‘Improved Westlands' on display at Primary Open Evening
Next week's event will demonstrate raised standards, raised aspirations and a new tutor group structure
Westlands School in Torbay is opening its doors to prospective students and their parents next week, and new Principal Alex Newton is confident that the evening will change the perceptions of many of those thinking of sending their children elsewhere.
The open evening, from 4pm-7pm on Wednesday 19 June, is open to parents of children of any age. It is designed to show visitors the school's new culture of raised aspirations, following its recent partnership with Ivybridge Community College - rated Outstanding by Ofsted in every inspection for over 20 years.
Alex Newton, who officially takes up her post on 1 September and herself a former Assistant Principal at Ivybridge Community College, said: "Since the negative Ofsted report almost 12 months ago, there have been huge changes at Westlands, and we're excited to show parents and prospective students just how strong the school now is. One of our key priorities at the moment is to provide a school that best caters for our incoming Year 7 students, so we'll be kicking off the new school year with a new tutor group system."
To make the transition from primary to secondary school much smoother (and less daunting), Westlands is changing to what is known as ‘horizontal tutor groups'. This means that Year 7 students will be in tutor groups solely with others of their own age, rather than mixing with those in higher year groups for registration.
"This is just one of the changes," added Alex, "but one that has been proven to improve the confidence and asense of belonging for Year 7 students. We'll also be building on the improvements that Ofsted has already noted - raising aspirations even higher, further raising standards of teaching to give students the best possible opportunities and of course replicating this year's fantastic increase in GCSE results."
Westlands has been working alongside Ivybridge Community College for the past ten months, receiving guidance from its Principal and National Leader for Education Rob Haring. This has helped the school improve its academic grades, display better standards of teaching across the board, and receive acknowledgement from Ofsted that it is much more focused and driven.
Alex said: "We welcome anyone that would like to find out more about the opportunities that Westlands School offers for Year 7 students, or indeed students of any age. It will not only be an opportunity for us to show parents what a fantastic school we now are, but also for them to ask us questions and get a real feel for what we can offer."
Westlands School Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 18 June from 4pm-7pm.
For more information call 01803 400660.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
Current Year 7 Students at Westlands School
Alex Newton, Headteacher at Westlands School from September 2014
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Notes to editors
About Westland School
Westlands School is a secondary school in the Plainmoor district of Torbay, Devon, for children aged between 11 and 18. It has more than 1,400 students.
Acting Head Teacher Lyndsey Kane took over the reigns in October 2013 with an ethos of ‘relentlessly pursuing academic excellence'. Consequently, a recent visit by HMI inspectors (in March 2014) has noted vast improvements at the school over recent months.
Westlands School cares passionately about removing the barriers that can stand in the way of a good education and the school has a mission to help each child not only reach their potential but also leave school fully ready for the next stage in life's journey.