Former schools chief Douglas Osler gives his assessment of the Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry
THE inspection of this unique school has been completed. Although it was an unannounced inspection, it appears to have been expected by the school. The inspection team from the Muggle world included specialists in spelling, spiritualism and philosophy.
The management of the school is excellent. Professor Dumbledore has strong powers of leadership, is expert at calming tricky situations and allows individuality to flourish in staff and pupils. Professor McGonagall is responsible for pupil welfare.
She has unusual foresight in managing children. Professor Snape is a malign influence and should be given a spell away.
Mr Hagrid has his own accommodation on the school campus. Pupils confide in him but he should offer a better example in cleanliness. Overall, the ability of management to respond to the unexpected is variable as outside forces affect forward planning. The school’s accommodation, in a castle set in extensive grounds, is outstanding and offers excellent opportunities.
It is flexible as staircases and walls can be moved to meet requirements. The Chamber of Secrets should be opened up to public scrutiny. The school is kept very clean with the use of broomsticks. Resources are plentiful. Shortages are overcome by the schools ability to conjure up equipment as required.
Staffing is adequate in numbers but variable in quality. Some teachers are inspired but others, for example Professor Binns, rely entirely on notes dictated in a monotone. There was evidence that boys only passed class tests by copying notes from one of the girls.
Timetabling should be improved; History of Magic, double Potions, Divination and Defence against the Black Arts is too much in one day. Pupils do excel at the 3 Ss: Sports, Spirits and Spells.
Pupils are well-behaved and troublemakers are kept out of sight. They work well in teams but the way in which pupils are allocated to houses should be reviewed to ensure balance. School meals are plentiful but the diet is unhealthy.
There are concerns about pupil safety. Quidditch, while useful, is dangerous as are some science experiments. Moving stairs and trees, flying cars, talking portraits and the range of animals in school are likely to cause physical or emotional damage to pupils. This is an enterprising school preparing pupils for unusual careers.
Douglas Osler was HM Senior Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland
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