Page 16 - link magazine

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

Our secondary schools: could they do better at GCSE?
Less than 50 per cent of school leavers in The Link’s target distribution area had good GCSE passes in English and Maths according to an
analysis of last year’s results, says David Parkinson, who runs the Kip McGrath tutoring centre in West Swindon.
For the 2006 results the Govern- counted as 4 GCSE passes. Bradon Forest 71%, Greendown style league tables. “The issue in
ment revised the way league ta- David acknowledges the pres- 54% and Hreod 41%. the past, when passes could be in
bles are presented, highlighting the sure on schools to perform well in But include English and Maths any 5 subjects, was that some
percentage of pupils gaining 5 league tables but believes this and the numbers drop: Bradon schools were in the business of
GCSE grades A* to C, including could have been detrimental to Forest 56%; Ridgeway 52%; playing the examination game.
English and Maths. Previously, the basic education. “I think there’s Greendown 41% and Hreod 28%. “English and Maths are so im-
tables only showed those achiev- been a lack of emphasis on English At St Joseph’s Roman Catholic portant and including them gives
ing good passes in 5 subjects. and Maths because there’s been a School, the two percentages were a more representative picture of
There had been criticism that lack of incentive for schools to almost identical: 55% compared to school performance.
pass rates were being inflated as maintain these subjects to a high 54%, which suggests a significant “Parents should look at the
schools entered pupils in less aca- standard. The temptation could emphasis on English and Maths. Value Added measure as well as
demic subjects. GNVQ’s were seen have been to put emphasis where David Parkinson stresses that GCSE passes. One of the great
to be bolstering the performance children would succeed.” parents need to obtain accurate things about league tables is that
of some schools, as a pass in a The numbers of students pass- information about their child’s Value Added provides a level play-
subject such as Information & ing 5 GCSEs A* to C in any subject performance. He says that parents ing field for comparing schools.”
Communications Technology in 2006 were: Ridgeway 73%, should specifically ask if the child He added that the importance of
is working at the level expected. Maths at Greendown is one of the
Greendown headteacher Clive reasons it will become a Specialist
Zimmerman welcomed the new Maths College in September.
Plan for next year’s exams
Kip McGrath offer intensive tuition in groups of no more than 4
students. However, David emphasises that there are no quick fixes
and that pupils should seek help as early as possible for the best
chance of success.
“GCSE performance in English and
Mathematics depends on ensuring chil-
dren do not fall behind at any stage of their
education. If remedial action is left too late,
there is little time to make a real difference.
“If a child needs help to understand key
points, advice with study techniques and a
boost in confidence, parents should be talk-
ing to us as early as possible.”
Andrea and David Parkinson of Kip McGrath

Tribute to governor committed
to twin town relations
After an extended Easter break children returned to school at Nova
Hreod on 23 April - into brand new buildings and with a new name.
But on 19 April the mayors of ing strong twin town relations.
Swindon and its German twin Oberbürgermeister Klingebiel
town Salzgitter - Mike Bawden and said he was proud the Salzgitter
BALLET - TAP - MODERN - JAZZ Frank Klingebiel - planted a tree in delegation was able to pay tribute
the quiet garden in memory of to Reg at the school to which he
MUSICAL THEATRE
former town mayor Reg Clarke, had such close ties. “He was an
& RAD MAJORS who died on 6 March. outstanding friend whom we held
Reg was a school governor for in high esteem; we all miss him.”
STREET, HIP HOP & ADULT TAP 20 years and chairman for 12. But Nova Hreod headteacher
he will be most remembered for Andrew Fleet told the tribute gath-
Classes from two and half years upwards
his tireless commitment to build- ering that he had accompanied Reg
Lessons held at Haydonleigh School, on a civic visit to Salzgitter
Abbey Meads Community School, Blunsdon Villlage in 2001 where he was im-
and also Stratton Community Centre pressed by the 3,000 seat
concert hall at the city’s
Official Dance Centre of the senior school. “I was not
able to persuade the archi-
ISTD tects to provide the same
offering FDI & CDE Units here but we have a huge
covered atrium for large
Bring this advert gatherings.
“Reg was looking for-
with you and receive the
ward to visiting Nova
first two lessons free Hreod when I spoke to him
before Christmas. We’re all
Contact Sarah Watson very sorry that he was not
on 01793 524112 able to do so.”
Mayors Mike Bawden and
or 07737 677919 Frank Klingebiel with Nova
before 8pm Hreod headteacher Andrew
Fleet. Inset, Reg Clark

1 May 07 16 20/4/07, 2:28 pm