OKEHAMPTON College is delighted with the conclusions by Ofsted inspectors on its design and technology department.

The praiseworthy report is good news for the school because as a technology specialist college the results could have a bearing on future funding for the department and its work.

On their visit to the college earlier this year, inspectors Steffi Penny and Paul Scott said they particularly focused on how the school promotes awareness and relevance of design and technology to students and their parents.

They were also impressed with how much students enjoyed their lessons, which reflected in their work.

The inspectors concluded that 'the overall effectiveness of D&T is outstanding — as are the students' achievements in the subject.

Their report highlighted:

n Most students enter the school with attainment that is at or below the national average but reach or exceed the expectations for their age by the end of Key Stage 3

n Almost all students take a GCSE in D&T and a large majority attains at least a grade C. The proportion of students attaining A* or A and A* to C grades is significantly above the national averages. Students' performance in D&T is also significantly higher compared with that of other subjects in the college. In the sixth form, there is an increasing take-up of courses with notable successes

n Excellent student behaviour and attitudes to learning are firmly encouraged by enthusiastic and hard-working staff. This co-operative learning environment ensures students enjoy what they are doing and generally end each module with work that is completed to a high standard

n Students' progress in D&T is outstanding, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, due to highly effective support and guidance

n The quality of teaching in D&T is good. Teachers have excellent subject knowledge that they share with students effectively. Computer-aided design and manufacture is used well to reinforce learning and to ensure that students are aware of and have first-hand experience of up-to-date manufacturing processes in all year groups

n The quality of the curriculum in D&T is outstanding

n The completion of the new skills centre in September will greatly enhance the quality of the delivery of vocational courses such as bricklaying and construction. The plans to include other vocational courses, such as motor vehicle mechanics, are well founded to build on students' interests

n The school's new 'core module' in Years 7 and 8 is exemplary. It encompasses all D&T requirements while also making mathematics, history, socio-economic issues and sustainability 'come to life' in a meaningful and holistic way

n Leadership and management in DVT are outstanding.

Jean Harris, Okehampton College's assistant principal, told the Times: 'The outstanding verdict was very pleasing for the college. It is important to us as it recognises the hard work and effort that the D&T department makes every single day to ensure the time students spend in the subject gives real value for money.

'We are a technology specialist college and are due for redesignation in the next academic year. The grade of outstanding will certainly go a long way to ensure redesignation success and the maintenance of additional funding for maths, science and D&T and our very important work with the community. '