The CliWeroe


by Faiza Afzaal


A CLITHEROE headteacher has hit back a t claims that overcrowd­ ing a t her school has reached crisis point and is affecting the standard of secondary education provided. A report by Lancashire County


Council’s education officials has revealed that Ribblesdale High School Technology College, Clitheroe, suffers from cramped classrooms. I t has also stated tha t there is a


shortage of classroom accommodation throughout the school and health and safety is a constant concern, particu­ larly in practical subjects. However, Ms Glynne Ward, head­


teacher for the past 15 years, has criti­ cised the report and said it has failed to highlight the school’s good reputa­ tion, excellent GCSE results and glow­ ing Ofsted reports. Although she admitted pupil num­


bers had increased significantly over the years, due to the popularity of the school, three additional buildings had been erected to help cope with the problems. The report added: “The population


of the school now exceeds the pub­ lished number of 1,260. We are at cri­ sis point and must not increase this number further.” In response, Ms Ward said: “Rib­


blesdale High has a national reputa­ tion for being a good school and has in the past won a string of national awards. “When I started in 1990, the school


had around 750 pupils. Currently, its capacity is just under 1,300. “Yes, over the years the numbers


have increased significantly because parents wish to send their children to Ribblesdale High. “Despite the fact that pupil num­


bers continue to rise, we are providing the pupils with excellent, all-round education - broad and balanced. “We do not have parents at the door


complaining and this year’s best-ever GCSEs say it all. “My pupils always get all the atten­


tion they require to achieve the best possible results.” She added: “Obviously there is some


distance to travel when children move from lesson to lesson. However, they. do not hang around in corridors and are not unduly late for lessons. If they are, disciplinary action is immediately taken. “The report states that there is a


shortage of classroom accommodation. This is untrue.There are sufficient classrooms. Some classes have over 30 pupils, but this is to permit smaller classes for those pupils who find learn­ ing more difficult. “We have structures in place to


ensure all children get the individual attention they require.” With regards to very little play­


ground space, Ms Ward admitted it was true, but claimed due to the gen­ eral levels of good behaviour, this has not over time proved to be a serious problem. She explained pupils are allowed


into other tutor rooms and there are a number of enclosed areas for them to go when it is wet. Regarding concerns highlighted


about health and safety and staff feel­ ing unable to give attention to individ­


ual pupils, Ms Ward stated this was “absolute nonsense”. She added: “The school has light,


bright classes and I have always ensured that when children come to school they are sate. “My staff numbers have grown con­


siderably over the years and, if any­ thing, I am over-staffed. “Every department has a subject


support assistant, the school boasts 10 teaching assistants and four learning mentors to support the teachers.”


' conliniicd on paj;et


Key findings


KEY findings of the report - which is used to justify refusing places to pupils who are due to move to secondary school - say: 9 Due to the volume of pupil


traffic on corridors, pupils are arriving late for lessons conse­ quently losing valuable learning time. 9 There is a shortage of class­


room accommodation through­ out the school. Many classes at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 have over 30 pupils, the highest is


33. 9 Staff are constantly having


to cope \vith large classes and feel they are unable to give the indi­ vidual attention to pupils that they often need. 9 Because of additional build­


ings, there is very little play­ ground space remaining. 9 Laboratories and technolo­


gy rooms are used for registration and a large number of pupils have nowhere to go inside when it’s wet or cold at lunchtime. 9 The infrastructure of the


school has reached breaking point, circulation spaces remain unchanged and corridors mas­ sively overcrowded.


MONDAYS- Autumn Courses m


: 'W ) i i


Commencing 10th September JUNIOR FOOTBAaA9«s7'9-4.CK)-S.OOpm


defending situations, awareness of positioning and overall technique. TUESDAYS-


MARTIAL ARTS •S.OO-6.SOpm


arts. Classes aimed at children 7 -11 years. ACTIVE PUYNETBAU-Ywr 1/2-4>00-4.45pm


, ,


Emphasis Is placed on developing basic ball skills and co-ordination whilst learning the basic rules of play. THURSDAYS -


BEGINNERS BADMINTON- 6-8 Vein AOO- 5,00pm This course is aimed at those wanting to learn the basic skills of badminton and to enjoy some match play.The children will learn how to hold the racket and hit the shuttle, progressing to rallying and performing basic strokes.There will also be some tuition in simple tactical moves, basic rules of play and court positioning.


JUNIOR aU B BADMINTON' 14 ♦War*-BOO-6.00pm used to improve game situations. ^6


This course promotes applying the combined use of Badminton fundamentals such as stroke play, movement and tactical awareness during match situations. Players will learn how stroke selection and movement can be


^


This course aims to provide a basic knowledge in martial arts. Children will be able to identify signs of danger and defend themselves accordingly. Each class will have a designated theme, outlining all aspects of martial


.


This course is designed for both boys and girls to develop ball mastery and skill, progressing to passino and receiving the ball in more difficult srtuatlons.The course will concentrate on utilising these skills in attacking and


ROEnEU)ASTROS'10.00-12nwjn


: SATURDAYS- : /


'


This course is aimed at the younger cheerleaders (9-11 year olds) teaching them dancing and diants, with lots of fun and pom pom waving! ROEREU) COMETS-1L30 -12.30pm


This cisss is a supoiij introduction to cheetisading and dance. Wa use a variety of lacjiniques to inprove co­ ordination, balance and rhythm and also to buiid confidence.Theiiasses ate energetic and fuii of funi Course


aimedatciiiidren6-8years. '


FOOTBALL - S'* and uttdw-9.00-10.00 am Emphasis wili be piaced on deveioping a chiid’s basic understanding of tha ruies and organisation of tha game, basic individuai sidiis and team participation.


FOOTBALL-Tliandundar-10.00-11,00am courses and have been coached before. SUNDAYS- ROEHELDBOCKETS- 6.30-8.00pm increasing fitness levels. ^


The team, who regularly entertain at Blackburn Ice Arena, are aiming this course at children aged 12 and over. All aspects of cheerleading will be taughL from dance to stunts and chants, combing aerobic exercises for


. , .


Emphasis wiii be placed on introducing players to a match situation. Players will work.on positioning viithin the formation and concentrate on tactics and technique. Ideally suited to players who have completed previous


£36


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