5th September 2007
Dear Parents,
I trust that you have all had a good summer. I extend a particular welcome to the parents of new pupils, obviously in Year 7 but also in the Lower Sixth and other years.
The A Level results were brilliant; not only was the pass rate 100% but 81% of grades were at grades A or B, and 54% were at grade A. Depending on the criterion taken, the School was ranked 11th nationally in The Independent Top Grammar Schools, 22nd in The Times Top State Schools and 27th nationally in The Telegraph Top State Schools. This year group did particularly well at their GCSE, but the value-added in the move to A Level is “excellent” and, according to independent analysis of Teaching & Learning, their “overall performance is outstanding”, that is, among the top 10% nationally.
Olga Tchenko’s Chemistry grade was among the best 10 from 6,387 candidates nationally. She again represented the UK in the International Biology Olympiad, this time in Canada. Top Biology students from 55 different countries competed, Olga securing one of 2 golds for the UK; we came 5th internationally and the highest ranked country in Europe. Olga is continuing her studies in the Sixth Form until she takes up her place at St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge next year.
The Lower Sixth results were pleasing with a pass rate of 99% and 71% at grades A or B. No fewer than 48 students achieved at least 3 A grades, and 3 students achieved 6 grade As.
The Year 11 GCSE grades were a little disappointing, with just 60% at grades A* or A. There were, however, some brilliant individual results. Sajan Narsy achieved 12 A* grades; Stephen Bailey achieved 11 A* grades and was among the top 5 from 364,832 nationally in English Literature; Matthew Li achieved our maximum point score of 724 from his 13 grades A*/A; and Nam Tran was among the top 5 from 22,210 nationally in Religious Studies.
Years 9 and 10 were also entered for the new modular GCSE courses, both doing the equivalent of 1 GCSE. Clearly Year 10 beat Year 9, but I was encouraged to see 70% A grades, & 58 getting the equivalent of an A* in Physics. They will do a second GCSE science subject in Year 10 and their third in Year 11.
Years 8 and 9 were both entered for the Key Stage 3 SATs. Obviously Year 9 were better, but I was most heartened by the Year 8 results, which entirely support our drive to start GCSE courses in Year 9.
There are some staff changes, one loss and twelve gains. I was surprised and saddened that Mr. Chapman, who taught Design & Technology, has left at late notice to care for his mother who is seriously ill in Wales. Mr. Chapman studied Architectural Technology at the University of Glamorgan, and developed a career in it before completing a PGCE in Design & Technology at Swansea. A keen sportsman, Mr. Chapman was involved in school rugby.
Mrs. Jovanović-Callaghan has been appointed as Subject Leader for Chemistry. She studied at the University of Belgrade gaining a First Class degree in Biotechnology and Food Processing engineering. Mrs. Jovanović-Callaghan came to the UK in 1991 to study and teach, completing a PGCE course at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Mrs. Jovanović-Callaghan then taught at Langley Park Girls’ School for five years before becoming Head of Chemistry at Archbishop Tenison’s C of E High School in Croydon. She was involved with the Gifted and Talented initiative, took part in many extra curricular activities and mentored newly qualified teachers. In 2004 The Salters’ Institute and Royal Society of Chemistry awarded her the accolade of “Chemistry Teacher of the Year”.
Miss Abrahams has been appointed to teach Religious Studies. From Watford Grammar School for Girls, she went on to study Theology at the University of Nottingham and her PGCE at the University of Cambridge. Miss Abrahams has been involved in a number of plays and productions and has also produced “The Lion King”. She is a keen badminton player and organised her school running club.
Mr. Bain has been appointed to teach Physics. He studied Physics at Imperial College, London, receiving the Rector’s prize for Science Communication in his final year. He went on to complete a PGCE at the Institute of Education, London. He has taught for two years at Chiswick Community School. Mr. Bain is particularly keen on using ICT and is involved in various web development projects.
Mr. Boothroyd has been appointed to teach Physics. Following a degree in Optometry at the University of Bradford, Mr. Boothroyd took a Physics course at Keele and a PGCE at Durham. His great passion is Music, having been head chorister at Barnard Castle School in Co. Durham, later performing at Durham and Liverpool Cathedrals, and recording performances for Classic FM and three successful CDs. Mr. Boothroyd plays the violin, guitar and bass guitar and has performed not only in wind and jazz ensembles but also in rock bands. He is extensively involved in public speaking and drama. He represented his school at rugby, football and cross country. Mr. Boothroyd also enjoys rock climbing.
Mr. Boucher has been appointed to teach English. He studied initially at the University of Warwick gaining a First Class degree in English and American Literature, and serving as University Student President. He then undertook an MA in Performance at Queen Mary, University of London. Mr. Boucher’s PGCE at the Institute of Education included teaching practices at Norbury Manor and Whitgift School. An enthusiastic theatregoer, Mr. Boucher has performed in productions at the Warwick Arts Centre and at Stratford’s Swan Theatre. He has also travelled in India, South-Asia and Australasia where he was involved with community theatre groups, involving playwriting, devising workshops and directing. He is a keen sportsman.
Mr. Crompton has been appointed to teach PE & Games. He studied at Deakin University, Melbourne where he gained a degree in Exercise and Applied Sport Science, followed by a Diploma of Education in PE and Health at Melbourne University. He worked in Melbourne as a fitness instructor, personal trainer and rugby coach. On his arrival in the UK he taught at various schools in London including Wilson’s School. Mr. Crompton is interested in all sports and is a qualified Soccer Coach, Swimming Instructor and Life Guard. He has also played rugby for the Australian Schools division and for the Victorian U21s and U19s.
Mr. Eynon has been appointed to teach Geography and Games. An Old Boy of Wilson’s School, he studied Natural Sciences at Durham University and then undertook an MA in Human Geography at King’s College, London. His PGCE at the Institute of Education included teaching practices in Croydon schools, Edenham High and Trinity School. During his years at university Mr. Eynon was a regular DJ on Durham’s “Purple FM” and played soccer, rugby league and rugby union.
Mr. Jones has been appointed to teach English. From Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn, he went to Durham and gained a First Class Degree in English Literature, staying on at the university to complete a PGCE. He then travelled extensively and taught for the Etafeni Trust in Cape Town, South Africa. Mr. Jones is particularly interested in sport and is a trained Hockey Coach. He has played hockey for North West England and was Captain of the U16 Lancashire side. He has also played cricket for East Lancashire and rugby for the University of Durham.
Mrs. Spence has been appointed to teach Media Studies on a part-time basis on a fixed term contract for the academic year 07/08. Mrs. Spence graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in English Literature and Language. She worked for the British Safety Council in Hammersmith and as an office administrator for a computer software house. After bringing up her family Mrs. Spence trained as an English and Media teacher at Charles Darwin School in Kent, continuing to teach at the school for a further six years. More recently Mrs. Spence has worked as a supply teacher and a SEN Tutor. She is a keen on the theatre and has recently been involved in fitness training, running in the “Race for Life”.
Mr. Tourancheau has been appointed to teach French. He is a native speaker of French and was educated in France graduating in English Literature and Civilisation from the Université Jean-Monnet. In 2005 Mr. Tourancheau studied for a PGCE in French and German at the University of Warwick whilst working as a French Language Assistant at Warwick School. Following his PGCE he has taught French and German at Ravens Wood School for Boys in Bromley. He co-ordinated French and German in the Sixth Form as well as the school’s Gifted and Talented programme and Student Council; he took trips to Normandy and Marseilles. Mr. Tourancheau is a keen sportsman.
Miss Tovey has been appointed to teach English. From Slough Grammar School, Miss Tovey was awarded a First Class degree in Drama with English at the University of Manchester. She took a year out, working for a theatre company and backpacking from North America to India before undertaking a PGCE at Cambridge. At university she coxed the Men’s Rowing VIII and was awarded Half Colours. Miss Tovey has qualifications in singing and in tap, ballet and modern jazz dance.
Mr. Zaman has been appointed to teach ICT. He gained a degree in Computer Science at Brighton University. He developed his experience and secured further qualifications in programming, web development and neural networks. He then taught at Bedford School, where he had been a pupil, before undertaking a PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University. Much involved in sports, with a rugby coaching qualification, Mr. Zaman excelled in Tae Kwon Do and has competed in tournaments at national level.
I am much encouraged by the calibre of these new staff, who join a talented and committed team. This is going to be a good year.
