Page 20 - link magazine

Hreod Parkway School: A

Learning skills The alchemy Hands on in the labs.

for success of North Site on our everyday lives has never been progress and applications of tomor-
The effect of scientific progress
Headteacher Andrew Fleet The rebirth of Hreod Parkway greater. Personal computers, mobile row. For example, the debate over
the safety of GM foods and the ethi-
introduces this two page feature School gathered pace last summer `phones and medical advances are cal dilemma of "designer babies".
with the focus of developments in just a few examples of science ap- With this aim in mind, we are de-
the lower school on North Site. The plications which have changed the lighted to work with our pupils in
Local Education Authority spent way we live. four very well furnished laborato-
over £140,000 to enhance the learn- Never has it been so important ries, complete with brand new
ing environment for the pupils. Fif- that young people today should have equipment.
teen new classrooms have been pro- the knowledge to make informed The Science Faculty uses a quote
vided as well as four new science judgements on the scientific from Leonardo da Vinci as its motto:
laboratories (pictured right). Almost
every room in the lower school was
re-painted and refurbished.
Alongside this key development
was the creation of a new post - Di-
rector of Lower School.
Mr Andy Russell, who has the
task of ensuring the smooth running
Hreod Parkway is looking for- of North Site, as well as managing
ward. We want to hold on to the good Key Stage 3, has filled this role, ably
of the past in standards and traditions, assisted by over 30 teachers and pro-
while we embrace change which will fessional support staff.
enable our pupils to live for today and
prepare for the future. Mr Andy Russell in one of the North
In recent years we have grown sig- Site labs experimenting with weights
nificantly. This brings opportunities. and measures, with year 7 students,
Funding plans will enhance our from left, Kenny Wilkins, James
learning environment over the next Joyce, Sabrina Gleed and Natalie
four years. We have just won large Knott
grants to
• develop a computerised study cen-
tre giving our pupils study opportu- Dance for all A flair for
nities day and night;
Since September, when GCSE Dance started, eighteen year 10 pupils have
• provide for a full time Pastoral had the opportunity to visit Sadler's Wells and in February will join work- the arts
Care Worker over the next 3 years.
These developments are important shops with nationally acclaimed companies at the Town Hall Studios. The arts give pupils opportunities
to enable our pupils to meet the chal- Over eighty Year 7 pupils have been attending a weekly dance club tu- to develop aesthetic awareness
lenges of this new century. They need tored by senior pupils. They are gaining confidence to learn more complex through many styles and cultures.
a `survival kit' of skills, including lit- moves and performed in their first show at Christmas. These are extended beyond the
eracy, numeracy, problem-solving, Year 8's have also shown a keenness towards their club and have choreo- classroom with extra-curricular ac-
teamwork, presentation skills and graphed in small groups with the help of teachers. tivities in music, art, dance and
self-confidence. Upper school dancers have produced ongoing high standards in dance drama.
Pupils also need a concern for the sequences set to both chart hits and classical music, demonstrating poise, Groups give regular perform-
health and well-being of others and athleticism and creativity in their work. ances, inclyding a successful Christ-
the environment. Teaching respect mas concert, which demonstrated
and an expectation of high standards this variety. While the choir sang
is important in building a community Benjamin Britten, the Steel Band
which is caring and successful. gave a Caribbean flavour and dances
Focusing on being a centre of were both modern and Irish.
learning, we are seeking to build Readings were performed before
these attributes. Part of this approach a warming open fire designed by the
is our acknowledgement that we can art department.
improve on what we have done in the Ahead we have many exciting
past, summed up in our credo: 'Eve- events in which our pupils will take
ryone can do better than their per- part, including a Shakespeare per-
sonal best so far.' formance as part of the upcoming
We are happy to share some of the Millennium festival and the oppor-
ways in which we are looking for- tunity for our musicians to go
ward and developing learning part- Dancers at the Hreod Christmas show, from left Hayley May, Sarah Bashford, "Around the World in 80 minutes,"
nerships with pupils and parents to Katie Fitzpatrick, Gemma Pratt, Harpavan Sandhu, Lauren Kuklinski. Front, in the Swindon Secondary Schools'
ensure success for all. Faye Pound, Sacha Turner Music Festival.