New Academic Year

The Autumn Term 2009 began on September 2nd with a Staff Training Day.  Students returned to school over the following two days, giving the new Year 7 students a chance to find their way around in relative peace and quiet.

Parents and members of the public often wonder what Staff Training Days are all about...

On September 2nd, all teaching and support staff began the day in the CHiiL at 8:30am.  The only people not present were some of the site staff and technicians who were preparing the College for the students' return.

The Headteacher, Mr Lobbett, spoke to the staff and outlined the day ahead.

Staff were divided into small groups for thought-provoking discussions on a number of topics such as Inter-departmental Communications and the Encouragement of Intellectual Development in students.

Following a short break for coffee, everyone headed back to the CHiiL, where Senior Assistant Headteacher Miss Johnson and Deputy Headteacher Mr Wheldon briefed the staff on a number of practical issues.

Mr Baker, Director of Wider Skills and Enrichment, and Ms Kramer, Head of PSHEE and Citizenship, then outlined the new procedure for a daily act of collective worship.  To be known as "Ideas To Live By", this will replace the "Thought For The Day" which has been in use for the past few years.  Each morning at the start of the first lesson, staff will encourage students to discuss or to ponder a fact, issue or piece of music.

The remainder of the first day was spent in Team and Departmental meetings, to prepare for the year ahead.