Page 16 - link magazine

EDUCATION MATTERS
16
Clearing up some strange ideas

Greendown headteacher Ian Matthews explains what its really like at West Swindon's secondary school
Greendown has now been open for -lunch for example is Students at Greendown don't have
two years. During this time a num- only 40 minutes and homework!
ber of myths and often pure fanta- we only have one Yes they do - and quite a lot! Unfor-
sies have built up around the other break during tunately different students always
school. This brief article is in- the day. We also start respond differently to homework -
tended to 'put right' some of the slightly earlier than some take a lot of time over it, and let
mistaken ideas. other schools. In fact their parents know, others do it very
the students at quickly, some do it after school and
What new building is going on at Greendown spend as never tell their parents about it. This
the school? much time in lessons is common to all students in all
At present two new blocks are being as they do in any schools. Homestudyis considered to
built. The one on the left as you go in other local school - in- be a vital part of learning in all
through the main gate is a new gym, deed some students schools and Greendown is no differ-
the one on the right a large new sci- spend more time. ent in this respect.
ence/maths/technology block.
Both will be ready for occupation in At Greendown stu- How often can I meet the school
September 1989. dents are allowed to staff?
Ian Matthews in front of Greendown Phase I & II choose their lessons! All parents and students have an
How big will the school be? Greendown seems to have a very Definitely false! Like most schools opportunity for a counselling and
In September 1990 we will have 900 short day - surely children don't get there is very little choice about the reporting session at the end of each
students. At that time another new much education at Greendown? curriculum to be followed. At Green- half term. This is much more often
building programme starts - to take Most people don't realise that in a down we have however introduced a than in any other school and it means
the final total of students up to 1200. 'normal' school a large amount of system where students may opt into that parents are always being made
This final building will consist of a time is taken up by breaks (play- certain courses - these occupy about aware of how their children are pro-
sports hall, more science and maths times!), lunch and other non- teach- 5% of the total curriculum time and gressing (frankly this is sometimes a
rooms and an all weather floodlit ing events such as registration and are intended to teach students to mixed blessing!).
playing surface. assembly. At Greendown we have make appropriate decisions about
cut these down to the bare minimum their own learning needs. We try to Greendown cannot take all stu-
reflect the adult world - and adults dents from West Swindon - how
For Pro.,.,, essi are always having to make choices will the selection be made?
Firstly, make sure that Greendown is
about what they do!
:: really the place for your child. We
Ga/iHilary on her new number
Greendown doesn't have normal have a large number of information
Swindon 37370 subjects! sessions and give all parents the
Again false! We teach all the subjects chance to visit the school and see us
Hair design at home for ladies, taught at other schools although be- in operation. Secondly, make sure
cause we tend to group subjects to- that you hand in the selection form to
gents and chilren. gether we have given the groupings your child's primary school as early
some rather unusual names. Thus we as possible.
talk about PES (physical and envi- Selection is made by the local Edu-
ronmental studies) - which is the cation Authority partly on the basis
name we give to the group of subjects of first come, first served and the
consisting of maths, science, design intake is balanced across the whole
and technology. ability range.
It's not too late to do a course

The Autumn programme of Brochures
THE COTSWOLD COLLECTION Adult and Community Educa- If you haven't seen bothof them
tion courses is about to start. or would like a copy, let me
Probably the best collection of QUALITY PINE FURNITURE in Community tutor Rod Kensett know
the West Country, at the most competitive prices. Come and gives the latest situation before
see for yourself. Most items are immediately from stock. classes assemble. Exhibition
Credit terms available. Enrolment I hope those of you who visited
We have our major enrolment the AE exhibition at West Swin-
33 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon. Tel: 511898 session on Saturday 3rd Septem- don Library were impressed by
+; ber, 10a.m. to 2p.m. at Green- the quality of the student's work
Open Mon—Sat 9.30 am. —5.30 p.m. -
down. If you cannot make it, call displayed and that there was suf-
in or telephone and we can soon ficient information available
let you know what vacancies about the programme.
there are. If demand requires,we My thanks to all those who
CAKTEK,60VIEUEADS may be able to put on additional contributed items and to those
classes. All enquiries to 871413 - tutors who gave their time to
SOLICITORS be prepared for the answerphone demonstrate their skills on the
though because I can't be there all Saturdays. My thanks also to
Contact us for all your legal needs the time! Linda Black, Rochelle Clarkeson
and all the library staff for their
including Exam Courses help in fielding questions and
If you are enrolled for an exam renewing supplies of brochures
house sales & purchases, course and are beginning to when I wasn't about, and for
matrimonial matters and wonder if you'll cope, you might their unfailing courtesy and
benefit by first enrolling in our friendliness.
criminal law. 'Return to Study' course. This
friendly group tutored by Claire For further information con-
Fidler meets on 12th, 13th, 14th tact: Rod Kensett, Adult and
103-4 Commercial Road, Swindon. September and concentrates on Community Tutor, Green-
the techniques, skills and organi- down Community School,
Tel: 617617 sation you will need in getting Grange Park Tel: 871413
ready for study again. (Ansaphone).