Rickstones School

Description

Rickstones has always prided itself on its involvement in the community life of Witham. This year has seen more examples of us reaching out further. Arts College status has enhanced our reputation both locally and more widely and we draw students to the school as result. In addition we have expanded the range of facilities available to our community, particularly the new dance studio, which was installed earlier in 2005. This was a much needed facility and has proved to be well used and appreciated.

We have continued to consolidate good solid results at A level and GCSE. Our added value scores (a measure of the improvement students make during their time at Rickstones) are expected to improve significantly this year. Our post 16 vocational exam results were also very successful and I would like to congratulate everyone on their individual exam successes.

Investments in technology continue as do general building improvements. We now have all departments equipped with digital projectors. The 6th Form have had a complete IT refit and in the summer we opened a superb new Dance Studio.

School finances have not been in the news so much this year but we have always managed out budgets well and have not neglected important areas of spending. Our staffing levels still remain robust and staff turnover, particularly teachers, is low in comparison with others.

I reported last year that the Governors were then focusing on preparing for an Ofsted inspection. It is unusual to go so long between Ofsted visits but because our last two inspections were generally good we have not been scheduled for an inspection for some time. When the inspection does come it will now be a under a different regime but we are confident that the school has made good progress over the years and we will acquit ourselves well.

I mentioned at the beginning of this report about us reaching out into Witham's community. Recently we went rather further, following an invitation to celebrate the anniversary of German reunification with Witham's twin town of Waldbrol. Nine Year 13 students went over to Germany and performed at a special concert, together with students from Waldbrol, 2 other German towns and a town in Poland. The performances were so good that several of the students including ours were asked to provide musical interludes during the formal reunification proceedings. The reception we received in Waldbrol was really welcoming and the response to our performances was exceptional. Our Arts performances have really gained a European reputation as a result.