|
 s the summer sun shines down (at last), we can all look forward to the holidays and a well earned summer break after an exceptionally successful year. This half term has been dominated by exams and all years have had their turn at sitting at the serried ranks of desks in the hall and gym. A record number of public examinations have been taken and our best wishes go to all GCSE and 'A' level candidates for that moment in August when the envelope is opened. One set of results are already in - congratulations to our Year 9 students on successes in the Key Stage 3 SATS. They have performed above the national average again this year. In Maths, 72% achieved level 5 or higher, compared with the 1999 national figure of 64%. In Science, 67% reached level 5 or above, compared with 55% nationally. In English 75% reached level 5 or above, compared with 63% nationally
There have been a vast range of activities and other successes this term which are reported in this newsletter. This term is also the peak time for planning for next year.
Parents will already know about the news of our £750,000 building scheme to create a new community library and learning centre at the entrance to our school in addition to a new bus park and the redesigning of three of our five faculty areas to produce additional and improved classroom facilities. An architect has been appointed and designs are being drawn up. We expect building for the new library to get underway in the late autumn.
At the end of this term we are saying farewell to a number of staff and none will be missed more than Mr Brian Archer, our Pastoral Deputy Head. Brian joined Theale Green in 1964 as Head of Music when the school was only in its second year and became Deputy Head in 1973. Over the last 36 years, no year has gone by without some improvement to our school that he has initiated. Of recent years, Brian Archer has led our House pastoral team and the high level of care we give to each individual student is because that is his style. Our reputation in this area of education is second to none and many, many students have much to be grateful for in the work Brian has done on their behalf. An outstanding professional and committed teacher throughout his working life, we all owe Mr Brian Archer, a great debt of gratitude.
PS. One of Brian Archer's many contributions to our school has been as Editor to these Newsletters. On behalf of all your readers Brian, thank you! (Don't mention it "Ed"!)
In September, we are looking forward to welcoming Mrs Gaynor Comber, the new Deputy Head, who will be combining some of Brian Archer's work with oversight of the Sixth Form. Mrs Comber comes to us from St Bernards Catholic School and will be a welcome addition to the school Senior Management Team. In re-shaping the school's leadership team at Theale Green, we also welcome Miss Deborah Heighes, Head of Science and Maths Faculty and Mr Rick Holroyd, Head of Communications Faculty. They are taking responsibility for monitoring Student Progress and Staff Professional Development
respectively.
|
|
