ISI Inspection Report - Flipbook - Page 12
Inspection of Educational Quality
12
application on an electronic device to access the correct pronunciation. Older pupils were able to
generate QR codes which when used with a device allowed the listener to access off beat reggae music
created by the pupils themselves. The use of ICT across the curriculum has enabled pupils to seize
excellent opportunities to broaden and deepen their learning and understanding. Year 5 pupils in
science used on-line worksheets when investigating ageing, demonstrating competence in
undertaking controlled research and all pupils said that they had become more proficient at using
electronic devices during the lockdown periods.
3.11 Pupils demonstrate excellent study skills, which become more highly developed as they move through
the prep school. Pupils work equally well independently and in groups, as seen in a Year 7 English
lesson in which pupils were debating and effectively analysing the arguments for and against junk
foods, thus enabling pupils to use high order skills in making an informed decision. Reception pupils
were seen using a wide range of resources to sort out objects which are made from metal, plastic,
wood, and paper, being given the opportunity to self-explore, challenge and self-investigate and learn
by ‘having a go’ and making something. Pupils are often given challenges to extend their thinking and
learning for example in mathematics, using an interactive programme in which an open dialogue
between teacher and pupil offers communication and extended learning opportunities. Study skills
are further promoted in the boarding houses when older pupils assist the younger pupils with their
homework and project work.
3.12 Pupils' enjoy a high level of success in creative, academic and sporting competitions against other
schools and even nationally, as well as achieving a significant number of scholarships each year that
reflect their attainment in academic work, sport and the performing and creative arts. Pupils’ excellent
achievement in music is reflected in high-quality singing, composition and musical appreciation. The
school choir performs to a high standard both in school and at external events. Pupils in discussion
said that their choir’s success is due to the teachers’ encouragement and the enthusiasm and keenness
of the pupils to perform. Prep school pupils also achieve significant successes in nationally recognised
drama and performing arts certification. Exceptional individual and group achievements can also be
seen in leadership challenges and charitable work, including during our visit when a number of pupils
set off to take part in the Mount Kenya challenge with older pupils from the senior school. Pupils are
keen to start tasks and do not need a reminder to remain focused during lessons. There are high
expectations of discipline and classroom management and consequently pupils demonstrate high
levels of self-motivation and engagement. Pupils attitudes are excellent, and they demonstrate high
levels of cooperation when collaborating with their peers to further enhance their learning as seen in
the ‘flipping Fridays’ initiative which sees pupils getting a chance to teach the class, thus giving pupils
the independence to develop their leadership qualities. In this way pupils take leadership in their
learning seriously, especially when set independent and challenging tasks, for example the
development of leadership and physical skills when taking part in the school’s Turi Endeavour Award
scheme.
The quality of the pupils’ personal development
3.13 The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.
3.14 Pupils in the prep school, including in the EYFS, demonstrate excellent standards of personal
development and in doing so the school fulfils its aim to encourage pupils to be confident, selfdisciplined and caring, living their school lives in line with the Turi principles of courage, integrity and
compassion. Leaders, governors and staff are dedicated to ensuring that each pupil develops the skills
and talents to seamlessly move on through the prep school from EYFS into Year 1 and on to the senior
school after Year 8.
3.15 From an early age, most pupils demonstrate mature levels of understanding. For example, Year 3
pupils in an English lesson were able to identify and correct spellings and errors in their teacher’s
sentences, thus improving learning outcomes and increasing their self-confidence and Year 3 pupils
© Independent Schools Inspectorate 2022
St Andrew’s School – Turi – Kenya – March 2022
