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It has been a while since we last wrote to you; we have all been heavily involved with a variety of activities in school. For those of us who are linked to a curriculum area, we have played an integral part of the quality assurance process and had the privilege of being in lessons, talking to pupils and staff. We have been into maths, art, design and technology and computer studies lessons and it really has been a trip down memory lane for us, with all of us wishing we could return to school. We have seen outstanding behaviour in lessons and around the site and carefully planned and well sequenced lessons. The curriculum leaders we have spoken with have a good grasp of what they are doing well and what their next steps are. We have also been able to talk with students and gauge what they think is working well and areas they would like to see improved. They have said that they love lessons and appreciate the support of their teachers. They have said that when staff are made aware of ‘peer conflict’ that it is dealt with.
We felt there was a generalisation of the word ‘bullying’ which covered one off incidents or on-going issues. I think this will be something that we can support the school in working on. Some pupils used the word ‘snitch’ and when we spoke to senior leaders, they said this has been raised in other schools as well. It is really important for us as the adults in our children’s lives to reinforce the importance of talking to the adults when things are not right; letting them know what is going on so that we can give them strategies to deal with it and for sanctions to be put in place where appropriate. The school has brought in some external agencies to address social issues. As parent governors, we would urge you to seize any opportunities your child gets to take part in these. Please do not view them as a criticism of your child. Mrs Brazier is liaising regularly with PC Cornell who is able to come in and deliver talks and do workshops with pupils. He will also be putting on workshops for parents. It would be great to have a great turnout. Details will be shared by the school. Equally, if you are an expert in an area that you feel parents would benefit from, please get in touch with us, the parent governors, and arrangements can be made for you to deliver a talk or a workshop.
Whenever we are in school, we always remark on how large the school site is. The recent safeguarding audit highlighted the number of staff patrolling the site and pupils commented on staff being visible and present in hi viz jackets.
The canteen is a busy area. Some pupils told us that they would like to be able to eat in a quieter area and as a response, the school has been able to re-open The Shack; an area in the D and T quad, which sells a range of food at break and lunch.
The impact of strike action has been raised by governors. Leadership are aware of the frustration but a gentle reminder that this is not a school issue but a national one. As Mrs O’Neill said in a previous message, please do contact your local MP. Our pupils do deserve the best education driven by outstanding teachers.
Should you wish to contact us as your parent governors, please do so by using the link: Parent/carer communication with PARENT GOVERNORS
A reminder that this is not part of the complaints procedure, but we do liaise closely with the leadership team when issues are raised and either parent governors or a member of the senior leadership team will respond to you, whichever is most appropriate.
Parent Governors, Alsager School
Mr Colin Christian, Mrs Anna Wheaver, Mr Andrew Brindley, Mr Andrew Pilbury, Mrs Liz Hancock
Dear Parent/Carer
As the end of the academic year draws near, we would like to thank all parents and carers for their support. This has been the first complete year, without lockdown disruption, for everyone in schools since 2018/19.
A few parents have contacted us about trips, particularly expressing concern over the cost of the residential trips that have been launched this year. We have shared this with the school; part of the rationale behind SPIRIT week is to ensure that all students have access to enrichment activities, regardless of cost. There are a number of trips planned for next year ranging from a geography trip to Sorrento to theatre trips. As parents we do have responsibility to manage our children’s expectations. School trips are hard work for staff, they are certainly not a holiday. If your child is unsuccessful in securing a place on a trip, please respect the school’s decision and manage their disappointment at home.
A few months ago, a group of parents met with Mrs O’Neill to discuss ways in which the school could support pupils from diverse backgrounds. One of the suggestions to record names phonetically on the register has been implemented. All staff have access to this on Sims.
At the start of the academic year the school will be holding transition evenings, where they will share key information which is relevant to each year group. You will find out about the curriculum, reporting systems and the priorities for the year. These have been recorded in the past two years but will be ‘live’ again this year. It would be great to see as many parents/carers as possible. Parent Governors will also be present, so you can all put a face to our names!
The key dates for your diary are:
Once again, thank you for all of your support this year and have a lovely summer.
Please use the link below to contact us:
Parent/carer communication with PARENT GOVERNORS
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Parent Governors, Alsager School
Mr Colin Christian, Mrs Anna Wheaver, Mr Andrew Brindley & Mr Andrew Pilbury
Dear Parent/Carer
In order to improve communication from the elected parent governors to all of our parent/carers, we will be updating you on a half termly basis, addressing points raised from governor meetings and any feedback from parents/carers. A reminder that the Microsoft Form can be found on the website under the ‘Contact’ option. The form is where parents/carers have the opportunity to communicate with the elected parent governors. A gentle reminder that it isn’t a forum to raise complaints.
A number of parents expressed disappointment that the prom was not being organised for Y11 this year. This had been discussed at the start of the academic year when the landscape around these kinds of events was uncertain and the decision was made not to have a prom to avoid any potential disappointment later. The pastoral team who organise this have been short staffed all year. The school fully understands how disappointing this is and did not make the decision lightly.
Governors are linked to faculty areas and have had the opportunity to go into lessons this half term. Behaviour around the school is excellent; there is a purposeful atmosphere and pupils are engaged in their learning. It has been a pleasure to see. Whilst walking round the school, governors commented on the use of bag racks and the school is working to improve the number of racks and making them weatherproof.
Part of our responsibility as parent governors is to be mindful of the wellbeing of all staff. Staff at Alsager School work exceptionally hard; there are over 1500 students and whilst they may not always get things right, they deserve to be treated with respect. Please be mindful of the language used in any communication.
Please continue to contact your parent governors on the link below:
Parent/carer communication with PARENT GOVERNORS
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
The Parent Governors, Alsager School
Mr Colin Christian, Mrs Anna Wheaver, Mr Andrew Brindley & Mr Andrew Pilbury
