Headteacher's Introduction
Welcome to Christopher Whitehead Language College, a school of which I believe I am right to be proud.
In the last few years, we have had unprecedented success in every facet of education with:
Record year on year GCSE results - in 2003 our 5 A*-C results were a disapointing 33%.
| 2004: 46% |
2005: 49% |
2006: 59% |
2007: 59% |
2008: 68% |
2009: 62% (81% with all level 1 grades included) |
The consistent, improved success is pleasing, with the last three years' students exceeding their predicted grades, their own expectations and placing the school in the top 10% of schools nationally for adding value to a student's performance - a league table statistic that I value and of which I am immensely proud! All students are achieving in at least five areas of exam success.
English results remain the cornerstone of this improvement, with all students entered achieving GCSE standard and 55 students achieving the top possible grades A*/A. 68% of students achieved A* - C in German or French. Whole school attendance is a pleasing 93%. This is a key indicator that students attend and enjoy the vibrant school life.
However this school is much more than a 'results factory' where the child is forgotten. There are:
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24 extra curricular clubs.
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A Breakfast Club, starting at 8.00am with healthy and traditional options.
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The Learning Resource Centre is open and supervised from 8am - 5pm and our 350 high specification computers are regularly used by all years.
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Five experienced PE teachers enjoying the opportunities of £10 million worth of facilities, including two state of the art astro turfs, exclusive daily use of the new St. John's sport centre and vigorous inter-house competition.
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300 children enjoyed the opportunity to experience a foreign country: there were six supervised trips in 2008 to places as diverse as Austria and Italy.
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Many opportunities within our vibrant Performing Arts and Art department. The whole school shows are inspirational. 'Bugsy Malone' one of last year's shows played to an audience of over 500 and headlined the county showcase 'Voices and Visions' with over 50 CWLC students taking part.
To summarise, we believe there is something for every child here and, crucially, our students are happy to attend. We have:
- The best attendance in the city - four years running!
- No major fights for over 2 years.
- Parents unequivocally happy with standards. .
However, please do not believe headteacher hyperbole. Come and judge for yourself. Is this the school for your child? Do you believe in our staff - all experts in their subjects? Read our latest Ofsted - 16 areas judged 'outstanding' Read our prospectus and newsletters and the school magazine - all available to read or download from this website.
Appointments to see our school 'at work' are always welcomed. I know you will be impressed; I was. I look forward to meeting you and answering any further questions you may have.
Neil S Morris
Headteacher
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