyable
learning activities at a challenging pace. They make good use of ILT. In the
less effective lessons, teachers talk too much and the pace is slow.
Teachers do not work with their learners or check on their progress
sufficiently. Individual learning plans have insufficiently specific targets,
have minimal content, are incomplete and do not motivate learners to
improve. Teachers’ feedback on assessed work is mostly satisfactory. It is
good in psychology.

Information and communication technology Good: grade 2

The quality of provision is good. Teaching and learning are of a high

standard. The planning of learning is good. Teachers use a wide variety of
activities to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners
to a high level. Teachers and learners use ILT effectively. Written feedback
on work is comprehensive and supported by good verbal feedback.
Targets in individual learning plans for full-time learners are insufficiently
specific.

Hairdressing and beauty therapy Satisfactory: grade 3

Teachers use ILT well in theory lessons, including quizzes and games to
maintain and stimulate learners’ interest. Practical resources in
hairdressing are of a high standard. The main hairdressing salon is well
equipped, modern, and replicates the best professional practice.
Resources in beauty salons are satisfactory but are often unable to
accommodate large groups of learners comfortably.

Preparation for life and work Good: grade 2

Teaching and learning are good in ESOL and literacy and numeracy. In the
best lessons, planning is thorough and teachers meet the needs of
individual learners effectively. Teachers’ explanations are very clear. They
motivate learners to work hard who, in turn, enjoy their lessons.
Behaviour management on the pre-vocational courses is good. Since the
last inspection, ILT use has improved to satisfactory.

Business, administration and law Good: grade 2

The quality of provision is good. Much teaching and learning is good.

Teachers provide stimulating introductions to lessons and motivate
learners well to participate particularly effectively in learning. The use of
group work is good in developing learners’ ability to take responsibility for
their own learning. The use of ILT is particularly effective. For example,
teachers employ interactive games to provide a highly enjoyable way to
learn rules for business spelling. Teachers use theory effectively to show
how it underpins the application of business concepts in the work place.
They use business topics effectively to teach key skills. The assessment of
learners’ work is thorough and accurate.
(5) 5th March 2007
Summary of grades awarded
Effectiveness of provision Good: grade 2
Capacity to improve Good: grade 2
Achievements and standards Good: grade 2
Quality of provision Good: grade 2
Leadership and management Good: grade 2

Effectiveness of provision
Teaching and learning are good. Courses and lessons are mostly well
planned and there is a strong emphasis on providing students with a
good variety of learning activities. However, some students are
insufficiently challenged or supported because lesson planning does
not take enough account of the range of student ability. Assessment
practices and learning resources are good, although the use of
information and learning technology (ILT) in lessons is underdeveloped.
Internal lesson observations are developing into an effective tool for
improvement.

Quality of provision Good: grade 2

There are very few unsatisfactory lessons. Weak aspects of some
satisfactory lessons include the insufficient use of differentiation;
inadequate checking of the learning taking place and low levels of
learner concentration. Teachers have comprehensive profiles of
students’ preferred learning styles, GCSE attainment and learning
support needs, but these are not consistently influential in planning
lessons. The availability of ILT has been improved by recent
accommodation developments, but it is still underused in lessons.

(6) 5th February 2007

Summary of grades awarded
Effectiveness of provision Inadequate: grade 4
Capacity to improve Inadequate: grade 4
Achievements and standards Inadequate: grade 4
Quality of provision Satisfactory: grade 3
Leadership and management Inadequate: grade 4

Curriculum areas
Health, public services and care Inadequate: grade 4
Construction, planning and the built environment Good: grade
2
Information and communication technology Satisfactory: grade
3
Arts, media and publishing Good: grade 2
Preparation for life and work Satisfactory: grade 3
Business, administration and law Inadequate: grade 4

Health, public services and care Inadequate: grade 4

Resources are good. Teachers make effective use of ILT in lessons.
However, much teaching and learning is insufficiently demanding, does
not meet learners’ individual learning needs and not all are fully
engaged in learning.

(low success rates for adult learners, low success rates for most
learners aged 16-18)

Arts, media and publishing Good: grade 2

Resources are very good. In addition to a wide range of contemporary
and historical books and journals, the college provides an excellent
range of compact discs, videos and scripts as well as critical and
theoretical works on theatre, dance, music and media. Teachers use ILT
successfully to improve learning. For example, the use of ILT to project
the work of David Hockney as visual reference for experimental pieces
on water and movement was very effective.
(high success rates on most national diplomas.. Since the last
inspection, overall success rates for learners aged 16-18 have
increased but have declined slightly for adult learners)

Business, administration and law Inadequate: grade 4

WEAKNESSES: low success rates, too much tedious and dull teaching,
low expectations of learners in many lessons