Chepstow School

Chepstow School
Address
Welsh Street Chepstow , Monmouthshire , NP16 5LR Wales
Information
Type	Comprehensive community school
Motto	Inspiring Learning
Established	1964
Local authority	Monmouthshire County Council
Department for Education URN	401862 Tables
Chair	Craig Bridgeman
Head teacher	Claire Price
Gender	Coeducational
Age	11 to 18
Enrollment	1000 (2011)
Houses	Usk, Wye, Severn and Monnow
Website	http://www.chepstowschool.com/

Chepstow School and Sixth Form Centre (Welsh: Ysgol Cas-gwent) is a comprehensive school located in the town of Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales. The catchment area is within Chepstow and its surrounding villages.

History of the school and its site

The school was founded by Monmouthshire County Council in 1964, as St Kingsmark School and Community College. Its name was later changed to Chepstow School. The name "St Kingsmark" derived from that of a mediaeval priory which existed close to the school, on what is now Kingsmark Lane. No traces of the priory now remain above ground.

Curriculum

As a state school, Chepstow School follows the National Curriculum. English, English Literature, Mathematics and Science are required GCSE subjects while Welsh and religious studies are required non-exam courses. All students are required to learn Welsh regardless of mother tongue.

The school was linked to the OCR innovative science model since the introduction of the pilot scheme over 5 years ago. Since the introduction of the broadened curriculum, results have improved from 55% to 65% for the science core and 72% for Additional Science.

In the 2012 GCSEs, 78% of the students achieved 5 or more A*-C grades, and 96% of the students achieved 5 or more A*-G grades.

In the 2012 A Levels, 78% of the students achieved passes at Grades A-C, 85% achieved passes at Grades A-E and the average points score per student was 21.0.

Inspection

An Estyn inspection of the school in January 2012 reported both the school's performance, and its prospects for improvement, as "inadequate". It reported that bad features of the school's work include recent improvements in performance in key stage 4; many pupils making unsuitable progress in developing their knowledge, understanding and skills in lessons; pupils’ wellbeing, including behaviour, attendance, and the development of social and life skills; effective teaching in the majority of lessons; an inclusive ethos and a high level of care, support and guidance; and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, especially in sport and music. However, it also considered that performance at key stage 3 is weak; performance in English and mathematics at key stage 4 is below expectations; pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills are underdeveloped; and a few pupils, mainly the more able, do not make as much progress as they should. The school’s prospects for improvement were judged as adequate because leadership has been effective in making recent improvements in performance at key stage 4; there is a clear and accurate understanding of the school’s strengths and of the specific areas that need to be improved; appropriate self-evaluation procedures are in place and these link well to the improvement planning process; and governors provide a high standard of challenge and support. However, many of the processes were considered to be too new to have their planned impact; the co-ordination of skills provision is at an early stage; and the quality of middle managers varies too much.

Uniform

Students in years 7 to 11 are required to dress in a uniform consisting of light blue shirts, black trousers or skirts, black shoes, black blazer or a black jumper and a school-issued badge and tie.

Facilities

The sports facilities include two rugby union pitches, one football (soccer) pitch, four tennis courts, an astro-turf all weather playing surface, and a swimming pool and indoor sports hall which is part of Chepstow Leisure Centre. The school campus is used for community education in the evenings.

The buildings are wheelchair-friendly and easily accessible for disabled students. However, many of the lifts are broken and students rely on the stairs.

Extracurricular activities

Students are forced to take part in various activities and be involved in the community. Work experience is available for Year 10 and 12 students. Students taking AS French spend a week of work experience in France.

Sport

The "5x60" programme works alongside the existing school sports system. The 5x60 clubs give students the opportunity to perform in physical activity for 60 minutes, 5 times a week. The clubs run during after school and detentions. Through this programme, students have the opportunity to try non-traditional sports such as fencing and golf.

Staff

A new headteacher, Claire Pricey, took over in January 2012 following the retirement of John E. Barnbrook. The Deputy Heads are Jacky Wilson and Tony Price, and the Assistant Head is Victoria Duke.

Heads of Houses 2012/13

Head of Severn House: Mrs Nicky Backbone
Head of Wye House: Mr John Robinson
Head of Usk House: Mr David Mitchell kitty
Head of Monnow House (Sixth Form): Mr Jamie Godhard.

External links

• 2012 Estyn inspection report is available from School Reception.