The Headteacher's Blog

Archive: July 2011

• 22Jul

  End of Term

  May I wish all the pupils and staff a very happy summer break.

  I was very proud that we responded immediately to the Famine in East Africa by having a non uniform day today, Friday 22 July. The money raised will save lives.

  Y10 returned from work experience this week. I heard great things from employers about our pupils. I have also spoken to pupils about their experience. One pupil, Roshni Arya (10B), had a very good placement at Virgin Holidays - she even lived away from home whilst on work experience.

  

  "This was a good opportunity to experience life away from school."

   I was also pleased to visit Canary Wharf this week to thank mentors from Clifford Chance who have been working with some of our Y10 pupils. I was particularly pleased to hear that they will continue to work with Cumberland School next year.

  

  We also said farewell to two long serving colleagues. Ms Dorling who has been at Cumberland School for 16 Years and Mr Hughes who has been at Cumberland for 28 years. Both have given fantastic service to the pupils throughout their time at Cumberland. We wish them both well as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

   Next Blog: Friday 2 September 2011

  Posted at 09:12
• 15Jul

  Diversity Day 2011

  Sadly the weather forecast has meant our annual Diversity Day will be brought in side. Despite the gloomy weather we are expecting the school will be full of happy smiling visitors as once again Cumberalnd celebrates its Diversity. Already the school hall is being transformed by willing volunteers including our 'official' Mr Green.

  

  

  Next weeks Cumberland Chronicle is a bumper edition, please ensure you receive a copy.

  Please remember we break up next Friday 22 July at 12.15.

  Posted at 15:56
• 08Jul

  Ofsted make a suprise visit

  On Tuesday and Wednesday we had a surprise visit from Ofsted. This was unexpected as it was only twelve months ago that we had our whole school inspection. This time it was a subject inspection in English. Schools are chosen at random for these subject inspections and the Inspector only looks at the work of the English Department. I am happy to report that the Inspector, Mr Jarret,  judged the overall effectiveness of English to be good (Grade 2). Congratulations to all involved.

  Posted at 12:51
• 01Jul

  Jack Petchey Leadership Award Winner

  Ms Powell wins the Jack Petchey Leadership Award 2011

   

  On Thursday evening I was delighted to watch Ms Powell receive this honour as part the annual Jack Petchey Awards Evening at Stratford Town Hall 

  Ms Powell joined Cumberland School in 1985 as Head of Girls PE. In the 26 yrs she has worked at Cumberland School, she has been the leader of many different teams (including the Sporting ones!)

   

   

   

  As a PE teacher she managed the department, and saw considerable success with her netball, athletics and rounders teams. She introduced dance and fitness classes for both pupils and staff and was particularly proud of her dance club which staged several performances.

  Within a short time Ms Powell was promoted to Year Tutor. She led her year group through their five years at Cumberland School establishing sound working relationships with the young people and their families. During this time she  began a PTA which worked relentlessly to raise funds for local charities, for a school mini bus and to enhance school/home liaison. There were many weekends spent hosting such events as quiz nights, race nights, music nights and boot sales as well as school discos.

  When the structure of schools changed to KS3 and KS4,  Denise became responsible for KS4. This involved mentoring young people through their GCSEs, working with the career adviser, liaising closely with colleges of further education, taking responsibility for college applications and references and doing her best to ensure all pupils left Cumberland School with a Record of Achievement that reflected their time at school and with a sound sense of where they were going.

  Ms Powell has organised the Presentation Events at Cumberland School for the past 15 years and has ensured they are evenings to remember by securing  memorable Guests of Honour . These have been varied and include lords, film stars and Premiership footballers!

  In addition she took on the role of "Social Secretary”.  For many years she organised the Leavers Evening... a trip down the Thames on a cruiser with 150 Year 11s became a tradition!

  For 26 years Ms Powell has worked tirelessly, always enthusiastically and most importantly never anything other than professionally. Her cheerful, warm and friendly manner ensures both staff, pupils and families trust and respect her. Her commitment to her work has had a profound impact on the development of Cumberland School.

   

  Thank you Ms Powell

   

   

  Posted at 16:20