Page 14 - link magazine

14 swindonlink.com • August 2008

SELL YOUR HOME FAST Greendown good, but aims to be outstanding
OR SIMPLY SELL & RENT BACK ! Specialist status for Greendown in maths, computing and sport has had a significant impact on the school
in just one year, said Ofsted inspectors who believe there is more improvement to come.
1 No costly estate agent fees to pay!
2 ALL Your legal fees paid by us The report from the visit in June Pupils’ good behaviour and
3 Sell your Home & Rent it back says the school is good with out- their enjoyment of school life was
4 Completion date to suit you! standing features and praised the noted. Inspectors found that pupils
5 No timewasting viewings improvements generated by head are prepared well for adult life
6 No chain collapse - we always teacher Clive Zimmerman, particu- thanks to taking ICT and finance
complete!
7 Rescue a broken chain or debt / larly in results and achievement. qualifications in Year 10. The report
repossession “He has been quite clear about suggests improving the range of
We are local Property Traders what needed to be done to move work-related learning and alterna-
FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION the school forward and his actions tive courses for those not wishing
continue to be well planned and to pursue academic studies.
VALUATION, PLEASE CALL
effective,” say inspectors. “The spe- Links with the community in-
PROPERTY SOLUTIONS cialisms have brought with them a cluding George Tweed Gardens
ON 07745 91 91 98 further strengthening of the efficient sheltered housing and community
www.propertysolutions.moonfruit.com senior leadership team.” cafes were highlighted, as were the
excellent partnerships with local
primary schools. John Gilbert, Swindon Council’s new
Mr Zimmerman said that he director of children services, left, con-
and the school governors were de- gratulates Clive Zimmerman for his
lighted with the report as inspectors school’s performance
had found a significant improve- also pleased by the recognition of
ment in the school in the last four our commitment to community
years. “They were impressed by projects in West Swindon.
the progress made in maths and “Our objective is now to be
computing and the effect of the rated as outstanding by the next
sports specialism on pupils. We’re Ofsted.”

Isambard prepares to double in size

Preparing for an influx of new pupils, Isambard has achieved extraor-
dinary results both academically and in the arts in its first year.
After the privilege of
being the only pupils, Year
7 pupils are preparing to
welcome a new intake.
“We’re all a bit nervous
about how we’re going
Don’t let the kiDs to share the school with
another group of pupils,”
said Scarlett Walters, sec-
have all the fun! retary of the school coun-
cil. “Everything has been
moulded around us, so
we’re uncertain how it’s
Adult dance classes going to work out.”
To help the newcomers
for all abilities there will be a summer holi- Chair of the school council Sahil Jhamb and secretary
day week of craft, sports
and educational activity. Scarlett Walters
from “We’re entering unchartered terri- highlight of the year for me has
tory,” said headteacher Rachael Mat- been visiting classes and seeing
beginners to tey. “We’ll start the new year with eager children. There is such an
56 teachers and support staff, double enthusiasm for learning.”
advanced our first year complement.” In July, pupils were given Key
Ms Mattey, below, who spent a Stage 3 tests, normally taken two
year setting up the school and re- years later, at the end of Year 9.
Ballet, Tap & Jazz cruiting staff, said that her best day Most achieved the expected
of the year had been 10 September Level 5 and several managed Level
2007 when, at last, the first intake 7, which Ms Mattey said was an
New term about to start arrived. “Apart from achievements amazing result. “The first intake
like the First Light Film Award, the have set a very high benchmark
Classes held at and have shown that
children can be taught
Greendown School in mixed ability groups
and the Haydon Centre and we should not un-
derestimate what they
are capable of. We have
For more information high expectations and
call Gemma on 01793 877429 they have responded.”
•Read more comments
weekdays before 6pm on Isambard’s first year
at www.swindonlink.
com

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