HEADTEACHER S GOVERNORS REPORT AUTUMN TERM 2014

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1 Introduction HEADTEACHER S GOVERNORS REPORT AUTUMN TERM 2014 It has been an exciting and busy start to this academic year and it is with great pleasure that I present the Headteacher s Report to Governors. Information regarding individual subject departments and the Wellbeing and Achievement team will be included in the Autumn edition of the School Newsletter. Section 1 MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP The last few years have presented significant challenges. We have endured 14 months of building work, possible Federation, an Estyn Inspection and a challenging budget. Whilst the cutbacks in education will continue for the foreseeable future, we have an exciting year ahead, with as yet, no external distraction. We will be able to put all our energy into school improvement. It is once again an exciting time for Cardiff High School. School Improvement Hub Status In October 2014, the school was awarded School Improvement Hub status by the Central South Consortium. This means the school will deliver many of the training courses traditionally offered by the Local Authority and the Consortium. This reflects the change in education in Wales to a self improving system where schools work with other schools. Cardiff High is at the heart of this work with the Headteacher chairing the Consortium Learning and Teaching Group developing this concept. The work of the school will be shared with all 60 secondary and 340 primary schools across Cardiff, Bridgend, Merthyr, Vale of Glamorgan and Rhondda Cynon Taff and with Welsh Government. This will provide wonderful continuing professional development opportunities for staff at Cardiff High School and allow us to tap into new funding streams. It will allow us to test our strategies and ideas against other schools to hopefully deliver improvement across the region. It is a traded service, meaning it is self financing, allowing the school to maintain high levels of staffing and continue to invest in teaching and learning. Fundraising Presented by Mr S M Jones, Headteacher The school continues to work hard to provide excellent facilities to match the quality of teaching. There have been a number of changes in the operation of the Partnership this year under the new chair, Julia Lewis and it is hoped there will be greater support from parents to raise funds to improve the learning facilities for our children. In the future, the Partnership will be called the Parent Teacher Association. Summer Examination Results Presented by Mrs H Lewis, Assistant Headteacher Examination performances this year were outstanding with the 2014 cohort recording record levels of attainment in all key measures. No pupil left Cardiff High School without a qualification 100% of the cohort achieved the Level 1 threshold (5 A* to G grades) 96% of pupils achieved the Level 2 threshold (5 A* to C grades) 1

2 Some superb individual achievements from SEN and vulnerable pupils 90% of pupils achieved a grade C or better in Mathematics 92% achieved at least a C in English Language 87% of the cohort achieved, arguably, the most significant threshold of Level 2+ (5 A to C grades including English and Mathematics). This L2+ performance is the highest of any comprehensive school in Wales and represents attainment in line with top performing institutions across the whole of the UK. These results are a reflection of a highly skilled and dedicated teaching body, a culture of high expectation and a commitment to ensuring that as many pupils as possible have the best possible chances in life. Whilst the school continues to constantly strive to improve our performance at L2+, we are also stretching our most able students. This is evidenced by the fact that a huge 46% of all grades awarded in 2014 were A* or A. In addition, a new measure was collected locally this year, that of 5 A* to A grades including English & Maths. An incredible 36% of pupils in the Y11 cohort achieved this threshold. At Key Stage 5 the 2014 cohort performed exceptionally well. 27.2% of grades awarded were A* or A compared to 23.3% nationally, 77.4% were A* to C and 98.3% were A* to E. The proportion of students achieving the Level 3 threshold (at least 2 A* to E grades) remains high at 99%. 3 students achieved 4 A* grades and 2 achieved 3 A* grades. A further 15 of the cohort were awarded all A* and A grades and 4 students secured Oxbridge places. These performances are particularly pleasing, given that the Cardiff High Sixth Form entrance requirement remains very open and inclusive at just 5 GCSEs at grade C. Our younger pupils also performed exceptionally well during the last academic year with an outstanding 92.9% of pupils achieving the Core Subject Indicator (at least Level 5 in English, Maths and Science) at the end of Key Stage Three. This achievement represents attainment well in excess of national averages. 98% of pupils made at least one level of progress between KS2 and KS3, with high proportions making 2 or more levels of progress. The recent National reading and Numeracy test results showed performances significantly above local and national averages. Departmental performance data for all key stages is examined in detail and discussed at scheduled meetings with each curriculum leader early the Autumn term. This analysis drills down to pupil level data to identify trends and patterns in both raw and value added data. These discussions ensure transparency and accountability and inform future planning. Recent exam performance analysis has shown that, at all key stages, groups of learners with additional learning needs achieve similar results to the general cohort, a testament to the care and support they receive in Cardiff High School. Similarly, analysis has also shown that there is little significant discrepancy in the performances of pupils from different genders, ethnic or social backgrounds; a further indication of the genuine inclusive environment. Staffing Changes Presented by Mr S M Jones, Headteacher In the last academic year there was a healthy and productive turnover of staff stimulating new ideas of thinking and working. As the school grows, we will continue to invest in the best quality staff to further challenge the boundaries of performance. 2

3 This year s changes:- Leavers Teaching Staff Member of Staff Role in CHS New Role New School Caryl Warlow Teacher of PE New Teaching Post Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi Paul Evans Teacher of D&T New Teaching Post Lodge Park Technical College, Corby Esther Addams Teacher of Science Change of Career Sandra Ashton Teacher of Geography Voluntary Severance Gillian Taylor Teacher of French Voluntary Severance Pauline Campbell Teacher of D&T Voluntary Severance Natasha Owen Teacher of Music Voluntary Severance Helen Carew Teacher of Drama Compulsory Redundancy Simon James Teacher of Alternative Curriculum Compulsory Redundancy Paul Moriarty Head of Middle School Assistant Headteacher St Illtyds James Snook Teacher of Science Change of Career Cardiff University Support Staff Jerry Cleall Harding, Examinations Officer Hilary Chaplin, Catering Manager Susan Cubitt, Reprographics Technician Caroline Fletcher, Teaching Assistant Judith Mitchell, Teaching Assistant Christine Heathcote, Sixth Form Administrator New Staff Teaching Dale Evans, Permanent Curriculum Leader of Music Eve Oliver, Permanent Curriculum Leader of Art Kerry Bevan, Permanent Teacher of French Natalie Bradfield, Temporary Teacher of French & German Stephen Howells, Temporary Teacher of English (PDG) Jonathan Coombs, Temporary Teacher of Maths (PDG) Nathan White, Permanent Teacher of Science Gwennan Harries, Permanent Teacher of PE Nia John, Temporary Teacher of Psychology Lowri Daniel, Temporary GTP in Modern Foreign Languages Anthea Punter, Temporary Teacher of Science Charlotte Taylor, Temporary Teacher of Welsh (Maternity) Sarah Grenyer, Temporary Teacher of English (Maternity) Natasha Sharman, Permanent Teacher of Science 3

4 Support Staff Gary Sparks, Permanent D&T/Art Technician Rhian Doubler, Permanent Catering Assistant Owain Bayliss, Temporary Teaching Assistant Alun Mills, Temporary Teaching Assistant Olevi Accreditation Presented by Mr S Thompson, Deputy Headteacher Cardiff High School has become a licensed hub school accredited to run a number of Olevi learning and teaching programmes. Olevi is an international organisation that has successfully supported the education system, most notably as part of the London and Manchester challenge programmes, and has been instrumental in raising the level of learning and teaching in the classroom. Cardiff High School trained facilitators are currently delivering the Outstanding Teacher Programme (OTP) and Improving Teacher Programme (ITP) to staff members throughout the five local authorities in the Central South Consortium. Performance Management Presented by Mr S Thompson, Deputy Headteacher The current performance management cycle has now come to an end which has involved every member of teaching staff. Smart targets all linked and strategically focused on school and departmental improvement plans set up a year ago, have been worked on and successfully achieved. This improvement planning cycle contributes significantly to the ongoing professional development of all staff to ensure that staff remain highly skilled and proficient to provide the best education provision possible to the students at our school. For the first time this year, the performance management system has worked utilising the principle of performance related pay and the Pay Committee of governors have scrutinised the process and agreed with the school s recommendations for annual pay increments for members of staff. The cycle has now commenced again with targets being set for 2014/2015. The system of a school improvement plan, supported by departmental improvements plans which are then the basis for individual performance management targets provides a cohesive and comprehensive system of improvement planning realising positive outcomes for learners in the school. Staff are all measured on pupil progress utilising a wide range of evidence including a number of lesson observations, work scrutiny and sampling of students work. Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification presented by Ms C Falcus, Assistant Headteacher The sixth form Welsh Bac continues with the first cohort of the revised specification entering Year 13. The qualification, at advanced level, is now graded from A* - C. The overall structure of the qualification remains unchanged. However, the Individual Investigation has become more challenging through an increase in the word count and more rigorous assessment criteria. In addition, students are required to complete part of their Essential Skills accreditation to a higher level than the previous qualification. This is an interim qualification whilst the whole of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification is under redevelopment. Further information on the new Welsh Bac qualification is expected later this year. 4

5 Summer Flexible Timetable presented by Ms C Falcus, Assistant Headteacher The third annual summer flexible timetable took place during the final week of the Summer Term. This year s timetable consisted of a themed approach with a whole school focus of Byw yng Nghymru Living in Wales. Each year group had a specific focus linked to this theme. The week provided successful opportunity for learners to experience a wide range of learning activities which included a variety of visits as well as school based activities. Considerations for next year s summer timetable have already commenced. Wellbeing and Achievement Update Presented by Mrs A Yarrow, Deputy Headteacher Cardiff High is delighted to have met its incredibly aspirational attendance target of 96% for and as a consequence it has maintained its position as the school with the best attendance figure in the city and also within our family of schools. Data analysis for every year group has highlighted, once again, that very little difference exists in attendance figures between groups of learners such as those entitled to free school meals or students from different ethnic or social backgrounds. This reflects the hard work and care of Achievement Team and the crucial support of the Attendance Officers. This term has seen the expansion of our highly successful Nurture provision. A new room has been refurbished to a very high standard and is far more accessible for our learners. It is also a great deal bigger than the original and provides a Learning & Teaching space, private counselling room, kitchen area, relaxation space and a secure office. The Nurture Room provides a secure, calm and predictable environment for students who, for a host of reasons, may be struggling emotionally and unable to access mainstream learning for a short period of time. Mrs Alison Rayer, has now been appointed as the permanent Nurture Manager and is supported by Ms Hannah Chadwick and Ms Heidi Perry. Mrs Rayer has been trained in a range of areas including counselling, ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) which has equipped her to effectively deliver bespoke programmes for learners, covering areas such as raising self-esteem, anger management and establishing friendships. Alison also works with the Achievement Team to support Restorative Justice approaches and family liaison. Having undertaken, Mindfulness in Counselling training, Mrs Rayer is able to help our more anxious learners through the delivery of Mindfulness sessions. The whole school focus upon Mindfulness was reflected in the INSET programme in September. Each year group in turn is being introduced to the philosophy and students are engaging in Mindfulness meditations during morning registration. A pre-school Mindfulness session is also offered on a daily basis by Mrs Rayer to all staff. Mrs Heidi Perry and Miss Hannah Chadwick are both Learning Support Assistants (LSA) at the school. Mrs Perry delivers social skill lessons for less confident learners in the Nurture Room. There are currently 6 groups from Key Stage 3, with approximately 8 learners in each group. The programme of one hour per week lasts for 8 weeks and is in its second year of being offered. Feedback from students and parents regarding this programme has been hugely positive. 5

6 Miss Hannah Chadwick is the newly appointed LSA attached to the Nurture Room. She supports the learning needs of our students within Nurture and is going to attend the ELSA training programme in January 2015 in order to support Mrs Rayer in this crucially important aspect of the work within Nurture. Section 2 SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND PUPIL MATTERS School Catering Update Presented by Mrs D Macho, Business Manager The school continues to offer a wide range of healthy and nutritionally balanced menu choices throughout the day for all pupils within the school canteen in compliance with the Welsh Government Appetite for Life agenda. The introduction of seasoned chargrilled chicken breasts on the salad bar to replace the traditional processed meats has proved to be a great success and the opportunity for students to pre-order and cut down on waiting time is also much appreciated. Following discussions with the 6 th Form students, a Breakfast Café service has been introduced especially for their use between 9am and 10am, where those students who do not have a lesson, can purchase a light breakfast such as Beans on Toast with a cup of tea or coffee and either use the cashless system or pay by cash. A break time tuck shop trolley is also available in the 6 th form centre. In the near future it is hoped to introduce a system of pre-ordering for the 6 th Form with a selection of items available for delivery and collection from the 6 th Form Office to save on congestion in the canteen during the lunch period. ICT Update 2014 Presented by Mr R Brown, Director of New Technologies We have enjoyed another positive year altering focus to help deliver a more modern curriculum. The ICT Support department has a new member of staff and he brings a wealth of experience in school desktop support. Over the summer the school re-configured the network to ensure that we have a consistent approach so that it would be simpler for students and staff to access core systems. We now have a converged infrastructure which allows all students to login to the network, moodle and their office365 account with a single account. Over the summer we also implemented a new Moodle system which is linked directly to SIMS so that cohorts can be enrolled directly into courses and staff and students are able to access their My Documents at home to achieve a goal of 24x7 access to school resources. Moving forward we will also give access to more resources from home. We are currently looking at the use of cloud technology which would facilitate full access from home to provide access to all school resources so that staff and students can access the full desktop they experience within school. 6

7 We have also further improved our ICT provision by implementing Apple Airplay technology so that staff are able to present directly from their ipads to the class as well as purchasing a class set of 30 ipads for student use in the Learning hub. The Design & Technology Department have had improved computing facilities which now enable them to use industry standard software including Autodesk Inventor 3d design modelling software. We are also now able under the Microsoft Student advantage scheme to provide each student with a copy of Microsoft Office 2013 which gives each student the ability to use the software for free whilst studying at CHS and this can be used on upto 5 pc s or Macs as well as on tablets & phones. Looking to the future, when funds allow, we will continue to improve provision and opportunities for all learners and staff and push forward to ensure we are still aiming towards leading the way for other schools. SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND PUPIL MATTERS Summer Programme of Works Presented by Mr C Newton, Estates Manager It has been a hectic year in the life of the school estate with the rear playing field works completed in September 2013 closely followed by hand-over to the school of the new front of school extension block, artificial playing pitch and car park in December. Although we found ourselves on a construction site for most of 2013 with prior planning and continuous communication with the contractors we ensured there was minimum disruption to the normal daily school routine and the expected standard of delivery of the curriculum was maintained throughout. The new extension to the front of the school, which replaced the former lower school hall and ageing music department, gave us a 2 storey state of the art building with purpose built music classrooms, recording studios, practice rooms and new hall with full audio / visual facilities. It also boasted and additional 6 general teaching classrooms and 3 art rooms and new lift which now enables us to give fully inclusive access to all parts of the school for all. The rear field works has seen the construction of a new fully artificial floodlit 3G playing surface which allows our students to take part in sporting activities regardless of the weather and is able to be used by the community after school hours. Re-landscaping of the existing fields has also given us an additional grass pitch which can be used for both football and rugby. We have also developed the existing area to the rear of the school in order to improve the drainage which included the installation of a soak-away to remove standing water, construction of a barrier wall to protect the access paths from flooding and the building of a new road. In April 2014 the Ty Celyn Centre which has been used by the youth service for the past 20 years was handed over to the school estate with the intention of transforming it into a new stand-alone 6 Form Centre. Although it was in an adequate condition for a youth club it required major investment from the school to develop it into a learning center and offices befitting of our staff and students ready for September

8 The works carried out in the summer recess to bring the building up to the required standard included, removal of existing ceilings and lighting, rewire of electrical services, upgrade of central heating system, decoration throughout, new carpets, and creation of an IT suite from an existing store room and the upgrade of IT facilities for student use. The next phase of the refurbishment works for the 6 Form Centre will include the creation of a covered outdoor area solely intended for 6 form student use. 8