Page 14 - link magazine

14 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Primary schools in Freshbrook combine Greendown pupils choose new head
under new name and new head During a gruelling three day interview process in March, new Green-
down head, Clive Zimmerman, found that some of the toughest
From September Freshbrook and Windmill Primary Schools will questions came from the pupils who interviewed him.
come together under the name Millbrook which was chosen after Young peo-
consultation between children, parents and governors.
ple represent-
To prepare the way extremely friendly ing each year
forward Clare Griffin- and welcoming. There group had the
Felton, right, took up was and is a deep pas- opportunity
the position of head sion to get the process to grill six can-
designate of Millbrook of coming together didates. Chair
on 16 April, to work right. of Governors
for a term with outgo- “It’s a great privi- Marcus Love-
ing headteachers Jan lege to be able to work ridge likened
Milsom at Freshbrook with the children, the it to speed dat-
and Mark Hazzard at parents and the staff ing, with pairs The Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon Mike and Joyce Bawden
Windmill Hill. to ensure the best for of pupils on visited Greendown in early April to meet Mr Zimmerman,
A mother of five this generation of chil- six tables, centre, staff and pupils
children, aged 18 to one year old, dren, and those who will follow.” given 15 minutes each to fire ques- from West Swindon have been
Ms Griffin-Felton returns to full From September the infant, Key tions. He said that comments from given free bus travel to Bradon
time education, having job shared Stage 1 and the specialist learning students were considered along- Forest, which he now feels is un-
at Trinity Church of England Pri- centre will be based on the side those of governors, staff and necessary. At present, 165 West
mary School, Radstock, North Freshbrook site and Key Stage 2 representatives of local primary Swindon children of secondary
Somerset. There she gained invalu- will be in Windmill Hill. schools. school age go to Bradon. “The gov-
able experience, bringing two Planning for the new Millbrook Although Mr Zimmerman has erning body has formally re-
smaller primary schools together building on the Freshbrook site been acting head since the retire- quested that the council stop the
in a brand new building. will start once the new school is ment of Steve O’Sullivan in Febru- transport,” he said.
The Swindon role had immedi- underway. ary, the appointment was by no “Our GCSE results were up 10
ate appeal said Ms Griffin-Felton. To ensure the smooth transition means a foregone conclusion with per cent last year, the KS3 results
“I was very happy at Trinity but the school governors will give the selection panel working blind were the best ever and things are
was ready to come back full time every child a purple sweatshirt, to draw up the shortlist. “The news looking good for this year.”
as my husband, who is self-em- the colour chosen for Millbrook. of his appointment was very well From September Greendown
ployed, was keen to take on more Children are currently coming received by the staff who gave him will become a specialist college in
child care. up with ideas for a school logo to a huge round of applause,” said maths, computing and sports.
“From my first visit to Swindon, appear on it. Mr Loveridge. • Swindon Council taxpayers cur-
I really felt I could have worked in “We’re all on an exciting learn- One of Mr Zimmerman’s priori- rently spend £1.6 million on school
either Freshbrook and Windmill ing journey into the future,” said ties is to address the problem of a transport
Hill. Everybody I’ve met has been Ms Griffin-Felton. falling roll. Historically children • New GCSE analysis - see page 16

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1 May 07 14 20/4/07, 11:38 am