Headteacher`s Bulletin

CJM/HV
May 2015
Dear Parents
As I write this I am thankful that the campaigning for the general election is coming to an end; no doubt by the
time this bulletin reaches you the election result will be known. It shouldn’t be taken that I have little interest in
politics, but rather that after 38 days of media bombardment it can get somewhat tiresome. This does concern
me at times as politics is so important in all of our lives; indeed that is why students have assemblies about the
structures of our political system, the 6th Form host visits from various MPs and opposition candidates and mock
elections are held.
Decisions that are made in London do make a difference to us as a school - what should be taught, what is
funded, which buildings are replaced and which topics should be prioritised for informing students about how
we are measured. It does stimulate debate and thinking about how things might be different and which parts of
what we have are working very well. Anyone who ever gets into a conversation with a Headteacher will certainly
soon understand that we have individual views on much of the above and so by definition are political in the
widest sense. If you look at our own school, some of my views are evident; we teach Agriculture, for example, to
some students though it does not count in league tables as it’s the right thing for these students to do; we teach
a balanced but traditional curriculum and don’t enter students for exams early; we value sport, music and the
arts, with our students competing during the school day to name but a few. Why we do these things is open to
debate, some schools would not do them, others would do more in one area than others. I believe we do a good
job as our students leave us and all go into employment, education or training, but most of all they do so with
skills we hope will enable them to succeed for the rest of their lives.
There are those who would debate with me the approach we take in certain things; I do it myself at times! That
is the beauty of politics, of which we should not lose sight. It is OK to have a different opinion, to debate, to
discuss and to accept that others have different views. We all have rules and boundaries we have to work within
but we also have the ability to consider other views, sometimes arriving at consensus, other times taking
opposite positions. If, despite the media overload as I perceive it, the general election has helped reinforce that
in our students, then we should be thankful.
The result of the election will not be everyone’s choice but it is the fact that we accept it as part of democracy
that is most important. Whether it is national politics or the politics between different students, family members
or friends we must ensure that we never lose sight of the right of individuals to have opinions within accepted
rules and their personal responsibilities. Our character is often defined by how we deal with situations that we
disagree with. It is a better measure than how we cope with those things we support wholeheartedly. The
greatest success is found by an individual persuading others to change their views rather than imposing them.
Change in PE Kit for Year 7 in September 2015
I am aware that many parents purchase items of uniform as and when finances allow, so wanted to ensure that I
communicated a change to the PE kit. The incoming Year 7 students who will start Caldew for the first time in
September will be required to wear a different PE kit. This more modern and appropriate kit is therefore now
available from The Uniform Shop. I have to emphasise that it is not expected that the other year groups will
change to this attire, though if they wish to do so then it is OK. We have made the change in this way as we
realise that the PE kit is often retained by students over a period of years.
Art Exhibitions
These take place 5:00-6:30pm on Friday 8 May for GCSE work and Friday 15 May for A Level and AS work. The
students throughout their courses have produced a variety of pieces of work in their various studies. Each
student’s work is a unique and fascinating journey through to their exam pieces and I would encourage as many
parents and students as possible to view the work on display.
Year 11
As Year 11 reach that final stage in their compulsory education there is undoubtedly much to ensure that
parents are aware of:
Exam Leave: I have written to Year 11 parents separately about the exam season, arrangements for the Year 11
leavers’ assembly and other matters. It is worth outlining to all parents the fact that exam leave as such no
longer exists. All students are expected to attend their normal lessons until the point at which they finish their
last scheduled public exam. This is common across the majority of schools and will remain the policy here at
Caldew for the foreseeable future.
Revision: The revision session timetable for extra-curricular sessions is continually updated each week. Students
will also have now been given a new timetable showing them where some lessons have been changed prior to
exams to provide additional revision sessions and when pre-exam sessions are in place. All are available on the
school website.
Exam Timetables: A copy of all exam timetables is on the Diary section of the school website.
Future Ready Interviews: All Year 11s over the course of the last few months have had a personal interview with
either their potential 6th Form Tutor or a member of staff to ensure they have a planned progression route after
their GCSE exams. Targeted students have been working with Inspira to ensure that, after looking at a range of
possibilities, they have well-planned next steps, whether that be an apprenticeship, 6th Form or other training.
Internal End of Year Exams
All year groups have formal exam periods. It is essential that all students learn early on that ultimately their
attainment is measured through written tests taken in controlled conditions. That is an unavoidable fact and one
that, with the removal of coursework from nearly all GCSEs, will be ever more significant as time goes on. As
such all students should learn to prepare for exams by revising and understanding that tests come in batches
close together that have to be planned for. To aid students in putting together a schedule, the exam timetables
can be found on the homepage of the school website. As a quick guide the exams will take place:
Year 7 and 8 – Week beginning Monday 1 June
Year 9 and 10 – Between Thursday 18 and Friday 26 June
Maths Timetables
Due to staff absence this year we have had to make minor changes to the Maths timetables at various points.
These issues have been unavoidable and we have ensured that qualified Maths teachers have always been
assigned to all classes. We have had to prioritise our exam classes to be taught by our regular staff and I am
aware that this has meant some Key Stage 3 classes have changed teachers as a result. While this can be
potentially distracting and sometimes unsettling for students, the tracking data would indicate that progress has
been maintained for all the students. If you do have any specific concerns please contact Mr Moody, Subject
Team Leader for Maths.
Ski Trip
Mr Hammond, 50 students and numerous staff took part in the annual ski trip during the Easter break. Everyone
returned walking unaided and all improved their proficiency in skiing. The students were a credit to the school,
being praised at every turn by those in the hotels, other guests and travellers alike. Plans are no doubt underway
already to arrange next year’s trip.
Year 7 Community Challenge Day
One of the elements we have changed in our curriculum this year is to introduce the Archbishop of York Youth
Trust Young Leaders Award to the whole of Year 7. They have been looking at how they can be part of the wider
community and show leadership to take an active role in improving the lives of others. As part of the award they
will all be taking part in a Community Day of Action on Wednesday 17 June. Having also all completed a personal
challenge, we hope that this will help them as a collective body to understand the vital role that individuals have
in ensuring that we live in a community that is respectful, caring and rewarding.
Buses
We often deal with queries regarding buses and parents are often surprised to hear that we have little or
nothing to do with the services. Most of the buses are provided by the Local Authority School Transport
Department and any issues regarding the service, timings etc. need to be directed to them. The buses contracted
by School Transport are:
Routes:
T0701 Armathwaite
Metcalfe Coaches Ltd
T0720 Cotehill
Metcalfe Coaches Ltd
T0703 Blackwell/Durdar
Cumbria Coaches Ltd
T0714 Cumwhinton/Brisco
Cumbria Coaches Ltd
T0704 Cummersdale
Irving of Dalston
T0705 Boustead Hill
Irving of Dalston
T0708 Little/Great Orton
Irving of Dalston
T0707 Moorhouse/Beaumont
Reays Coaches Ltd
T0709 Churchtown/Welton
Reays Coaches Ltd
T0710 Caldbeck/Millhouse
Reays Coaches Ltd
T0711 Low/High Hesket
Reays Coaches Ltd
T0702 Raughton Head/Ivegill
Irvings Coach Hire Ltd
T0700 Thursby
Ian's Midi Coaches
T0798/T0799 Private Hire
Solway Private Hire
T0743 Private Hire
City Taxis
We have found in the past that when issues have arisen, parents will garner a faster response than we will. If you
need to contact School Transport please use:
General enquires (including applications and behavioural issues)
Queries relating to boarding points
Queries relating to the operation of the route or the operator
01228 226430
07867 140269
01228 226424
We also have a number of public and private service buses. These are:
Stagecoach (91, 91A and 91B)
Irving of Dalston (daily pay-to-ride service)
Reays (75)
01228 819090
01228 710810
016973 49999
Any issues with misbehaviour are the school’s responsibility and I would encourage all parents and students to
report any concerns promptly. We are successful with dealing with these issues if they are addressed in good
time.
Year 9 World of Work Day
As I write this, Year 9s have just completed their WoW Day. As a school we are extremely grateful to the 25+
employers and organisations who took time to come and work with our students on this day. Forging closer links
between the school, students and employers remains a core aim of the school and it is pleasing to see that the
local business community remains so supportive of the activities organised. I hope all of Year 9 had the
opportunity to glimpse into the world of an occupation that they will find useful; indeed it may serve to inspire
them to strive towards certain professions. As they get ready to start their GCSE courses in full next year it is
ever more important that Year 9 start to think realistically about what they can aspire to be and how their
preparation through exams and other activities in school can help them achieve this.
Nestlé
Over the last few years we have forged very close links with Nestlé, our immediate neighbours. They have
targeted recruitment for Higher Level Apprenticeships through the 6th Form and this has allowed some of our
students to progress into very promising career opportunities. I was lucky to spend a day at Nestlé in March
shadowing two of our former students on a ‘Back to the Shop Floor Day’. I was incredibly impressed by the
progress and responsibility that they had. It was very encouraging to hear the positive messages about the
quality of our former students and their ability to seamlessly transition to the workplace.
Our links continue to develop and Miss Hickey and Mr Looker have recently taken Year 12 students to look at the
scientific processes in place within the factory. We hope this positive relationship continues as there is no doubt
we both gain from these closer ties.
School Direct
Are you interested in becoming a teacher? If so, we have an exciting opportunity, working with our partner
secondary and primary schools. For the last two years, we have worked in partnership with 6 other local
secondary schools and more than 20 primary schools, forming an alliance as Carlisle School Direct. This means
that you can train to become a teacher with us. The training lasts for one academic year and leads to the
qualification of a PGCE with QTS and 120 credits towards an MA through the University of Cumbria. School
Direct is an innovative approach to Initial Teacher Training (ITT) allowing schools and colleges more influence
over the ways teachers are trained and more school-based training experience. If you have completed a degree
course and you have thought about a career in teaching, this is an ideal opportunity to draw on the expert
advice of outstanding teachers. Our secondary subjects for the next academic year are English, Maths, History,
Physics, Chemistry, Modern Foreign Languages, Geography, PE, Computer Science, Biology, Technology, RE and
Art.
Find out more on the School
Direct link from Trinity School’s website (www.trinity.cumbria.sch.uk); you will also find contact details for the
Programme Leaders there.
Middle Awards Evening
This takes place on Thursday 11 June from 6:00pm. The winners in Year 9 and Year 10 will be notified by post in
the coming weeks. It is important that as a school we continue to recognise the outstanding levels of
achievement and effort of our students. While not all will win an award, each and every student should continue
to strive to excel in all that they do.
Primary School Work
The range of activities we organise and host with primary schools never ceases to amaze me. We have seen
regular Year 5 Maths Enhancement Classes taking place this term as well as hosting some schools for the solar
eclipse alongside a host of sporting events. One of the highlights of the year will take place shortly after half
term as Year 5 join us from a variety of schools for their Science Days.
Notice of Upcoming Parents’ Evening
Year 7 Parents’ Evening will be held on Wednesday 17 June, 6.00pm to 8:30pm. It is essential that all parents
meet regularly with staff to discuss the progress of the students. If you cannot make a Parents’ Evening, please
do contact the school and we will ensure that someone contacts you to update you on your child’s school work.
Yours sincerely
Mr Chris McAree
Headteacher
Chris.McAree@caldew.cumbria.sch.uk