| Heath Grammar
School continues to be well represented on the Governing Body of the combined
school in the continued appointment of:-
| a) |
Rod Atkinson (Foundation Governor and long-standing
Chairman of the Premises Committee). In this guise Rod has overseen a major
extension to the Technology Wing in 2005 to accommodate enhanced facilities for
music, textiles and food technology.
The old Crossley and Porter building is old and large, thereby creating
continuing problems with maintenance and repair - as well as the need and wish
to add new accommodation - not the least the long sought Sports Hall. The
constraint is, as ever, the availability of funds but Rod keeps up to the mark
with development plans so that, should money become available, there can be a
quick response. |
| b) |
David Armitage (Foundation Governor and Chairman of
Personnel Committee). This Committee, with David's substantial industrial
experience at ICI, is faced with the current "hot potato" namely the
statutorily required "Remodelling of the Work Force". The aim is
essentially to ensure that teachers are teaching as apposed to managing or
administering; the accent is on teaching and learning responsibilities - with
appropriate salary enhancements. Much time has been spent on shaping a new
organisation structure. |
| c) |
John Robertshaw (LFA Governor and Chairman of Finance
Committee). As a former Bank Manager, John is ideally cut out for this role. It
is challenging to manage the School budget in light of the ongoing aims and
objectives of the School Development Plan but particularly because of the
continuing changes imposed by the Government.
Funds available were increased as a result of the School being awarded
"Language College" status, adding to the burden of management. A new
Language Centre wing was opened in Summer Term 2005 by the now retired Chairman
- Mrs Joan Tidswell (C & P) who has served the School for many years. She
has been replaced by Dr Stephen Thorner (C & P) with effect from 21
September 2005. |
| d) |
Grayham P Smith (LFA Governor) - is a member of the
Marketing Committee, which clearly is aimed at maintaining a healthy school
roll both from entrants at age 11 and 16. In 2004/5 there were 1023 students on
the roll (248 in the 6th form). "Numbers" is not a real problem,
especially as a result of the continuing fine public examination results -
which appear, yearly, to improve, the excellent pastoral work carried out in
School and because of the sporting achievements, recognised in the continuing
"Sportsmark" award. Much publicity was given to the School's rugby
success at Twickenham in March as winners of the Daily Mail Vase national
competition.
|
| |
|
| |
Readers will be interested that the prizes available at Heath
Grammar School continue to be awarded - e.g. the C E Fox Memorial Prize, CO
Mackley Memorial prize, et al. |
| |
|
| |
Two other Governors with very substantial connections with the
school are the "Teachers Governors" namely Steve Donlan,
himself an old boy, and Gordon Stansfield (Modern Languages) who taught
at Heath Grammar School for a good number of years before the merger. |
There is no doubt that Crossley Heath School
is doing well. The Old Boy Governors are, of course, focussed on the success of
the joint school but they are aware of the long traditions and standards which
have been imported from Heath Grammar School. They will be properly safeguarded
and all can be assured that the contribution by old boys in his historical
sense and in continuing support is highly valued by the School.
Grayham P Smith
29 September 2005
Added: 8 October 2005
|
