On June 22nd 2011 we moved to a system of Vertical Tutoring.  This means that during morning and afternoon registration, students are in mixed age groups.  The reason for this change is that it will allow our Form Tutors to spend more time at key points in the academic calendar with specific students.  For example, during the Options Process in Year 9, Form Tutors will only have four or five Year 9 students in each form so will be able to spend time with each of these students to ensure they understand the process and make the right choices.  Vertical tutoring will ensure that every student has regular and meaningful dialogue with their Form Tutor so that they make the best academic progress possible. 

Every form is allocated to one of four Houses:  Adams, Barker, Sparks and Wright and there is a strong sense of identity within each House as well as a positive competitive spirit between Houses.  To find out more about the names our students chose for these Houses please click here

21st June: latest information for parents - please click here

For the first few weeks of term, House Leaders spend one registration period a week completing team building activities with our Year 7s.  These are some of the comments our new Year 7s have said about their transition:

"I have really enjoyed drama so far; it's helped me build my confidence up."

" I really like my Year 11 buddy.  They are funny and have helped me settle in to school."

"In my first week I got lost, and I asked someone to help me find somewhere.  I really feel I can stop and ask anyone to help and they would."

"When I came to the school I didn't have any older friends.  Now I feel like I have loads."

Our students are the best judge of what works in the school.  It is clear from their words that Vertical Tutoring has had a very positive impact on their transition to secondary school.