Helston Community College's teaching of mathematics has been found to be outstanding in their latest Ofsted report.

The report, published on Monday, shows excellence in all areas from achievement to quality of teaching through to quality of the curriculum and effectiveness of leadership in maths.

Inspector, Simon Rowe, said his judgments were based upon interviews with staff and students, analysis of students' work and the observation of eight lessons.

He said: “In most lessons students make excellent progress. They work independently and with their peers discussing their thoughts and ideas.

“They enjoy being challenged, show resilience and a determination to succeed.”

Attitudes towards mathematics are “extremely positive,” lessons are planned “thoroughly” and focus on developing understanding, independence and communication while “the subject leader has the highest of expectations which she communicates regularly with her team,” the report found.

The only area identified for improvement was the need for teachers' marking to “consistently inform students about what they need to do to improve” although opportunities for students to experience mathematics beyond the classroom were described as excellent.

Mr Rowe said: “Strong links with the community mean that students benefit from, for instance, attending sessions on Egyptian mathematics run by a local museum and engineers from an air station show students how they use mathematics in their everyday life.

“Sixth form students also work alongside Key Stage 3 students, providing support for those who need it and also challenging and raising aspirations of gifted students.”