Chepstow School
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| Motto | Inspiring Learning |
|---|---|
| Established | 1964 |
| Type | Comprehensive school |
| Location |
Welsh Street Chepstow Monmouthshire NP16 5LR Wales  |
| Local authority | Monmouthshire County Council |
| DfE URN | 401862 Tables |
| Students | 1000 (2011) |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Ages | 11–18 |
| Website |
www |
Chepstow School and Sixth Form Centre (Welsh: Ysgol Cas-gwent) is a comprehensive school located in the town of Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales. The catchment area includes Chepstow and its surrounding villages.
History of the school and its site
The school was founded by Monmouthshire County Council in 1964, as St Kingsmark School and Community College. Its name was later changed to Chepstow School.[1] The name "St Kingsmark" derived from that of a mediaeval priory which existed close to the school, on what is now Kingsmark Lane. No traces of the priory now remain above ground.[2]
Curriculum
As a state school, Chepstow School follows the National Curriculum. English, English Literature, Mathematics and Science are required GCSE subjects while Welsh and religious studies are required non-exam courses. All students are required to learn Welsh regardless of mother tongue.
The school was linked to the OCR innovative science model since the introduction of the pilot scheme over 5 years ago. Since the introduction of the broadened curriculum, results have improved from 55% to 65% for the science core and 72% for Additional Science.[3]
Inspection
An Estyn inspection of the school in January 2012 reported both the school's performance, and its prospects for improvement, as "adequate". It reported that good features of the school's work include recent improvements in performance in key stage 4; many pupils making suitable progress in developing their knowledge, understanding and skills in lessons; pupils’ wellbeing, including behaviour, attendance, and the development of social and life skills; effective teaching in the majority of lessons; an inclusive ethos and a high level of care, support and guidance; and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, especially in sport and music. However, it also considered that performance at key stage 3 is weak; performance in English and mathematics at key stage 4 is below expectations; pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills are underdeveloped; and a few pupils, mainly the more able, do not make as much progress as they should. The school’s prospects for improvement were judged as adequate because leadership has been effective in making recent improvements in performance at key stage 4; there is a clear and accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and of the specific areas that need to be improved; appropriate self-evaluation procedures are in place and these link well to the improvement planning process; and governors provide a high standard of challenge and support. However, many of the processes were considered to be too new to have their planned impact; the co-ordination of skills provision is at an early stage; and the quality of middle managers varies too much.[4]
Uniform
Students in years 7 to 11 are required to dress in a uniform consisting of light blue shirts, black trousers or skirts, black shoes, black jumper and a school-issued tie. Sixth Form are required to wear casual smart clothes of their choice.
Facilities
The sports facilities include two rugby union pitches, one football (soccer) pitch, four tennis courts, an astro-turf all weather playing surface, and a swimming pool and indoor sports hall which is part of Chepstow Leisure Centre. The school campus is used for community education in the evenings.
The buildings are wheelchair-friendly and easily accessible for disabled students.
Extracurricular activities
Students are encouraged to take part in various activities and be involved in the community. Work experience is available for Year 10 and 12 students. Students taking AS French spend a week of work experience in France.
Sport
The "5x60" programme works alongside the existing school sports system. The 5x60 clubs give students the opportunity to perform in physical activity for 60 minutes, 5 times a week. The clubs run during lunchtimes and after school. Through this programme, students have the opportunity to try non-traditional sports such as fencing and golf. Students George Sariak and Anna Stanley were awarded Youth Sport Trust Ambassador Status in 2012.[5]
Staff
A new headteacher, Claire Price, took over in January 2012 following the retirement of John E. Barnbrook. The Deputy Heads are Tony Price and Jacky Wilson, and the Assistant Heads are Victoria Duke, Jamie Goddard, Richard Jones and Emma Mellen. [6]
Heads of Houses 2014/15
Head of Severn House: Mrs Nicky Back
Head of Wye House: Mr John Robson
Head of Usk House: Mr James Oblian
Head of Monnow House (Sixth Form): Mrs Melanie Thomas
[7]
References
- ↑ Ivor Waters, The Town of Chepstow, 1972, p. 194
- ↑ St Kingsmark Priory. Accessed 2 March 2012
- ↑ "Chepstow School - a case study" (PDF). OCR Cymru.
- ↑ Estyn inspection report, January 2012. Accessed 21 March 2012
- ↑ Chepstow School: Sports
- ↑ Chepstow School: Who's who. Accessed 2 March 2012
- ↑ Chepstow School Heads of Year
External links
- 2012 Estyn inspection report is available from School Reception.
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