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WHITCHURCH HIGH SCHOOL

GOVERNORS’ REPORT

2012-13

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Governors’ Report for the Academic Year 2013/2014

This Report is intended to give a brief indication of the work of the school in the 2013/2014 Academic Year. The report is broken down into the following sections:

1.0 The Governing Body

2.0 The Management and staffing of the school

3.0 The development of the school

4.0 Special Educational Needs

5.0 School Uniform

6.0 School prospectus

7.0 Finance

8.0 Curriculum

9.0 Examination results and target setting

10.0 School activities

11.0 Attendance

12.0 Community Links

13.0 Policies

14.0 Governors’ Recognition 15.0 Governors acknowledgement to all staff

1.0 The Governing Body 1.1 The composition of the Governing Body is shown in Appendix 1. The Chairperson and Vice-

Chairperson of Governors are elected annually. The current Chairperson is Joyce Slack and the Vice Chairperson is Sian Hopkins. Clerk to the Governors is Karen Brown.

1.2 Karen Brown retired as Clerk at the end of the 2013/14 academic year. The governors wish to

acknowledge their gratitude to Karen for all her support over the years. 1.3 The aims of the Governors, Headteacher and Staff of the school are to enable all pupils to develop

to their full ability and to be made aware of the contribution they can make to the community. The role of the Governors is to set, within the parameters of current legislation, the broad framework of policies under which the school will operate and to support the Headteacher and staff of the school in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

1.4 The full Governing Body meets a minimum of four times a year. Meetings are attended by the

Deputy Headteachers and also representatives of the pupils, generally the Head Boy and Head Girl. There are sub-committees to deal internally with finance, curriculum and achievement issues, pay, estates and appeals against pupil temporary and permanent exclusions. The school is grateful to Sean Wyarrt, CSC, Challenge Adviser for his linked support to the school

2.0 The Management and Staffing of the School 2.1 For the first two terms of the academic year the Headteacher was supported by a Senior Leadership

Team which included two Deputy Headteachers, six Assistant Headteachers and the School Business Manager. However, for just the Summer Term 2014, the SLT was expanded to include one additional Assistant Headteacher post as part of a succession planning process followed by a scheduled retirement. The SLT works closely with the recently expanded Middle Leadership Team and four Focus Teams (i) Standards (ii) Learning and Teaching (iii) Inclusion and Wellbeing and (iv) Partnership, in ensuring policies are put into practice and effective educational strategies are delivered.

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2.2 There were 108 full-time teaching staff and 28 part-time teaching staff at the commencement of the academic year 2013-2014, full time 125.7 equivalent, compared with 125.3 and 125.1 respectively in the two previous academic years.

2.3 There were 21 fulltime non teaching staff, 12 full time term time and 91 part-time term time non teaching staff at the commencement of the academic year 2012-2013. During 2013-2014 there were 21 full time non teaching staff, 12 full time term time and 98 part time term time.

3.0 The Development of the School 3.1 The number on roll in September 2013 was 2178, compared with 2231 in 2012 and 2259 in

2011. The school is the largest in Wales and considered to be one of the largest in the United Kingdom. The average class sizes in September 2012 were at Key Stage 3 - 27.53, Key Stage 4 - 21.91 and KS5 - 14.24.

3.2 Improvement works to the learning environment have been carried out by the school as part of an

annual programme supported by the LA. Significant LEA capital investment for 2013 to 2014 has

been made to the lower school site for DDA compliance. The governors are grateful for their

support which brings considerable benefits to all members of the school community.

4.0 Special Educational Needs 4.1 The school continues to review its Special Educational Needs provision and works closely with the

Authority regarding arrangements for admission and access.

4.2 At present there are 340 pupils’ registered in years 7-13 in total on the SEN register at School Action (SA), School Action plus (SAP) and with a Statement of Special Educational Need.

There are 69 students with Statements of which 50 are taught within the Specialist Resource Base.

There are a number of intervention programmes which students access according to their needs

and some shared in-class support as dictated by their Statements and the LA recommendations.

4.3 The school has worked with the LA to improve the Upper School SRB facilities. This also includes the opening of a newly built Exhibition Centre.

5.0 School Uniform

This academic year marks the two year phased change to the new school uniform, with years 7 and 10 wearing blazers and ties. The governors are grateful for the support of students and parents with this change. The school has received many unsolicited compliments about how smart the new uniform is from the wider community.

6.0 School Prospectus 6.1 This is currently being reprinted due to the change in school uniform, but detailed inserts are

available. 7.0 Finance 7.1 Set out below is the 2014-2015 Budget and the 2013-2014 Outturn expenditure for the school.

These are based on April –March financial years.

Outturn-2013-2014

Employee related expenses 8,146,767

Premises related expenses 1,174,071

Transport related expenses 7815

Supplies and Services 877,850

Service Units 97,821

Income 501,908

9,802,417

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Amended Budget 2014-2015

Employee related expenses 8,157,973

Premises related expenses 988,334

Transport related expenses 9930

Supplies and Services 844,366

Service Units 135,822

Income 419,538

9,716,887

Forecast Deficit (March 2015) 493,151

7.2 The school has in place a Medium Term Plan and is working in partnership with the LA to zero the deficit.

7.3 The governors are concerned about the sustainability of revenue budgets to develop as well as

maintain education provision at such a prolonged period of national and local austerity.

8.0 Curriculum 8.1 The School continues to operate a 50 period fortnight, delivering 25 hours of contact time per week

in line with National Assembly guidelines. The Welsh Baccalaureate was introduced into KS4 from September 2010.

8.2 Post 16

The School is able to offer 37 subjects at AS and A2 level. The results at Advanced Level and this, no doubt, is one of the reasons why the Sixth Form remains so attractive to a large number of students from other schools. There is a continued history of students registering for degree courses at university after following courses at Whitchurch High School. From 2009/10 the Welsh Baccalaureate continues to form part of the core curriculum for all KS 5 students. There are 212 students in the present Year 12 (September 2013). 26 were attracted from schools other than Whitchurch. The Sixth Form total was 421 at the start of the 2013/14 academic year. The School currently has 3 overseas students.

From September 2011 most students in Year 12 follow a course consisting of four AS level subjects,

together with the Welsh Baccalaureate core.

Once again, a small group of our SRB students have returned into the Sixth Form. Governors are concerned about the future sustainability of school Sixth Forms and are engaged with other local schools and the LEA to ensure the highest outcomes and best value for money.

8.3 Term Dates and Session Times Autumn Term Tuesday 3 September 2013 Half term – Monday 28 October – Friday 1 November Term ends Friday 20 December Spring Term Monday 6 January 2014 Half term – Monday 24 February – Friday 28 February Term ends – Friday 11 April

Summer Term Monday 28 April Half term – Monday 26 May – Friday 30 May Term ends – Friday 18 July

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Timing of the School Day

MONDAY TO THURSDAY FRIDAY ONLY

Pupils to be on site 8:25 8:25

START OF SCHOOL 8:30 8:30

TUTORIAL PERIOD 8:30 – 8:50 -

BREAK 1 8:50 – 9:05 -

LESSON 1 9:05 – 10:05 8:30 – 9:30

BREAK 1 - 9:30 – 9:45

LESSON 2 10:05 – 11:05 9:45 – 10:45

BREAK 2 11:05 – 11:20 10:45 – 11:00

LESSON 3 11:20 – 12:15 11:00 – 12:00

LUNCH 12:15 – 1:00 12:00 – 12:45

LESSON 4 1:00 – 2:00 12:45 – 1:45

BREAK 2:00 – 2:15 1:45 – 2:00

LESSON 5 2:15 – 3:15 2:00 – 3:00

END OF SCHOOL 3:15 3:00

9.0 Examination Results and Target Setting

9.1 A level and A/S level results were the highest in the school’s history, surpassing recent

improvements. The pass note of “A” level was 99% and 60% of our “A” Level grades were at A*, A

or B, maintaining the excellent standards set over recent years. In many subjects ‘A’ level grade

profiles were significantly better than national averages. The pass rate at “AS” level also improved

from 92% to 95% suggesting that A Level outcomes in 2015 will be very promising indeed.

9.2 The GCSE examination results were more mixed. 60% of mainstream students achieved 5 A* to C

grades including English and Mathematics, a very slight decrease from 2013. However this did meet

the target set for the year group. The percentage of mainstream pupils achieving five or more A* -

C grades also fell slightly from 69% to 67%. It is particularly pleasing that 96% of all mainstream

pupils achieved five or more A*-G passes, this maintains the improvements made in recent years.

Appendix 3 summarises the GCSE examination results for summer 2014 together with data on

historical trends and progress against the National Achievement targets.

9.3 As in previous years all end of Key Stage 3 assessments were based solely on teacher assessment.

Results in all subjects compared favourably with national averages, in particular at the higher

National Curriculum levels of 6 or above. In English 85% of pupils achieved level 5 or better, in

Maths 90% of pupils achieved a level 5 or better and in Science 91% of students achieved level 5 or

better. All three subjects were in line with the targets set by the governors. The Core Subject

Indicator (percentage of pupils achieving level 5 or better in English, Maths and Science) was 83%

exceeding targets. Levels achieved in foundation subjects compared favourably with national

averages, again particularly at the level of 6 or above. See Appendix 2.

9.4 The Governors have set the following targets for 2015. At KS3, the targets relate to the percentage

of pupils who achieve a Level 5 or better in the core subjects, and in 2015 these figures are 95% in

English, 95% in Maths and 95% in Science. The Core Subject Indicator Target at KS3 is 95%. At KS4,

the target set for pupils achieving 5 or more A*-C grades is 80% and for pupils achieving 5 or more

A*-G grades is 97%. The Core Subject Indicator target at KS4 is 60%. The very important target for

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L2EM is 65%. This was revised in December 2014 to 69%. These are ambitious trend targets but all

at the school are determined to achieve them. See Appendix 4.

9.5 Under the Welsh Government’s Banding Classification of 1 to 5, the school has been placed in Band

4.

10.0 School Activities 10.1 Art

Exhibitions and Exams Excellent exam grades were achieved by pupils in all art courses at KS4 and 5. At KS4 98% of pupils achieved A-C with more than 43% grade A and above. At KS3 94% of pupils achieved level 5 and above (figures include the SEN group). An exhibition of GCSE work took place in the exhibition centre displaying the work of over 90 pupils. The opening evening was well attended by family, staff and friends. In July, an exhibition of art work by Year 12 and 13 pupils took place in the exhibition centre. On the opening evening there was again an excellent turnout of family and friends alongside staff and governors. In the last week of the summer term an exhibition of art work by pupils in 12K and 13K (SEN group) was displayed in the exhibition centre. An afternoon reception for pupils and staff was held and the event provided an ideal opportunity to present the pupils with their whole school Entry Pathways results. Competitions In the autumn term all pupils in Year 8 entered the annual art competition for ‘Race Equality first’. Students were asked to design a poster on the theme ‘Equality, Let’s make it happen’ for next year’s calendar. Holly Jankovic and Taran- Holland Fletcher from Whitchurch were winners in the competition. The poster and calendar were distributed around all County buildings in Cardiff and the Vale. The students attended a special prize giving ceremony at County Hall in December where the Lord Mayor of Cardiff launched the calendar and presented the children with £50 vouchers for themselves and £150 for the school. Visits A residential visit to Paris took place in the autumn term 2013, providing opportunities for pupils to visit some of the most influential and inspiring museums and galleries in the city. 32 pupils studying art and photography were accompanied by 3 staff. A visit to the internationally renowned Paris Photo Exhibition at the Grand Palais was a first for staff and pupils( excellent CPD for staff). The trip acted as a catalyst for individual projects back in the classroom. Extra Curricular events Year 8 MAT pupils were offered an afternoon workshop working with renowned local artists. The pupils had a very challenging and inspiring session. Year 7 MAT pupils took part in an outside painting workshop on the top of Caerphilly Mountain. The Summer Learning Festival was highly successful with a range of specialist artists running workshops on site at WHS. Turnip Starfish animation company worked with 90 pupils across the 3 days. Silk Screen printing workshops and Spray-Can art workshops provided exciting opportunities for more than 70 other pupils. Community Partnerships In July, thirty Year 20 pupils chose to use their Welsh Baccalaureate Community participation time, working in Whitchurch Primary School. They worked alongside Ms Heeney, Head of Art, assisting 60 Year 4 pupils to make individual clay dragons. The clay pieces were taken back to WHS and fired before being returned to the school. The Year 10 pupils thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the pupils and the primary school were delighted with the end results. Pupils following the Applied Art course worked on a real project brief set by the company Mott MacDonald (formerly‘Halcrow’) The brief, which ran as a competition, was supported and monitored by the Director of

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the company, Mr Paul Maliphant. Mott MacDonald gave financial support to all of the students at the start of the project and awarded the winner of this year’s competition with a £100 cheque.

The art department has developed a link with the local BUPA residential care home to provide art works for display on loan only basis. The first large painting has been installed in the dining room area where it looks extremely eye catching.

10.2 Drama

Within a few weeks of the start of the new academic Year 12 and 13 Drama students were fortunate to

attend two brand new productions performed in the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. The first of these was the

acclaimed production of “1984” by Nottingham Playhouse and the second was the innovative and energetic

production of “Alice” by Volcano.

Following these visits it was all hands on deck, (or rather on stage!) as the Department prepared for the

annual Young Playwright Festival. We were delighted that Matthew Barry and Kayleigh Llewellyn, two ex-

Whitchurch High School pupils and past winners of the Young Playwright Festival themselves, agreed to be

our Special Guests. Matthew and Kayleigh are now award winning script writers for television and film;

which just goes to show what an influence the Young Playwright Festival can be. The event proved as

popular as ever with a staggering amount of entries covering a wide range of topics. The two winning plays

from Year 7 were “School for Super Heroes” by Kate Shephard, Yr7N and “Batnan” by Mia Griffiths, Yr7C.

These two comedies were hilarious and engaged the audience immediately. Whilst Thomas Clarke’s ghost

story entitled “Hide and Seek”, had the audience quivering in their seats. However, our young writers are

not afraid to tackle sensitive and challenging issues in their plays as evidenced by “War at Heart” by Anna

Chappell and Eve Maxwell of Year 8P and “Zed” by Shahra Hand and Sofia Showdery of Year 9L. “The

Experimentalists” written by Tierney Kesterton of Year 9P was the first ever absurdist play to feature in the

YPF.

We knew that the choice of “West Side Story” for this year’s school production would be time consuming

and so rehearsals began in earnest in the autumn term with many current and past members of WHS staff

on board to support. The show was a big hit and played to a packed Upper School Hall every night of its

run.

Drama Club has gone from strength to strength in terms of numbers and this summer’s production was an

innovative departure from the usual one play production and showcased the talents and interests of the

pupils allowing them to select their own extracts for performance. Extracts ranged from “Blackadder” to

“Outnumbered” and “Blood Brothers”. Both pupils and audience thoroughly enjoyed the performances.

The establishment of the lunchtime “Techie Club” has proved to be a success and has a group of regular

KS3 attendees who, supported by Joe Fletcher of Year 12, meet in the Drama Studio to develop their

working knowledge of sound and lighting. These pupils are now able to provide technical support for WJEC

Practical Examinations, the YPF and Drama Club productions.

Following the Drama and Music Departments’ successful trip to New York in 2012, preparations are

currently underway for a return visit in October 2014; pupils and staff are very excited.

10.3 Music

The Music Centre continues to have a huge impact on the music education of pupils of all ages. Our

schemes of work enable key stage 3 pupils to take full advantage of the excellent facilities available in our

music IT room. Examination results continue to be high. At GCSE level In 2014, 55% of pupils achieved A*/A,

an increase of 6% on the already excellent results of 2013. At A level 50% achieved A*/A, again an

increase of 7% on 2013. We are pleased to report that whenever parents of prospective pupils at year 6

open evenings and on other occasions visit the Music Centre all are impressed by such an amazing facility.

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As always, this has been a busy year for our school ensembles. Before Christmas, we held a concert in the

Dutch Barn which featured, in particular, singers and guitarists and the 2013 award in memory of Chris

Sharp was presented to the outstanding guitarist, Tomos Bodger, a pupil in the year 10 GCSE group.

Following the highly successful musical theatre production of West Side Story given in conjunction with the

Drama department, the LS and US concerts were combined and held in the Summer term. Awards were

presented to cellist and oboist Max Rowlands (Year 9) in memory of Matthew Pasley. This is the final time

this award will be presented in memory of Matthew. The school presented Mr and Mrs Pasley and family a

replica award showing all the winners since first presented in 1990. Mr and Mrs Pasley have been present

each year. The governors are very grateful for their superb support throughout the past twenty-five years.

The academic year ended with the annual two day orchestra course and concert for instrumentalists from

all our Primary Partner schools. It was wonderful to see the Dutch Barn once again full of young musicians

and their appreciative families and friends.

A large number of pupils continue to represent the school at county and national level. Many thanks for all

the hard work and support of an extremely talented group of staff, not forgetting our dedicated team of

peripatetic teachers, and to every single pupil for their loyalty and commitment.

Finally, Eric Phillips, Department Leader of Music would to place on record his grateful thanks to his

wonderful colleagues in the department, Mrs Julie Thorne, Mr Alun Horgan and Miss Lara Jones, not

forgetting the supply teacher Mrs Celine Durham, who was drafted in to cover non-examination classes, for

all their hard work during his recent serious illness and to the Head, Mrs Gaynor Bell and all senior staff for

the tremendous support they have given whilst he was away from school and during his phased return. This

has been a great source of strength and encouragement to Mr Phillips during his steady return to full

health.

10.4 Physical Education

This year has again been another fantastic year in the PE department with great successes including the rugby

under 16 team winning the Welsh cup at the millennium stadium and the girl’s football teams once again

reaching the Welsh schools finals.

Past pupils have also shown that they have not forgotten where they came from with Carys Tucker visiting

the school to partake in a question and answer session with the lower school pupils before competing in the

commonwealth games with fellow ex-student Ella Jackson both playing hockey for Wales. Sarah Tomas

competed in the Badminton and it was great to see Geraint Thomas winning is cycling Gold. Also Gareth Bale

presenting the school with his Real Madrid playing shirt.

Bethan Nesham Year 12 was selected as a Young Ambassador, and carried the torch for the Commonwealth

Games as part of the Baton Relay when it visited Wales. Rebecca Moore Yr11 (progressing to Yr12)

represents Wales in gymnastics and was reserve for the Welsh squad in the Commonwealth Games. Olivia

Hope and Anya Nicholls competed at British level for Taekwondo.

The participation levels and the clubs have been great successes again with the additional clubs run by the 5x60 scheme this enables the school to facilitate a variety of sporting activities . The Inter house and inter form championships in Cross country, athletics, rugby, football, netball and hockey were again supported by staff and pupils alike ensuring that the sport for all ethos is maintained and pupils have the opportunity to play competitive sport. During the inter house week over a 1100 pupils will take part again raising money for sport relief and this year helping to purchase medals for the top three athletes in every event in sports day.

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In addition to the sports mentioned above Whitchurch High School’s name was associated with the highest standard of school sport with the rowing teams run by Mike Williams who again with outstanding numbers of participating students won the Welsh Title again! Fantastic individual athletics successes were gained in the Welsh inter counties championship by Tom Nesham 1500m, Kieran Grimwade Hammer and Javelin, James Vincent High Jump and 800m and Ryan Grimwade Pole Vault all winning gold. Prem Sisodya was selected for the South West England team to play in the prestigious Bunbury cricket festival. In addition to this many of our teams did well in county championships in several sports, and many of our students were selected to represent the county at regional level in a variety of sporting disciplines. It would be impossible to list all the county champions and students who were selected to represent the county at various age groups; however we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them all and with hard work help them progress to further honours in the future. As always the ‘Senior Sports Dinner’ is the end of year highlight and this again was an outstanding evening

with our guest speaker Ryan Spencer Jones ensuring that it was a great success prior to his participation in

the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Team of the Year won the U/16 rugby team who are national

champions who beat Ebbw Fawr Learning Community in the final played at the National Stadium. During

the evening speeches were made by all the captains:

Netball:

Bethan Nesham

Hockey: Carys Lowe

Rugby: Rory Harries

Football: Alex Evans

The main awards for the evening nominated by the players were awarded to the following students:

Players Player of the year:

Rugby - Ben Shariff

Football-Sam Hopkins

Netball- Issy Strianti

Hockey – Vicky Smith

Under 16 Rugby Welsh Champions – Owen Lane

During the evening it was also appropriate to celebrate our senior elite athletes who have gained

representative honours during the season the following students have represented Wales or GB.

Wales under 16 Rugby

Owen Lane – Wales under 16 full cap v England

Michael Wallis – Wales ‘A’ cap

Athletics

Olivia Evans

Kate Seary and represented Wales in the London Mini Marathon

Cricket

Keiran Carlson

Ryan Grimwade – pole vault

Bethan Register – 200m

Cricket full International

Naomi Davies

Bowls

Nathan Salmon

Volleyball - Feyisara Odunuga –UK school Games

In addition to our extra-curricular programme the story arms trip, skiing trip and the tour to South Africa

were all a great success in which the staff and pupils enjoyed the fantastic opportunity and this develop

rapport in a different environment away from school setting.

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Academically the GCSE results were as predicted with a pass rate of 74% A-C although this was down on

last year’s, the higher grades of A* and A grades were the best we have had since 2008 with 26% of the

pupils achieving these grades.

AS results were the best the department has achieved since 2009 with 14% getting an A grade again the

best result since 2008 and 92% gaining a pass at this level. The A2 results were as predicted with 33% of the

pupils gaining a B or C grade and 100% pass rate.

The key stage 3 level 5+ were again the best the department have achieved with 90.4% an increase of 1.4%

on last year.

The department at this time would like to thank the governors and senior management for support for the department which allows us to offer our pupils these fantastic opportunities be it on our southern hemisphere tours or participating in the world largest rugby 7s tournament in London or simply competing at county, regional or national level for the school.

11.0 Attendance

11.1 Attendance continues to improve for all year groups in the school. Authorised absences in

2013/2014 across the school totalled 4.3% (-0.7%) and 1.4% (-0.2%) were unauthorised. This

meant that school's overall attendance percentage increased again this year by 1.18% to

94.3%. Something that the school is extremely proud of. The governors are grateful for the

support of parents and everyone for their support.

11.2 The governors were delighted that four of our students were selected to be photographed for the

Central South Consortium’s attendance campaign for the five local authorities representing the 420

schools. The four students were Peter Baldwin, Toby Champ, Syeda Hussain and Praveena

Pemmasani. This campaign has been equally successful in raising the profile of attendance in other

schools as well as Whitchurch High School.

11.3 It is the policy of the school to rigorously monitor attendance and when necessary to prosecute

parents if no co-operation is forthcoming. A number of initiatives have been implemented to

improve the early identification of unauthorised absences and a computerised attendance system

is in operation, complemented by a Truancy Call system. This has provided us with added

information in order to deal with unauthorised absences. The two dedicated school attendance

officers continue to work within Whitchurch High cluster of schools to help raise attendance still

further, liaising at all times with the Educational Welfare Service.

12.0 Community Links 12.1 Sadly the funding for the Community Focused Schools initiative has been discontinued by the

Welsh Government, curtailing many potential activities that could have gone ahead with the correct financial support. This has affected both Whitchurch High and our primary partners. It is difficult to make up for this shortfall in funding at a time when financial constraints are severe.

Governors and staff are keen that the school should have good links with the local community. There is a close working relationship with the Youth Club and Community Service and the school is the site for a very large number of community education classes and several community groups, together with a number of playschools during the school holidays.

The school plays a major role in, and hosts, meetings of the Whitchurch Action for Youth initiative (WAY) and the Partnerships and Communities Together (PACT) group. Whitchurch Action for Youth

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helped to provide funding for the redecoration of the subway under Manor Way during Super Learning Week and also provided additional support for a half-term activity at the Go-Karting Centre. The Sixth Form participate in a range of local activities. The Astroturf is being fully used at all times by a number of local sporting clubs and associations. PowerLeague has provided further opportunities for the community to have access to quality sporting facilities. These are outstanding facilities valued by our pupils.

As part of the work experience programme in Year 11, many local businesses offer regular quality placements. Local entrepreneurs also contribute to the curriculum through the Dynamo Project and the Learning Conference in Year 9. The governors are grateful to all businesses for continuing to support the school during such economically challenging times. A professionally published school newsletter is sent out annually to all parents, primary partner schools and to local businesses. A number of senior staff are represented on the Governing Bodies of partner primary schools. A highly acclaimed transitional PPA scheme for Year 6 pupils in our partner primary schools, who are due to join Whitchurch High School in the next academic year, enables them to experience weekly visits and lessons at Whitchurch High.

Members of the local community continue to provide literacy support in the Key Stage 3 reading scheme. The introduction of the Welsh Baccalaureate into KS4 requires pupils to be involved in community work and this builds on the same qualification at a higher level in KS5. Super Learning Week in the latter part of the Summer Term provided a cross-section of activities that related directly to the local community, ranging from the redecoration of the Manor Way subway to providing food and goods for the needy in the local area. The vast range of out of hours activities available at Whitchurch High, apart from providing valuable learning experiences, help support families in developing their children’s positive outlook on school life. In addition, more of the community facilities available beyond the school are being utilised for these activities. The school provides a venue on a regular basis for a range of activities that are county wide, both sporting and otherwise. These are evidenced on the school website. The school website provides a direct link to the ‘outside world’ and is updated on a regular basis. This is complimented by ‘In Touch’ a parent email distribution system. These allow immediate communication with a large sector of the Whitchurch High School community. Considerable coverage of the school in the national media has helped raise the profile of Whitchurch in the community as an establishment that sets high standards and raises ambitions. The Head Boy and Head Girl participate in the local Remembrance Day service at the war memorial in Whitchurch.

The further development of links with Macassar High School in South Africa and SMPN229 school in Jakarta provide a community focus on an international scale, as do the links with a number of our European partners.

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12.2 The school has links with G E Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Costain, BT, Halcrow, British Gas, Dow Corning, Gas Care and many other local and national companies who offer a range of activities from work experience to direct subject support.

12.3 The local community run activities at the following venues:

Lower School – Dutch Barn, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf Pitch, Drama Studio, Gymnasium, Recreation Barn and Adult Centre.

Upper School – Fields, Gymnasium, School Hall and Sports Hall. The Welsh Chess Championships are held at Whitchurch High School during the Easter Holidays.

13.0 Policies

All school policies are reviewed on an ongoing basis and implementation strategies are regularly

adapted to meet the school’s needs. School policies are available to parents on request with

statutory and commonly referenced ones posted on the school website

14.0 Governors’ Recognition

14.1 It was with great sadness that two members of staff, Mrs Helen Radford, Pastoral Assistant and

Dilwyn Yardley, recently retired long standing cleaner, passed away during the summer. The whole

school community continues to extend their condolences to the families and remembers both with

great affection for their contribution to school life.

14.2 The governors thank Rebecca Collins, Deputy Headteacher, for all that she has done for the school

as she move on to become Headteacher of St Cenydd School after Easter. We welcomed her

successor Jennifer Ford.

14.3 The governors thank Colin Workman, Assistant Headteacher, for all he has done for the school

following his retirement after sixteen years. Colin has also served on the governing body as the

teaching staff representative.

14.4 The governors thank all those staff leaving during the course of 2013 to 2014. These include 5

distinguished and long serving teachers who retired at the end of the year – Geraldine Smith

(History); Anne Chisholm-Jones (Geography); Hedd Carson (Science); Bernie Good (TLR PE) and Julie

Thorne (Music). Between them they have given one hundred and fourteen years to Whitchurch High

School. Other teachers leaving were Vicki Evans (Psychology); Sara Sylvester (English); Paul Hughes

(Maths); Sian Woodman and Ned Sharp (Science). Long serving non teaching staff who retired were

- Howard Penman (Assistant Caretaker); Caroline Taylor (Cleaner) and Dilwyn Yardley (Cleaner). We

also said goodbye to Huw Hopkins (IT); Trudy Joshua (Exams); Renata Parry (Admin) and Mike

Sweetman (Estates).

14.5 The governors welcome these new staff joining us this year as well as all the new pupils.

15.0 Governors acknowledgement to all staff

15.1 The governors place on record their gratitude to all the staff at the school, both teaching and non

teaching, for their work during the course of the successful year.

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APPENDIX 1

Members of the Governing Body of Whitchurch High School as of September 2013-2014

1 Community Dr P Bulpin 12.2.15

2 Community Mrs D Kelland 31.8.15

3 Community Mr D Roylance 17.11.17

3 Foundation Mrs J Slack (Chair) 16.9.16

4 Foundation Mrs S Hopkins (Vice chair) 01.9.15

5 Foundation Mrs P Lake 21.10.14

6 Foundation Mr I McIlquham 20.9.16

7 Foundation Mr M Vine 6.2.17

8 Parent Mrs V Best 26.11.15

9 Parent Mrs T Clarke 31.10.15

10 Parent Mr D Greaves 25.10.16

11 Parent Mr R Haigh 3.2.18

12 Parent Ms J Packham 31.10.15

13 Parent Mrs J Palmer 25.10.16

14 Parent Mrs L Pearce 25.10.16

16 LA Cllr J Evans 10.9.16

17 Head teacher Mr H Jones-Williams -

18 Teacher Mrs A Parker 19.10.14

19 Teacher Mr A Rooke 15.10.17

20 Non-Teaching Mr R Burge 18.10.15

21 Observer Mrs G Bell (Deputy Head) -

22 Observer

Miss R Collins (Deputy Headteacher)

– Before Easter

Mrs J Ford (Deputy Headteacher)

– Easter onwards

-

23 Observer Mrs M Lewis (Business Manager) -

24 Observer Mr S Williams (Estates) -

25 Associate Pupil Mr Tom Rich (Head boy) -

26 Associate Pupil Miss Stephanie Williams (Head girl) -

27 Clerk Mrs K Brown -

Page 14 of 19

APPENDIX 2: Summary of National Curriculum Assessment results of pupils in the school (2014) and

nationally (2013) at the end of Key Stage 3 as a percentage of those eligible for assessment.

N D

NCO

1,2,&3 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 >= 8 5+

English School 0 3 0 0 0 1 11 29 41 16 0 86

National 0 0 0 0 1 3 12 40 30 11 1 83

Oracy School 0 3 0 0 0 1 8 35 40 13 0 88

National 0 0 0 0 1 3 12 37 32 12 1 83

Reading School 0 3 0 0 0 1 12 29 41 14 0 84

National 0 0 0 0 1 4 14 39 30 12 1 81

Writing School 0 3 0 0 0 1 14 31 36 15 0 82

National 0 0 0 1 1 4 18 39 27 10 1 76

Mathematics School 0 3 0 0 0 1 6 23 40 23 4 90

National 0 0 0 0 1 3 11 31 32 19 2 84

Science School 0 3 0 0 0 0 5 29 43 20 0 92

National 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 38 34 14 1 87

Core Subject

Indicator School 83.11 National 77

N D NCO

1,2&3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 >= 8 5+

Welsh Second Language

School 0 3 0 0 1 4 20 35 31 6 0 73

National 1 1 0 1 1 6 17 41 25 7 1 73

Modern Foreign Language

School 0 3 0 0 1 5 10 33 34 15 0 81

National 2 1 0 1 1 4 14 38 30 10 1 78

Design & Technology

School 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 31 50 13 0 93

National 0 0 0 0 1 1 9 45 34 9 0 88

ICT

School 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 24 49 22 0 95

National 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 42 37 11 0 89

History

School 0 3 0 0 0 0 5 28 48 15 2 92

National 0 0 0 0 1 2 11 39 33 12 1 85

Geography

School 0 3 0 0 0 0 6 25 28 27 10 91

National 0 0 0 0 1 2 12 40 31 12 1 85

Art & Design

School 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 26 44 22 2 94

National 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 44 33 11 1 89

Music

School 0 3 0 0 0 0 6 49 36 6 1 91

National 1 0 0 0 0 1 10 52 27 7 1 87

PE

School 0 3 0 0 0 0 6 50 30 10 1 91

National 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 50 28 8 1 86

D represents pupils who have been disapplied under sections 113 - 116 of the 2002 Education Act, or pupils for whom teachers were

unable to provide an assessment. N represents pupils not awarded a level for reasons other than disapplication. National Curriculum

Outcomes 1, 2 and 3 describe achievements below level 1. The general expectation is that the majority of 14 year olds will attain level

5. The Core Subject Indicator represents the percentage of pupils achieving level 5 or above in English or Welsh (first language),

mathematics and science in combination.

Page 15 of 19

APPENDIX 3 Governors’ Key Stage 4 Targets 2013-14

Performance Indicator

2014

Targets

2014

Results

Mainstream All students

2015

Provisional

Targets

2015

Targets

5 A*-C

5 A*-G

% Achieving no qualification

74%

96%

1%

67.2%

96.4%

1.5%

65.4%

93.8%

1.5%

77%

97%

1%

80%

97%

1%

KS4 Trends over time (Mainstream only

Performance Indicator

2014

2013

2012

2011

Achieved 5 A*-C including English and Maths

60.8%

61.3%

57.9%

56.9%

Achieved 5 A*-C

67.2%

68.9%

72.2%

71.7%

Achieved 5 A*-G

96.4%

96.0%

94.7%

94.2%

Achieved C+ in English Language

66.9%

64.8%

68.5%

66.6%

Achieved C+ in English Literature

60.8%

66.0%

70.2%

69.1%

Achieved C+ in Maths

69.6%

69.1%

67.2%

64.5%

Achieved C+ in Science

70.6%

68.8%

75.0%

75.3%

Pupils not achieving a qualification

1.5% (5)

1% (4)

1% (2)

1.1% (7)

Whole School Attendance and Exclusions

2014 2013 2012 2011

Attendance 94.3% 93.3% 91.9% 92.2%

Permanent Exclusions 0 0 2 2

Fixed Term Exclusions 40 118 205 131

Page 16 of 19

APPENDIX 4 - YEAR 13 LEAVERS' UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS – 2013/14

Surname Forename University Course

Ahmad Rizwan CARDF Business Information Systems (Year in Industry)

Ahmed Foad Nadine CARDF Architectural Engineering

Al-Affan Nadia CARDF Optometry

Albert Laura BUWE Business and Management

Arentsen James SMU Fine Art (Combined Media)

Argyle Jamie USW Sports Development

Banyard Gareth LEEDS Physics with Astrophysics (4 years)

Banyard Scott BRISL Computer Science

Barry Sophie BIRM Hispanic Studies and History (4 years)

Beere Jack CUWIC Sport and Exercise Science

Belcher Roy John WEST Computer Science with Foundation

Benbow Lucy EXETR Geography

Bentley Tomos BRITN Geography

Best Amy SOTON Occupational Therapy

Bibby Emma KCL Nursing Studies with registration as a nurse (Adult Nursing)

Bird Sophie WIN Event Management and Film Production

Bishop Rachel Jayne USW History

Bisogno Christopher Victor John USW Law (Legal Practice)

Bolt Rhys Philip READG Environmental Science with Professional Experience

Boyle Erin EXETR Mathematics, Business and Finance

Braddick Ben CUWIC

Business & Management Studies with Information Systems Management (3 Years or 4

Bradshaw Lucy Holly LEEDS Psychology

Burnell Emily EXETR Mathematics with Finance

Burton Jonathan BIRM Physics (4 years)

Butler Rachel EANGL Media Studies

Buttler Samuel Rhys OXF Music

Campbell-Dowrick Aeron EXETR Computer Science

Capell Rosie OXF French and Beginners Italian (4 Years)

Chavez Rosalia NOTTM Modern Languages with Translation

Cheetham Louise WARWK Language, Culture and Communication

Clarke Martha Kate BRITN Globalisation: History, Politics and Culture

Coleman Georgia Beth LVRPL Criminology and Sociology

Collins Sean CUWIC Biomedical Science (3 Years or 4 Years including Foundation)

Comer Victoria CARDF Zoology (including Professional Training Year)

Cornes Oliver CUWIC Photographic Practice

Creed Jade SMU Performing Arts

Darby Marie-Louise SOTON Medicine (5 year)

Page 17 of 19

Davies Alexander LEICR Biological Sciences (Biochemistry)

Davies Ellen Frances SUSX American Studies and History

Davies James CUWIC Sport Management

Deacy Kate CARDF Biochemistry (Biomedical) (including Year in Professional Training)

Dennis Bethan Keturah SUSX Law with American Studies

Dickinson James Crawford OXF Law

Dimech Dariush LEEDS Chemical and Materials Engineering

Dolan Charlotte Emma CHSTR Drama & Theatre Studies and Psychology

Drake Rebecca BUCKS Acting (2 years intensive)

Eales Oliver Dylan CAM Natural Sciences

Ebbens Gabrielle Louise EXETR Mathematics

Edmonds Thomas James Laurence READG Politics and International Relations

Edwards Tara CARDF Marketing and PR

Ellis Bethan READG Geography (Human and Physical)

Evans Alexander BUWE Primary Education (ITE)

Evans Victoria BASPA Geography

Felton Lucy CAM Economics

Foley Leonora CARDF Geography (Human) and Planning

Gibbon Megan USW Early Years Development and Education

Glover Georgina EXETR Biological Sciences

Godfrey Bethan CARDF Biochemistry (Biomedical Route)

Graham Danniella GLOS English Literature

Graham Rhona Louise SOTON German and Spanish (4 years)

Gray Samuel James BATH Aerospace Engineering

Gretton Harry David Lort BATH Mathematics (with Industrial Placement)

Gronow Lowri Mai EHU Film Studies with Film Production

Hackett Lucy BRISL Geography

Harb Mario CARDF Biomedical Sciences (Physiology)

Harid Abdeldjalil ASTON Chemical Engineering

Harper Bryony CARDF Earth and Environmental Science

Harris Francis EXETR History

Harries Rory PLYMTH Sports/media

Hayden Matthew KING Product & Furniture Design

Heslop Joseph Edward BUCKS Football Business and Media

Hine Catherine Ellen USW Media, Culture and Journalism

Hopkins Samuel James BUWE Geography

Hourihane Connor Thomas WORCS Creative Digital Media and Graphic Design & Multimedia

Hubbard Rebecca Louise USW Health and Social Care Management

Hughes Owen BUWE Environmental Resource Management

Hunt Lowri Elin LEEDS Medicine

Huntley Selina USW Physical Geography

Idziaszczyk Peter Michael TEES Computer Games Animation

Jenkins Hannah CARDF Geography (Human)

Jones Angharad MANU Architecture

Page 18 of 19

Jones Chloe Melissa EXETR Law

Jones Dylan MANU Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year

Jones Emily CARDF Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies

Jones Megan USW Psychology

Jones Natasha CARDF Politics and Sociology

Jones Shaun Francis USW Chemistry

Keay Aidan ABRDN Engineering

Kemp Emily EXETR English

Kerai Savannah Demisha CARDF Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies

Khundakji Renad Ashraf Nader QMUL Dentistry

King Adam James BATH Biochemistry

Knox Jamie PORT Software Engineering

Krip Annamarie USW Human Resource Management

Lacey Sophie Alexandra PLYM Geology

Langmead Scott Glenelg SWAN Marine Biology

Lawrence Amy CARDF Accounting and Finance

Legge Chloe Jayne BUWE Psychology

Lehane Enya Mikyla KCL International Politics

Lidbury Hannah CARDF Psychology

Lowe Carys SWAN Genetics

Lubbock Patsy-Jayne USW Art Practice

Lynn Ellis Peter Wisternoff MMU Photography

Maguire Tom LEICR Geology

Maslen Antonia READG Business and Management

McCarthy Emma Jane CARDF Mathematics

Mclean James CARDF Geography (Human)

Meredith-Smith Hannah BATH Biochemistry (with Placement )

Metters Richard John Francis QMUL Medicine

Moore Joshua BATH Physics (with placement)

Mortimer Carys Elizabeth Haf BATH Pharmacy

Murphy David BUWE Drama

Njekwa Samuel CARDF Business Management (Marketing)

Onyett Isaac LVRPL Geology

Owen Sean Andrew SWAN Electronic and Electrical Engineering (Europe, Australia, N America or Industry)

Pace Ella Gabriel CARDF Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging

Pacey George Rhys PLYM Geology

Packer Lauren CUWIC Psychology (3 Years or 4 Years including Foundation)

Packham-Smith Amy SOTON Biomedical Sciences

Parfitt Alexander Harry CARDF Biochemistry (Biomedical Route)

Patel Nikeisha SOTON Psychology

Peters Kayley USW Law with Criminology

Phillips Davies Charlotte USW Police Sciences

Price Emily USW English with TESOL

Price William BUWE Psychology with Criminology

Page 19 of 19

Provan Maisy CARDF Physiotherapy

Racis Giorgia MANU Politics and International Relations

Rees Anna Llinos SOTON Psychology

Rees Sophie YORK Music

Rhys-Curtis Harry FAL Acting

Rich Thomas BRADF Clinical Sciences/Medicine Foundation (Year 0)

Richards Luke USW Documentary Photography

Riley Clare CARDF Nursing (Child Health)

Roberts Andrew USW Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Roberts Christopher James YORK Music

Robinson Patrick CARDF Mathematics

Robjohn Molly Mae BASPA Film & Screen Studies/Publishing

Robson Grace BCITY Primary Education with QTS

Rochira Alexander SOTON Geography

Ryan Edwards Tara Rebecca USW Marketing

Salmon Nathan David READG History

Sawford Catrin BASPA English Literature/Study of Religions

Smith Elliot BUWE Geography

Smith Matthew Callum USW Information Communication Technology

Stacey Ryan USW Event Management

Standen Luke David FAL Acting

Stanton Lauren Katie PLYM Medicine and Surgery

Sutherland-Payne Liam USW Television & Film Set Design

Sweeney Calum James ABWTH Physics

Tagg Faith SWAN Medical Engineering with a year in industry.

Taylor Hollie LVRPL Geology

Thomas Ieuan Rhys SHEFD Zoology (3 years)

Thompson Michael SURR Medical Engineering (4 years)

Voyce Abigail Mae CARDF Physics with Medical Physics

Wainwright Nicole GLOS English Literature

Wainwright Samantha GOLD English with Creative Writing

Walsh David Edward EANGL Chemistry with a Foundation Year

Watkinson Zachary LVRPL Geography (Science)

Watson Rees John CARDF Physics

White Benjamin READG Film

Williams Hannah May KING Environmental Hazards & Disaster Management

Williams Sophie Louise MANU Biochemistry with Industrial/Professional Experience (4 years)

Williams Stephanie Anne SALF Prosthetics and Orthotics

Wilson Max Elliott BCITY Product Design

Young Samuel MANU Medicine

Zayed Yasmin Majed HULL Marine and Freshwater Biology (with foundation year)