There is still much to be done however and we are not yet the finished article. Nevertheless, what we have in our favour is a community in which positive relationships thrive, where it is genuinely satisfying to talk to students, staff and parents about how we are doing and what we need to make things even better.

The history of the school has been well documented. What follows is a brief overview of where we are, currently.

What has Commonweal got to offer ?

1. An excellent staff. With over 60 full time teaching staff we are proud of the high calibre of our current teaching staff, ably supported by a large team of dedicated non-teaching staff. We believe we have just the right mix of experienced and youthful staff, all of whom are committed to providing a high quality education for all our students.

2. A first – rate set of students. With 1100 students on roll – and many more wishing to join us – we believe that our students are a credit to themselves and to the school. They would not be human if they did not err on occasion; nevertheless, they work hard, are frequently praised for their good behaviour, love being given responsibility and invariably serve as good ambassadors for the school. Relationships between students and staff are excellent.

3. A positive working environment. The school may not have been designed for 1100 students, but it is in good order, full of attractive displays, well resourced and cared for. Subjects are taught in teaching areas, investment in ICT has been one of our main priorities and we have a significant capital building programme which is geared to ensuring that teachers can teach in appropriate surroundings. Recent additions include a new Dance Studio, Community Arts space and new canteen, and a new Science Lab and prep room.

4. Professional working conditions.
.We are committed to ensuring that teaching loads are kept as low as possible, with a major investment in supply teaching and Cover Supervisors to ensure that non- contact periods are safeguarded wherever possible.
. Classes in KS3 average 26 whilst in KS4 the average is 22.
. There is an established network of support for new colleagues, whether through our highly praised NQT support programme or through our new teacher Induction package.
. Continuing opportunities for further professional development are key to our recruitment and retention policy
.We have fully implemented the Workforce Remodelling Agenda and our Staff Well – Being Group has been instrumental in ensuring that working conditions continue to improve : for example, all staff have at least the minimum allotted PPA time, alongside low-key weeks at the end of each half term.
.We recognise the need to involve all staff in making crucial decisions, who contribute to the planning and development of the school through a range of consultative mechanisms, from formal meetings to working groups and attitudinal surveys.

5. A supportive community. We cannot imagine another school which has such a vibrant and committed PTA, who actively support our efforts by raising funds and enhancing the life of our wider community. Equally, we have an oversubscribed Governing Body who work hard to ensure that the school functions effectively. Our broader community links are strong and will inevitably become stronger as we continue life as a Performing Arts College

6. Firm foundations. Our recent Ofsted inspection in November 2003 was extremely positive, judging us to be a satisfactory and improving school with many good features. 60% of lessons inspected were good or better and over 93% of lessons deemed to be at least satisfactory : internal inspections now put that figure at 98%. In the last 4 years results at GCSE have been consistently above national averages [in 2006 67% of students gained 5 or more A* - C grades] whilst at KS3 results have once again been pleasing. We were recently invited to join the Specialist Trust’s Most Improved Schools Club, having improved our results by 18 % in the last 4 years and this year topped the League Table for our A* - C results including English & Maths ( 56%)

7. Self Evaluation. We have a comprehensive programme of self evaluation and monitoring strategies which enable us to plan effectively and reflect upon our practice. Faculties have regular ‘Ofsted style’ internal inspections & their own SEFs which help provide the evidence on which to base our overall view that this is a good school : a view supported by all our stakeholders.

8. A lot to look forward to. This is an exciting time for the school. As well as important curriculum changes, including opportunities for greater specialisation and broader vocational options, we achieved specialist college status in September 2004 as a Performing Arts College and we also possess the Artsmark Gold Award. We believe our specialism will support and help us to achieve our principal school development plan priority for the coming years, which is to improve the quality of teaching and learning – in all its forms.

A Cautionary note…We are at an important developmental stage and will need to remain focused, stick to what we have agreed and work hard to see things through.
Most importantly, we recognise that to continue to succeed we need to retain and recruit good staff, work effectively with our community and stay at the forefront of educational change.

Keith Defter
Headteacher