Page 14 - link magazine

14
The Link Magazine • June 1995
Satellite sixth in the west set for September opening
College, school and business cooperate to develop technology education
Swindon's New College and try. We are confident we will be Greendown GCSE students will Greendown headteacher Ian
Greendown Community School teaching the kind of skills needed also use the equipment and engi- Matthews said, "there is a national
are set to launch education into the in the future. This is a very excit- neering and computer courses will need to improve technology and
next century with the opening of ing project which will benefit the be offered to staff from local com- science education. This initiative
the West Swindon Technology whole community." panies. creates continuity between school
Centre at the school in September. Twenty computers and engi- Funding comes partly from a and college and will allow sixth
The project will provide high neering equipment are to be sited grant to New College from Honda form education to take place in
quality information technology at Greendown and New College and the government's competitive- West Swindon.
education to students of all ages. staff will teach information tech- ness fund to improve access to edu- Roger Ogle, chair of Greendown
New College principal Mary nology and General National Vo- cation through information tech- governors, said, "The opening of
Sellars welcomed the agreement cational Qualification courses nology. Rover Group have assisted the West Swindon Technology
to develop educational opportu- in West Swindon. A one year curriculum development to ensure Centre in the school's tenth year
nities. "This level of cooperation GNVQ Intermediate Level Engi- students learn what industry re- will provide quality technology
between a school and a Further neering will be the first course and quires. education for the 21st Century."
Education College is unique in further technology courses will be
Wiltshire and possibly the coun- developed.
Ofsted spotlight on Ridgeway
New College principal Mary Sellers and Greendown headteacher Ian Matthews
sign an agreement to open the West Swindon Technology Centre with Green- Ridgeway School has been com- that 'attendance for the whole
down governors chairman Roger Ogle and New College governor Ann Poole
plimented by inspectors from the school is not satisfactory.'
governments Office for Standards The school is congratulated for
in Education for providing a good managing its finances skilfully and
education and having a good repu- providing good value for money.
tation in the local community. But the large number of mobile
An inspection team visited the classrooms are regarded as a sig-
1,335 pupil 11 to 18 school during nificant drain on resources. Their
the last week of April. use, particularly during poor
The report says that 'standards weather, is identified as a Health
achieved in relation to age are at and Safety problem.
least satisfactory and frequently Other points of action include
good in all subjects. Those achieved the need to improve the pastoral
in PE are particularly good.' system so that all teachers give it
The GCSE results for the last aca- an equal and high priority. The
demic year are significantly better balance of the curriculum for all
than national averages for year 11 pupils also needs to be addressed.
pupils and are an improvement on The report says there is some
those of the previous year.' good practice in matching pupils'
GCSE results in the sixth form are tasks to their ability, but this needs
HOST MAUREEN PEARSON disappointing, but A' level passes to be uniformly implemented
A.T.T. are better than national results. across all subjects.
FFiM(L (ES TAXATION 'The quality of learning and Mrs Christine Gale, chairman of

ADVISOR teaching is good with many exam- governors at Ridgeway, said: "We
WANTED For Advice and Help on ples of very good practice. Atti- are delighted with the outcome of
tudes are very positive and pupils the report. It identified much we
Personal and Business Tax are motivated to learn.' already knew and we feel strongly
To accommodate French The school is an orderly com- that the school can go forward with
Completion of Tax Returns
students from 6th to 19th July. munity in which relationships are a great deal of confidence to the
and Preparation of Accounts good.' However the report states challenges which lie ahead."
They will be engaged
for the Inland Revenue
in a full daily programme.
27 Holmleigh, Haydon Wick Thinking of going back to work?
For further details Swindon SN2 3RH Often, when you have been at at your skills and work related
Tel: (0 1793) 724172 home with children your confi- interests to try to identify possi-
telephone 874717
dence in yourself and your abil- ble future careers. We look at
ity to return to paid employment what education and training op-
Adult Careers in the future hits rock bottom. portunities are available locally
Free courses are run by Wiltshire and at issues such as job hunting
Guidance Service Careers and Guidance Service de- and going for interviews.

After the course you can go on
I signed to help give you back this
At home looking after your family? confidence, however long you a work experience placement to
have been at home. Whether you try an area of work. In the past,
Thinking of returning to work now are thinking of returning soon or people have gone on a variety of
or in the future? within the next couple of years placements such as the ambulance
these courses are for you.
service, office work or catering.
Not sure how to go about it The courses are friendly and Now is the time to make plans
or what training is available? informal and run by experienced for your future career as training
FREE part-time day courses are running in Swindon staff from the service. They are at can often be combined with look-
times to suit people with family ing after a young family.
Help with childcare may be available.
responsibilities and are in term If there is sufficient interest we
For details ring WCGS time only. Help can be given will run a course in West Swin-
(01793) 618866 now towards travel and childcare costs don. For a course leaflet or fur-
This course receives sponsorship The 5 day courses cover a broad ther information about our serv-
from the European Union. A Service of Wiltshire County Council range of topics including looking ice phone 618866.