Page 28 - link magazine

28 The Link Magazine • March 1999
Progress recognised at Hreod Parkway
An Ofsted inspection in 1996 highlighted serious weaknesses at the
school, but a recent interim inspection has acknowledged that a new
management structure is tackling problems head on.
Head teacher Andrew Fleet, who The school has made satisfac-
arrived after the inspection has tory improvement in the provi-
extended the senior management sion for pupils with special educa-
team and the governing body is tional needs.
more involved in the running of The report concludes that al-
the school which now has a clear though weaknesses remain, the
direction and an agenda for im- school has taken many positive
provement. steps to address them. It adds 'the
The quality of teaching is j u dged new headteacher works closely
to be satisfactory or better in 78% with the governing body and there
of lessons. In nearly half, it is is now a common vision between
judged to be good or very good, a all parties.'
significant improvement since the Commenting on the findings,
1996 inspection. However there is Andrew Fleet said, "we are pleased
still variation in teaching quality with the recognition of the signifi-
of the core subjects. cant progress made on the agenda
Pupil standards in well planned set by Ofsted.
and tightly focused lessons is good. "I would like to compliment the
The report highlights concerns re- staff and governors on their hard
garding some teachers' understand- work and the way in which they
ing of what progress to expect of have worked together to raise
their pupils. Teaching, it states does standards and to set the systems in
not always match pupils needs. place to assure success."
The High Sherriff of Wiltshire Lady Ruth Hawley presented the Hreod
Parkway Come & Talk youth action group with £250 from Crimbeat Wiltshire
to continue its peer group support work. Head Andrew Fleet, second from
right with youth action coordinator Lorna Slack, front left

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE FULL-RANGE
OF SECONDARY SUBJECTS ON AN INNOVATIVE
Train to be a teacher in a local school
FULLTIME SCHOOL-BASED COURSE
Last year, Monica Yerbury-Hodgson and Fiona Thompson read in
Financial support The Link of a one year Postgraduate Secondary Teaching Course run
available for: by the Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education.
A year later they are both well Fiona says, "since the course is
Design Technology
on their way to being qualified school based, I feel more like a
Information Technology teachers. Monica has been at valued member of staff than a stu-
Mathematics, Music Farmors School in Fairford and dent. You have the opportunity to
also at Commonweal in Old Town. learn about all aspects of school
Modern Foreign Languages
Fiona'sbasehasbeenHighworth life and it meant I could train lo-
Religious Education Warneford with further experience cally without having to move.
Science at Cirencester's Deer Park School. "It is very hard work but it is a
Forty secondary schools in rewarding course which will stand
You will get full support in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and me in good stead for the future."
schools from subject beyond are involved. Every year a Jill Kelly, Training Manager at
specialist mentors and many trainees are employed as Bradon Forest School wrote last
Newly Qualified Teachers. Math- year's article and is thrilled that it
experienced senior teachers.
ematicians and scientists who take led to Fiona and Monica joining
up a post could be in for a £5,000 the course. "Trainees come from
Full details in our 'Golden Hello.' varied backgrounds; I have
Information Pack Grange Park resident, Monica, worked with men and women from
Enquiries: Alison Scott-Baumann says, "the course is well-designed several nationalities, ranging in age
Cheltenham & Gloucester and the school practice, which from 23 to 40 something.
College of Higher Education CHELTENHAM makes up three quarters of the "I would be happy to chat infor-
PO Box 220 The Park time, is very useful. It gives train- mally to anyone wanting basic in-
ees a chance to learn in a control- formation on the course."
Cheltenham GL50 2QF GLOUCESTER led, butreal teachingenvironment, Jill can be contacted on 870729.
Tel:01242 532870 with lots of support from staff. Itis For information on entry require-
College of Higher Education
Email: [email protected] a good way to find out whether ments, funding and application
you are made for the profession." forms, contact the college, see left.