Page 15 - link magazine

k.com The Link Magazine • May 2001 15
Futuristic education at Greendown School appeals to start in May
North Swindon MP Michael Wills was taught some computerised Although the governors of Bradon Forest School have agreed to
Maths by youngsters from Tregoze School when he formally launched increase its intake by another 24 places, an appeals panel is to be
the Future School facility at Greendown School on 30 March. convened to hear requests from parents of thirty children in West
Swindon who want places there.
Headteacher Chris Montacute governors and will hear parental
said the year 7 intake will rise to arguments for places."
252 children after governors made He added that the appeals proc-
an offer to Swindon Council to ess has been brought forward a
open another class in order to main- month so that schools can plan
tain relationships with West Swin- early as a result of decisions.
don primary schools. Children rejected by Bradon For-
"The extra places have been of- est or Ridgeway have now been
fered on the basis of geographical offered places by Swindon Coun-
proximity of home to school. The cil at Greendown which currently
number could increase as the ap- expects a year 7 intake of 285 chil-
peals panel is independent of the dren in September.

Schools rewarded
Mr Montacute also announced that
Braden Forest had been selected to
Michael Wills cith TrcXo_-c p upils Laura Goss and Catherine King. Headteacher receive a School Achievement
Ian Matthews is in the background and head of ICT Sally Barker is on the right Award from the Department of Brilliant white fascias j6 month1
Education in respect of its sub- interest
Speaking as Minister for Learn- they have completed and what stantially improved results over free offer!
ing and Technology, with respon- their scores are. Children from the last three years. Written details
on request
sibility for IT in schools, he said, Tregoze School were using Future "I'm delighted for everybody
"this kind of provision is funda- School for the first time. Katherine involved. The staff have worked The very best
mental to the future of education. King, 9, said, "I like the way it incredibly hard to ensure students quality system for longer
durability fitted by the
When these methods are used ef- explains how to do maths prob- receive the best possible educa- partners for over 15 years
fectively standards go up. lems." tion. • Locally run family business
This is a path-breaking project Greendown School invested Tregoze School and Oliver • All work guaranteed
and it is a real pleasure to see it £60,000 to install Future School in Tomkins primary schools have also
• Cover or replacement
happening in Swindon. I'm sure it a special suite with 30 PCs. It has received the award which carries a
is making learning more enjoy- been running since September and one-off cash bonus to the school's
able." it is the only school in the region budgets.
Future School is an independent with the system. Head of Maths
learning computer programme Jill Sarjent said, "it enhances teach-
that was initially developed in Aus- ing for the children as they all learn
tralia for teaching children in the in different ways. They can learn
outback unable to attend a con- at their own pace and it can be
ventional school. Pupils watch a customized for each child. It also One look at our windows,
video of a real teacher giving the teaches them IT skills they will use
lesson at a board, then use in later life." doors or conservatories
worksheets to test their under- Future School was initially in- and you'll know you've
standing. tended to also help overcome a
The normal maths teacher as- shortage of maths teachers but made the right choice.
sists at each session and can moni- despite a national shortage
tor pupil's progress from a central Greendown's Maths department
console that shows which lessons is now fully staffed. 14ERMIN
WINDOWS
Contributions and contact wanted Soffits • Fascia • Guttering
Following the announcement that Greendown School's head teacher 3 Overton Gardens, Stratton St Marga 4-
Ian Matthews will be leaving in August after 16 years, many parents 47
and former pupils have asked if they can contribute to a leaving
present for him.
Headteacher designate Steve
O'Sullivan is organising a collec-
tion. Contributions can be sent to UPVC FASCIA FENCING
him at the school. 15 years experience in the trade. All Closed board, panelled & picket fences
Mr O'Sullivan would also like work fully guaranteed. White, black. Concrete posts & gravel boards
to hear from pupils who have brown & woodgrain fascia boards. available. All fences are pre-treated.
passed through the school since it Cover or replacement available. Any repairs undertaken.
opened. "Tell us where you are
now and what you have done.
We'd like to hear from you." Have your fascia boards checked Made to measure gate service.
Former pupil Caroline Moffat,
Quality mortise & tenon jointed gates.
right, from Freshbrook was pre- & cleaned from £45. Any repairs Have your fence fitted by a tradesman.
undertaken. No job too small.
sented with a prize for Endeavour Guttering only available. Ring for No job too small. Ring for a
and Achievement at the Swindon Caroline attended Greendown a free quote & friendly advice. free quote & friendly advice
College Awards Evening on 6 between 1993 and 1998 and is now
April. Other former pupils who at the University of the West of t
received awards were Leanne West England where she is taking a de-
and Kate Rudkins. gree in culture and media studies. t t