A Letter from the Head [October 2005]

Crossley Heath School comes of age!

It is almost twenty one years since Heath and Crossley and Porter Schools joined forces to become The Crossley Heath School.

As I write this introduction, the final sections of The Book, which charts some of the memorable moments of the three schools (in words and photographs), are being collated. It will be with the publishers by the end of December and Rose Taylor, Learning Resource Centre Manager [having worked closely with Russell Smith (ex Heath) and Andrew Kafel and Vernon Brearley (ex Crossley and Porter)] is already taking orders. The Book will be launched on International Day (30 June 2006). School will be open throughout the day and early evening for visitors. More information about this event will be provided at a future date.

As most of you will be aware, Mrs Joan Tidswell was Chair of Governors for twenty eight years and provided ongoing support for the School during that time (she was appointed as a member of the governing body in 1971). Joan stood down in September of this year (her successor is Dr Stephen Thornber) and I would like to place on record our collective appreciation for her contribution. One of her final duties was to perform the official opening of the Languages Block, in July 2005, accompanied by her husband Mr Gordon Tidswell. Their substantial contribution (financially, personally and professionally) have been recognised by the dedication of a suite of rooms in this part of the School, which have been named The Tidswell Rooms.

The School's international activities continue to expand as the Language College dimension becomes well and truly embedded across the curriculum. The increase in the diversity of languages being offered is resulting in Spanish becoming established as a mainstream language on equal terms with French and German and Spanish is now firmly on the timetable for students from Year 9 to post 16. Italian is also offered to students in Year 8, Chinese is introduced to students in lessons and is available as an enrichment option after school and Post 16 students have beginners' courses in a range of languages available as part of their enrichment package.

A successful season of educational visits abroad took place during 2004/5. A large number of students took the opportunity to take part in eight trips which between them covered Austria, France (three different trips), Germany, Ireland and Spain (two trips). Three members of staff went to China as guests of our partner school in Beijing. They visited the school for three days observing lessons and sharing and discussing professional practice with their Chinese colleagues. They even had the opportunity to teach their subjects to classes of Chinese students. This trip followed a visit of the Head to China in 2003 and a visit of Chinese teachers to our school in July 2004. It was a prelude to a joint music project and series of student exchanges.

The community programme continues to provide after-school classes in languages which are open to our own staff and students as well as members of the public. There are currently thirteen courses available each week in the Languages Centre. Crossley Heath staff are working in five partner schools, (four primary and one secondary) teaching French and Spanish. Crossley Heath staff support the professional development of colleagues throughout the authority by hosting the Calderdale Languages Teachers' Forum which meets monthly. Links have been made with four new schools in Europe (France, Estonia, Poland and Italy) and a recent bid for a joint EU-funded 'Comenius' project was successful. This will involve groups of students collaborating on work on environmental issues.

International Day took place on Friday 1 July. The normal timetable was suspended for the day for the whole school and everyone took part in activities with an international theme. Students from our German partner school were also present and other guests included students from our local partner schools.

Boys and girls again experienced a successful sporting season across a range of sports, but the high point of the year has got to be the success of our lads at Twickenham in March, after which they returned to Calderdale with the Daily Mail Vase Trophy. At Twickenham, Crossley Heath triumphed over St Joseph's College, Stoke. In the first half, a penalty awarded to Crossley Heath took the score to 10-0. The second half saw sustained pressure from St Joseph's. However they were prevented from penetrating the Crossley Heath line by robust defence. A penalty to St Joseph's moved the score to 10-4. However Crossley Heath held out until the final whistle signalled their triumph. It was wonderful to see 'Congratulations Crossley Heath' in gold lettering up on the electronic scoreboard and to see Captain Ben Mitchell lifting the Vase to the cheering fans. Although the timing of the final was during the Easter holidays, many people (including a number of Heath old Boys) made the effort to travel to Twickenham, with 3 full coach loads of supporters leaving from the School. Well done to the boys and to thanks to Mr Donlan!

Examination results were again outstanding and students of all ages are to be congratulated on their achievements. Not only in academic terms, but also in the contribution they make to the wider community (in a range of activities). The skills they demonstrate in public speaking, organisation and leadership means that Crossley Heath students stand out from the crowd.

During his visit to the School in January, when he met students from all year groups, David Bell (Chief Inspector for Schools) remarked on the personal qualities exhibited by our students. He met, and shared some thoughts with, students who had been offered places at Oxbridge universities (six of whom have since started their careers at these universities). Mr Bell agreed, but it would not be politically correct for him to say it out loud, that students deserve better sports and sixth form facilities than those available to Crossley Heath students. Parents, in their responses to questionnaires last November said that their priorities for development are facilities. With this in mind, we move into 2006 with the intent to begin, in earnest, some major fundraising. We will be positive in our approach and look forward to receiving the support of all those associated with the School.

I wish you all a healthy, happy and successful New Year, on behalf of staff and students of the School. Helen Gaunt Head Teacher

Helen Gaunt
Head Teacher

[Added 11.10.05]

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