ANNUAL REPORT 1998-1999
Highsted Front Page
CONTENTS:
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Pupil
achievements |
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Links with the
community |
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Other
news |
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APPENDICES |
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MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY
1998-1999
as at 23rd July, 1999
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Mr D. Jordan |
LEA Governor |
first appointed 10.02.92 |
re-appointed 10.02.96 |
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Mrs W. Kear |
LEA Governor |
first appointed 08.10.85 (as a Minor Authority Governor) |
re-appointed 06.03.97 |
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Ms S. Norris |
LEA Governor |
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appointed 03.12.98 |
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Vacancy |
LEA Governor |
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Mr L. Martin |
Parent Governor |
first elected 03.12.93 |
re-elected 18.11.97 |
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Mrs A. Baker |
Parent Governor |
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elected 20.09.96 |
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Mr S.Berry |
Parent Governor |
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elected 20.09.96 |
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Vacancy |
Parent Governor |
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Mr P. Statham |
Co-opted Governor |
first elected 03.11.92 (as a Parent Governor) |
appointed 23.05.96 |
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Mr R. Patrick |
Co-opted Governor |
first elected Sept.90 (as a Parent Governor) |
re-appointed 20.10.97 |
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Mr. C. Ward |
Co-opted Governor |
first appointed 19.05.94 |
re-appointed 20.10.98 |
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Mr. P. Coatsworth |
Co-opted Governor |
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appointed 04.02.99 |
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Mr M. Smith |
Teacher Governor |
first elected Sept. 1988 |
re-elected 18.09.96 |
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Ms J. Shardlow |
Teacher Governor |
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elected 28.06.99 |
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Mrs J.E.H. Lambert |
Headteacher |
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Mr M. Bradley |
Chair |
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re-elected 24.09.98 |
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Co-opted Governor |
first appointed 14.05.91 |
re-appointed 11.05.99 |
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Mrs P. Halsall |
Clerk to Governing Body |
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The Chair and Clerk may be contacted via Highsted Grammar
School, telephone No: 01795 424223
The Chair and Clerk can also be contacted by e-mail: Highsted@rmplc.co.uk
Copies of this report, the school prospectus and a link to
the school's Ofsted report can be found on the Highsted Internet Web site at http://welcome.to/highsted
October 8, 1999
Dear Parent
I am once again privileged to present to you the Governing Body's Annual Report to Parents for the academic year 1998/9. I would also like to invite you to attend the Annual Meeting for parents, which this year will be held in the School Hall on Thursday 18th November at 7.30 p.m.
The principal business of the meeting is to receive this report and discuss any issues regarding its content which parents may wish to raise with the Governing Body. The agenda for the meeting is therefore as follows:
- Welcome and introduction of the Governing Body
- Discussion of the Annual Report
- Close of meeting
We do hope that you will try to join us this year. If at least 20% of eligible parents are in attendance, the meeting may pass resolutions. However, if attendance is below this figure, the Governing Body undertakes to note views expressed by the meeting and to consider any issues raised as part of its subsequent business.
Although a statutory requirement, the meeting is relatively informal in nature and governors welcome this opportunity to meet parents and to exchange views with them. On behalf of the Governing Body, I do hope that you will be able to join us for this meeting.
I look forward to welcoming you on the night.
Mike Bradley
Chairman of the Governing Body
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Examination results
This has been another very successful year for the students at Highsted and high standards are being maintained. This was a particularly significant year as it was the first year that pupils who originally joined us in Year 7 took their GCSEs in Year 11. Full lists of the Key Stage 3, GCSE and A. level results are shown in Appendices 1 to 3. The results are a tribute to hard work and commitment from the girls and from the staff - and doubtless in many cases the parents as well!
Leaver destinations
It is not surprising that with good examination results, including four girls with straight A. s at A. level, and a wide choice of extra curricular activities, the leavers from Highsted this year have achieved places on some impressive Further and Higher Education courses.
A full list of the leaver destinations is shown at Appendix 6, and we look forward to seeing our recent leavers at the Awards Evening later this term.
Naturally, the school endeavours to ensure that Highsted pupils achieve their potential in academic and technical subjects and are equipped with all they need in terms of qualifications. In addition, we are committed to providing a range of broader opportunities for the girls so that they can explore other skills and interests to the full. It is impossible to list all that has been going on in this context, but the following will give parents a flavour. We would like to express our very sincere thanks to all the staff who give so unstintingly of their time and energy in order to make these experiences possible.
Music
The standard of music at Highsted is extremely high, as many parents, Governors and friends of the school have witnessed at the Christmas and summer concerts each year. In addition to the concerts, the Orchestra, Wind Band and Choir have made much appreciated performances for charity and groups such as The Old Folks' Fellowship of Sittingbourne; provided entertainment at the Awards Evening and have contributed to the Mayor of Swale Schools. Concert at the Wyvern Hall. A list of music examination achievements is in Appendix 5.
Sport
Again this was a successful year for sport at Highsted School. The range of extra curricular activities has grown, as has the number of participants. The programme was designed with recreation and competition in mind, and as such it catered for all abilities and tastes
Netball has again reached a high standard with many girls representing the school in the evenings and at weekends. Teams from each age group took part in the District Tournaments and the under-19 squad reached the All England Netball finals. The prowess of these students has made Highsted rank in the top five schools at netball in England. The under-16 and under-14 squads also showed promise.
Many girls have been selected to represent Kent at netball At under-14 level, Charlotte Jerviss; under-16 Paula Steele, Kerry Mitchell and Helen Fosbraey and at under-19 level, Laura Mason, Katie Basher and Helen Lloyd. Notably, Helen Lloyd was selected to represent England. Nine of the under-14 girls were selected to represent Swale at satellite level.
Increased enthusiasm for cross-country has led to improved success at District competitions. Years 7, 8 and 12/13 teams won the Swale District Championship. Stephanie Viney, Stephanie Gibbs, Rebecca Ward and Gale Lloyd were all placed first in their respective age groups. These girls, along with two others, were selected to represent Kent.
In Athletics, Highsted was the winner of a most impressive 22 individual District Champion medals and the under-17 and under-13 teams were team champions.
Fixtures against other schools were arranged in a number of sports including: hockey, netball, badminton, football, cricket, tennis and athletics. All teams enjoyed much success. Outstanding performances were:
Badminton Gayle Lloyd (Kent County Honours)
Gymnastics Margaret Hall (Kent County Honours)
Swimming Gayle Lloyd (Kent County Honours)
Football Kerry Wilson (Kent County Honours)
Tennis. Stephanie Viney (Kent County Honours)
Drama
At Christmas, Year 11 GCSE students produced their version
of the pantomime, Aladdin. , attended by local primary schools. In April,
members of all year groups performed in the school production of Alice. . The lively
performance used a combination of acting, puppetry and choreography to two very
appreciative audiences. Jam tarts and tea were served during the
interval, continuing the Lewis Carroll theme of this classic story.
LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY
Governors believe that Highsted has an important role to play as part of the education environment of Sittingbourne. We also believe it to be very important for the pupils to understand and contribute to the local community. The following will give parents a flavour of how this has been manifested this year.
Charity
During the school year Highsted pupils collected a total of £2293.54 for various charities and gave of their personal time to help elderly people, disabled people, children and young people. Charities supported included: Jeans for Genes day (£400.86); Romania (£88.55 and Harvest parcels); annual Poppy day appeal (£134.94); Kosovo Appeal (£419.36, raised by Pay and Wear Day); Kent Adventure Club for the Disabled (£361.36, raised by Pay and Wear Day) and Comic Relief (£834.34). It is not usually the policy of the school to publicise charitable works since it is felt these should be carried out in their own right and not for publicity or thanks. Parents will however be pleased to know that the school encourages pupils in this sort of activity.
Enterprise
This was a successful year with most of the twenty-eight small businesses managing to make a profit. The students undertook a wide range of activities, including fluffy cushions, ironing and hair styling as well as the usual range of food products. Only students who had attended the courses run by the school and had gained the food handlers. certificate were permitted to handle and sell food. The students again made extensive use of the local community by going out to schools and businesses.
Experience of work
These are important activities in the
girls. development, which have resulted in valuable contacts with local
employers and positive links with the wider business community. All Year 11
pupils took part in at least one week of work experience in the summer term and
were commended by employers on their performance and attitude. Many Year 12 and
13 students have undertaken regular work experience in their own private study
and vacation time, with local primary and special schools and other major
employers, such as Thames Gateway NHS Trust (formerly known as North Kent
Healthcare Trust).
All Year 12 students spent a week on work-related activities in the
summer term, some in France.
OTHER NEWS
Professional
development undertaken by teaching staff
The staff at Highsted is without doubt our most important asset, and we value their commitment enormously. They have attended courses to keep in touch with new initiatives, seeking personal and career development as well as contributing to developments within the school.
Training courses for both teaching and support staff have been provided to cover areas of administration, network management, use of the Internet in subject areas, technical support, examination feed back, the National Curriculum, proposed changes to senior school courses, staff appraisal, health and safety, specific subject-related management, various pastoral issues and other management-linked issues. Members of staff have attended local and national conferences covering a range of issues and developments, as well as linking with industry. A member of staff successfully completed the licensed teacher scheme to attain qualified teacher status.
Four non-contact days (staff development days) were used to address subject specific criteria for recognition of gifted children, departmental planning, moderation, assessment and use of the Internet.
Funding for courses was provided by the Standard Fund, which was £11,231, including funding for the 16+ category. The Books for Schools grant was £1,500.
Staff changes and
achievements
We were pleased to welcome: Miss Sarah Anderton (now Mrs Anderson Kirby) and Mrs Swindley back from her maternity leave, we congratulate her on the birth of her daughter, Miriam.
We said good-bye to Mrs Dixon, Mr Fletcher and Miss Scholfield and Mrs Jervis; our thanks go to all of them. We were very sad to say good-bye to Mrs Wybar, and congratulate her on her appointment as Head at Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School. We also said Happy retirement. to Mrs Highwood. Also, Mrs Clayton, who has given long and valuable service to the school. Another long serving member of the school community to take a well-deserved retirement was Mrs Holmes, mid-day meal supervisor. Part time staff who left were Mrs Holl, Mrs Salmon and Mrs Shaw.
The school has supported the Partnership scheme with Christ Church College, Canterbury for training new teachers and had the responsibility for three student teachers in Music, Geography and Religious Education.
Attendance record
Highsted's pupils have an excellent attendance record, 9.7% of pupils had a full attendance record.
The absence rate for 1998 - 1999 was 4.1% with unauthorised absences making up 0.0%.
The total number of pupils of compulsory school age on roll, up to and including the Friday before the last Monday in May, was 559.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured around National Curriculum requirements with pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 (Key Stage 3) studying English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Music, Drama, Design and Technology, Art, Information Technology and Religious Education. French is taught throughout the Key Stage and German in Years 8 and 9.
In Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) all pupils take a core course of English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Double Science and Design and Technology. This course is supplemented with French or German, Geography or History and a choice to study: Drama, Geography, History, French, German, Religious Studies, Art and Design, Information Technology, Music or Physical Education at GCSE. All pupils in Key Stage 4 take short courses (equivalent to half GCSE) in Information Technology and Religious Studies, and the first cohort sat the short course examination in Information Technology.
All pupils following Key Stages 3 and 4 pursue a Personal, Social, Careers and Health Education course as well as Physical Education.
In Years 12 and 13, a wide range of A. level subjects is available, and the collaboration with Borden Grammar School in extending this choice is continuing.
Two new A. level courses were introduced to extend this choice further: Business Studies and Design Technology as well as a GCSE Latin course.
We welcome students from local schools to our courses in the senior school.
Sex Education
In line with current legislation, the Governing Body has approved a policy for Sex Education at Highsted. This policy was written in compliance with the 1993 Education Act and is reviewed annually. A copy is available at the school for inspection by any parent or member of the public.
Special Education
Needs Policy and Pupils with Disabilities
It is Highsted's policy to meet the individual needs of each pupil but we recognise that some pupils have very special educational needs. We are committed to identifying and assessing these pupils in order to address those needs, in partnership with parents and other relevant agencies.
No pupil is barred from any part of the curriculum but, sadly, Highsted does not have facilities for access by pupils with severe physical disabilities. A named member of the Governing Body has a review responsibility for Special Education Needs within Highsted, to ensure both the school policy and Department for Education and Employment guidelines are being carried out. For 1998-1999 this was Kate Leigh - Pemberton.
Pupils' needs are regularly reviewed and discussed, in consultation with parents and staff. Monitoring and record keeping are overseen by the Deputy Head (Pastoral and Evaluation). Pupils with language support needs are provided with support via the Kent Language Support Service, working in partnership with the school.
Full details of the Special Education Needs policy are available on request.
School Discipline and
Behaviour Policy
In order that teaching and learning can most effectively take place, Highsted School aims to foster mutual respect between staff and pupils as well as instilling in the school community a sense of respect for those outside it. Developing a sense of strong self-discipline and self-respect enables pupils to fulfil their potential, in both an academic and a personal sense. The full policy, which covers school rules; uniform and appearance; attendance; responsibility; rewards and sanctions; partnership with parents; bullying and extra-curricular activities, may be obtained from the school on request.
National Grid for Learning
The school made a
successful application for National Grid for Learning funding and as a result
has been able to enhance Internet access for all pupils and extend the provision
of computers within the school
School name
The Governing Body has
taken the decision that, from September 1999, the name of the school is Highsted
Grammar School. .
Stationery and signs may not change immediately.
Admission of boys
Highsted is currently
accepting a small number of boys into its senior school forms.
Budget and Finance.
The budget and actual expenditure for 1998 - 1999 and the budget for the current year 1999-2000 are to be found in Appendix 7. As indicated in last year's Annual Report the budget planned for 1998 - 1999 again suffered due to funding cuts by Kent County Council and especially affected senior schools. Throughout the year, expenditure was generally in line with budget. However there was a saving of some £5000 in teaching supply cover which was due to a willingness of teachers to cover for absent colleagues, rather than incur costs in supply teachers in what was a very difficult year financially.
The school continues to benefit by running its own bank account and, by being responsible for all its own expenditure is able to channel its resources where they are most needed.
The budget for 1999-2000 was mainly affected by a lower than normal number of pupils in Year 12 in the 1998 - 1999 academic year. The effect of this was to reduce funding for the 1999-2000 year by some £76,000. This was recognised early in the year and the school and Governing Body were able to take measured steps to make the necessary financial savings from April 1st 1999. Despite these savings the school is still able to maintain the wide range of courses it offers to both GCSE and A. Level students. In setting the 1999-2000 budget the Governors have decided to continue making money available towards a rolling programme of replacing the school's ageing computers. This is in addition to National Grid for Learning funding.
Future legislation is having an effect on school budgets in general as more money is being delegated to schools. However with this money, services previously provided by Kent County Council are now provided directly by the school.
The Governors continue to place a high priority on replacement of the existing mobile classrooms with permanent structures and are working closely with Kent County Council to achieve this aim. However, despite promises of additional money from the Government, Kent County Council has not found funds to progress this.
Security.
The governors have continually kept school security under review during the past year. The CCTV System previously installed has had a marked effect on the reduction on vandalism around the school grounds. A programme continues in place to ensure that pupils are made aware of the necessity to keep alert and report any strangers seen around the school to staff.
Voluntary contributions
The Governors have found it necessary to seek voluntary contributions in two ways. Specific contributions are requested to cover the cost of trips arranged by the school. The school also operates a general voluntary fund to provide items that are of benefit to the whole school and on items which benefit individual pupils, principally those whose families are in financial difficulties. The fund is spent on a variety of items including:
- Equipment, etc., for the school not covered by public funds.
- Sports coaches and contributions to the expenses of teams or individuals in competitions.
- Help to families who cannot afford to purchase school uniform or other essential items.
- Subsidising school visits and other extra-curricular activities including covering part or even all of the costs attributable to pupils who would otherwise not be able to participate.
- Prizes at Awards Evening.
- Help with University interview expenses when pupils find it difficult to meet the costs.
The School Voluntary Fund operates from 1st September to 31st August and is audited annually in the Autumn Term.
In the year to 31st August 1999 parents' contributions to the fund totalled £4,069.50. Other donations to the fund totalled £2,126.96. Transferred to Highsted School Deposit Account: £3,000.00. Expenditure: £3,196.46
Items charged against School Funds for the year were:
- Subsidies for school trips
- Awards Evening
- Books not accommodated in the school budget
- Affiliations to sports associations
- Costs for sports teams
· Grants to pupils undertaking expeditions/participating in major sports events/ attending University Open Days
- Activities Week
- Sundries such as Form Captain/Prefects/Head Girl/Deputy Head Girls' badges
- Minor amenities
PARENTS AS PARTNERS
Parents have a critical role to play in the education process and your continuing support for the school and for your individual children's efforts is very much appreciated.
Regular consultative meetings are held for parents to discuss their daughters' progress. In addition to this formal contact you are encouraged to consult with the Headteacher, the Deputies, Head or Assistant Head of School or Form Tutor at any time during the year if you feel the need. You are particularly asked to let the school know of any problems that may affect your daughter's work or result in her needing special attention. All parents are welcome to come into the school at any time.
All parents, staff and governors are automatically members of the school Parent Teachers Association (known as the Highsted School Association). The Association organises social functions for pupils as well as fund raising events at which parents, staff and governors can meet each other in an informal atmosphere. These and other activities allow the Association to buy equipment for the school that would not otherwise be available.
Apart from business meetings, Governors have made frequent visits to the school on both a formal and informal basis. A record of all Governor' visits is held in school reception.
THE GOVERNING BODY AND HOW IT WORKS.
The membership of Highsted School's Governing Body for the Academic Year 1998 - 1999 is shown on the front of this report. Governors come from a wide variety of backgrounds but all have a strong personal commitment to education, the school and the community. The composition of the Governing Body is laid down according to the size and type of school and in Highsted's case is as follows:
Elected Parent Governors 4
Elected Teacher Governors 2
Local Education Committee Appointees 4
Co-opted Governors 5
Head Teacher 1
Recent legislation has increased the number of Governors that will comprise the Highsted Governing Body. This enlarged body took office from the start of the 1999 - 2000 academic year. This legislation also affects the appointment of Standing and Appeals Committees.
Governors serve for a term of four years, though LEA and co-opted governors may be re-appointed or co-opted for a further term. Similarly, parent and teacher governors may offer themselves for re-election, if they remain eligible, and any parent or teacher can be proposed as a candidate.
Within the limits prescribed by law, governors determine policy and the overall direction of the school. The Senior Management Team, under the direction of the Head, is responsible for managing the school on a day-to-day basis in accordance with these guidelines and objectives. The Governing Body must also monitor this process, on behalf of the community at large. In recent years, the role of governor has become more important and the burden of responsibility is significant.
The full Governing Body meets at least twice a term to review progress and to deal with various matters which might be brought to its attention by the Head Teacher, the Department for Education and Employment, the Local Authority, parents, staff, or the local community. Sometimes a special meeting may be called to deal with some important issue that has arisen.
Most of the Governing Body's detailed work is delegated to committee. The two principal committees are Curriculum and Staffing and Finance and Property. These committees have clear terms of reference and meet at least twice a term and often more frequently.
All staff salaries are reviewed and set by a Salaries Review Committee. The Governing Body is also required to nominate a Standing Committee to consider issues such as staff grievances, redundancies and any disciplinary matters; also an Appeals Committee to hear any appeal which might arise from any of these processes. (We have not had recourse to these two committees since they were established.)
Governors also visit the school on both formal and informal visits.
Membership
of the Governing Body itself, and of any specific committee, is entirely
voluntary and normally reflects a governor's personal interests and experience.
A breakdown of committee memberships for the academic year 1998 - 1999 is shown
in Appendix
8.
There are currently no vacancies on the Highsted Governing Body although there will need to be elections in September 2000 for at least two parent Governors.