'Inadequate' Charedi school too focused on exams, Ofsted says - The Jewish Chronicle

A Strictly Orthodox boys school where some pupils start studying for A-levels in year 9 and 10 has been criticised by Ofsted for being too focused on exams.

Inspectors graded the independent Beis Medrash Elyon in Hendon as inadequate, saying its secular curriculum was too limited.

In English and maths, for example, pupils began preparing for GCSEs in year 7 and some began studying A-level courses in year 9 and 10, having “finished” GCSEs. After year 10, boys left for yeshivah.

Although pupils generally achieved high grades at GCSE, the emphasis on exam results meant that “pupils do not develop deep knowledge and understanding in their subjects,” Ofsted stated. “Instead, pupils complete some qualifications as quickly as possible and at unusually young ages”.

In “very new” subjects such as PE, history and music, teachers followed incomplete curriculum plans. Beyond year 8, there was “no formal learning in creative or technological education, and biology is not taught at all”.

Relationships education did not cover all the required content because the school did not teach about LGBT relationships.

Ofsted described pupils as “confident, respectful and well-mannered” which was partly due to Jewish studies.

But inspectors voiced concern about the recruitment process for staff, finding not all the necessary checks had been carried out.

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