The view from the Chair
What a difference a couple of years can make!
To take a look around the school today you would find it hard to believe that only two years have passed since we were the subject of a risk of closure. As a parent with a vested interest in the school doing the best for my child, it was a worrying time. Shortly afterwards the Headteacher, who had promised much for the school, was appointed to a new post.
And now? …Now, it gives me great pleasure to welcome our largest year seven intake for many years. I am able to report with pride the outstanding school results at Key Stage 3 (Year 9) and by our pupils in last year’s 10 and 11. I can also report fantastic developments in the teaching resources within the school and on the outstanding efforts being made by all the school staff to ensure that our children get the very best opportunity to achieve and even exceed their potential.
Uncertainty over the school caused some parents to opt out and seek opportunity elsewhere. My message in this website is to the parents who kept faith with the school. It’s a simple message, ‘thank you and well done’. Your children worked hard in year 11 and achieved the results that their effort deserved. Year 10 took exams early and also achieved superb results. I have seen the teaching team in action and I know how much effort they put in on behalf of our children but at the end of the day, when that child opens the exam paper and lifts their pen what they achieve is down to them. And boy, did they achieve. 100% pass in French, 82 % in DT, 79% in Art to give just a few examples. In the key subjects, Science increased from 22 to 46% pass rate, Maths increased from 36 to 46% and English was up from 40 to 51%. I look forward to seeing you all at the Awards evening on 27th November. Our children did well, celebrate that fact and be as proud of them as we are.
And a special pat on the back to the boys. Several months ago, our Head Boy was alarmed to discover, at a meeting with the Governors, that performance by boys was far less than the girls of our school. The word went out, away went the play stations and Xboxes and out came the books and pens. With a point to prove the boys went to it. They proved their point and proved their ability. This year the boys matched the girls!
Our years 7, 8 and 9 are showing excellent potential. Early predictions are that this years’ performance is only the first in a series of improving results.
Summer term saw the retirement of our long serving Acting Deputy Headteacher, Pam Scourfield. Pam was with the school for over thirty years and was treated to an excellent send off at her ‘do’ in July. I am sure you will join me in wishing her a long and enjoyable retirement. Our biology teacher, Mr Chris Gardener, also decided to hang up his marker pen and spend time on his small-holding. Chris also served the school for a considerable time and to both teachers we extend out sincere thanks.
There was stiff competition to replace Pam and I am pleased to report that Mr Martin Davis from Duffryn High School in Newport was our successful applicant. Amongst his many skills, Martin is an accomplished cricket coach. We look forward to the contribution I know he will make to our school.
And may I close with a final thank you, to the Headteacher, Chris David, and the staff of our school. Together they have generated a momentum of performance that will see this school move from strength to strength. We, as parents, thank you today, our children will thank you in years to come.
Mr M.Parfitt