On behalf of the School Governors I am pleased to present the summary of our report on the academic year 2008-2009.

Please click on the highlighted links to access more detailed information.

It is a pleasure to be able to inform you that 2008-2009 was, once again, highly successful. We managed the School Finances efficiently in order to provide resources for teaching and learning, and we are delighted to be able to report that the Examination Results at both GCSE and Advanced Level set new school records.

We have had a healthy intake into Year 7 and our Sixth Form, the largest in Wales, has increased in popularity and risen to over 550 students. It is also very pleasing to note in our Student Information the continued upward trend in attendance in Years 7 to 11. There have been a number of changes to the Teaching Staff in the past few months, primarily due to retirement, but I am pleased to be able to report that we have successfully appointed a range of highly qualified teachers to maintain the strengthen of our teaching teams.

The School Development and Improvement Plan for 2008-2009 focused upon ensuring value-for-money from all budget headings, whilst further improving the quality of classroom experiences for students. This included:

• Implementing the revised Key Stage 3 curriculum
• Introducing a GCSE Revision School available to all students
• Extending our coaching programmes
• A major expansion in the number of BTEC courses offered at Advanced Level
• The consolidation of a standard system of student-tracking across all year groups
• A revised programme of professional development for teachers based upon the new Effectiveness Framework
• Formalised systems for celebration and reward of students, plus a revised School Council format placing greater emphasis upon the ‘student voice’

It is pleasing to reflect that during the year we also received external recognition from Investors in People, including specific accreditation for the quality of Leadership and Management, as well as gaining the prestigious national ICT Mark.

Our targets for the coming year will include:

• Completing the revision of the curriculum at Key Stage 3
• Successfully establishing additional collaborative courses at Key Stage 4
• Achieving a positive outcome from our scheduled inspection

The Governors meet formally three times a year. The agenda, Headteacher's Report, and the Minutes of Part 1 of the meeting are available on request. They follow regulations, statutory procedures and guidelines set up by the Welsh Assembly Government and Flintshire LEA.

As well as the full Governing Body meetings, the Governors operate through a committee structure. The three main committees are:
    Building and Safety Committee
    Development and Evaluation Committee
    Finance and Personnel Committee

As well as these committees a Pastoral and Discipline Committee (Panel A or B) may be set up to address specific issues. Governors are also fully involved in the teacher appointment panels. 

The Governors also support all whole school activities and developments, make school visits and attend events throughout the year.

 

Mr. Gareth Evans – Chair of the Governing Body