Introduction
On Wednesday of last week I spent some valuable time with colleague Secondary Head Teachers developing further our planning proposals for sixth forms in our schools. During the course of the session I reminded myself of a somewhat bold statement I made at interview for the position of Head at Teddington School some eleven years ago now. I told the Governors that if I were appointed I would do all in my power to achieve two things beyond the normal school expectations – namely to have the school rebuilt and to introduce sixth form provision in the school. Grand words, but I am becoming increasingly confident that by the time I sign my last letter as Head of Teddington School, it will be an 11-19 school. Job done!
On Thursday, however, I got a headache. The person responsible for my suffering was our very own treasured Chef Andy. I lay the blame for my headache at Andy’s kitchen door because it was he who suggested having an “American diner” lunch day. So popular was it amongst our culinary astute scholars that the “main meal” queue stretched from the restaurant servery to the outside door at the end of the ground floor corridor, some thirty metres away. At the same time, the adjoining “snack meals” queue (normally a little more popular that the main meals queue) was, , empty. This situation rendered our normally controlled and civilised lunch queuing system redundant and, in its stead, a seemingly endless mass of enthusiastically hungry adolescents clamouring for burger, dogs, wings, fries etc. etc. I was the person who was establishing order out of the chaos and it made for a very challenging and long lunchtime. After all the under sixteens had been fed and ensconced in lesson five, my “dog and salad” was accompanied by two paracetamol!
Friday lunchtime on the other hand was a very different animal altogether, yet, as was the case the day previous, it ended with me requiring two paracetamol. This was because it was the staff v students basketball match in the Sports Hall. They do say that there is no fool like an old fool, and I suspect that this is particularly so when the “old fool” in question still holds the view that he still possesses all the attributes of a 25yr old PE teacher rather than a 57yr old Head Teacher. It was probably over thirty years ago since I ventured onto a basketball court yet I was first to volunteer when “the call” came! I boasted that my name on the advertising posters swelled the number of paying spectators, although I rather suspect that they had more Machiavellian motives than coming to see my array of Harlem globe-trotteresque basketball skills!
As it turned out, I survived the ordeal in acceptable fashion, craftily moving around the court looking as if I was both busy and knew what I was doing. Main thing was that both my knees and both my shoulders (all of which have undergone operations) remained unscathed so that I was able to leave the court with both body and dignity intact!
Friday evening was significantly more civilised as we held our annual Governors “Christmas dinner” in the school restaurant. With Chef Andy “forgiven” for producing an outrageously popular school lunch menu, he and his team (on a private, individual paying basis, I hasten to add) produced an excellent meal for the Governors who attended the evening. Seldom do Governors get the opportunity to socialise, and whilst much of the conversation was naturally school focused, it was a pleasure for Governors to meet in much less formal circumstances whilst enjoying some very good food in the process.
On Saturday we drove north to Ashby-de-la-Zouch to spend some time with friends who have very recently retired, one from the Immigration Service and one from teaching. I have to say, they seem to have settled very quickly into retirement and both my wife and I couldn’t help feeling just a touch envious. It got me thinking about my own situation. It feels odd to me to think that one day you are the Head Teacher of a large Comprehensive School with over 1200 students, over a hundred staff and a seven million pound budget, and the next day to be nothing and in charge of nothing. I’m not sure I fancy that! I am determined, post Headship, to do something positive with what will be nearly twenty years of Headship experience. So, whilst I will be happy to relinquish some of the responsibilities and the hours that headship demands, I will, nevertheless, seek to work in a consultancy capacity to support young Heads who would benefit from an experienced mentor.
Anyway, enough of that for now, I need to get in shape for next year’s staff versus students basketball match!
Highlights of last week
There was the basketball match of course. I am always impressed with our staff who are ever willing to undertake “unusual” activities to provide entertainment for our children. Such events help to consolidate the very strong student/staff relationships that we enjoy in the school. Thanks to Mr. Boateng for organising, and by some amazing sporting freak, the staff team, after lagging well behind for some time, scored a final basket (Mr. Thompson) with three seconds to go to give them a one point victory. (24-23) Lots of fun for everyone, and some funds raised as well.
Throughout the course of the last couple of weeks we have been undertaking our post-mock exam review meetings with Curriculum Leaders. These meetings allow us to look closely at how students in each subject are performing against their targets and then identify any strategies that need to be put in place for those students who require additional support. This year these meetings have been significantly enhanced by the benefit of an outstanding piece of computer software that Ms. Shaw has acquired which, without attempting to go into any complex details, offers an array of information to allow calculations, summaries, comparisons, evaluations etc. by subject, by teacher and by student. Very soon, each student in Yr11 will have an individual interview with either myself or a member of my Senior Leadership Team, where this computer package will be used to offer advice, support and guidance to our students at this crucial time in their education.
Congratulations (and entered onto our Achievement wall)
Jamie Sendles-White
Congratulations are due this week to two students, one past and one present.
A number of Teddington staff went to watch ex-student, Jamie Sendles-White captain Queens Park Rangers Under 18s in the Youth Cup against Everton at Loftus Road one evening last week. Jamie, who both played and captained well, led his team to a 1-0 victory and a place in the next round. Congratulations to Jamie, and we are looking forward to seeing him playing in first team colours for QPR in the not too distant future.
- Phoebe Stapleton
Congratulations also to Phoebe Stapleton (Yr11) who recently auditioned for a place in the sixth form at the very prestigious Arts Educational School in London. For her audition, Phoebe had to perform two monologues, a dance and a song. Phoebe’s performances clearly impressed the various interviewing panels as she was offered a place there for this September. Once there, Phoebe will study A levels in Photography, Dance, Drama and English Literature, as well as vocational classes in acting technique, vocal work etc. We are delighted for Phoebe on her very well deserved success and we wish her every good fortune and happiness in the future. This photo was taken of her at the recent Xmas Factor event last term.
Ms. Reynolds wrote the following report following a recent event held on Sunday 15th January. She wrote;- eight Teddington students competed at the Southern Zonal Trampoline Competition in Uckfield. This was the highest number of students ever from Teddington that had qualified for this round of the competition. All the students jumped exceptionally well in a very tough competition. Although no one qualified through to the National competition the results were fantastic:
- Under 15 Girls Novice: Phoebe Wallman 11th place
- Under 13 Boys Novice: Team 4th place (Oscar Rudkin, Sam Woods, Daniel Robertshaw, Evan James)
- Under 13 Girls Elite: Rebekah Lumb 8th place; Team 6th place (Rebekah Lumb, Jessie Curtiss, Jemima Venn)
For a more detailed report, please visit the PE Blog
Many congratulations to all the team whose continuing hard work in training is ensuring that they continue to make excellent progress.
And finally, a welcome report from Mr. Salter;- The Year 9 girls’ Basketball team are Borough Champions after beating Christ’s 36-22 in the Final. Olivia Leach was MVP with a good defensive performance and 24 points. The team now represent Richmond in the London Youth Games in March. The players involved were: India Coomber, Catherine Forde, Lara Johnson, Olivia Leach, Hannah Munday (Year 9) and Beth Cotter, Isabella Gale, Izzy Lambros (Year 8). (Well, we do have some expertise in this sport!)
Results - Last week
| Date | Year | Gender | Sport | Opponents | Venue | Competition | Result |
| Friday20th Jan | 8/9 | Girls | Basketball | Christ’s | Away | Borough Final | WON36-22 |
Fixtures- None this week
What’s on this week (for those involved)
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Monday – Yr11 GCSE German Speaking Controlled Assessments
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Tuesday am – Yr11 Triple Science Biology exam – Sports Hall
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Tuesday – Yr10 Art & Photography GCSE trip to British Museum/White Chapel Art Gallery
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Wednesday – Yr11 Subject Consultation Evening – 4.00-7.00pm – Atrium and 1st floor
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Wednesday – Full Governors Meeting – 7.00 – 9.00pm -Room 101
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Thursday am – Yr11 Triple Science Chemistry exam – Sports Hall
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Thursday – Rotary Club Photography Competition judging – Ground floor Conference Rm
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Friday – Murder Mystery “Who killed the Director”? – Theatre/Atrium/Restaurant – 7.00pm
Theme for the week – Holocaust Memorial Week. This is an interesting weekly section. Both the Theme for the week and “In the news” can be accessed by the “Student News” link on the website home page.
Last week’s student vote topic and outcome - ‘Which different teaching styles you find the best?’ 409 votes were cast -
Teacher-led approach 39 votes, 10% Individual research 32 votes, 8% Group work 109 votes, 27% Practicals / Field work 180 votes, 44% Peer presentations 12 votes, 3% Group Investigations 24 votes, 6% Peer / Self assessment 13 votes, 3%So most of you prefer Practicals, Field work and Group work rather than Teacher-led lessons.
This week’s student vote is about Holocaust week.
In the news – Selected this week by 9AT
General
Last week I informed you of the research we were undertaking with our students regarding a “summer shirt” for our boys. The proposed shirt received fairly overwhelming support with a request that the logo on the pocket is made a little smaller. Mr. Law also took the proposal to the Governors Student Committee where they, too, thought it would be a positive and smart development. We have asked our suppliers if they can make the logo smaller and then they will manufacture it and get them in stock. I will write to all parents when they are available.
Parents/Carers will also receive a letter this week about the LA consultation on their proposal to have Sixth Forms in their Secondary Schools. The letter, which is self explanatory, will invite your views and comments.
I should like to thank the parents (5) who have offered to stand as Parent Governors. As we have more nominations than vacancies (5 volunteers with two vacancies) we shall be holding an election very soon. A letter will be with you shortly.
What made me smile this week
A young girl (yr8, I think) came up to me at morning break on Friday and proudly announced that she intended watching me play basketball at lunchtime. As she walked away she hesitated a fraction, turned round and said, in very caring tones, “you will be alright won’t you Sir?” Don’t you just love them?!
Have a good week.
