Speech Day Report 2011
The following Speech Day Report for the year to July 2011 can be downloaded as a pdf document (in a new window) here.
Once again another school year draws to a close and it is time to reflect on the achievements of individuals as well as groups of pupils and staff. Talents have been pushed to greater heights and everyone has had the opportunity to experience interests that they can develop further in the future.
This time of reflection always brings different memories to everyone in our community. These memories bring all sorts of emotions. Pupils’ memories are interesting and varied, covering the spills in the playground as well as their personal moments of achievement or the group experiences of forms or houses. Staff recall pupils’ happiness and delight when activities that caused difficulties are overcome. There is a sense of pride for everyone as we cast our minds back. Our Speech Day Programme documents the many and varied achievements of every pupil. All the pupils have worked very hard and deserve congratulations for their efforts.
Staff have worked tirelessly to develop everyone’s skills in all aspects of the curriculum. They are forever striving to deliver varied and interesting experiences to encourage learning at every age and in all fields of study. The curriculum is always developing to allow for pupils’ ever changing needs. CDT and Library Skills were added to the timetable this year to enable further development of these areas of knowledge. A Library Skills award has been added to the well established list of achievements in our Speech Day programme. Dedicated library lessons, in addition to reading lessons in the Upper School, have helped to develop a very positive ethos for reading amongst the Upper School pupils that was reflected in their Writing results during the May exams.
The staff focus for development this year has been differentiation in class activities. Lessons have been observed internally and by governors to assess the success of this. All staff have pursued this aim throughout the year and the pupils have benefited from many individual programmes of study to enhance learning when specific topics may have caused difficulties or needed developing further. I thank the staff for their dedication to the pupils’ individual learning.
It is always exciting for the pupils to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to their parents, families and friends of the school, so our annual Carol Service, concerts, Easter Celebration, Open Day and Summer Fete and this year’s ‘Parents Invitation Assemblies’ have been ideal opportunities for everyone to share in the creative element of the curriculum. Speech Day is also an occasion when the whole school takes part in a musical play. This year a performance of The Tempest will entertain.
In March, twenty five pupils plus staff assembled at school early on Saturday morning to take part in Southampton’s Junior Rock Challenge competition. The day involved rehearsals on the stage at The Guildhall, Southampton and workshops on Personal Safety and a talk from Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) explaining how animals help a variety of people in their lives. After a number of mass dance sessions with the other schools competing on the day, the evening’s performance was a real highlight for the team. The theme of our seven minute dance routine was ‘endangered animals’ so, after makeup and costumes were applied, pandas, tigers, gorillas, meerkats, mermaids, whalers, a whale and our dodo were ready to perform.
The team were awarded the Hampshire Police Authority Award for Drama Skills which was well deserved. All, staff included, went home for a well earned sleep at the end of the evening. Thanks must go to Sam, Emily, Louise and Nick, ex-pupils and members of our 2008 team, who gave up their Saturday once again to help.
The pupils, helped by Cookery Club, held a fund raising day for Rock Challenge when everyone dressed as animals and raised money for the team to enter the competition, provide make up and props, pay for music rights as well as buy the Team T shirts and food for lunch. The pupils all worked together towards the show and benefited tremendously from the experience. We are proud to have Zoie Golding, the Rock Challenge Producer, as our Guest Speaker for Speech Day.
In November, Forms 5 and 6 took part in the Maths Association Primary Maths Challenge. The puzzles on the paper were challenging but fun and congratulations go to Himani, James and Amelia in Form 5, Daniel, George and Kieran in Form 6 who achieved gold, silver and bronze awards for their age groups.
The Spring Term brought Communication Exams for Forms 3, 4, 5 and 6. The topics were varied and interesting. Form 3 and 4 talked about objects, so dog toys and precious stones were brought to school. Form 5 recommended books and films and Form 6 discussed newspaper reports as diverse as ‘looking after your heart’ and ‘global warming’. Miss Bower, our examiner, was most impressed by the standard of the talks and the preparation by the pupils. The results are detailed here:
Communication Exams |
Pass |
Merit |
Distinction |
Form 3 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
Form 4 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
Form 5 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
Form 6 |
2 |
2 |
8 |
Total |
6 |
13 |
20 |
As well as the Communication Exams, the Spring Term is packed full of school competitions. All pupils are encouraged to take part in the Music Competition. Every entrant in the heats gains points for their house, with extra points for the competition winners. Tudor House was the victor this year. The final concert, attended by the whole school, was a delight and the judges had some hard decisions to make when deciding upon the winners.
Poetry writing, handwriting, essay writing and art were also focused upon through competitions for all pupils. The Upper School held a Poetry Speaking Event which gave them the opportunity to read one of their own poems in front of the school. These are always fun for all, as the pupils like to share their ideas and skills. Examples of the entries can be found on our website.
A selection of poems and mini sagas has also been sent to the Young Writers competitions for possible entry in their publications during the year. Ten mini sagas and fourteen poems have already been chosen to be published. Handwriting entries were also sent to the national handwriting competition. Well done, everyone, for your efforts in these activities.
Our Swimming Gala took place at The Quays Pool and all pupils from Form 1 to Form 6 took part. The individual age group races were exciting and the event culminated in the mixed house relays. Points were awarded for every swimmer and the Boys and Girls House Trophies contested to the very last races. Plantagenet House won the Boys Trophy whilst the Girls Trophy was shared by Tudor and Stuart Houses.
Sports Day proved to be great fun despite the challenging weather conditions. The drizzle held off till picnic time but persevered throughout the afternoon’s proceedings. This did not, however, dampen the competitors’ spirits and they all joined in with great gusto. Tudor House achieved the most points for the combined day’s races and pre day events. Participants, spectators and staff should be congratulated for their determination to make the event a success.
This year there has been a review of the school’s reporting system. Results for exams have been sent home after the November and May exams. Also there have been two long reports detailing the progress every pupil has made. These were sent out in February and June. Parents’ evenings each term have allowed concerns about progress to be discussed and followed up regularly. Staff are always available for discussions with parents, so difficulties that pupils are experiencing can be ironed out speedily, extra help sought and support given, both at home and school.
All pupils have worked extremely hard and their achievements are recognised regularly with house points that are collected weekly and Good Work Book signatures that are brought to me on Friday mornings. Through these commendations, effort can be recognised as well as personal academic achievements.
Form 2 have worked well throughout the year and completed the Statutory Assessment Tests for the end of Key Stage 1 in May. They all need to be commended for their efforts. All nine pupils have achieved Miss Green’s teacher assessment expectations and now have a firm foundation to build their Key Stage 2 studies upon.
The pupils’ results are set out here:
Key Stage 1 school and national level data
This table shows the percentage of eligible children at St Winifred’s School achieving each level, compared to national end of key stage 1 teacher assessment levels. The shaded sections of the table represent 2010 national teacher assessment data for core subjects.
Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding.
RESULTS OF TEACHER ASSESSMENT 2011 |
|||||||||
Percentage at each level |
|||||||||
| W | 1 | 2 | 2C | 2B | 2A | 3 or above | Disapplied children | Absent children | |
| Speaking and listening | 0 | 0 | 77 | - | - | - | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Speaking and listening | 2 | 11 | 66 | - | - | - | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Reading | 0 | 11 | - | 0 | 33 | 22 | 22 | 1 | 0 |
| Reading | 3 | 12 | - | 12 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| Writing | 0 | 11 | - | 22 | 33 | 22 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Writing | 4 | 15 | - | 21 | 28 | 20 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Mathematics | 0 | 0 | - | 44 | 11 | 33 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Mathematics | 2 | 9 | - | 16 | 26 | 26 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Science | 0 | 33 | 55 | - | - | - | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Science | 2 | 9 | 68 | - | - | - | 21 | 0 | 0 |
"W' represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1.
Form 6 pupils have now completed a year of responsibility and hard work. They have prepared for entrance exams and Key Stage 2 Statutory Assessment Tests, as well as carrying out the role of Prefects for the school. They approached their duties with very positive attitudes and have all gained much from the experiences. They leave us next week to go to secondary school well prepared for future studies. The pupils leaving transfer to: Four to The Gregg School, three to St Mary’s College, one to King Edward V School and four to maintained sector schools. I wish them all the very best for their futures.
The results of their National exams are as follows:
Key stage 2 school and national level data
These tables show the percentage of year 6 pupils at St Winifred’s School achieving each level, compared to national end of key stage 2 teacher assessment levels and test results. The shaded sections of the tables represent 2010 national teacher assessment and test result data.
Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding.
RESULTS OF TEACHER ASSESSMENT 12 pupils in the class |
|||||||||
Percentage at each level
|
|||||||||
W |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
Pupils disapplied |
Pupils Absent |
|
English |
0
|
0
|
8 | 33 | 33
|
25 |
0
|
0
|
0
|
English |
1 |
1 |
3 |
14 |
49 |
32 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Mathematics |
0
|
8
|
0 |
17
|
50 |
25
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Mathematics |
0 |
1 |
3 |
14 |
46 |
35 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Science |
0
|
8
|
0
|
33 |
33 |
25 |
0
|
0
|
0 |
Science |
1 |
0 |
2 |
12 |
49 |
37 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
TEST RESULTS
|
||||||
Percentage at each level
|
||||||
Below level 3* |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Pupils not entered# |
Pupils absent |
|
English |
8
|
8
|
56
|
16 |
8
|
0
|
English |
7 |
13 |
47 |
33 |
0 |
1 |
Reading |
8 |
8 |
42 |
33 |
8 |
0 |
Reading |
9 |
7 |
33 |
50 |
0 |
1 |
Writing |
0 |
8 |
72 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
Writing |
6 |
23 |
50 |
21 |
0 |
1 |
Mathematics |
0
|
25
|
42 |
25
|
8
|
0
|
Mathematics |
6 |
14 |
45 |
34 |
0 |
1 |
'W' represents pupils who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1.
* represents pupils who were not entered for the tests because they were working below level 3 in English or mathematics, pupils awarded a compensatory level from the tests and pupils entered for but not achieving a level from the tests.
# pupils working at the levels of the tests, but unable to access them.
During the year the joint St Winifred’s and Gregg School’s Parent Teachers Association decided to use two subcommittees, one based at each school, to raise funds for the schools. Winifriends was born and has had a very successful year, raising approximately £500 to pay for:
- three magazine subscriptions for our library,
- Lego for the upper school to use during wet break times
- sets of Lego people
- Easter Treasure Hunt creatures
- data logger for science lessons
Thank you to all our subcommittee members for your help running the events this year. The events have been a great success and your time and effort is much appreciated.
The Nearly New Shop has gone from strength to strength under its new management and has provided £200 for books for the library. Thank you for your support for this useful endeavour, as well as to the Mums who look after the stock and open the shop regularly every month.
Supper nights have continued to be popular this year and the Murder Mystery Evening was a great success during the Autumn Term. The money raised bought a video camera and headphones for the ICT room and music room. Kieran, Daniel and George worked with Mr Pearcey to write the plot behind our evening. The scene unfolded with the help of Orla, Sherie, Mrs Vincent and Mr Webb. The death of Elsie Wonderwise was inevitable but the perpetrator of the crime was discovered by the end of the evening!
The Open Day and Summer Fete held earlier this term was a lovely event where the pupils had the opportunity to show their school to their families and take part in the displays of dancing, music, ballet and judo whilst indulging in strawberry teas and sweets won at the stalls. £901 was raised and the purchase of toy cars for the Nursery, Bee-Bots for ICT in the Lower School and control software has taken place. With the money left over, more Lego people for Forms 1 & 2 and play trays for Reception will be bought.
As well as raising funds for the school, the pupils are encouraged to take part in fund raising activities to support charities both local and international. In total over £1000 has been donated and the pupils’ awareness of the needs of others has been raised.
We have sung for Macmillan Cancer Research, Shelter, St James Church Christmas Tree Festival and Hampshire Autistic Society. We have dressed in ‘Silly Socks’, worn sports clothes for John in Johannesburg, worn jeans for Genes research, as well as dressing in red for the British Heart Foundation. Children in Need this year involved dressing in spots and members of Form 6 took part in a sponsored walk accompanied by my westie, Rannoch, whose ‘peds’ were counted as part of a competition. Cookery club made special treats for break time on Comic Relief Day whilst the food donated for our Harvest Festival was taken to Southampton Basics Bank by Chris Davies from Southampton City Mission, who attended the assembly. An amazing list of worthy causes that the school has supported this year!
Visitors to the school always inspire the pupils and our visitors this year have brought a diverse range of experiences to classrooms and assemblies. Chris Davies, a regular visitor, has entertained and taught us with his assemblies. Mr Hawkins and Mr McGinnis have brought their interests and skills. Workshops by Carla Sandys, making beads out of magazines, followed up talks about recycling from Loretta Emery. Our own Mr Pascoe, a published children’s writer, and Jack Trewlany, author of the Kernowland series, both talked about writing and what inspired them. The Fire and Rescue service spent time with Forms 1, 2, 5 and 6, talking about safety in the home. Reception and Nursery have benefited from visits from a fire engine as well as having special people visiting their classrooms. At Christmas a very special visitor came to our Christmas party, bringing gifts for all.
The pupils have also been out and about throughout the year. Nursery has spent time in the autumn and spring at the Gregg School, looking at the growth of new plants and colours as the trees lose their leaves. They are off next week to visit Finkley Farm and experience the animals and sights of the farmyard. Reception visited the Police Station at Lymington as well as the Hawthorns Centre on the Common. In the Autumn Term Reception, Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 all visited the cinema to watch films that were then used to stimulate literacy work during Film Education month.
The Pro Musica concerts in January were a treat for Key Stage 1 and 2. The concert inspired the musicians within the school and enhanced class music lessons. Forms 3, 4, 5 and 6 attended workshops at the Nuffield Theatre before seeing an excellent performance of ‘The Wolves of Willoughby Chase’. This also supported work in literacy lessons. Geography lessons took Form 3 and 4 into the local area to map our surrounding roads and Form 5 carried out surveys of passing cars.
Form 3 and 4 also spent a morning at Intec, a ‘hands-on’ Science experience near Winchester. Form 5 visited the Gregg School for an afternoon of explosions and experiments with Mr Hatherall, one of the science teachers. Forms 5 and 6 have also attended an Interactive Science Event run by the School of Chemistry at Southampton University.
This year’s history topic took Form 5 to Old Sarum Castle on a rather cold day in November. Forms 5 and 6 went to the top of the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth on a beautifully sunny day, so they could write clear reports about their view. Form 6 also visited the Submarine museum in Gosport and learnt about buoyancy and the power of water.
These visits are excellent, shared experiences and as well as supporting the curriculum, help the pupils to gain experience of the wider world around them. Our Activity Day next week is another example of this as our whole community takes over producing a picnic lunch as well as enjoying games that everyone can take part in.
Leaving us this summer after nearly thirty years of teaching for The Gregg and St Winifred’s Schools Trust is Mrs Mary Collett. During her time teaching at St Winifred’s, Mrs Collett, has dedicated herself to encouraging a love of swimming and sport amongst the pupils. She has been an excellent sporting role model and has competed in a variety of competitions in her own right. She holds the title of Ladies World Biathlon Champion 2010 Masters Over 60. There are innumerable pupils who swim for pleasure having been taught the finer details of strokes by Mary Collett. She has prepared St Winifred’s representatives for galas and badges as well as teaching the skills involved in water polo. For many years she has arrived at school early in the morning to accompany our ISA Swimming Gala Team to Aldershot and beyond. I would like to thank Mary for her hard work and dedication and wish her a restful retirement as she leaves to spend more time with her family and on her hobbies.
Mrs Alison Kent will not be returning to teach at St Winifred’s school. She and her family have moved to Kent where her husband has a new post at the University of Kent. She was a very caring member of the teaching staff who encouraged all the pupils in their learning.
We welcome Mr Pascoe to the staff as Form 3 and 4’s form teacher and Special Educational Needs Coordinator. He will join the Senior Management Team and oversee the school’s pastoral care.
Mrs Harrison will also be taking on a new role amongst the staff in the autumn term when she takes over as the coordinator for the Early Years Foundation Stage and joins the Senior Management Team.
Mr Rye and Mr Corney will join the staff in September as part time teachers. Mr Rye will teach swimming and Mr Corney will teach English and Maths to Forms 3 and 4 on Tuesdays.
Building the pupils self-confidence to enable them to go into the world as positive individuals who recognise their talents and are proud of their achievements is very important to everyone at St Winifred’s School. I believe that the pupils leaving us at the end of this academic year are well prepared to face the challenges their new schools offer.
Every pupil should be proud of their achievements but should keep aiming high as new opportunities approach.
