The opening of a brand new secondary school is an unusual and exciting event. At the moment, being Head of a 'virtual' school is a little bit strange but the most fabulous buildings are being completed as I write. An aesthetically pleasing design, with state of the art technology, Isambard Community School will share a purpose built campus with Red Oaks Primary School, Brimble Hill Primary Special School and Uplands Secondary Special School. The school will draw its students principally from the new developments of North Swindon. |
Rachael Mattey Headteacher |
My philosophy is that schools should be places where students are all different, all equal, and all achieving. Expectations should be met, and raised, needs identified and provided for, and barriers to learning and self-development broken down. I want Isambard to be a school that the local community can believe in, that is supportive and caring, and which, above all, makes a difference.
Isambard needs people who can support and develop this vision. A wide range of staff will be needed, increasing in number each year until the school has its full complement of 1200 students in 2011. All staff are important in the successful development of the school and we are looking for individuals who are not afraid of new ideas or challenges. The curriculum model is innovative, based on thematic modules and early, staged entry for external examinations. Adults other than teachers will be needed for roles such as Head of Year, in addition to the normal administrative and technical staff. In order to cater for individual needs, all students will have a personal academic tutor. All staff may be asked to take on this role. Creativity is at the heart of the Isambard vision, thanks to an exciting partnership with the arts organisation Artsmad and their Flux project. The formal academic curriculum will be complimented by an enrichment programme to which all staff may be asked to contribute.
I am passionate about young people enjoying their learning and achieving the skills and qualifications they will need to face the challenges of the future. The Governors and I are looking for people who are not afraid to take a leap into the unknown, who relish a challenge and who can offer creative solutions to the many problems that are bound to be encountered along the way. We hope you will be inspired to join us.
|
Students - We want all students to:
- Be inquisitive about life
- Be hungry for experience
- Be passionate about learning
- Be empowered to make informed decisions
- Experience the thrill of achievement
- Feel supported to step outside their comfort zone
- Strive to be the best they can be
- Respect each other, the environment and themselves
- Be kind, considerate and courteous within their communities
- Be healthy and stay safe
Curriculum - We want our curriculum to:
- Meet the needs of every individual
- Reflect an understanding of an ever changing world
- Deliver the national requirements in a fresh and stimulating manner
- Optimise the use of existing and emerging technologies and other resources.
Staff - We want to ensure all staff:
- Are passionate about teaching and learning
- Are appropriately qualified and motivated
- Are committed to the vision for Isambard
- Value every student for what they are and what they can achieve
- Challenge themselves and their students to achieve the highest possible standards of academic attainment and social behaviour
- Are committed to rigorous and effective self-evaluation
- Take advantage of high quality professional development opportunities
- Are aware of open to innovative working practices and techniques
- are positive role models for students and other staff
Community - We want:
- everyone to feel welcomed
- the community to contribute to the development of our school
- challenge and extend the traditional boundaries between the school and its partners
- the school to be a focus for lifelong learning in the community
- the community to feel proud of our school
Vision |
Isambard Community School is an innovative community learning centre delivering sustainable, high quality, inclusive education. All students are empowered to achieve the highest possible academic, social and personal standards. |
|