Furness school where all youngsters had chance to tell staff if they were happy

Text for Saturday Spread on Dowdales School, Dalton

Headline: Furness school where all youngsters had chance to tell staff if they were happy

Strapline: Impressive Ofsted inspection report on achievements at Dowdales helped attract pupils to Dalton from Broughton, Barrow and even Lancaster

AN impressive Ofsted inspection report provided a good opportunity for headteacher Liz Moffatt and her deputy Dennis Fay to look back on years of change at Dowdales School in Dalton.

The Mail, on Wednesday, February 9 in 2000, noted: "The management duo says it is hard to define specific points which have improved the school so much."

Mrs Moffat, who had been in charge for 10 years, said: "The pupils respond very well, they work hard and they care about their school.

"There's a real sense of pride and we have worked hard to get that.

"I wanted to create a school in which the pupils feel they are the main stakeholders."

Mr Fay said: "Last year in school we asked about 130 pupils if they were happy in school.

"Only one said he or she was not."

Year nine pupils Michael Sawrey, 13, said: "I like PE and sports and all the activities.

"It's a good school and everyone gets on with each other."

Attendance rates at the school were judged to be very good at 94.5 per cent - well avoid the national average of 91 per cent.

Mr Fay said: "Pupils travel from all over the Furness area from Barrow to Broughton and even last year a pupil from Lancaster."

The article noted: "Pupils are given the chance to air their views through a questionnaire called the Students' Voice twice a year.

"The young people are asked questions which include issues about bullying, racism, aspirations and the best and worst things about the school."

Year nine student Kelly Hamill, 14, said: "I like most things about the school but if I had to say what I liked the most I would pick science.

"It's a good school and you don't get much trouble or anything like that."

Year 10 pupil Tony Jones, 14, said: "Like the friendly environment and it makes it easier to learn things.

"You don't get pushed into learning and can do it at your own free will. I really enjoy it."

Year eight pupil Sarah Hoekstra, 12, said: "I like music and have always liked it.

"It's good because there are lots of lessons which are available.

"In the school I am taking violin and clarinet lessons and out of school I have piano lessons."