Presentation Day 2011 - Headteacher's Address

Presentation Day is one of the most important days in the school calendar – an opportunity to celebrate the many and varied talents of our children, and an opportunity too, to look back over the past year and consider whether or not we are succeeding in fulfilling the aims we set ourselves. Are we delivering the highest possible standard of education and of care for all our children?

 Education is a very individual thing – it is about social, emotional, physical and spiritual development as well as the purely academic. All children have their own strengths and weaknesses, their own interests and abilities, their own gifts and talents and their own needs. We want them to be the best that they can be – not necessarily to be better than everyone else. Life should not be one big competition.

 One expression in common use is ‘special needs’ with its connotations of specific disabilities of some kind. Here at Abbey Gate we believe that all children have needs that are ‘special’ to them and that we, as teachers and parents must recognise and foster.

We are ideally placed in our small school to get to know our children really well, to appreciate their differing needs and to give to every individual the opportunities and the care and nurturing they need to grow into independent, caring and responsible young people. This is part of education, and a very vital part that must go hand in hand with academic excellence.

 Earlier this year we had a major inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. It was certainly the most stressful event of the year but in the end proved to be amongst the most rewarding. The report was a ringing endorsement of our work. Almost every aspect of school life was labelled ‘outstanding’ or ‘excellent’. They talked about;

 “highly effective teaching”

“ a school where everyone cares about each other – where pupils feel valued and respected”

“ strong relationships between teachers and pupils are a significant factor in pupils’ successful outcomes”

 And one of my particular favourites –

“ a school where fun and laughter are a regular feature of school life”

 That is how it should be.

 Following on from this report, and as a result of it, our school was approached by the Independent Schools Association asking if we would be willing to represent the north of England, and allow some of our policies to appear on the association’s website as examples of best practice. It was very gratifying to be recognised in this way and is a great tribute to the staff both for the excellence of their teaching and for the quality of pastoral care to be found here.

 Meanwhile the work of the school has continued with success in many areas. Once again, children demonstrated the high standards they have reached in the performing arts when many of them took part in the Chester Festival of Performing Arts and returned with 3 trophies and a host of certificates in both poetry and singing and our choir continues to be much in demand.

Examination results were again outstanding with 2 scholarships being offered to senior independent schools – a remarkable achievement for a small group of children.

Key Stage 1 SATs continue to be very pleasing and well above the national average, with a good proportion of children achieving Level 3, the level above the target set by the Department of Education. Key Stage 2 results were also excellent with a majority of children reaching the coveted Level 5.

 Inter-schools competitions saw our chess team performing particularly well with excellent wins against a number of other local schools including Queen’s. The football team reached the quarter finals in their competition against some very tough opposition.

 Some exciting work has been produced in the classrooms this year – a new departure has been the introduction of some themed days in Early Years and Key Stage 1.These were exciting, vibrant days incorporating art, music, drama, literacy, numeracy and a knowledge of the world. One of these drama and music days was shared with the local community and was highly successful.

Several workshops in different subjects have added variety and interest to the curriculum and our wonderful, never-to-be-forgotten art day with Julie Mitchell resulted in the colourful and eye-catching decoration in the reception area that has been commented on by a number of visitors.

 As a school we continue to reach out into the community around us and it was good to be invited to attend the opening of the Alexandra Park new play area which our children had helped to design, and to see the beautiful ceramic tiles which they had made and which now decorate the entrance to the new area.

 A number of visits to places of interest have extended our learning during the year and we have also welcomed several visitors into school to inspire and teach the children in a number of ways. A very special thank you must go to some of our parents who have brought their knowledge and skills into school – we very much appreciate the help they give us.

 We have had a most successful year in so many ways, none of which would have been possible without the hard work, loyalty and support that we receive from governors, teaching staff, administrative staff, catering staff, maintenance staff and thePTA, all of whom give so much care, time and expertise for the benefit of the children and for the general development of the school.