Painting by Esme Robinson
Headteacher’s Newsletter to Parents
10 September 2019
Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College
Middlewich Road, Sandbach Cheshire CW11 3NT
www.sandbachhigh.co.uk
www.sandbachsixthform.co.uk
[email protected] 01270 765031
Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome Back! A very warm welcome is extended to our new students and their parents/carers and I wish not just our new students but all our students an enjoyable and successful time in their school. I look forward to seeing you at one of the forth coming events throughout 2019/2020.
At the outset, I should like to record my personal thanks to Mrs Cooke, Miss Darlington, Mrs Street and Mr Troth who covered for me last term during my period of absence.
We have as is usual at the start of a new academic year a number of new colleagues joining us and our best wishes are extended to them as they embark upon their latest phase in their careers.
Miss A Chambers Psychology Miss K Jones Maths
Mr S Langstaff ACL English Mr D Luther Computing
Mr B Mitchell Social Sciences Mrs A Morris LSA
Miss H Morris Drama Mr C Murray Maths
Miss S Poneskis MFL Miss A Sharp Geography
Miss L Smith ACL English Mrs A Stewart Finance
Congratulations are extended to Miss E Loveland and Mr D Valentine who were married over the summer.
A warm welcome back is extended to Mrs H Davies.
A number of colleagues have taken on ‘new’ roles and our best wishes are extended to:
Mrs N Abson SENCo
Mr G Bashford Curriculum Leader for Computing
Mr K Fairclough Year 7 Achievement Coordinator
Mr D Halstead Year 10 Achievement Coordinator
Mrs E Hutchinson Year 8 Achievement Coordinator
Mr M Talbot Health & Safety
Ms L Thompson Year 11 Achievement Coordinator
Mr R Troth Deputy Head
You will note that we have extended our pastoral provision significantly. The first point of contact for routine concerns should be the Form Tutor with more pressing matters being directed towards the Achievement Coordinator.
Overall responsibility sits with the following: Year 7 - Miss Whalley (Assistant Headteacher)
Years 8 and 9 - Miss Oyler (Assistant Headteacher)
Years 10 and 11 – Mrs Halstead (Senior AC)
Amongst his other responsibilities, Mr Troth has responsibility for the Sixth Form supported by Mr Abbotson and Mrs E Clark (Year 12 and Year 13 Achievement Coordinators respectively).
Serious matters of concern should be directed to Miss Darlington (Main School) or to me.
Parents/Carers are asked to remember that Form Teachers, Achievement Coordinators and my teacher colleagues collectively have, in addition to their pastoral matters, a commitment to their classroom responsibilities. Consequently, it is not always possible for them to return phone calls on the same day but every effort will be made to contact parents/carers as soon as is practicable and your patience and understanding is respectfully requested.
The Property and Maintenance team; Mr Regan, Mr Otter, Mr Head, Mr Robinson and Mr Talbot ably supported by Mrs Bateman and her team of cleaners ensured the school was ‘sparkling’ for the start of the New Year. Thank you.
Thanks are due also to Mrs Whittle and colleagues who led a Social Day over summer for some of our more vulnerable students in the rising Year 7.
Mr Tom Jones
After some 30 years Mr Jones is due to retire as a Governor/Trustee of the school. His association with
the school is longstanding being one of the original (Geography) teachers when the school was first
opened back in 1960. As a Governor, Mr Jones has been an active supporter and challenger of the
school’s leadership team ensuring that what is done here is in the best interests of the individual student
and the collective needs of all students. Back in the days Mr Jones was a school representative on the
user committee for the Leisure Centre. More recently, he has been Chair of the Learning and Teaching
Committee, for example, as well as an active member of the other committees; notably the Pupil
Committee. He has also supported a number of individual students with regard to encouraging them to
positively moderate their behaviour and conduct.
His vast experience is not going to be totally lost to the school as Mr Jones will become a Member of the
Trust Board. Our thanks are rightly extended to Mr Jones for his exemplary contribution to helping our
school achieve and retain the reputation for being a school that meets the needs of all its’ students.
School Governance
In common with many academies and reflecting current DfE guidelines the school is migrating from having
a local Governing Board (LGB) to having a Board of Trustees (B of T). Further details to follow.
The migration from a LGB to a B of T sees the demise of the role of staff representation. Thanks are
extended to Mrs Halstead, Mrs Hulse and Miss O’Rourke who have fairly and openly represented the
views of their colleagues.
Summer Break
This was a busy period for the school as a result of Mrs Street driving through a number of projects
including:
An extensive refurbishment of the IT network which has seen investment in new computers, an updated
infrastructure and the installation of Windows 10, for example.
A reconfiguration of the Sixth Form catering arrangements
An (ongoing) refurbishment of G3 and G5, plus the demolition of what was affectionately known as Mr T’s
“office” enabling the re-roofing of G3 and G5.
A reconfiguration of G8Way1 enabling Sixth Form admin to be relocated.
Summer Results
Overall, the results were exceptionally strong with highly pleasing (provisional) scores for Progress 8 for
Year 11 and Value Added for the Sixth Form and with attainment at both GCSE and A level that is well
above national averages. Examination result tables will be available on the school web site in due course.
GCSE
At a time when GCSEs are at their hardest, with students facing a return to linear examinations (and the
undoubted pressures associated with such) and with teachers facing demanding changes to the
curriculum we can be very proud of our GCSE results. Not only can we be proud of the attainment levels
reached by our students but equally impressive is the progress that our students have made since joining
us.
Over 34% on entries achieved the highest grades of 7 or above with some exceptional performances in
English, mathematics and Science – subjects that saw high numbers of the top grade 9 being
achieved. Over 85% of entries received at least a grade 4 and with an overall pass rate of 100%,
ensuring once more that we surpass national averages.
Results across many subjects were striking but impressively we have seen very strong outcomes in
Mathematics, English and the Sciences. At a time when the popularity of Modern Foreign Languages is
waning in many schools, our commitment to Languages for All has been rewarded with a bumper crop of
outcomes in French, German and Spanish. Similarly, results in Business Studies, Food, I-Media and
Travel Tourism were exceptional with over 70% of entries achieving at least a grade 7.
Whilst the attainment of our students was impressive, their progress was more notable and I should like to
congratulate all our students and their teachers on a remarkable set of results.
GCSE headlines in brief:
34% of entries achieved level 7 or above representing our highest for 3 years and compares very
favourably to the national average of 21%.
85% of entries achieved 4+, compared to a national average of 67%.
A level
This summer’s results reflect a successful outcome for our students and their teachers. Across four key
measures the hard work of students coupled with the challenge and support of their teachers have
resulted in improvement, building on the school’s reputation for consistent high outcomes. The
percentage of entries achieving A* grades rose to 10%, with the percentage of entries achieving at least a
B grade rising to over 54% with an overall pass rate that is now in excess of 99% and a progress measure
supporting the view that this cohort of students has really excelled. Well done and congratulations to all
our students and their teachers.
The attainment and progress made by students have enabled them to celebrate individual and collective
successes with students going on to a range of university courses and apprenticeships.
Individual successes include Matthew Brett who is off to the Royal College of Music London, Natalie
Stevenson who is off to St Hughes’ College, Oxford to read Earth Sciences, Imogen Howard who is
reading Chemistry at York University, Katie Gregg and Maisie James to read Veterinary Sciences at the
University of Surrey and Liverpool respectively, Zainab Adnan who is reading Medicine at Liverpool.
Our students have taken up places covering the full range of courses and careers from Law to teaching,
Health and Social Care to Engineering, Mathematics through to Fashion, Economics to Modern Foreign
Languages to Architecture.
Several of our students are able to follow their lifelong ambitions including Olly Jenkins who is taking up
his place with the RAF and Charlotte Amson who is following a Nursing degree at Keele University.
“These results are highly pleasing and reflect a successful outcome for our students and their teachers. I
wish all our students continued success and every future happiness as they embark upon their next phase
in life.”
A level headlines in brief:
10% of entries achieved the top grade A*, compared to a national average of 7%. In terms of students
achieving the top A* grade there was exceptional performance in A level Photography (50%), Chemistry
(25%), French (50%), Mathematics (36%) and Music (33%).
Leisure Centre - concerns remain for the ‘safety and general well-being” of staff and students us-
ing the sports hall.
As we start a new academic year I would rather be commenting much more on the positive aspects of
school life that have been realised and that lie ahead. However, having been inundated with requests
from staff, students, parents/carers and members of the community to explain what is going on at the
Leisure Centre I need to say something. Although, I have to say that I, too, am finding it increasingly hard
to understand the actions of the EveryBody Trust (EBT). Some have described the current situation as
being the outcome of the “most punitive” action taken against a school and its students that they have
known. At a time when young people are being positively encouraged to increase their participation in
sports and the creative arts here in Sandbach our young people are being excluded from drama, dance
and physical education for no justifiable reason. Regrettably, representations to the LA have failed to
generate any meaningful response thus far though there is a site visit involving Councillor D
Flude (Cabinet Member for Children & Families) and Mrs J Forster (Director of Education) planned for
early October. Hopefully, something positive and constructive will come out of that meeting.
Notification was received from the EBT over the summer break that given the school’s continuing concerns
over the “safety” of the Sports Hall, we would not be allowed access either to the Sports Hall or to the Drama
Studio. How the two are related I am not sure? (Certainly the structural changes that the EBT has made
means that the Drama Studio is no longer “safe” to be used for year based assemblies.)
The EBT confirmed that the school would have access restored to the Drama Studio and the Sports Hall once
we acknowledged that we had no ‘on-going safety’ concerns relating to the Sports hall - something that as
Headteacher I am not prepared to do as my ongoing ‘safety/safeguarding’ concerns remain as a result of
minimal access following the installation of “magnetic” locks on the external doors to the Sports Hall.
The justification used for the installation of (unprecedented) “mag” locks is based on a ‘fallacy’ in that by not
having these locks there is a threat to the integral security of the main school as a result of members of the
general public traversing through the Sports Hall. If the Sports Hall is being used by the school, then such
access by the public would be practically impossible to say the least. Therefore, when the school is using the
hall there is no need for the ‘mag’ locks to be activated!
When the hall is being used by the school for a member of the public to gain access to the main school via any
of these doors said person would have had to get past the Leisure Centre reception staff, through the glass
barriers, traverse the Sports Hall without being seen either by the students or staff in the hall and then open a
door without again drawing themselves to the attention of others. All of which is highly unlikely. A compromise
request of having the lock on the side door ‘de-activated’ has also been declined even though this door was
wide open on Friday afternoon (6 September 2019 – if the door can be opened when the school is not using
the Sports Hall, why can’t the door be opened (have its “mag” lock deactivated) when the school is in the hall?
It is situations such as this and previously were others are allowed to make use of these external doors whilst
the school is arguably “imprisoned” leads to some commenting that the actions of the EBT are indeed “punitive”
against the staff and students of our school.
Should the matter of “staff and student well-being” be resolved then the situation is further complicated by the
direction from the EBT (knowing full well the school requires access to the Sports Hall and Drama Studio from
8.30am through to 3.15pm) that we can only have access from 9am to 12 noon and again from 1.15pm to
3.15pm. Again the reasoning behind this is that the Trust seeks to ‘hire out’ these rooms to the community,
reasoning that is ‘questionable’ to say the least.
The EBT rightly comments that the Fire Service and the Health and Safety representative for Cheshire East
have no issue with the “mag” locks. This is not an unreasonable position as, for example, should a fire occur
then the activation of the fire alarm will see the release of the “mag” locks on the external doors to the Sports
Hall enabling those inside to make their way out. But as the HSE arguably recognises there is the matter of
“safeguarding” of, in my case, our students and their teachers in the event of a less “extreme” event but
nonetheless a “safeguarding” matter.
The EBT has as its sole focus the LC. For my part as Headteacher, I have a responsibility for our students and
their teachers wherever they are and for the “safe” management of the whole site. As Headteacher, it is not
possible for me to isolate the management of the LC from the management of the whole site. These are
matters, it has been suggested, that both the EBT and the LA appear not to recognise.
Heeding the advice of the Association of PE Teachers, the school’s Health and Safety Advisor (who is the H &
S Coordinator for Cheshire West and Chester), the school’s Health & Safety Trustee representative (who is a
professional H & S Consultant) and the advice from ASCL it is my decision based on careful reflection of the
advice received that on grounds of “safety” and “safeguarding” we will not use the Sports Hall until there is
access/egress not only through the narrow internal door but also through at least one of the external doors. I
have to consider the wider consequences for the safety of the whole site and not just what might be appropriate
for the Sports Hall.
Currently there are on-going discussions between the DfE and the LA/EBT to see if “common sense” can
prevail. In the meantime I would urge you to contact your MP, the EBT and Councillors D Flude and S
Corcoran (leader of the Council) as well as your local councillor urging them to see “common sense” prevail.
The school is simply requesting when we are using the Sports Hall to have the “mag” lock on at least one door
de-activated? Where else do you find such “punitive” action being taken against the staff and students of a
school?
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
12, 13, 14 September
Year 7 Residential to Bushcraft
Wednesday, 18 September College Open Afternoon 1:15pm to 5:30pm
Wednesday, 18 September Year 7 Information Evening 6pm—7pm
Monday, 23 September Parental Engagement Group (PEG)
Supporting Revision at home
6pm—7pm
Thursday, 26 September OPEN EVENING
For Prospective Year 7 students
ALL WELCOME!
5:30pm—8:30pm
Monday, 30 September Year 7 Form Teacher & Parents’ Evening
Year 12 Form Teacher & Parents’ Evening
4:30-pm—7pm
Forthcoming Events
Parking
Parking is problematic here on site and as the weather becomes more inclement I suspect that the
number of cars seeking to be parked on site will only increase. Please be mindful of the parking
restrictions. In the event of you seeking to park/drop off/pick up your daughter/son off-site, please, be
considerate to the needs of our neighbours and the significance of local road markings. Thank you.
Mia Brooks – Year 8 Congratulations are due to Mia who competed at the British indoor championships on Saturday, held at Manchester's Chill factor. She came away with 3 gold medals: under 16 British champion, overall woman's British champion and best tricks in a jam format competition. Mia, at just 12 years old, now holds all 2019 British overall snowboard Slopestyle titles. A very talented young athlete who we wish continued success. Well done!
And finally, I should like to reiterate my best wishes to students, colleagues and to all members of our
school community for an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding academic year.
As always if you would like to contact me please feel free to email me on
[email protected] and I will reply as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
Mr J M Leigh
Headteacher
The PFA 100 CLUB
A great way for you to support the school while having a bit of a flutter!
Here’s how it works …….
You complete and sign the attached membership form and pay £24 by cheque, cash or via parent
pay for one year.
This buys you one membership number between 1 and 100 (which we will allocate to you), which
enters you into the monthly draw. All participants must be 18 years or over. You can of course
purchase more than one number!
The draw for a single winning number will take place at the end of each month using an internet
based random number generator.
If you win, a cheque will be posted to your home address and the name of the winner will be
published on the parent notice board in the entrance to the school.
The prize money will be 50% of the membership fee taken that month. The remaining 50% goes to
the school PFA fund.
PLEASE EMAIL COMPLETED FORMS TO:
Join our 100 CLUB today and you could be our next winner!
The PFA fund helps to fund the curriculum for students
together with a wide range of additional activities and
resources for the students during their school life.
Last year they supported a number of requests for
fundraising in school. They enabled repairs to sports
equipment, replaced the gym mats, and helped fund the
dancers with their English Youth Ballet Experience, they
purchased items for biology students to perform
experiments and supported the parent council with the
organising of lost property. They now are trying to build
up funds to support some of the larger projects in school
and college.
