Stopfordian 2010–2011 - Stockport Grammar School

The Stopfordian 2010–2011
ROYAL VISIT
Pupils and staff were honoured to receive a visit from HRH
Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex on Thursday 18th
November. Prince Edward wanted to meet children taking
part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award as SGS celebrated its
20th anniversary of its involvement in the Scheme, and the
achievement of its 1000th Award.
He was greeted by excited Junior School children waving flags
as he arrived at the school, before meeting with pupils in the
Hallam Hall. He talked to children as they showed him
different aspects of Junior School life from sport, to music,
science, handicrafts and story time.
Prince Edward then met with Senior School pupils in the Sports
Hall. Children at different stages of the Duke of Edinburgh
Award demonstrated their work in the various sections of the
scheme. His Royal Highness took time to talk in detail to the
children as they showed him activities that included route
planning, volunteering, music, photography, sport, animation,
tactical games, fencing, dancing and climbing. The Prince was
delighted to be presented with a copy of A Walkers’ Guide to
the Lake District - a book of walks compiled by pupils for their
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Everyone who met Prince
Edward was overwhelmed by his kindness and his interest in
their activities.
SCHOOL INSPECTION
During the Spring Term, staff and parents were delighted by
the findings of a report by the Independent Schools’
Inspectorate. The ISI visited the school as part of its regular
programme of inspections.
The ISI concluded that in the Senior School, “The pupils’
overall achievement and their learning, attitudes and skills are
outstanding.”
There was also high praise for the personal development of
pupils and the provision for extracurricular involvement, both
of which were found to be “outstanding.” Pupils in the Senior
School were described as “exceptionally well-educated”.
The ISI found that in the Junior School, the Early Years
Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception classes) was
“outstanding” for overall effectiveness, quality of provision
and outcomes for children.
The ISI recognised the continuation of high standards
throughout the Junior School, describing “the quality of the
pupils’ achievements and of their learning, attitudes and
skills” as excellent. They gave the same high rating to
curricular and extracurricular experiences and to the
development of the pupils’ personal qualities.
The ISI is the body approved by the government for the
purpose of inspecting schools belonging to the Independent
Schools Council. It is generally recognised as being even more
rigorous in its standards than Ofsted, as it sets as its
benchmark standards of achievement which might be
attained by the most highly selective schools in the
maintained and independent sectors. The full Inspection
Reports are available online at www.stockportgrammar.co.uk.
PARENT SURVEY
RSAcademics carried out a survey of parents’ views during the
Autumn Term. An impressive 98% of respondents rated the
Senior School’s academic results in the top two categories of
very good and good, with 90% also rating the provision of
clubs and extracurricular activities at this level. The most
popular words chosen to describe the Senior School were
“academic”, “welcoming”, “rounded” and “dedicated”.
RSAcademics commented that “Parents clearly appreciate
how well the school is able to deliver a truly rounded
education, combining excellent academic standards with the
many opportunities to take part in sport, music, performing
arts and a wide range of clubs and activities.”
14 The Year’s News