NEWSLETTER Autumn term 2018 MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER


“Fantastic and extraordinary…quiet lessons, happy students, nuclear focus, masses of support”


Tom Bennett, founder of Research Ed and behaviour adviser to the Department for Education, 2018


A


fter another stellar set of GCSE results this summer, the school has quickly settled back into a


strong rhythm. The culture for learning at AGFS has never been stronger and our expectations of pupils are higher than ever.


AGFS pupils have just completed the first of three termly examination periods. Pupils have worked hard to prepare for what has been a rigorous program of assessments which have been undertaken in full examination conditions. The new assessment cycle culminates with a series of review lessons where pupils receive feedback from their assessments and address any misconceptions before moving onto the next topic of study. Academic report cards, with ‘next steps’ feedback, will be received by all parents at the end of term. Parents are encouraged to take time out with their children to reflect upon their progress and discuss next steps.


In September we introduced the fourth school value of ‘Ambition’ to accompany the founding values of Growth, Fellowship and Scholarship. Staff have been working hard with pupils to establish a sense of belief that top examination grades, places at elite universities and professional careers are achievable for our pupils.


Our new careers program is a key driver for ambition. The typical journey for an AGFS pupil will now include three 1-1 careers interviews with a qualified adviser, trips to some of the UK’s top universities, careers events, various industry presentations and encounters with employers, a week of work experience and much more. This is a forward thinking program that is helping our pupils to map out the successful futures that they deserve and are so capable of achieving.


I am delighted to welcome two new members of staff to the AGFS team. Our new leader of Music Mr Sutcliffe joins us with a wealth of industry experience having performed and directed shows in London’s West End. We also welcome our new Office and Admissions Manager Mrs Law to the pastoral team. We wish Mrs Haciosman and Mrs Diggin every success for the future, as they take up their next challenge.


I would like to wish our pupils, parents and staff a very enjoyable Christmas holiday and I look forward to welcoming you back to AGFS in 2019.


Rhys Spiers Headteacher


WHOLE SCHOOL AGM A


t the end of the summer term Mr Spiers called together the whole school for an Annual


General Meeting where students in Year 7 to 10 had the opportunity to ask Mr Spiers, Mr Scafe and Miss Yandell questions about any aspect of school life at AGFS.


Students worked in tutor groups leading up to the whole school meeting where they discussed and debated which questions should be asked, before choosing a representative from each form to propose the question.


The senior leaders were incredibly impressed with the variety and quality of questions asked, which ranged from how the school might change when taken over by Ark in September, to questions about teaching, learning and behaviour.


The AGM was another example of how fantastic the community at AGFS is and how student voice is extremely important to all of the teachers, middle managers and senior leaders.


AMBITION GROWTH FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP


ARK GREENWICH FREE SCHOOL


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