St. Paul's Way News Desk

News

News from St. Paul's Way Community School:
22 September 2003

A Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I am writing to you at the start of this new academic year, hoping that you enjoyed the holidays. School began last week and, despite major building works throughout the summer, we were able to open on time and welcome the new Year 7 on Wednesday last week. It was a very successful day, and we all have high hopes for these new students.

I am delighted to be able to report the best GCSE results the School has ever had. Last year, 41% students achieved 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE. This year, that number has increased to over 44%, which is now above the average for students across the borough. Many congratulations to the students, parents and the staff who taught them so effectively.

One student, Katy Thomas, was awarded one of the top five marks in English Literature, out of a total of 379,010 students who sat that paper. This really is a tremendous achievement and one of which the School is particularly proud.

Results at Key Stage 3 went up in Maths and Science. Sadly, the external markers of the English paper returned results which were far too high. All the papers have been returned and the judgement of the School has been accepted. Therefore, every paper has now been remarked and we await the results early next week.

Redecoration of the School continues and I hope that you begin to notice the difference as you visit the School. Uniform is also improving, and I thank you for your continued efforts to help us ensure that students are dressed smartly for School. Punctuality has also improved so far this term, with only 10 students being late on the first day back. Please continue to push the importance of punctuality with your children.

As always, I look forward to welcoming you into the School on many occasions throughout the School year.

Best Wishes,

Simon Harris
Headteacher

ARTSMARK GOLD

St. Paul's Way was awarded the prestigious ArtsMark Gold award during last term.

I was honoured to take two students, Hasina Begum, 11S, and Jehenara Begum, 11S, to the Purcell Room on the South Bank to receive the award from the Heritage Minister, Andrew McIntosh.

Not Such a Dizzy Rascal!

Dylan Mills (now known as Dizzee Rascal) is an ex-student of St. Paul's Way Community School.

Earlier this week he won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize for his debut album, "Boy in Da Corner", becoming the first rapper ever to win the award.

Ramadan 2003

This important month of fasting and prayer is set to begin on 27th October. The School will operate its usual times and timetable, rather than finishing earlier as has been the case in the previous two years, although we are looking at ensuring that the facilities for prayers are improved.

I would like to wish all those staff, students and families observing Ramadan peace and happiness.

Governors'
Annual Report to Parents

Each year, every school governing body is required to produce a report to send to parents and to hold a meeting to discuss its contents.

This year, we are hoping to go beyond our legal requirements and provide you with the opportunity to meet with Governors to raise issues of interest and take these forward throughout the school year. The parents' meeting takes place on 21st October between 5:30 and 6:30 pm at the School. I do hope that as many of you as possible will be able to attend.

Aiming Higher

Four Year 11 students, Naseema Khanom, Shozna Begum, Zakiha Ahmed and Kehinde Omotayo attended a Summer School at Thames Valley University. The University wrote to the School, praising the active participation of the students and describing them as a pleasure to work with.

Kehinde Omotayo (right) with fellow bakers from his group during the “Taste Sensation” session run by TVU’s London School of Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure (TVU Summer School, 2003)