Page 17 - Town & Around - September 2024

Tel: 01485 540620 email: editor@townandaround.net Town & Around September 2024 17
Smithdon High School Goes From Strength to Strength

ollowing receiving their best ever results in Summer 2023,
Smithdon High School was visited by Ofsted in November 2023,
Fwho recognised the school’s progress and awarded a ‘Good’
judgement in all areas, noting that “pupils are benefiting from the
improvements made since the school’s previous inspection.”
The Knowledge-rich Curriculum was acknowledged as being “well-
crafted” and “ambitious” and daily routines introduced to ensure
consistent approaches to teaching and learning for all students in all
lessons have aided students’ success. The daily “Spotlight” focus
brings the whole school community together to celebrate those group
and individual achievements, while also encouraging students to reflect
“The Smithdon Seven” by showing they are prepared for learning,
can demonstrate their self-belief, ambition, responsibility, respect
and pride and are part of the community. The Smithdon Seven along
with the school’s values to Work Hard, Be Kind and Smile, help
students to meet the “high expectations” of behaviour standards held
by all within the school.
Headteacher, Amanda Gibbins, confirmed that following Ofsted’s
visit the school has responded to the areas identified for improvement Paris. With a visit to Lake Garda and a football tour to Holland in 2025,
by further developing the types, frequency and student responses to followed by an Art trip to New York in 2027 and plans for a German
assessment and feedback to address misconceptions. “Our focus from Market Weekend in between, the world awaits Smithdon’s students!”
the start of the year was also to increase the positive relationships by Ofsted noted that Smithdon’s co-curricular offer “goes beyond the
rewarding students for their successes however small - and by the end traditional offer of sport” including a wealth of performing and creative
of the 23-24 year over 185,000 reward points were issued compared arts, curriculum and alternative clubs that are well-attended by all
to 116,138 in July 2023. These include R1s and R2s in lessons, R3 abilities of students. Our students also engage in a fantastic careers
postcards from teachers for extra effort, and Headteacher R4 letters for programme, attending talks, workshops and Work Experience
special recognition of acts of kindness or success in school and the placements before visiting colleges, sixth form establishments and
wider community.” universities to plan for their amazing futures.
Finally leaving memories of Covid-teaching behind, Mrs Gibbins Come to our Open Evening and tours to see what more Smithdon
added “I am so excited that we have been able to announce plans for can offer your child. If you are interested in supporting Smithdon
several trips abroad in the next few years in addition to our regular on its journey in any way, please get in touch.
curriculum and rewards day trips, and our annual Yr8 Weekend in https://www.smithdonhigh.org.uk/

Open Evening: 3 October 2024 - 6pm to 8pm

Daily Tours: 7 October to 24 October 2024

Please register your interest for all activities on our website at Admissions 2025