Minutes of the ‘Parent/Carer Forum’ 10 th Sept 2015 1. Present Parent/Carer Richard Armond Eva Shipway Sarah Williams Kim Bushell Tina Green Dawn Poole Anita Stronach Denise Reynolds Tracey Drysdale Michelle Taylor R Rees Principal TGAR J Long Associate principal Apols: Fiona Bates, Simon Coleman, Lesly Dyke 1. Matters arising not on agenda: RRS sent the minutes via the website parent forum link and asked members to confirm receipt via this link. All confirmed that they had not received the minutes via this link. RRS to investigate why. To speak with Mrs Green to ensure that this does not occur again. RRS confirmed that the parent forum email has been established on the website for direct contact from parents/carers. 2. Exam analysis overview JLG presented the highlights to date. JLG emphasised the fact that the final figures are still being validated. Overall pleased with GCSE results as they have not declined despite the local and national turbulence experienced by schools similar to ourselves. Exam question analysis shows that our students did better than similar schools in the exam boards used by TGAR. This confirms that the intervention work was successful. Some remarks for English have been requested as well as few other subjects for students whom we know were achieving consistently better marks in all their assessments. So far all but one have returned upgraded. AS & A” results were equally pleasing as are the year 13 destinations with over 77% of students securing their first or second choices, in addition two students’ secured apprenticeships at KPMG and Rolls Royce. See PPT 2. Open Evening feedback. The feedback at both the year 7 and year 9 evenings was overwhelmingly positive. Parents and students made it clear that they had been told by their middle school not to consider TGAR but felt ‘blown away’ by the academy and the students. A further event is to be planned before admission date close and in line with the publication of results.
Transcript
Minutes of the ‘Parent/Carer Forum’
10th Sept 2015 1. Present
Parent/Carer Richard Armond Eva Shipway Sarah Williams Kim Bushell Tina Green Dawn Poole Anita Stronach Denise Reynolds Tracey Drysdale Michelle Taylor
R Rees Principal TGAR J Long Associate principal
Apols: Fiona Bates, Simon Coleman, Lesly Dyke
1. Matters arising not on agenda:
RRS sent the minutes via the website parent forum link and asked members to confirm receipt via this link. All confirmed that they had not received the minutes via this link. RRS to investigate why. To speak with Mrs Green to ensure that this does not occur again. RRS confirmed that the parent forum email has been established on the website for direct contact from parents/carers. 2. Exam analysis overview JLG presented the highlights to date. JLG emphasised the fact that the final figures are still being validated. Overall pleased with GCSE results as they have not declined despite the local and national turbulence experienced by schools similar to ourselves. Exam question analysis shows that our students did better than similar schools in the exam boards used by TGAR. This confirms that the intervention work was successful. Some remarks for English have been requested as well as few other subjects for students whom we know were achieving consistently better marks in all their assessments. So far all but one have returned upgraded. AS & A” results were equally pleasing as are the year 13 destinations with over 77% of students securing their first or second choices, in addition two students’ secured apprenticeships at KPMG and Rolls Royce. See PPT
2. Open Evening feedback. The feedback at both the year 7 and year 9 evenings was overwhelmingly positive. Parents and students made it clear that they had been told by their middle school not to consider TGAR but felt ‘blown away’ by the academy and the students. A further event is to be planned before admission date close and in line with the publication of results.
3. GCSE music. RRS confirmed that the plan for year 11 for the year will be sent to all parents so that all could see how the assessment process was being planned. If there any concerns thereafter then please speak in the first instance with Mrs T Wright. Parents asked for confirmation of whether music GCSE was to be offered in the next options. RRS confirmed that both BTEC and GCSE music are part of our options offer.
4. Performing Arts. RRS confirmed that Mrs Rivitt had stepped aside form HoD of performing arts due to personal circumstances. Mr Gariff will deal with any issues.
5. 6th Form numbers.
RRS confirmed that year 13 numbers were good some students had accepted a new package for A level options based on their AS results. JLG explained that moving forward a greater range of BTEC qualifications would be offered to support students not able to take 3 facilitating subjects and ensure that our 6th Form offer supports the comprehensive nature of the academy. Year 12 numbers are approx. 60% of the eligible cohort. The new x block is working well but it is early days and there have been organisational issues with applied science at Worcester which will be resolved before next Wednesday. Questions were raised to clarify an understanding that most of the year 13 students had left and decided not to continue with their studies. RRS and JLG confirmed that 8 students had left and that these were known in Easter 2015.
6. Teacher/ pupil KPI’s. There were none to present as there had only been 1 week of the term
7. Summer work update.
RRS confirmed that all work had been completed. There had been a delay in the new toilet being open due to a leak. These were now fully operational.
Parents raised on behalf of other parent /carers the following views regarding the new toilets:
§ Unisex toilets are obscene as you can see or hear each other going to the toilet § Unisex toilets will prevent female students from being able to manage their menstruation due to
embarrassment regarding female sanitary provision § Concern was raised that after a student had defecated that odours will travel through the atrium
into the restaurant area
JLG confirmed that the toilets are not unisex, there are clearly identified as either male or female areas with an open plan entrance. The floor to ceiling doors offer much greater privacy than previously, the toilets are ventilated and extraction systems are in place. Parent carers were offered and accepted a tour of the toilets. It was suggested that RRS write in the next parent email with photos or else placed this on the website.
7. 6th Form dress code. Parents asked if female students could wear contrasting jackets and skirts etc. JLG clarified that suits must be worn (black, blue, grey or burgundy) girls cannot wear contrasting outfits. It was confirmed that the parent carer forum should be scheduled for a half termly meeting. In addition parent information evenings will be calendared one per half term. 8 Parent Governor Vacancy. RRS confirmed that 2 vacancies exist. RRS provided application packs. Additional members for the forum. RRS confirmed that invitation letters to Year 9 parent/carers have been, Mrs Reynolds has since accepted a place on the forum.
8. Date of the next meeting 3rd December 2015
Tudor Grange Academy RedditchWelcome
By Mrs Rose ReesPrincipal Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Redditch
Solihull
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
KS5 Headlines% of A-level students achieving at least 3 A-levels at A*-E 71%
% of A-level students achieving at least 2 A-levels at A*-E 98%
% of A-level students achieving at least 1 A-levels at A*-E 100%
% of A-level students achieving A-levels at Grade AAB+ (in at least 2 facilitating subjects) 13%
Our results locally are some of the bestA/A* is 12% which is above the National Average100% of our Level 3 BTEC Courses achieved Distinctions or Distinction +
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Subject performanceYear 13A/B pass rates (all above National Average or target):
– Applied Business Studies– French– History– Music Technology– BTEC Sport– BTEC Health and Social
Year 12A/B pass rates (all above National Average or target):• Applied Science• Art• IT• Music Technology• RE• BTEC Health and Social Care• BTEC Sport
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Some noticeable successes…Year 13:Nicola Moss: A* Further Maths, A* Chemistry, A* MathsJoel Haslam: A* Chemistry, A Physics, A MathsLottie Hooper: A* English Literature, A in Psychology, B in BiologyAaron Hyde: A in Economics and Maths, B in PhysicsDanielle Walsh: A* in Business Studies, A in Psychology, B in English LitCatherine Barber: A* in English Lit, B in German and RERobyn Allcott: A in History and Psychology and B in ChemistryBradley Elvy: A in Maths, B in Chemistry and PhysicsAdam Haslam: A in Maths, B in Economics and GeographyJamie Mortiboys: A* in Biology, B in Chemistry and HistoryYear 12:Emily Mills : A in Chemistry, A in Maths and Further Maths, A in PhysicsHannah Swinbourne: A in Biology, A in Chemistry, A in Maths and A in PhysicsNathan Dyke: A in Chemistry, A in Geography, A in Physics, B in MathsSophie Edkins: A in French, A in Maths and Further Maths and B in ChemistryGemma Linzey: A in Art, A in Psychology, B in English Literature, B in HistoryChloe Weaver: A in Biology, A in Geography, A in Music Technology, C in Maths
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Celebrating Our Success – KS4Notable performance:• Emily Barker with 8 A*s and 4 As• Edward Alborghetti with 6 A*s and 6 As• Katie Stokes with 2 A*s and 5 As• Jay Ellis with 2 A*s and 7 As• Matthew Lomas with 2 A*s and 6 As• Ben O’Connor with 1 A* and 7 As• Amy Joseph with 1 A* and 6 As• Jack Baldwyn with 1 A* and 6 As • Mollie Hart with 1 A* and 6 As
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Headlines• 5 A*-C including English and Maths –56%*• English A*-C : 64%• Maths A*-C : 64% • Pass rate for EBacc Languages: 88% • Chemistry, Drama and Geography over a third of students achieved an A* or A grade
• In the face of national and local turbulence we did not deteriorate
• The changes last year maintained our outcomes- similar schools have deteriorated
• Interventions to support students worked well, our exam performance was high in almost all subjects
• We have an excellent foundation for this year and are aiming for 68% 5A*-C
*Further marks still to come back from review
‘E-‐Evening’Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
17th September 2015
‘Collaboration’
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
‘E-Safety’• e-Safety concerns safeguarding children and young
people in the digital world.
• e-Safety emphasises learning to understand and use new technologies in a positive way.
• e-Safety is less about restriction and more about education about the risks as well as the benefits so we can feel confident online.
• e-Safety is concerned with supporting children and young people to develop safer online behaviours both in and out of school.
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Did you know?On average, teenagers spend 27.37 hours on the internet per
week.
6.5 hours of this time is spent on smart phones and tablets on the way to and from school or college..
Ofcom’s Media Use and Attitudes 2015 report,
Computer is still king, and is still the primary device for accessing online content.
In particular, activities such as watching video clips online, playing games, instant messaging and social media have driven growth in mobile internet use in the UK
Young peopleInstant Messaging IMSocial Networking MusicGamesChatBlogs
Are you one of the 38% of parents who use the internet and describe themselves as a beginner?
7% of children describe themselves as beginners
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
‘Staying Safe’Social networking sites are most popular with teenagers and young adults. Ofcom research (2014) shows that just over 79% of children aged 8-17 who use the internet have set up their own profile on a social networking site. 41% of young people have profile set so that it is visible to anyone.
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
‘Be aware of your child’s digital footprint’
23% of children have pre-birth scans uploaded to the internet by their parents
More than 70% of mothers said they posted baby and toddler images online to share them with friends and family
The average a child acquires an online presence courtesy of their parents is 6 months
81% of 2 year olds have a digital footprint
33% of children have images posted online from birth
7% of babies have an email address created for them by their parents
‘All pictures uploaded to Facebook, Twitter, ASKFM, YouTube belong to these sites and cannot be removed from their database. By signing up – you are giving your
permission. All of these sites sell data and photos on.
‘Social Networking’
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
‘Social Networking’National figures show that 1/3 bullying incidents picked up in schools –originate from ‘Internet and Social Media Applications’.
1/5 of these cases are described as being ‘extreme’.
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
‘Social Networking’Biggest danger is the not knowing –
• 26% of parents don’t know how to check website history
• 65% of young people can clear internet history
• Many browsers now have the function of InPrivate Browsing
• 70% of 9 – 16 yr olds surveyed go online in their bedroom or other private room.
• 49% of children have had contact online with someone they have not met face to face
• 4% have had a face-to-face meeting with an online friend. 89% told someone they were doing so.
76% Usage and experiences are not reported to parents/teachers as they fear the withdrawal of access
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
‘What we can do’• Supervised
• Monitored
• Filtered
• Curriculum
• Learning Platform
• E-Safety education through our life-skills sessions
@ TGAR
‘What can you do?’• Talk to your child about what they’re up to online.
• Set boundaries in the online world just as you would in the real world.
• Keep all equipment that connects to the internet in a family space.
• Know what connects to the internet and how.
• Encourage your child to go online and explore age appropriate sites.
• Keep up-to-date with your child’s development online.
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
PARENT PORTAL
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Homework
• High expectations of all students!• Establishing a school wide culture – both in and out of lessons –where high achievement and success is valued and celebrated
Homework• If a student completes an hour’s Home Learning per night for
five years … it is the equivalent of an extra school year.• It can help students to make more rapid progress in learning.• It gives the most enthusiastic students the opportunity to apply
their passion and gain a deeper insight into the subject.
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Homework
• New focus – Pre-‐Learning!
• Students should (as per the Home Learning timetable) be provided with regular, relevant, challenging and engaging Home Learning tasks.
• Home Learning tasks will be clearly planned and available to students at the beginning of the unit of study through the Departmental Assessment plans.
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Tudor Grange Academy Redditch
Homework
The Role of the Parent• Provide a reasonably peaceful, suitable place in which students can do their Home Learning
• Make it clear to students that you value Home Learning, and support the Academy in explaining how it can help them make progress;;
• Expect deadlines to be met and check that they are;;• Check that tasks have been set in line with the Home Learning timetable;;
• Sign the planner once a week;;
Year Group Length of homework
9 1 x 30-‐45 mins per subject per week
10/11 1 x 45 – 60 mins per subject per week
12/13 1 x 60 mins homework for every lesson taught
Helen Newies – Subscriptions Manager
An Introduction to GCSEPod
2013 Ofcom Report:
2012 2013 2014
Smart phone Ownership (age 16-‐24) 41% 66% 77%
Tablet Ownership (household) 2% 11% 24%
What is GCSEPod?
• One website, one Apple app, over 3,500 audio-‐visual podcasts • Content produced specifically for mobile devices• Squeezes exactly the right knowledge students need into short 3-‐5 minutes chunks • Helps with setting homework tasks
