The Commonweal School :  Spring 2010

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 capital building programme which is geared to ensuring that teachers can teach in appropriate surroundings. We are currently in the middle of a significant refurbishment programme which by the end of the year will provide new blocks for English, Maths and Science. In addition, all areas of the main building will have been upgraded, as has the entire ICT suite of rooms.
    
4. Professional working conditions. 
   
   
   1. 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.
       
   2. Classes in KS3 average 26 whilst in KS4 the average is 22. 
       
   3. 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. 
       
   4. Continuing opportunities for further professional development are key to our recruitment and retention policy and CPD is our number one priority this year.
       
   5. 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.
       
   6. 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 most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2008 adjudged us at least good in every area, with a significant number of outstanding features. Our aim is to become an outstanding school by 2011 ; the fact that we reached our challenging FFTD targets at KS4 in 2009 will help us in this respect : 70% of students achieved 5 x A* - C grades; 58% achieved 5 x A* - C incl. English and Maths.
   
   In 2009 70% of lessons inspected were good or better and 99% of lessons deemed to be at least satisfactory . 
    
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 re-designation as a specialist Performing Arts college in 2008 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.