Bushey Meads School
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| Established | 1957 |
|---|---|
| Type | comprehensive, foundation |
| Headteacher | Keith Douglas |
| Chair of Governors | Di Hoeksma |
| Specialism | Technology College |
| Location | Coldharbour Lane Bushey Hertfordshire WD23 4PA England  |
| Local authority | Hertfordshire County Council |
| DfE URN | 117580 |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Students | 1044 |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Ages | 11–18 |
| Colours | Green |
| Website | busheymeads.herts.sch.uk |
Coordinates: 51°38′56″N 0°20′56″W / 51.649°N 0.349°W
Bushey Meads School (also known as "BMS") is a foundation secondary school in Bushey, Hertfordshire, UK. The current head teacher is Mr Keith Douglas, B.A. Hons, M.A., who started as a new member of staff in the school in December 2005.
It achieves relatively well in comparison with other schools in the area and is a recommended place in Hertfordshire for Sixth form studies. It offers a wide range of subjects.
Its close proximity to several TV studios (in particular Elstree) have made it an excellent location when school scenes were desired. TV programs featuring the school include Grange Hill,[1] the comedy Roll Over Beethoven (starring Nigel Planer), Buddy (with Roger Daltry) and Worms Alive! with Chas Fenton and also "Family Business" in which the students were involved.
Stan Lee paid BMS a visit in 2002. He is known as the creator of the popular comics of Spider-Man and co-creator of other comic book characters such as X-men, Incredible Hulk, Daredevil and The Fantastic Four.
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[edit] History of the school
[edit] Founded
The school was founded in 1957 as Bushey Secondary Modern School. It celebrated its 50th anniversary by taking a major role in the annual Bushey Carnival in 2007, basing some events on the history and successes of the school.
[edit] The name
The name "Bushey Meads" derives from the original surrounding area. The site where the school buildings now stand was once fields ("meads", from Old English mæd) surrounding the then small village of Bushey.
[edit] Uniform
Bushey Meads School operates a very strict uniform policy, stating on their website, "Please note that non-uniform items will be confiscated and kept in the school office until the end of the school day." The stated aims of the policy are discipline and hiding differences in family wealth.
The uniform is relatively inexpensive, consisting of:
- green or white polo shirt, with school logo,
- green sweatshirt with school logo,
- black or charcoal grey plain trousers or (for girls) plain unpleated skirt,
- black or dark brown shoes.
Jewellery (other than one pair of simple studs for pierced ears) is forbidden.
[edit] Current technology
There are over 450 computers running Microsoft Windows XP across the site, complemented by Windows Server 2003 thin clients. In 2009 the school continues its commitment to technology with additional ICT provision in Science, Sixth Form and Media. An existing computer suite has also been refurbished with additional computers.
The school itself gained Technology College status in 2002, entitling it to grants and financial support towards various technological applications.
Bushey Meads also runs its own Learning Platform using Windows Sharepoint Services, this allows students and staff members to take part in discussions, access learning resources and to submit work.
[edit] The future
[edit] Renovation
The new head of the school, Mr Keith Douglas, is currently pressing forward with a major renovation project at the school. This includes much needed refurbishment and redecoration of the older rooms, and repairing and painting the outside of the older blocks. As well as this, facilities are being improved, such as new equipment and books for certain departments which needed it the most. In 2008 various areas of the school site are redecorated, with significant refurbishment work in the Design Technology block, including a modern Hospitality and Catering suite.
[edit] Development
Most of the school buildings are older, but there is a mid 1970s music block, a late '90s English block and a new science block completed in 2003. The Sixth Form Area has recently been renovated by giving it a new look to 'encourage studying'.
[edit] Notable alumni
- George Michael – Global pop icon.
- Andrew Ridgeley – Partner of George Michael in the pop act Wham. During their time at the school, their school band was known as 'The Executive'.
- Simon Phillips – World renowned session and live drummer, frequently playing with Pete Townshend in the late seventies and eighties.[2]
