Caldicot School

Last updated

Caldicot School
Address
Caldicot School
Mill Lane

Caldicot
,
Monmouthshire
,
NP26 5XA

Wales
Information
TypeComprehensive
MottoCommitted to Achievement
Established1959
Local authority Monmouthshire County Council
ChairPaul Glover
Head teacherAlun Ebenezer
GenderCoeducational
Age11to 18
Enrolment1238
Website http://www.caldicotschool.com/

Caldicot School (Welsh : Ysgol Cil-y-coed) is a coeducational and non-selective secondary school in Caldicot, Monmouthshire, South Wales, with around 1,400 students. In 2013, the school was rated 'Good' [1] by Estyn. At the time of the inspection in November 2013, 11% of pupils were eligible for free school meals against the national average of 17.7%.

Contents

History

1958-1968

Caldicot School (formally Caldicot Community College) welcomed its first intake of pupils on the 1st of September 1958. The College opened with 19 teachers and room to accommodate 400 students in a three-story building, to the west of the school's site. This building later became known as Grayhill Building, named after Grayhill.

Grayhill Building, pictured 2017 Caldicot School Grayhill Building.jpg
Grayhill Building, pictured 2017

1969-1974

On the 3rd of September 1969 the school became comprehensive and changed its name to Caldicot Comprehensive School. To accommodate more pupils, a new four storey block was opened that could accommodate a further 600 pupils. It housed a canteen, gymnasium, 20 classrooms and a science block. This building was originally known as Upper School, until a further block was built in 1973 making it known as Middle School and then later becoming known as Castle School, named after Caldicot Castle.

Deepweir Building, pictured in 2017 Deepweir Building, Caldicot School.jpg
Deepweir Building, pictured in 2017

In 1973 a third block was built, known originally as Upper School, later becoming called Deepweir, named after the Deepweir area of Caldicot. The three storey building was at the eastern end of the school's site and housed the sixth form.

In 1974 Mr. W.A. Silk retired due to ill health. Mr. Eric Blackaby became acting Head Teacher.

1975-1980

In 1975 Mr. C.A. Vanloo became Head Teacher.

1981-2001

In 1981 Mr. J. Norwood became Head Teacher.

The school celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1985 and had 1650 pupils and 99 staff at the time.

In December 2001 [2] Mr. J. Norwood announced he would retire as Head Teacher at the end of the academic year after 22 years' service to the school.

2002-present day

New build during construction, 02/02/17 New Build during construction .jpg
New build during construction, 02/02/17

A £2 million science block was opened in July 2002 [3] which housed four laboratories. The block was connected to the science block in Castle School building.

In September 2002 Mrs. S. Gwyer-Roberts became Head Teacher after the retirement of Mr. J. Norwood. [4]

By the 2000s the school's four teaching buildings were becoming dilapidated and unfit for purpose so a new building was planned. The new build was a result of the Welsh Government's 21st Century Schools & Education Capital Programme. It was scheduled to cost £31million, [5] which then rose to £34.9 million, [6] but at the time of completion it was said to have cost a total of £36.5 million. [7]

In February 2014 a plan to sell four acres of the school's playing field was approved to supermarket chain ASDA, generating £4 million towards the building of the new school. [8] The rest of the money needed for the new build was paid for by Monmouthsire County Council and the Welsh Government.

In early 2016 [9] the Technology Department's building, the 'Tech Block' along with the 'Learning Centre' were knocked down to make-way for the new build. Until the new build's completion, the Technology Department and Learning Centre were housed in temporary buildings on the school's site.

On Monday 11 September 2017 the new build opened. [10] The three floor new building has capacity for 1,500 students [11] and houses all subject departments under one roof, as opposed to the previous four main blocks which served the school.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

In KS3 all students follow the National Curriculum. [12] The KS3 programme of study includes: English, Mathematics, Science, Welsh, Art, Drama, Geography, History, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish), Music, Physical Education, Personal & Social Education (PSE), Religious Education and Design & Technology. [13]

Key Stage 4

In KS4 pupils must follow the core National Curriculum of English, Mathematics, Science (with the option of separate sciences leading to 3 GCSEs), Welsh Second Language (full course), Religious Education (short course with the option to study the full, course as an option), Physical Education, PSE and the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification. In addition pupils must choose three option subjects. A variety of options are available which include some vocation courses. [14]

Key Stage 5

In KS5 pupils chose between studying two, three or four subjects to study to 'A' Level in addition to the Advance Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

Welsh language

Although Caldicot School is an English medium school, all pupils must learn Welsh until KS4 in accordance with the Welsh Language Act 1993. Welsh is taught as a second language. According to the school's 2013 Estyn report, 'Very few pupils speak Welsh as their first language.' [1] The report also mentioned 'in Welsh second language, standards and teaching are very good'.

The school started teaching Welsh in 1996 after the Welsh Office ended a dispensation that exempted three comprehensive schools in Monmouthshire to teach Welsh. [15] Until 2017 when the GCSE short course Welsh Second Language qualification was scrapped, [16] Caldicot School was the only school in Monmouthshire to make the full course compulsory to all pupils and had done since September 2008. [17]

The school has a bilingualism policy which supports the role of incidental Welsh within the school and makes sure Welsh is available at A Level. [18]

School performance

2013 Estyn inspection

The school's most recent Estyn inspection [1] took place in 2013 and placed it as 'Good' in every category. [19] The report said that 'in Welsh second language, standards and teaching are very good'. [1] This was a succession from the school's 2007 inspection which also placed it as 'Good'. [20]

Welsh Government Banding

In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the school was placed in the 'Yellow Band' [21] of the Welsh Government's education banding system. In 2014 and 2015, the school's improvement capacity was graded a Grade B but in 2016, it was graded a Grade A. [22]

GCSE Results

In 2016 69.7% [23] [24] of pupils achieved the Level 2 threshold, which is the volume of qualifications equivalent to the volume of 5 GCSEs at Grade A*-C including one in English and one in Mathematics.

A Level Results

In 2016 and 2017, 100% of pupils achieved the Level 3 threshold which is the number of qualifications equivalent to the volume of 2 A levels grades A-E. [22] [25]

Extracurricular activities

The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities ranging from a Welsh club to a judo club. The Estyn 2013 inspection report stated that 'pupils participate in a wide-variety of extra curricular activities within school and in the local community, such as the Caldicot food bank and raising money for Ty Hafan'. [1]

Every year, the Welsh department students celebrates St. David's Day by holding an Eisteddfod for Year 7 pupils; 'A' Level Welsh pupils help to arrange the Eisteddfod.

Uniform

In September 2015, a new uniform with a new school logo was introduced for pupils in Years 7 to 11. KS3 & KS4 pupils are expected to a wear full school uniform which consists of a black blazer, with an embroidered school badge, a white shirt, school tie and black formal trousers. [26] The girls are also allowed to wear a black knee length skirt.

In September 2015, a business-style dress code was introduced for the Sixth Form.

Notable former staff members

Notable former pupils

Related Research Articles

This article provides an overview of education in Wales from early childhood to university and adult skills. Largely state-funded and freely accessible at a primary and secondary level, education is compulsory for children in Wales between ages 5-16 years old. It differs to some extent in structure and content to other parts of the United Kingdom, in the later case particularly in relation to the teaching of the Welsh language.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Estyn</span> Education and training inspectorate for Wales

Estyn is the education and training inspectorate for Wales. Its name comes from the Welsh language verb estyn meaning "to reach (out), stretch or extend". Its function is to provide an independent inspection and advice service on quality and standards in education and training provided in Wales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caldicot</span> Town in Monmouthshire, Wales

Caldicot is a market town and community in Monmouthshire, Wales. The town is located between Chepstow and the city of Newport. The site adjoins the Caldicot Levels, on the north side of the Severn Estuary. The population of the built-up area was around 11,000. It has a large school, Caldicot School, and is known for its medieval castle. The built-up area includes Portskewett. Caldicot had a population of 9,604 in 2011.

Ysgol Brynhyfryd is a bilingual co-educational comprehensive school in the town of Ruthin in Denbighshire, North Wales. The school serves the community of Ruthin and the many surrounding villages including the rural districts of Corwen, Carrog and Gwyddelwern. The bilingual ethos reflects the community it serves.

Treorchy Comprehensive School is an English language, comprehensive school in the village of Treorchy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales. The school is situated on the southern side of the valley, and is 500 metres in length from the main gate on Conway Road, Cwmparc, to the rear gate at Tylecoch Bridge, Treorchy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hounsdown School</span> Academy in Southampton, Hampshire, England

Hounsdown School is a secondary school in Totton, near Southampton, Hampshire, England The school has 1,215 pupils, spanning ages 11 to 16. Classes are held in renovated 1960s buildings and new specialist blocks built since 2000.

Ysgol Bryn Alyn is a secondary school in the county borough of Wrexham, Wales. Its catchment area includes its local primary schools within Gwersyllt and other nearby villages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olchfa School</span> Secondary school in Swansea, Wales

Olchfa School is a pioneer school and the largest secondary school in Swansea, South Wales, with approximately 1,700 pupils, including 357 in the Sixth Form. Situated in Sketty Park to the west of Sketty, it provides secondary education for GCSE and A-Level qualifications. Olchfa means 'washing place' in the English language.

Bishop Hedley High School is a Roman Catholic secondary school, established in 1967, and located in Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. The vast majority of the pupils of the school stem from the Heads of the Valleys, serving parishes from Aberdare, Hirwaun, Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Vale, Gurnos, Dowlais, Ebbw Vale, Tredegar and Rhymney. The school serves a catchment area of economic disadvantage which is a result of the decline of heavy industry, especially mining and steelmaking in the South Wales Valleys and the surrounding areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Our Lady's Catholic College</span> Voluntary aided school in Lancaster, Lancashire, England

Our Lady's Catholic College (OLCC) is a mixed sex secondary school for pupils aged 11–18. It is located in Skerton, just off the A6 road, north of the River Lune, Lancaster in the North West of England. Formerly Our Lady's Catholic High School, it changed its name after being awarded Specialist Sports College status in September 2003. The college teaches Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Sixth Form.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ysgol Morgan Llwyd</span> School in Wrexham, UK

Ysgol Morgan Llwyd is a Welsh-medium comprehensive school in Wrexham, in north-east Wales, UK. It is the first, and is the only Welsh-medium secondary school in Wrexham County Borough. It is named after the seventeenth-century preacher and author Morgan Llwyd. The school has been open at its present location in Cefn Road since 2000. Previously it was located on Stockwell Grove. The Headteacher is Ms. Catrin Prichard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni</span> Comprehensive school in Anglesey, Wales

Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni is a bilingual community comprehensive school for pupils aged 11 to 18 years old located in Llangefni, Anglesey. Pupils come from the town of Llangefni and the surrounding villages and rural areas. The school opened in 1953 and currently has 719 students on roll.

Ysgol John Bright is a secondary school on Maesdu Road, Llandudno in Conwy County Borough, Wales. It was founded with money and support from the social reformer John Bright, whose son died in Llandudno in 1864. Until 1969 the school was a selective grammar school known as John Bright Grammar School (JBGS). It reopened in September 1969 as a comprehensive and with a new name – Ysgol John Bright. The school serves the state secondary education sector in the Llandudno area and has around 1200 pupils. The current headteacher is Hywel Parry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brynteg School</span> Co-educational secondary comprehensive school in Bridgend, Wales

Brynteg School is one of the largest secondary schools in Wales. It is located on Ewenny Road in Bridgend, Wales. The school is one of seven comprehensive schools in the County Borough of Bridgend and mainly receives pupils from the Brackla, Litchard and Town Centre (Morfa) areas.

Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich (HBAED) is a secondary school and sixth form with academy status for boys, located in the Peckham area of the London Borough of Southwark, England. Students arrive from 55 different feeder schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ysgol Bro Gwaun</span> Comprehensive school in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Ysgol Bro Gwaun is a secondary comprehensive school in the town of Fishguard in north Pembrokeshire. It is a predominantly English-medium school with significant use of Welsh, and has a catchment area covering the towns of Fishguard and Goodwick, the villages of Scleddau, Letterston and Newport and the surrounding areas including the Gwaun valley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aylestone School</span> Community school in Hereford, Herefordshire, England

Aylestone School is a co-educational secondary school in Herefordshire, England. The school has an enrolment of 419, and caters for the Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 education of students aged 11–16.

Newtown High School is a secondary comprehensive school for boys and girls. The school is based on two campuses in the towns of Newtown and Presteigne in Powys. It caters for pupils aged 11 – 18 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bishopston Comprehensive School</span> Secondary school in Swansea, Wales, UK

Bishopston Comprehensive School is a comprehensive school in Bishopston, Swansea, Wales. It provides education to GCSE level, and has an enrollment as of September 2023 of 1,109 pupils and a total of 1,112 pupils. It was founded in 1976, in The Glebe, Bishopston, in the Gower Peninsula. The school is adjacent to the Bishopston Sports Centre and Bishopston Primary School.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Science education in England</span> Overview of science education in England

Science education in England is generally regulated at all levels for assessments that are England's, from 'primary' to 'tertiary' (university). Below university level, science education is the responsibility of three bodies: the Department for Education, Ofqual and the QAA, but at university level, science education is regulated by various professional bodies, and the Bologna Process via the QAA. The QAA also regulates science education for some qualifications that are not university degrees via various qualification boards, but not content for GCSEs, and GCE AS and A levels. Ofqual on the other hand regulates science education for GCSEs and AS/A levels, as well as all other qualifications, except those covered by the QAA, also via qualification boards.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Caldicot School's 2013 Estyn Report" (PDF).
  2. ↑ "Caldicot news December 2001". Archived from the original on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  3. ↑ "Caldicot News". www.caldicot.com. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  4. ↑ "Caldicot news September 2002". Archived from the original on 22 May 2008. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  5. ↑ "BBC News article - Monmouthshire to get two new secondary schools by 2016". 17 January 2014.
  6. ↑ "Millions needed to cover secondary schools' funding shortfall". Chepstow Beacon. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  7. ↑ Wightwick, Abbie (11 September 2017). "This is what a new £36.5m school looks like today". walesonline. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  8. ↑ "School field supermarket approved". BBC News. 4 February 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  9. ↑ "December 2015 Newsletter with information about the New Build". December 2015.
  10. ↑ "New £36m school opens in Caldicot". BBC News. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  11. ↑ "Press Release". www.interserve.com. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  12. ↑ "Curriculum | Caldicot School". www.caldicotschool.com. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  13. ↑ "Eteach - Caldicot School About us (19346)" . Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  14. ↑ "Year 9 Options | Caldicot School". www.caldicotschool.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  15. ↑ "English pupils will have to learn Welsh". The Independent. 3 March 1996. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  16. ↑ "GCSE Welsh second language short course dropped". ITV News. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  17. ↑ "Welsh | Caldicot School". www.caldicotschool.com. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  18. ↑ "Documents and Policies | Caldicot School". www.caldicotschool.com. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  19. ↑ "Caldicot School joy at good report". South Wales Argus.
  20. ↑ "Caldicot School's 2007 Estyn Report" (PDF). www.estyn.gov.wales.
  21. ↑ "BBC News Article of schools in the 'Yellow Band' in 2013" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  22. 1 2 "Caldicot School". mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  23. ↑ "My Local School". mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk/. Archived from the original on 24 July 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  24. ↑ "GCSE success on results day". Chepstow Beacon. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  25. ↑ "AS and A2 Exam Results | Caldicot School". www.caldicotschool.com. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  26. ↑ "Caldicot School's Uniform List".

51°35′22″N2°45′04″W / 51.58951°N 2.75114°W / 51.58951; -2.75114

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.