March/April 2013 - Pershore High School

Corbett’s Column
It has been a relavely short but acon packed term,
with experiences ranging from ‘Oliver` and the
Magistrates Mock Trial to external GCSE and A Level
examinaons and a visit to Zambia. Given everything
that has been achieved, it is almost invidious of me to
pick out these examples.
Parent Surveys
A sample (223) of Year 8, 10, 11 and 12/13 parents
have been surveyed at parents’ evenings thus far.
Here are some of their views :
96.4% feel that their child is taught well;
97% feel that their child is making good progress;
96% state that they believe their child is happy at
school;
96% feel that the school ensures that pupils are
well behaved;
96% feel that the school is well led and
managed.
Although these responses are encouraging, I need to
urge you to contact me when we do not live up to our
usual high standards. In addion, we have an Ofsted
inspecon coming soon so please respond to Parent
View.
Pupil Premium
A reminder that if you child is in receipt of Free School
Meals they are likely to be eligible for the Pupil
Premium, a sum of money provided by the
Government to support their educaon aspiraons and
achievements. For further informaon please contact
Nigel Evans our Raising Aspiraons Co‐ordinator.
Appointments of New Staff
The last few weeks have also been filled with
interviews to appoint new staff in the Technology,
English and Drama departments. I am hugely grateful
to the students who have contributed magnificently to
the process.
Although I never like to lose colleagues who have given
great service to the school, those leaving in the
summer are either rering or moving on to promoted
posts. I will provide further details in the near future.
Excing Post‐16 possibilies
I am very proud of our current Sixth Form provision;
offering as it does a very popular collecon of ‘A` level
choices. Indeed, around 160 youngsters have already
expressed an intenon to join Year 12 next September.
In spite of this we will never stand sll and I have been
surveying current Year 10 students on what addional
provision we might consider for introducon in September
2014. I share the determinaon of Governors
to look at the feasibility of a business enterprise type
offering. If this is to be a success it will require the involvement
of local businesses and universies. If you
can help, or know someone who could, please get in
touch with me.
Internaonal Links
I am sure that two of our key internaonal acvies
will be covered in full in our next newsleer. However,
I must offer Paul Watson, Vicki Brown and our seven
students our best wishes for their two week stay in
Zambia that began on 22nd March. In addion, we
welcome youngsters from Plouay during the first week
back aer Easter. A recepon will be held in the dining
room at 6.30pm on Tuesday 16th April.
Geng down to some serious revision
Whilst I appreciate the pressures upon them I have
stressed to Year 11, 12 and 13 students the importance
of significantly advancing their preparaons for the
summer examinaons over the Easter holidays. The
establishment of a proper revision regime is the key to
success.
Friends of Pershore High
I must also thank all those involved in the Friends for
arranging the Quiz and Aucon, and Easter Egg Bingo,
this term. They were both very enjoyable and
successful fund raising events, raising around £600 for
school funds.
And finally
Can I thank all staff for their on‐going commitment and
professionalism. It remains a joy to work with our
wonderful young people and to appreciate their varied
contribuons to our school.
I hope that you all have an enjoyable and snow free
Easter break.
Clive Corbe
3