St Martins School
Headteacher’s Report
to
School Governors
July 15th 2014
St Martins School Headteacher’s Report to Governors
Number on role :90
Attendance and Exclusions:
% Attendance
% Unauthorised
pupils on roll
new starters
leavers
Exclusions
no. of days
no. of students
no. of exclusions
Summer 2014
Spring 2014
Autumn 2013
Summer 2013
Spring 2013
Autumn 2012
Summer 2012
Spring 2012
Autumn 2011
ST MARTINS SCHOOL - Attendance & Exclusions 2011 to 2014
85%
1.3%
80
21
1
84%
1.4%
79
2
2
85%
1.2%
79
0
17
92%
1.1%
87
25
2
91%
1.5%
85
0
0
88%
0.9%
89
4
13
90%
0.6%
88
18
2
90%
1.1%
87
2
1
90%
1.1%
90
2
0
5
2
2
10
3
4
8
3
3
24
8
11
10.5
5
6
8
3
3
11.5
6
8
5.5
4
4
3
2
2
“It is clear from their attitudes to school and their attendance that pupils make strong progress in
their personal development and are extremely proud to be a part of the ‘family’ “.Ofsted
Complaints: There have been no official complaints received this term
Staffing:
For September 2013 the school will have experienced a 34.6% increase in student numbers to 107 since
2010, with a commensurate 44.7% increase in staffing numbers from 26.5% to 47.9%. There has been a
proportionate increase in school budget to just over £2 million to support the increased staffing costs.
Changes over the year to set us up for September are as follows. After making an outstanding
contribution to KS3 and school in general, Dave Braybrooke has left to take up a senior leadership post at
the Fountains School under the tutelage of Melsa Buxton. He has been replaced for September by Claire
Greaves, an experienced and enthusiastic SEN teacher who, I am sure, will bring new in skills and make
a valuable contribution to Jan Leek’s KS3 team. Laura Crawford has moved from ASD to the KS3 team at
Easter to take over Dave Braybrooke’s class, and Jon Millward and Tim Oxley have done an excellent job
covering his Art Mark role. Jon will take up this lead Art Mark responsibility in September with Tim leading
on Alternative Technologies.
Matthew Flaherty joined us as a TA at Easter and has made a positive impact on students in ASD and
across school. For September, we have employed another young TA called David Yorke and he will also
be joined by a Sports Apprentice, yet to be interviewed. Nicole Stephenson, who was an apprentice last
year has had this converted to a full time TA post from Easter after making successful progress in Kerry
Waltho’s team under the astute guidance of Val Town and Janet Rodgers. We have also set up a three
year contract with the NHS to take on a Speech Language and Communication Practitioner for 2 days a
week.
Horizons Post 16 provision will start with 15 students in September and Brenda Kiernan and Joe
Johnson were successful applicants for leading what will be a new SEN 6 th form provision for the
Derwent Campus and Derby City. We are already planning for an expansion to this for September 2014
with a city centre training venue. Gus Gormley, supported by Judith Malone, has led a new team of parttime Learning Mentors created to support students needing 1-1 alternative curriculum sessions. We have
seen positive improvements in students involved in these sessions with this team: Steve Duffy; Ruth
Killingworth; Ryan Mozeley; Alice Malone; Earl Richards.
Equal Pay Review-Gary and Michele have been attending consultation meetings at the LA on the EPR
to be implemented in full in April 2014. GD has done two powerpoint presentations to staff on the Value
and Profession of being a TA at St Martins, and also on the implications of the EPR on staff working
conditions and hours for April.
Staff attendance figures:
The levels of staff well-being and commitment are positively reflected in the attendance figures of over
96% shown below. At the final full staff meeting in July, all staff receive their own individual attendance
percentages with their CPD plan for the year. It is important to keep staff informed with such relevant
data.
Attendance percentages:
2011/12: Full Staff- 96.5%
Teachers:97.96%.
TA Support Team:95.15%.
2012/13: Full Staff- 96.45%
Teachers: 97.01% with 7 staff on 99-100%
TA Support Team: 95.89% with 7 staff on 99-100%
Teaching Support Team: Kerry Waltho
The Teaching Assistant team continues to grow: Matt Flatherty has joined the Galaxy department and
David Yorke will be joining the KS3 team as from September. Performance Management is on-going and
the introduction of the 21 Teaching Assistant Standards is proving a success. This model is now being
used in other schools across the city. Professional and Personal development continues to thrive, with
more staff taking lead roles in Teaching and Learning.The teaching assistants continued commitment with
extra -curricular activities is a credit to staff and school. All KS3 staff are trained in Read Write Inc and a
number have completed first Aid and Kite training. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Kerry for
her leadership and all the team for their hard work which enabled this year to be a success.
The Derwent Campus co-location
We moved into the new campus after a week’s delay in opening the building, and credit must go to all the
staff who continued to work effectively from our Pride Park base for that time. Once in the new build both
staff and students adapted quickly to the new environment and we now feel part of the campus and are
fully enjoying the working and learning opportunities it provides for us. We have facilities, rooms and
resources that are the envy of many other schools and we can reflect on this year and see the positive
impact the move has had on teaching and learning.
Our partnership with Noel Baker has strengthen the vision and objectives we set for ourselves, and our
co-location meetings with Governors, Executive, Student Council and staffing interactions have confirmed
this. Our students integrate comfortably with students from Noel Baker and we have successfully run
partnership projects in Btec Dance, Work Experience placements, sports events for staff and students,
and the LEAP KS4 Noel Baker course. We have also jointly set up the new post 16 Horizons SEN 6 th
form course with the Head of Noel Baker 6th Form.
Staffing reports on their roles and responsibilities
“Teachers and other staff relish and delight in their roles in supporting and promoting
learning in the school and lead by example. This is based on all members of the school playing their
part within a strong learning community and being enabled to reach their full potential. This was
clearly demonstrated by the commitment of all members of the school community to contribute to
the outstanding personal and academic progress that pupils make, in any way that they can. All
aspects of the school’s work are outstanding and have improved since the previous inspection. This
is because the headteacher has inspired a dynamic vision with pupils and their development at the
heart of all that the school does, and which the whole school community fully believes” in.” Ofsted
Shally Saleri-Palmer : Deputy Headteacher
Inclusion with Noel-Baker
We have developed a series of inclusion links this year since joining Noel-Baker on the Derwent Campus.
The most successful to date was our students involvement in the Btec Dance Show. As a result of this
starting in September yr 9 and 10 girls will be accessing the Btec Dance qualification that will be led by
the Noel-Baker P.E team and our own Terrie Waddington. They also joined the Opening Ceremony with
Dame Margaret Beckett MP for Derby South.
I will be continuing to meet regularly with Margaret (Deputy Head of Noel-Baker) to develop an Inclusion
programme for our higher ability students to access lessons including literacy and numeracy. Some taster
sessions will begin hopefully before the end of term.
Staff training (INSET and meetings)
I have planned an extensive programme of staff training this year and as always all the staff have fully
committed to all new initiatives. We have had training on Speech and Language and Attachment Theory
from other professionals. INSETs that I have delivered alongside our staff has included training on
questioning (which was commented upon in the OFSTED report), thinking hats and use of Ipads,
whiteboards and RM maths. Next term the focus of training will be on introducing new schemes we will be
implementing from Autumn 2013. Rapid Reading and Maths are catch up programmes designed
specifically for SEN students and Abacus Maths a comprehensive primary Maths scheme that includes
online planning and student home access.
Staff meeting time has also been used to consult with all staff about curriculum content and timetabling.
This has then meant that we have been able to review the teaching of core subjects and ensure that
adequate time is allocated to English and Maths.
We have also organised a Planning and Team Building INSET for 5th September at Centre Parcs,
Sherwood, Nottinghamshire.
Assessment
Together with Jan Leek we have begun to have sessions moderating students writing which has already
produced very positive professional discussions around levelling.
I have also implemented an electronic system that tracks pupils across the school and benchmarks their
progress against other SEN students nationally. I will begin to analyse this data from September.
We are planning to deliver Functional Skills English and Maths schemes of work in Key stage 4 to
continue to improve how we map student’s progress through Key Stage 4. Year 9 students have been
assessed using functional skills materials to improve transition between Key stage 3 to 4.Students will be
entered for examinations biannually to ensure progress through the levels throughout Key stage 4.
Safe-guarding : Judith Malone
Safety remains paramount at St Martins, and we have rigorous safeguarding policies and procedures in
place. With the move to our new school this inevitably meant a review of our safe-guarding procedures,
particularly in relation to the geography and layout of the school and site. Coincidently our recent Ofsted
inspection graded our safeguarding as outstanding. All staff know that safeguarding is of the utmost
importance and our daily briefings alert staff to any child protection and safeguarding issues and
concerns, and we pride ourselves on our culture of open and effective communication between all our
staff and pupils and our excellent pastoral support. We have regular INSET in this respect for all staff
teams, and all new staff in September 2012 were given staff training . We work proactively with outside
agencies to ensure that our intervention with for example our most vulnerable pupils is positive and
designed to meet their particular needs . In our last student questionnaire 95%of students responded
saying they felt safe in school all the time with 5% saying they felt safe most of the time.
Senco : Judith Malone
Ours pupil numbers have increased to 87 with 4 double funded places. I have conducted the Annual
Statement Reviews of our pupils with them and their parents with the vast majority reporting how very
pleased they are with our new school and the quality of education and support that we give both social
and emotional. As our pupil numbers continue to rise it has been decided to share responsibility for this
work with Emma Banks and Gus Gormley. I continue to work very closely with a multitude of outside
agencies in an effective and proactive way for example Speech and Language and Hearing Impairment
experts the Schools Nurse Service CAMHS etc. The intention of such interventions is always that our
pupils are able to make the most of the educational opportunities we offer with relevant and directed
support to this end I have organised a series of meetings for staff, on for example, dyslexia raising their
awareness so that they are able to respond to pupils in the classroom with this condition. Additional
resources have been purchased for the next academic year to assist with this. Increasingly we have EAL
pupils who come to our school and again we have to respond and ensure that we meet their particular
needs using interpreters where needed. Those currently with us are thriving as they become ever more
competent and confident in their understanding and use of English. This we trust will continue as they
access our Post 16 provision next year in Horizons.
Teaching Schools designation:Gary Dodds
In April, after a lengthy process with the National College for School Leadership, we were successfully
given the designation of Teaching School status, and have led this national development in the city. We
are now the Derby Schools Teaching Alliance and have replaced the previous Derby Schools Learning
Partnership. We will contribute to the teacher training, leadership development, school to school support
and CPD across the region. We have received £90K which is managed and banked with the St Benedicts
Trust and we have appointed a Teaching Schools Director and office Administrator to run this project. We
have alrewady started supporting B.Ed students in school from the Derby University Teacher Training
courses ,with our staff receiving free mentor training. We will be offering senior staff opportunities to train
as Specialist Leaders in Education, along with the National Leader in Education training for the
headteacher. This designation will also help us to recruit and train our own future teachers through the
Schools Direct route.
National College recognition: Gary Dodds
On July 3rd, the school has just been given National Support School status with Gary Dodds,
headteacher being approved to be an NLE( National Leader in Education), one of only three in all
Derby City schools. This NLE award recognises the outstanding practice in St Martins, and creates
funding for us to support other schools who are in special measures or notice to improve. In the
forthcoming year, we will be looking to create SLE’s(Specialist Leaders in Education), as well as
promoting National Professional Qualifications in Middle and Senior Leadership for staff at St Martins. As
part of our continued CPD Strategy of Leadership Excellence.
Maths – Matt Buxton
The students have worked really well in their accreditation in maths this year at year 11 with all gaining
excellent results. 11 students have got their entry level 3, 9 have achieved entry level 2 and 3 students
achieved entry level 1. Most students have achieved entry level 2 in their Functional Maths Accreditation,
1 student in year 8 has achieved OCR Adult Numeracy level 2 (GCSE equivalent to grades A-C) which is
an excellent achievement and 1 student from year 10 and one in year 11 have achieved OCR Adult
Numeracy level 1(GCSE equivalent to grades D-G) - Thanks to Mark Liquorish and Jan Leek for
supporting the students in their studies. I will be teaching more in Key Stage 4 next year and in Horizons
to support the students in their accreditation and Functional Maths skills. Key stage 3 has had some
developments and we have used our own scheme following the National Curriculum objectives. Next year
we will be having whole school CPD training to use 2 new schemes, one called Rapid Maths to support
the numeracy skills and the other Abacus Maths to support their numeracy skills for using and applying,
shape, space and measuring and data collection.
Appraisal/Performance Management- M.Buxton 2012/13
Staff have completed their Performance Management Cycle which this year has followed our new
Performance Management Policy which we has been written and has been renamed as Teacher
Appraisal Policy. Staff continue to have good-outstanding lessons and are informed via the Learning
Platform of level descriptors through the Ofsted framework how to develop the attitudes, skills and
knowledge for the students and make their lessons outstanding. Appraisal this year consisted of initial
interviews with the SLT followed by two observations. There has also been light touch/climate walks by
the Executive SLT throughout the year.
The lesson observation grades are listed below for 2011/12 and 2012/13:
Ofsted related grades: 1 outstanding, 2 good, 3 satisfactory, 4 unsatisfactory. These grades have now
been changed in the new framework to: 1 outstanding, 2 good, 3 requires improvement and 4
Inadequate.
2011/2012
Lesson
observations
round 1
November 2011
Lesson
observations
round 2
May 2012
Overall
observation
grades 2011/12
2012/2013
Lesson
observations
round 1
November 2012
Lesson
observations
round 2
May 2013
Overall
observation
grades 2012/13
Outstanding (1)
Good (2)
Satisfactory (3)
Unsatisfactory (4)
3
8
0
0
6
8
0
0
9
16
0
0
Outstanding (1)
Good (2)
Requires
improvement (3)
Inadequate (4)
11
5
0
0
9
3
1
0
20
8
1 ( re-observed in
June and upgraded to Good)
0
Science –Mark Liquorish: This year in KS4 Science we have been continuing to develop the resources
for the OCR Entry Level Award. The first batch of students has completed this award and the levels this
cohort have managed, are marginally lower compared to the previous Entry Level Science Award. This
reinforced my concerns with this award, that the pace at which it needs to be delivered due to its weighty
content, clearly does not suit a large percentage of our learners. Next year for the new Y 10 students, we
will follow AIM units; which should both suit the learning style students better and build the students skills
in Environmental Science (reinforcing our Eco school status). The Aim system should also allow for us to
provide both Entry Level 3 and Level one units, making progression possible.
Science week was a great success this year; the subject inventions and discoveries gave us carte
blanche to thrill the kids with explosions, goo and lots of exciting/ engaging activities. In KS 3 we have
introduced two new exciting aspects to the existing curriculum:
The Derby Peregrine Falcon study. in collaboration with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. The Students have
been following the development of this year’s chicks via video link and have recently visited Cathedral
Green meeting up with Derbyshire wildlife trust’s peregrine experts. The students used the telescopes
they provided and even witnessed; the adult bird hunting pigeons over the Cathedral Green. At the
beginning of the year David Braybrooke’s group took part in an International Science exchange
through, the British Council’s online climate change project. We were linked with a group of extremely
talented young people in Buenos Aries with whom we exchanged ideas via the web and email. The
project was successful and we have now begun a pen pal project with the Argentinian school.
KS4: Mark Liquorish As the new leader of KS 4 this report is a testament to the hard work of the entire
team. They have continued to develop and enrich the curriculum, and our students are continuing to
benefit as a result of their outstanding dedication. The staff have stepped up to challenge of managing,
timetabling and integrating students who have come from the Personalised Learning unit, with great
success. The team smoothly managed the demands and challenges of a new building. The Curriculum
has progressed and expanded in diversity: The Film making options group have produced an
entertained and excellent film, based on the SHAPE Curriculum which massively impressed our
OFSTED visitors.Our first Plumbing award was successfully achieved this year. Our nurture group (KS
4c) ran for the first time this year, four AIM independent living awards, to replace the EDEXCEL units we
previously offered.
Transition: Chrissy Owen Year 6 – Year 7
In September 2013 seventeen Year 7 students will be on roll at St Martins. The students are transferring
from eight different schools. St Martin’s staff have visited the students in their current schools to observe
and liaise with staff so that we are all well-informed and ready to meet individual needs in the new term.
Staff have also attended Statutory Annual Reviews, Common Assessment Framework meetings and
other multi-agency meetings where possible. Induction programmes have been arranged to cater for
individual needs.
This term the students have enjoyed a number of short taster sessions and half-days at St Martins. On
the 8th of July they will be attending for a full day. During their transition visits, students have been
accompanied by staff from their current schools. Our Primary colleagues have enjoyed looking around the
new building. The parents of Year 5 students are now visiting us and we are already looking to our intake
for September 2014.
Key Stage 3 – Jan Leek
Organisation:
Thank you to everyone in the Key Stage 3 team. Consistency, good communication and team work have
been key to the smooth running of the team which has been particularly challenging as we have settled
into our wonderful new school. Everyone in school continues to have high expectations of student
behaviour and conduct, including the wearing of school uniform. Students have made good progress,
many outstanding, in most subjects. This year there have been 39 students in 4 classes. Brenda
Keirnan joined us in September 2012 and will be leading the new Key Stage 5 Horizons group within
school, as from September 2013, using her previous expertise in accreditation at this Key Stage. Brenda
has taught one of two year 9 groups, who are currently being assessed for their transition into Key Stage
4. Many Year 9 students have successfully completed accredited courses this year.
Thanks and good luck to Brenda. Dave Braybrooke - the other year 9 teacher - gained a promotion as
Key Stage 3 leader at Fountains School. We wish Dave well, and welcome Laura Crawford to the team
who will work alongside Claire Greaves - recently recruited from Alfreton Special Needs School. Claire
will also teach a year 9 group.
New Teaching assistants, Bryony Gee and Emily Cross have settled successfully into Key Stage 3 and
have been an asset to the team and the school. All new staff have completed appropriate training
courses. We will also welcome a new teaching assistant into the team in September - Dave Yorke.
There will be 4 classes again, a year 7 group, a year 8 group and two year 9 groups. The year 7s have
settled successfully thanks to Dave Wells. We look forward to meeting our new Y7s on 8 th July 2013 on
the City’s moving up day. Thanks also to Ollie Hubbard who is moving to work in the Key Stage 4 team.
Ollie has been a valuable member of the Key Stage 3 team, and will be missed!
Curriculum KS3 - Jan Leek
We will continue to follow a progressive topic based curriculum incorporating the SHAPE concept.
Students have a much better understanding of ‘SHAPE’ and are able to identify the different elements.
Assemblies also reinforce this and students look forward to, and enjoy these. We introduced an
additional literacy lesson in September to support the successful phonics work we do in Read Write Inc.
These lessons have focused on improving writing. We have looked at specific genres and have targeted
grammar and punctuation. Most students are able to draft and edit their writing to make improvements.
When planning takes place for 2013-14, we will discuss the pros and cons of setting – ability wise – in
maths. This should support the teaching and assessment of maths more accurately. New maths
schemes are being examined and purchased which also include homework books for reinforcement.
Students will continue to have discrete lessons weekly in PHSE and Citizenship.
The yellow (attitudes) and green (skills) credits and Star of the Week continue to be good incentives for
behaviour and learning and are celebrated each Friday afternoon in our KS3 Assembly.
Behaviour and Attendance KS3 JL
Attendance in KS3 continues to be a priority as is behaviour. Individual Behaviour Plans are put in place
when needed as are tailored time-tables. Several students have a home-school diary with targets. The
well-being team continue to support some students and their families with social and emotional needs.
Residentials and Educational Visits - KS3 JL
Once again, due to the dedication and support of staff, all students have been given several opportunities
to take part in residential visits both in Britain and abroad. These include trips to The Peak Centre at
Edale and Shining Cliff Wood. The Comenius Project has enhanced this further, with visits to France,
Norway and Denmark. Students have a wide range of learning experiences which take place outside the
classroom. These again include visits to various religious places of worship, such as the Church,
Gurdwara, Buddhist Temple and the Mosque as well as museums such as The Black Country Museum
and The Brewhouse Museum. Many more trips take place- too numerous to mention them all - such as
theatre and cinema trips, tree-planting in Rosliston, visiting local and rural environments and the charity
supported fun-fair. Many in-school events also enhance learning, such as the Science day, Fair Trade
fortnight, Red Nose Day, Jump Rope for Heart day, Circusology and ‘Unusual’ animals.
Assessment
Staff continue to assess consistently using the 3-termly system of ‘assessing and target-setting’. We
have now begun to moderate across school, with literacy, in particular writing, being a key focus to begin
with. Staff will re-examine the use of the students’ Silver Files to assess their value and make the best
use of these on planned Inset day 1st July 2013.
KS4C SLD. Val Town
This year has been very successful for our students, they have achieved a number of Aim Award
accreditations in Staying Safe, Using Public Transport, Personal Presentation, Presentation Software,
Staying Safe, Using Domestic Appliances and they all achieved either Entry Level 1 or 2 in these
subjects. Two students have taken part in work experience at the local hairdressers and the Mind shop
within our community, additional support was put into place for them to learn to travel independently, this
enabled them to be successful in getting to and from the placements every week. The students took a trip
into town using public transport to gain the skills required for travelling independently as part of their
accreditation module. Students attended a Danger Ranger day which is an event aimed at helping young
people with disabilities deal with emergencies they also had the opportunity to meet the emergency
services, learn what to do having witnessed a crime, how to stay safe in a house fire, learn the correct
way of dealing with a chip pan fire and take part in lots of other exciting activities! The day was enjoyed
by all the students and furthermore reinforced learning around fire safety and personal safety.
This year’s residential trip was to the Haven Holiday Park in Mablethorpe. It was enjoyed by all. The
students had the opportunity to take part in various activities on offer, although they mainly liked the
bikes, the swimming pool and the entertainment in the evening. A big thank you to Janet Rodgers, Nicole
Stephenson and Michael Howell for their support on this residential.As a reward for the class being joint
winners of the X-factor 2012 competition the group had a treat and went for lunch and then on to see the
Peter Pan Pantomime at the Assembly Rooms. A very enjoyable day out.
The staff in KS4C would like to say that we are very happy with everything that the students have
achieved this year, although the students have varying challenges their needs have been met and
progress has been made successfully, through the hard work and dedication of the staff, furthermore,
positive relationships have been formed with parents and carers of our students. Thank you to Zelmira
and Iwona, the interpreters that have enabled our students to access the curriculum and support in their
achievements and home school communication.
Galaxy Department ASD/Complex Needs – Matt Buxton
The Galaxy Department has extended this year with an additional class following our move to the new
site. 3 classes – Galaxy, Starburst and Supernova are based upstairs in the Department with another
class CN3 based in the KS3 area. We have had a really positive year including the big move and
changes to the structure of the team which has included lots of challenging but positive experiences for
the students including a week residential visit to Centre Parcs in October for most of the students, an
overnight stay at Earlswood this term for some of our newest students in Supernova, an overnight stay for
Starburst in Hull and 2 nights for our oldest students at Grin Low Cottage near Buxton this month, all of
which have a positive impact on the students social and life skills as well as their academic progress.
Some students in the department have a weekly session at the RDA Horse Riding Centre in Scropton
where students work on their core balance skills and other horse riding abilities to control of the horse by
using hands, feet, knees and voice. Our students really benefit from Citizenship in the local community
which they all partake in each week including visits to museums, parks and cafes to support their
independence and social skills as well as their literacy and numeracy skills. Visit highlights over the year
have also included West Midlands Safari Park and Conkers. All the students in the department took part
in the Comenius Project week in school but one student Aiden Moore in year 8 was able to join other
students in Key Stage 3 with myself and 2 other staff for a week in Denmark which was an excellent
achievement for him. All the students were good ambassadors for St Martins School.
We have had a year of changes with new staff joining the team as well as a class being devolved. Matt
Buxton is supported by Jill Brewin in Galaxy class; Chrissy Owen in Starburst is supported by Helen
Penny and Lorraine Woodward both new to the team although Helen was with us on a temporary basis
for most of last year. Mandy Fink our new teacher from the Phoenix Suite at Brackensdale is in
Supernova and is supported by Tammy Pearson and recently Matt Flaherty who was successful at
interview as a TA and some individual student support within the group. Laura Crawford headed up CN3
with Lindsey Blavins and John Millward supporting but the class has now devolved and pupils have joined
other classes in KS3 following Laura’s move to a KS3 class. The new staff have brought their knowledge
and understanding of pupils with ASD to enhance the department team.
The students have settled really well in the new building and have welcome the structured and nurturing
environment found in all our classes, the purpose built therapy rooms and the new and much improved
Sensory Room which are both used by other students in the school. All classes in the department
upstairs follow the TEACCH structure which includes individualised timetables and sessions. This again
supports the students in their everyday anxieties to support students skills and attitudes towards learning
including their independence. They also use the outside covered area for lessons and some social times.
Transitions for our present students and the new September cohort will be happening this term. We have
had visits from the students joining us in September with morning or afternoon group sessions. Students
in year 11 in the Galaxy Class have done very well in their accreditations including Animal Care,
Mechanics, Film making, Technology, as well as Maths and English where the results were particularly
good. This will help them next year in Horizons where most will be studying next year.
Further development will include the assessment of students skills based on communication and Social
skills for students with ASD/complex needs as well as restarting the ASD Families and Carers Support
Group which we have hosted on previous occasions so they can get together for an informal supportive
chat with other parents/carers, as a means of strengthening relationships between families, students and
school as well as sharing advice and guidance.
Educational Visits and residentials: Bill Stone
Broadening Horizons could not be a more fitting description of St Martin’s Residentials.
The year 2012-2013 has been an exceptional year with regard to students’ residential experiences,
largely due to Dan Tranter and the Comenius Project. Gary Dodds led a group of six students to
Toulouse, Gus Gormley took five students to Norway and Matt Buxton took six students to Copenhagen.
Our young people enjoyed the travel, culture, food, friendship and languages of Europe for between 5
and 7 days. Whilst our students were in Europe, we hosted six students and staff from Norway and six
students and staff from France. They were genuinely over-awed by the School, the friendliness of our
students and the fantastic itinerary organised by Dan.As well as seventeen of our pupils flying to Europe
for the first time ten Key Stage 4 students went to the Somme, France travelling by mini-bus and boat and
two went to Osnabruck, Germany flying from East Midlands Airport.Listed below are all our residential
trips abroad and in England and the numbers of pupils taking part.
Venue
European residentials
Oslo, Norway
No of Pupils
Year Group
5
Key Stage 3
Copenhagen, Denmark
6
Key Stage 3
Toulouse, France
6
Osnabruck, Germany
2
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Eurocamp, Picardy, France
9
Key Stage 4
Valleta, Malta
2 staff Tim Oxley; Brenda Kiernan CPD ICT
training course through European Funding
Mandy Fink in JUne-Holocaust Funding. Visit to
Austwitz to inform students-assembly done
Krakow, Poland
England residentials
Edale Peak Centre, Derbyshire
21
Key Stage 3
Earlswood Log Cabin, Solihull
4
Galaxy
Shining Cliff Hostel, Derbyshire
10
Key Stage 3
Golden Sands Holiday Park, Lincolnshire
7
Key Stage 4
Thorpe Farm, Hathersage, Derbyshire
5
Key Stage 3 and 4
Grinlow Cottage, Derbyshire
5
Galaxy
Centreparcs, Sherwood Forest, Notts
10
Galaxy
Premier Inn Hull and the Deep Centre
5
Galaxy
Hollowford Hostel, Derbys
8
Key Stage 4
Skegness Homes( run independent of 10
Cross school
school but organised through school)
Totals :
17 Venues ;111 student residential places(some students went on more than one); 48 staff
attendance(some attended more than one);73 supervised residential days or 1.722
supervised hours .
On the residential trips students take part in a number of predominantly activities including walking,
climbing, abseiling, cycling, shelter building, and woodcrafts all designed to be physically and mentally
demanding and to make pupils more independent, co-operative and resourceful.
I am grateful to all my staff for their hard work, organising and giving up their own time.I
encourage staff to take students on educational trips to support learning especially topic work, below are
some of the visits undertaken by the School:
Critch Tramway Museum; Sealife Centre; Kedleston Hall; Elvaston Castle; Normanton Mosque; Art
Galleries; Farm visit; Derby Fire Station; Cadbury World; Horseriding; Fruit Picking
Eco-Schools:Dave Wells
Having achieved the Eco-Schools Silver Award since the last Head Teacher Report, we started the new
year with a new Eco-Schools committee-Afear Logan, Ricky Stone, Tessa Wright [parent governor] and
Dave wells [teacher]- and a goal of achieving the Green Flag (the ultimate Eco-Schools Award). The big
differences between Silver and Green Flag are the requirement for wider school involvement in project
work and involvement of the wider community, and that Green Flag is externally assessed.
It soon became obvious that we would need to repeat much of the work done previously (to achieve
Silver award status) since we are on the new site in a completely different environment.First, we
completed an Environmental Review (with the help of three representatives of Balfour Beatty), covering
the Eco-Schools nine topics. From this review, we produced an Action Plan which identified three of these
topics (Biodiversity, Waste Minimisation/ Recycling, Energy), with targets and deadlines covering eleven
issues. It has proved more difficult than on the previous site to meet these targets due to the necessity to
involve Balfour Beatty in changes we wish to make. At the time of writing, we have met or partially met
five of these targets:
1.To attract more birds into the school grounds.Squirrel-resistant and squirrel- friendly bird feeders were
installed by January 2013. Eco-Schools committee refill them on weekly basis. At last we have some blue
tits in the grounds (in addition to the magpies, pigeons and squirrels!) but we need more classes
throughout the school to put out their bird-feeders.
2. To make sure recyclable waste is recycled and that food waste is composted.Paper, card, cans,
plastic bottles are now separated in school and collected separately. Ink cartridges from school printers
and photocopier are now recycled through RECYCLE CARTRIDGE. Food waste is still collected with all
other waste, but the whole school involvement in Waste Week (March 2012), which was launched by a
whole-school assembly, identified the disposable polystyrene cups used at lunchtime as a huge
unnecessary waste, and so we now use re-usable plastic cups, thanks to the co-operation of the kitchen
staff. Michelle from the kitchen and cleaning staff joined the Eco-Committee in March, which greatly
helped this change.
3. To control the amount of paper wasted in the photocopy room.DW takes wasted paper to the staff
room each day to be collected, BUT there is still too much paper being wasted.
4. To encourage the re-use of materials, especially paper. Every classroom has a scrap paper draw.
5. To reduce the number of electrical appliances left on when classrooms are not in use.
The Eco Committee used a whole-school assembly, at which our OFSTED inspectors were present, (and
sufficiently influenced to switch off the lights in their room!) to launch whole school involvement in “Switch
Off Fortnight”. This has been successful in reducing the amount of appliances left on by staff and
students, BUT it has identified another (perhaps bigger) issue i.e. the number of lights which remain on
even when not needed and which are out of our control. However, the Eco-Committee has recently had
a meeting with Joe Randall, BB Facilities Manager, and he has promised to do all he can to help.
The whole school is kept informed of (and involved in) our activities through our assemblies and the EcoSchools Noticeboard, but we also need to ensure that environmental issues are being covered within
curriculum work in most year groups. The wider community has also been kept informed of our activities
through items in the school newsletter. There is still much to be done AS A WHOLE SCHOOL before we
can confidently apply for Green Flag status, but I feel that we are well on the way, and should be in a
good position by next year.
Citizenship and Fair Trade
KS3 classes have continued to use the QCA KS3 Schemes of Work as a framework to cover the Key
Concepts for Citizenship (Democracy & Justice, Rights & Responsibilities, Identity & Diversity),
each class covering 3 or 4 units, incorporating them into topic themes and teaching them as a discrete
weekly lesson. Citizenship is taught in KS4 mainly through use of relevant NOCN units, covering topics
such as Diversity in Society, Teamwork Skills, Rights and Responsibilities, and Law and Order.
School activities and events included:
-Black History Week (October), where a Black Heroes and Heroines Quiz was followed by an assembly
taken by our regular visiting speaker, “G-Man”
- An assembly and a poster competition to support Anti-Bullying Week (November).
- All of KS3 participated in the national “Show Racism the Red Card” competition. One entry (a poster)
was selected to be forwarded for the national judging in the Special Needs section, and was awarded a
Certificate of Merit, whilst KS3A’s Sean Treece’s video was entered in the “All Ages and Abilities Multi
Media” section, and was awarded 3rd prize. He travelled to Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge to collect his
prize, and his video was shown on the big screen in Derby Market Place (thanks to Joe Johnson).
- All of KS3 participated in the national “Send My Friend to School” event, on the theme of “Every Child
Needs a Teacher”. Following a whole-school assembly, some of the students designed their “ideal
teacher”, which we hope to deliver to Margaret Beckett, so that she can pass them on to David Cameron.
Fairtrade School status:
We have made several steps in the process to achieve Fair Trade Status.
- To sell, promote and use Fairtrade products as much as possible.
- KS3D (with S.S-P) ran tuck shop for a short time in autumn term 2012; some FT fruit sold.
- FT
tea and coffee are used in the Staff Room; Joy Collins has made contact with a tea and coffee
importer/supplier in Chesterfield; a group of students visited with Joy and DW in February 2013.
- Some FT products are used in Food technology.
- Whole school learns about Fairtrade in at least three subjects in each of two year groups.
The issue is already embedded in the curriculum of KS3A, where the students learn about Fairtrade as
part of their Food topic, and in Citizenship (Debating a Global Issue). It is now also, importantly (see
below), the subject of KS3C’s “Positive Contribution” topic.
-The school promotes and takes action for Fairtrade at least once a term in the school and once a year in
the wider community.
Autumn term:
-Tuck shop with FT fruit
Spring term:
- Whole school assembly (G.Dodds).
-Ms Kiernan and KS3C ran a very successful FairTrade Café and shop for two days at the end of March.
Students from the whole school and LEAP attended. All parents were sent invitations along with a
FairTrade catalogue and order form; several parents attended, whilst others placed orders from the
catalogue.
-Items in Spring 2 newsletter.
-Summer term (planned events):Stall at Summer Fair (as last year); Stall at Parents’ Evening
Global Education: Dave.Wells
I conducted a whole school staff training session during our enforced delayed start to the academic year
at Pride Park. I used materials from The British Council and the “Global Education in Partnership” course
I attended last year, and finished the morning with the whole staff supporting the idea of developing the
Global Dimension in St Martins through collaboration with an International Link School. Back in school, I
involved the students in the concept of a school partnership, using a whole school assembly to survey
their preferences.I then used the British Council website to search for a partner school in the chosen
countries (India and South Africa), a search which finally ended when we established a partnership with
Udayachal High School in Mumbai, India, just before Christmas.
There then ensued the lengthy process of putting together a bid to the British Council for a Partnership
Project Grant through their Connecting Classrooms project, to fund reciprocal staff visits. In March, we
were awarded a grant of £3000 (for both schools), by which time students in KS3A, KS3B and KS3C had
exchanged work with students from Udayachal, by post and through our website. We now need to show
evidence of moving from the “Preparing for partnership” phase to the “Developing the partnership” phase,
by entering into collaborative projects with our Indian partners.
In March, Chrissy Owen, Joy Collins and two KS4 students had a very successful visit to our partner
school in Germany-the Ann Franke Schule in Osnabruck. In May, the connections made last year via
the Comenius Project were strengthened when groups of St Martins staff and students visited schools
in France, Denmark and Norway, whilst, at the same time Staff and students from the French and
Norwegian schools visited St Martins. The intrepid travellers from Derby certainly enjoyed and learned a
lot from their visits, whilst their counterparts were given a very warm welcome by Dan Tranter and the rest
of St Martins, with many activities and visits being centred around the British (and Dan’s) love of food! Joe
Johnson has kept alive our partnership with Chalinze School in Tanzania keeping them up to date with
developments at St Martins by sending them our school newsletters.
Malta ,July:Brenda Kiernan and Tim Oxley are flying out to Malta to work with other ICT teachers to
look at new ways of delivering ICT in schools.
Poland- Mandy Fink successfully applied to get funding from the Holocaust Memorial Fund and went to
Poland and Austwitz for the day.This project also involved going to Manchester for an induction and debrief. Mandy is going to raise awareness of the Holocaust in an assembly.
The Global Dimension continues to be embedded in the curriculum of the school through activities such
as:
• European Awareness:Years 7,8 and 9 study the culture and language of France, following the "Salut!
Ca va" programme.
• Festivals and Celebrations: Students throughout the school learn about how people from various
religions and cultures throughout the world celebrate special occasions .
(e.g. Diwali, Ramadan and Eid, Hannukah, Christmas and Easter, Chinese New Year, Remembrance
Sunday). Activities have included: visiting the local Buddhist temple, Gurdwara, Mosque and church
• Food: KS3A studied a “Food” topic which included: finding out where our food comes from, looking at
how the world’s food is shared, and learning about Fairtrade by looking at cocoa growing in Ghana and
the production of chocolate. KS3B and KS3C followed a Food Technology unit called “Food from around
the world”
• Black History/Racism: Black History Week and Show Racism the Red Card (see Citizenship report).
KS3A and Starburst classes studied a topic where they learned about the lives of black heroes.
Comenius Report-Dan Tranter
After last year’s hugely successful trip to Dublin to take part in a European hurling festival with teams from
Norway France and Denmark. this year St martins school would welcome visitors from the 3 countries for
a week and also a group of pupils and staff would visit each country. This would all happen in the same
week.
Denmark trip: 12 - 17th May
A group of 3 staff and 6 children to visit Stillinge skool in Slagesle in Denmark. The staff were Emily, Matt
and Rachel, the children were Brandon Walsh, Aiden, Kayleigh Summers, Tarika Hyman, Leanne Yates
and Harrison. We travelled to Denmark via plane, bus and train, the journey in itself was an exciting
experience as a few of the children had never flown before. We stayed in a youth hostel, but were hosted
by the School who arranged many interesting and varied activities for us. We spent 2 days practicing and
competing in indoor and outdoor hurling with students from Denmark, France and Norway. We had a
whole school barbecue, tours of the School and an evening of food and entertainment from local families.
We also went for a bike ride to the beach where we played games with students from the other countries
and all went swimming to the local pool. We spent a whole day in Copenhagen and visited Tivalli
gardens, we went on a boat trip through Copenhagen and saw the statue of the little mermaid.
From start to finish the visit was a beneficial and enlightening experience for the children, they
experienced a new culture, tasted new foods and made friends with international students. They have
made memories that they will keep forever and experienced things that they would otherwise have not
experienced if not for the Comenius project. It was a privelege to take them and a fantastic experience.
Norway trip:14-18th May
Gus Gormley, Ollie Hubbard and Kerry Waltho travelled to Drobak in Norway with 5 students, Peter
Webster, Luke Lowe, William Seagrave, Shimara Hyman and Shannon Smith. Kerry and the girls stayed
in a local hotel whilst Gus, Ollie and the boys stayed with host families. The group spent 3 days with the
Frogn college training in Hurling and other sporting activities along with students from France and
Norway. On the fourth day the group travelled to the capital of Norway Oslo, where they stayed in a
hostel for one night and enjoyed the sights and sounds. This gave the staff quality time with the students
having meals out, shopping and sightseeing. The group got to travel around Oslo by tram and bus and
experience the different culture.
France trip:13-20th May
Gary Dodds,Byoni Gee and Terrie Waddington with students Mitchell Walton, Raymond Spicer, Ally
Freeman, Matthew Sharp, Afear Logan, Jack McBride. After four days based at Bayard College with
French and Norwegian students practicing Hurling and visiting places of interest in the city, the group
then went by train to Carcassonne medieval castle city to spend a further three nights at a hostel and
visiting the coastal port of Bayonne and to spend a day at the Mediterranean beach. The students were
exemplary and were great ambassadors for school. A big thank you to Michael Howell and Mandy Fink
who were the mini bus drivers for our Comenius groups going to airports.
During the week in England the students From France and Norway enjoyed a truly English experience.
St Martins put on a great show, an all singing and dancing assembly with a full English breakfast for the
whole school. And then the visitors experienced a British market with food and information from across
the British Isles. They also went on the Derby Ghost Walk. A visit to Drayton Manor, fish and chips in
Matlock and arcades. A morning at DW sports for workout and swim, shopping in Westfield. The feedback
from our visitors was amazing some staff wanted to stay and work her and pupils said they were touched
by our pupils and the relationships staff have with them. We hope these contacts can continue and
hopefully more visits between the schools will happen in the future. I would just like to say a massive
thank you to all the staff for their help support and hard work during the week.
“Pupils are continually exposed to new experiences and rapidly develop the highest of
aspirations. This is exemplified by the employment of ex-pupils on the school staff who describe
the key part that St Martins has played in getting them back on track. The links with the partner
school are already starting to have a significant impact on widening learning and personal
development opportunities for pupils in both schools”. Ofsted
Speech Language and Communication –Alison Southwood
St Martins provides support to pupils who need Speech Language and Communication support.
Individual programmes are set with the S.L.C. therapist and the schools co-ordinator. We are expanding
the focus on SLC in September with the addition of a part time SLC Practitioner for two days a week. She
has already done two staff awareness raising sessions in staff meetings, and as a result, I have had more
referrals to process. The SLC practitioner will work with me next year in classroom and student 1-1
sessions. There are more SEN students being identified with SLC needs nationally.This year 15 students
have received SLC support.
Performance :Music and Drama – David Brooks
As anticipated our new facilities have opened up a whole new range of possibilities. Having a purposebuilt music room means that we can leave equipment set up and ready for use, meaning that we can
respond and adapt at a much more rapid pace. Theoretical lessons can now become more practical at
the drop of a hat when pupils wish to apply their new knowledge and try out new skills and ideas. The
sing-song segment of every music lesson can now become a ‘jam’ as pupils with specific skills can be
asked to play an instrument and join in as a musician (for example: Harrison Jones playing drums for his
class to sing along to).
Lunchtime music clubs have been immensely popular with a number of pupils attending almost every
day. Each day of the week specifies a particular instrument with KS4 music students able to attend and
work independently on their chosen instrument, giving them, in effect, and extra hour of practice time
each week! The after-school choir has become more focussed as all the pupils there are attending for
singing, and only singing. This continues to provide a core of confident pupils able to lead singing and
spread their own enthusiasm during music lessons.
The new ipad technology has led to the development of an entirely new scheme of work at year 9,
specifically in use of a software package called Garageband (used widely in professional recording and
production studios) and enabling pupils to understand music production and mastering. Following the
success of last year’s School Shakespeare Festival involvement we have now introduced a Drama
curriculum and accreditation at KS4. Whilst still being in the developmental stage this has proven to be
hugely popular across KS3 and Complex Needs. This new curriculum area aims to support PSHE and
Literacy delivery by exploring PSHE themes through communication and expression. The first year of
delivery has focussed on building confidence, Teamwork and Speaking and Listening skills whilst suing
written stimuli to further include Reading and Comprehension skills. All of these skills are currently
assessed by combining the Early Learning, Key stage1 and Key stage 2 Literacy goals. As pupils move
up through Key stage 3 delivery will gradually include an increasing focus on Reading and
Comprehension as pupils are introduced to gradually more complex scripts. My hope is that, by the end
of KS3 pupils will be able to collaboratively write, produce and perform their own simple scripts.
The Drama Curriculum for Complex Needs has shifted focus and seen the largest area of
experimentation. After initially finding that simply following what the rest of the school was doing was too
complex for these pupils focus has shifted to elements taken from the Early Learning and Foundation
Literacy goals whilst still delivering PSHE themes. At present this takes the form of a ‘guided play’ format
seen in and explores relationships and interactions between characters created by the students in given
situations. Once again, the end-plan is to introduce a greater reliance on written stimuli of an increasing
complexity to ensure Literacy goals are being addressed. KS4 pupils have completed an Entry Level
module this year in Introduction to Physical Performance. We are hoping to raise the bar next year by
running a Level 1 module across the year culminating in a performance after Easter as part of their
assessment. A positive, exciting year with bright hopes for the future.
Sport and P.E: Dan Tranter;Terrie Waddington
This has been an exciting year in P.E with our fantastic new facilities we have been able to offer a wider
variety of sports to all the pupils in school. This year all KS3 and ASD have taken part in Fitness training
in the state of the art fitness suit. Dance in the new dance studio and also covered swimming, hurling,
athletics, trampolining we have also introduced gymnastics to our curriculum which has been very
successful. The school football team continues to run and be very successful playing teams across derby
city and further afield. We also won the derby city league and went to play at Pride Park against teams
from across the county. Although we didn’t win the pupils were a credit to the school and really enjoyed
the experience. Tarika Hyman, Shirmara Hyman and Ali Freeman were picked to join Noel Bakers girls
football team. The girls played every Wednesday evening over the winter against other mainstream
schools across the city. They were valued members of the team, Shirmara receiving a man of match
award on one occasion. All 3 girls were a credit to the school and have made good friends from our
neighbours.
We also had Cycle Derby come into school and students had the chance to experience cycle cross.
Students learnt racing skills on speciality bikes and then raced them. We all had fun and we hope to do
more next year. We also had Nico Hanson, Robert Hanson, Peter Webster and Presley White complete
their level 1 in Cycling Road Safety. The school have also competed in competitions and festivals in
indoor athletics, basketball and disability sports. Dance has been a huge success this year. We joined up
with Noel Baker and performed in their Dance show with their B Tec Dance groups. The girls did amazing
and made great friends and had a positive effect on both staff and pupils from Noel Baker. We also took
part in the city dance festival at the assembly rooms. Over 1000 pupils aged 3-18 performed in front of
2000 spectators over 2 days. The dancers from St Martins again performed amazing and were a credit to
the school.
Adil Khan, Mitchell Walton and Christopher Hedge completed a Certificate in Sports Leaders. They spent
3 days learning about role models, how to plan and delivery sports sessions and then they all led a P.E
lesson. All 3 pupils were excellent and did extremely well. Horse riding continues to be a very positive and
valuable part of our P.E curriculum pupils from across the school go riding once a week. This improves
confidence, core stability and fitness in pupils as well as being lots of fun. William Wilde and Elliot Bull
took part in the CP sports games in Nottingham. They competed in a number of specially adapted sports
and indoor athletics and finished winning the gold medal.
KS4 Accreditation: Chris Hardwick; Ann Millward
Achievement points scores for 2011 were 100% of students achieving a nationally recognised
qualification with an average of 78 points scored. In 2012 we again had 100% achievement of nationally
recognised qualifications with a 60.5% rise in average points score to 125.2 points scored: an outstanding
result for students and staff who guided students through their courses. Ann Millward has done an
excellent job as assessor/moderator and produced a matrix of achievements for all students, staff and
accreditations so accreditations can be tracked and monitored annually.
Coaching and Peer Observations Chrissy Owen
Embedding a coaching culture at St Martins remains a priority for our continued professional
development. The first cohort who began the co-coaching approach have completed one cycle, linking
sessions to peer observations. New staff(10) were introduced to the GROW coaching model ina staff
meeting 24.10.12. A new cycle will be planned for September 2013 with all staff.
Expressive Arts : Jon Millward
This year D.Braybrooke was delivering art to the majority of the school, the only class not being taught is
KS3B who had their art delivered by their pastoral teacher. D.Braybrooke since has moved to ‘Fountains
School’ at the end of the second term. Since then J.Millward and T.Oxley have co-planned, delivered and
assessed all of the art lessons, with exception for Ks3B.
This year the pupils have had lots of different experiences to what we have been able to offer before,
using a range of materials and processes. We have really made use of our new classroom and the space
we have been allocated and have been able to make bigger pieces of work and experiment with different
styles, not to mention the added bonus of having a balcony and lots of light in the room. Pupils have been
able to express themselves freely but also participate in technique workshops. Pupils from throughout the
school have been involved in a whole school project, making a tree from cardboard, paper mache and
paint, it has been a big project but the pupils and staff really enjoy getting their hands messy.
We have had 5 KS4 pupils complete the ‘Arts bronze award’ to a good standard and are awaiting
moderation in September. We have had 2 visitors into the art room which enabled us to hold focused
workshops. One was Jen Aitken, an accomplished artist who has won Derbyshire artist of the year
several times. The other was Elaine Osborne, a former 'St Martins' art teacher who has over 25 years’
experience of working with SEN in the art room. It has been a great year for art; we have developed
pupils’ creativity, skill and enjoyment of art. Pupils are more confident than ever and we look forward to
next year.
Finance, Admin and Premises Team – Michele Killingworth
The lead up to the start of the new academic year was a very busy time and I attended meetings during
the summer break to help towards getting the premises ready for occupation in September. This seemed
to go fairly smoothly after the initial delay getting in! There were a few ‘teething’ problems but I think
everyone will agree we are all very lucky to be working in such an amazing building.
This year has also seen the arrival of Gemma – our new admin team member. Gemma was certainly
thrown in at the deep end at Pride Park as her first job was to ring all the parents to inform them about the
delayed opening!
Financially we are in a good position again this year even allowing for the ‘unexpected’ utility charges that
were significantly higher than anticipated. I have recently submitted our 3 year budget plan considering
value for money, school improvement plan priorities and trends that may affect future school budgets and
this shows that with careful monitoring we should continue to be in a viable position for the foreseeable
future. I have been working with Gary on consultations with the LA on Equal Pay Review process for
TA’s that has to be concluded by April 2014. We have had consultations with the TA team and Gary has
done two powerpoint presentations on the value and profession of being at a TA at St Martins, and also
the LA process and time scales for the EPR. I have had frequent meetings with BBW on issues related to
the new build and report these back to Gary and the staff. I have done Financial related presentations to
the SLT and governors team.
Design and Technology: Bill Stone
Technology at key stage 3 tries to address environmental, health and moral issues whilst our children
learn by practical experiences.Technology fits well into the SHAPE curriculum, especially the areas of
safety, health and enterprise (initiative) which are of paramount importance to learning and well being.
We have taken on board the Fair Trade message implemented by Dave Wells and will support its
principal whenever possible and we continue to buy locally produced goods. We also recycle and study
various forms of renewable energy. Developing skills for independent living and understanding how things
work is what drives the curriculum, whilst giving the opportunity for pupils to excel in the practical use of
tools and using creative ideas to design and produce interesting pieces.
Family and Pupil Inclusion -Gus Gormley
This year my responsibilities have continued in the area covering issues around non-attendance, nonuniformed pupils and advanced 1:1 pupil support. I have continued to offering 1:1 twilight sessions for the
harder to reach students focusing mainly on a PSHE accreditation work that will improve their social and
emotional health. I have been keen to offer visits to and 1 to 1 sessions with parents, advertising my role
in the newsletter and attending parents evening. I have had some parents/carers taking up the offer but
there is still a way to go in improving this area. I have discussed strategies to improve this area with SLT
and it has been agreed that I will divide my time into three annual parts targeting a Year group at a time
thus ensuring equal delivery of Inclusion support across the whole school. I have worked hard to promote
the role of Lead for Inclusion and a lot of staff have been using the resource well this year. Although I am
part of the KS4 team it is my intention to attend all area team meetings to offer support and to highlight
this role within school.
“The well-being and inclusion team has been a key factor in promoting the school’s ethos of
developing the whole pupil. It provides assessments and therapies which support pupils and their
families extremely effectively. This has meant that all families are in contact with the school and
are being supported, where appropriate, in being a partner in their child’s education.” Ofsted
Wellbeing- Emma Banks
This year we have further developed the wellbeing service to provide Wellbeing Group for 6 students two
afternoons a week, the group operates on a collaboration of Nurture group approaches and positive play;
to work therapeutically with the students on a range of referred issues and enable them the opportunity to
transfer the skills learnt into a group situation. The group has learnt a great deal from its pilot year and
we will hopefully develop this further next year. They have produced some great work which we
published in the newsletter and the students responded positively, with some upset at being discharged
once their targets were achieved!
We have also had an onsite Drama Therapist this year, Jeni Goodfellow Pemsel. She has worked with
students who had been referred to the Wellbeing Service but it was felt they would benefit from a drama
therapy approach. Jeni has supported 5 students this year who have benefitted from, and have been
positively impacted by Jeni’s approach.
CPD on ‘Drawing and Talking therapy’ was also accessed and this has enabled the delivery of a unique
non-directive approach to support students with unconscious issues, which in turn impacts their daily lives
in a positive manner, and encourages them to resolve trauma or difficulties and enhance their wellbeing.
This year 22 students have been directly involved with the Wellbeing Service, either through targeted 1:1
interventions, attending the Wellbeing Group or through the Drama therapy service. This number reflects
just the regular appointments, many students throughout the school have also accessed support when
they felt it was necessary and the amount of students now recognising when they need additional support
is increasing and reflects the emotional and personal development demonstrated by our students.
General wellbeing assessments are still administered bi-annually and referrals to external agencies such
as CAMHS still take place. The service continues to liaise with community paediatricians, CBS and social
care to ensure holistic support for our students. Also currently in the process of booking workshops for
the students next academic year, to be delivered by First Steps around body image and self- esteem.
Healthy Schools
Network meetings are attended monthly and they help to support the enhancement work that takes place
within school. They are also a great opportunity to hear about other local and national agencies that are
available to support the work in school. The annual review will be submitted by the end of June and we
hope to maintain our healthy school status. In addition we are also working towards becoming a ‘Healthy
Heart School’, which is part of a Derby City scheme, who are recognised as a ‘Heart City’. As part of the
work towards this we signed up for the ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ challenge which taught students skipping
skills and culminated in a whole school event where students competed in skipping challenges. The
students managed to raise £177.75 for the British Heart Foundation.
We have also signed up to a new drug education programme provided by Cambridgeshire which should
further support and enhance our existing drug education, it utilises software to track and monitor progress
of the students and is delivered via software that is up to date to ensure students are aware of accurate
and up to date terminology.
We have also offered to support Noel Baker to achieve their Healthy School Status!
“In all aspects of the school’s life, there is a strong focus on developing pupils’ spiritual, moral,
social and cultural development. This is achieved, in part, through the school’s promotion of an
awareness of those or who live in challenging circumstances. The school provides an outstanding
array of opportunities to broaden pupils’ horizons through visits to a wide range of countries “
Ofsted
Offsite provision co-ordinator –Gus Gormley
Since April 2012 I have been working along Michele and other members of staff involved in the
procurement of offsite provisions for our pupils. The idea was to streamline this role so that the
responsibility for offsite provision falls to me thus freeing up other members of staff to focus on their other
responsibilities. I feel that I have achieved these targets in 2013 and ensured that St Martins have
formed a good working relationship with all our AP providers. I have found areas for financial negotiation
and taken advantage of the opportunity to tailor our courses to the specific needs of our referred groups,
thus getting value for money becoming more productive with our time offsite. Spending has been
monitored and managed very closely as has the results and outcomes for our students. I have met with
all parents whose children are being offered A.P to ensure that they are satisfied with the management of
their child’s education, in particular our year 9 & 10 students.
learning mentors-Gus Gormley
Earlier in the year we made the decision to bring in the specialist skills of individual professionals who
could offer valuable 1:1 support to our more needy students. We were able to identify 6 individual
professionals who could offer the school and its students a wide range of experiences and social learning
opportunities in order to help them achieve their full potential. I have managed these mentors and they
have gone through an induction and check process to ensure the highest and safest quality of service to
our students. Parents of the students identified for this service have met with the mentor and have
shared the process of setting certain targets for their child to achieve. The parents are offered have
regular feedback as to how the sessions are going by myself and the mentor. I review the mentor and
their service offered on a monthly basis.
School Council: Brenda Kiernan
School Council has again had a successful year with new members elected and impact made on quality
of school meals, chosing the new campus name for the new school(St Martins won the competition to
name the new site The Derwent Campus), and they have met with students from Noel Baker.and been on
visits. The Student Council has been instrumental in recruiting new staff and has been involved in the
interview process with questioning. The Head Boy and Head Girl initiative has been very successful with
Patricia Weeks and Aaron Hames taking on the roles of school ambassadors, escorting guests,
mentoring students and speaking on behalf persons for other students.
“The school is an exciting, vibrant and welcoming community.Pupils were very articulate in how
they talked about the school being like a family for them and how they love coming to school.
Leaders know the school very well and self-evaluation is strong so that areas for improvement are
rapidly identified and successfully acted upon”. Ofsted
“SHAPE”-the new St Martins curriculum –Gary Dodds
The SHAPE curriculum concept has been firmly embedded in the new school this year with strong
,prominent visuals in all classrooms and our theatre in very large logos. Class observations have shown
that staff and students have a clear understanding of the SHAPE curriculum and observation planning
and feedback sheets have sections to complete to show staff are referring to SHAPE. Door numbers
have the logo on them and the visuals are prominent. We are supporting a Nottinghamshire Special
School in special measures with implementing some of the SHAPE ideas we have. In teaching and
learning staff are using the Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge criteria to introduce and start lessons on their
white boards.
“In all lessons, relationships and levels of trust are impressive. The school’s strong focus on
developing pupils’ personal skills and independence has been a significant factor in getting them
to enjoy their learning and giving them the confidence to participate in lessons and group
activities. These skills contribute significantly to their ability to make outstanding progress in
their lessons”.Ofsted
CPD (Career Professional Development)-Gary Dodds
Michele Killingworth provides staff with a bi-annual report of their CPD on a full school CPD matrix, so
that all staff can see what CPD has been covered by all staff. We continue to facilitate CPD wherever
possible with the priority being impact on Teaching and Learning. This year has again seen a year-on
increase in the budget allocation to CPD. The most important aspect of CPD is impact on teaching and
learning, as well as the staffing skills base and motivation to improve. Pupil attainment and attendance
are all objective ways of measuring the impact of CPD and I am pleased to inform the governors that our
data shows progress and achievement to continue to rise across all key stages, with anticipated highest
pupil points scores for KS4 leavers.
The changing profile of our pupils with more ASD/Complex Needs being referred to school, it has meant
that we have continued to up-skill staff on the teaching methods more appropriate for this cohort. We
have sent all ASD/CN staff and TA’s on relevant training such as the TEAACH system for ASD pupils.
Our Literacy focus has been enhanced by sending more all staff on Read Write Inc. training and new staff
will also be added to this when they start in September. There has also been a focus on getting more staff
First Aid qualified with four staff also training for KITE personal care training. European ICT programme:
Malta ,July:Brenda Kiernan and Tim Oxley are flying out to Malta to work with other ICT teachers to
look at new ways of delivering ICT in schools. We continue to run a St Martins School Volunteer
Scheme for people wanting to gain experience in a Special School setting so we can help with their
employment prospects. We also support Derby University B.ED placements and Nottingham University
Medical School placements.
In –house CPD: various staff
Training in Assessment; Peer Coaching; National updates in Teaching and Support Team Standards; ICT
skills audit and learning platform, Film Making,Ipads and Alternative Technologies; Child Protection;
Attachment Disorders; Speech Language Communication.
“The high proportion of outstanding teaching is due to the support and training teachers receive
to develop their skills. Joint observations with leaders during the inspection showed that they
have a correct view of the quality of teaching”. Ofsted
Trainees and Visitors Induction: Janet Rodgers
St Martins staff has accommodated :13 Paediatric Medical Students (One day placement Dec 2012April 2013);5 PGCE (One week placement Jan 2013 – March 2013);4 BEd Yr 2 (One week placement
May 2013 – June 2013);2 BEd Y2 (Four week placement June 2013)
Feedback feedbacks on visit from Medical, PGCE and BEd Students:
“A great day, good balance of experience…., thank you for making us so welcome to your great
school.”……“Made to feel welcome gained valuable knowledge for effective practice in SEND, the
whole staff team were very approachable and willing to offer extra advice”…..“The experience has
been very valuable I learnt a lot on good teaching practice.”……” The school is well set up and the
staff welcoming and enthusiastic. The curriculum is very rich and children are very happy”.
Staff Further and Higher Education Qualifications
-We have three staff who are doing a Foundation Degree course at Derby University. Val Town and Joy
Collins will complete this challenging course in January 2014 with Janet Rodgers due to complete in
September 2014. They have had mentors and interviews to identify positive impact in school.
-Terrie Waddington qualified as a Gymnastics coach
-Rachel Cooper achieved a 1st class honours degree in English. Congratulations Rachel…an amazing
effort ands result.
-Nicole Stephenson has completed her NVQ L2 Care course
HLTA programme
Ollie Hubbard has enrolled on the HLTA course for September 2013.
Other school news and developments
New website; Brochure and Learning Platform
We now have an excellent website with a new matching colour co-ordinated school brochure which has
re-launched the image and marketing of the school. These were created to prepare for the move to the
new campus and our impending Ofsted in December. They have both been very well received and
parents, fellow professional and visitors to school comment on how impressive our website and brochure
are in capturing the essence of St Martins School. Ofsted were very complimentary on the website and
how their information sections were prepared before the inspection, which made their visit and job so
much easier.
The new learning platform has been re-designed by Chris Hardwick and Simon Everett, our ICT
Technician(congratulations on the birth of his new son, baby Oliver). The LP is now a much better
working system for staff and has been simplified. Chris Hardwick and Simon have delivered some CPD
on using the system and staff response has been positive.
School Newsletters
The half-termly newsletter is an important way of communicating school life to our families and to
governors. Staff and students have provided information, photos and articles on the many aspects of
school life and this year we have seen even more contributions to the newsletter. All teaching staff are
expected to submit items. Sally Walmsley has done a great job of producing the booklet and prompting
staff. The newsletter is also added to the school website.
Girls Club – Laura Crawford
This year the ‘Girls Club’ has been accessed by more students than ever! It has been a real pleasure to
welcome the new Year 7 students who have been an excellent addition to this after school club. All of the
girls enthusiastically participate in the range of activities offered – it is so pleasing to see the new skills
and talents the girls are developing. There is a range of activities offered including dancing, personal
care, beauty sessions, hair washing and styling and craft activities. Our Year 11 students, Joanne and
Selina, have been excellent role models to the younger students and have led the weekly dance routines
in the hall. All of the staff continue to ensure that a safe and fun environment is established in ‘Girls Club’
where friendships and enjoyment can be fostered.
Clubs: Joy Collins
Holiday clubs
The holiday club is still running and the numbers of students attending have increased, it is held within the
school at a cost of £5 per pupil: there are some free places we give out to the less privileged students.
We try to get students more active by taking them out visiting parks and places within the local and wider
community, when funds are available for educational visits and residential’s, this is beneficial for students
and parents/cares and is seen as a welcome break for all. This year over the 6 weeks holiday we have
been funded to run a summer holiday club for new year 7 starters on Free School Meals provided by the
DfE, this will be organised by Mrs Collins and supported by staff within the school. It gives new students
the opportunities to build positive relationships with other students and staff based within the school, in
order for their start in September.
Cookery Club
This year the cookery club proved to be very popular with students in the school.
The students have learnt many new exciting things in the club from basic cooking skills to trying new and
exciting food to cook/eat. There was a high number of year 7’s joined this year, this was good for them to
assess and work on their Food Tech skills. The group cooked food for the Christmas X-factor and for the
leaver’s assembly with new and interesting foods, which the parents and carers really enjoyed.
Offsite Vocational Provisions accessed by students at St Martins: Gus Gormley
We have had another successful year working with and being supported by our colleagues at various
agencies who offer quality AP to St Martins. I have made it my personal goal to attend all provisions on a
regular basis to monitor the students progress first hand but also to extend our hand of gratitude to our
providers and establish a good working partnership with them. This is something that no other school in
Derby does.
Top Tec Mechanics – We have two students about to access this course which is being run at a site on
Litchurch lane in Derby.
Access Training- Blue Bell Farm- This will be our third year collaborating with Access training. The
Animal care course provided in the past will now be called ‘Countryside skills’ . This course will offer up
to 12 spaces and their has already been many students keen to study in this area in Sept 2013.
Baby J Music Studios – At Baby J students access music and multi media workshops. We currently
have 3 students accessing this provision.
The Island – This provision has supported a number of our students this school year. Within this
therapeutic setting students are supported to improve their basic skills and also participate in small animal
care sessions.
Child Care – This course will now be offered in house.
Horse Riding- Galaxy and Starburst students go to the Riding Centre at Etwall for riding lessons. This
course is due to be offered to other classes in Sept 2013.
Catering (YMCA, Handyside court residential home) We have 1 student attending this provider. He
will now attend two full days a week as we have identified early that this is his strength and possible
careers pathway.
Mind Shop – This has proven to be a very successful vocational provision where students have
completed an extended work experience placement.
School Council: Brenda Kiernan and Sue House
It has been decided that the new school council term will run December to December. We have found
that this gives us more time to organise the election process for the pupils as September is a very busy
time of year. The council have had the opportunity to take Andy Slater, our community champion, out for
lunch as a big thank you for all the funding he raises for our school. Andy has also become an honorary
member of the council and has joined us on several occasions, more recently to celebrate the
achievement of Silver status and to attend our leavers ceremony.Through hard work and determination
we have achieved the Silver award ahead of schedule.The Gold award is a possibility but for the rest of
the year the council will be focusing on voluntary work in the community.
Head Boy and Head Girl-Gus Gormley
This year we nominated a headboy and girl along with a deputy for each. This has been a fairly
successful year for the students involved. They managed to reach their targets and got involved in lots of
volunteering work around the school. It is planned that they will hand over to the new headboy/girl for
2013-2014 before they leave school. There will be a push this year to work more closely with students in
NoelBaker. We have had our new elections and Head Boy for 2013/14 is Afear Logan and Head Girl is
Shimara Hyman: congratulations to both , voted in by students and staff.
Community Cohesion-Gus Gormley
The school continues to improve community links and has completed some very effective work with
organisations such as The Youth Offending Service, Police, Social Care, our new local church with vicar
Tim Smith, Derby Lions Club, The Padley centre and many more. Our links with other schools and
agencies both in the UK and other countries continue to grow and the pupils really relate to the idea of
global education and there opportunities to work with others across the globe.
Work with parents, families & Professionals
Gus Gormley continues to work with our families and supporting professional agencies. Gus completes
regular 1 to 1 work offsite work with specifically targeted students and families. St Martins understands
that mutual respect and understanding between the school and families will achieve best outcomes for
the child and lead to a positive working relationships between both parties.
All work completed with each family is documented by Gus and is made available on the staff
noticeboards and shared folder. All staff members have access to this information at any time thus
allowing them to track the progress of a particular student. This will also provide staff with up to date
information on any student or family issues that may affect that pupil within School. We have a seen a
growth in the number of agencies we get involved with and support for the benefit of our students.
Governors contributions and visits in school.
Derek Heal our experienced and enthusiastic Chair of Governors continues to be a frequent visiting
presence in school offering support and encouragement to all staff in the “family” A big thank you to all
our governors in the Full Governors and Finance Teams who give up their time to offer such commitment
to the school: Rob Griffin( Assistant Chair and Chair of Finance Committee),Cheryl Crane;Tessa
Wright(Parent Governors); Chrissy Owen; Janet Rodgers(School staff Governors): Laura Crawford, who
has now left as Clerk replaced by Hazel Charlton; Hardeep Singh; and our new LA governor, James
Oldham. Tessa has continued to assist with Art classes and Cheryl has given up her time to come in to
do class observations and look at the curriculum.
“Governors know the school well and hold leaders to account for improvements very effectively
and successfully .The governing body is small, but strong, as it is very active and has a very clear
awareness of the strengths of the school and knows its areas for development well. It has made
significant improvements since the previous inspection. “ Ofsted
Ofsted Report: December 2012
After two years of careful planning and preparation by all members of the St Martins “family” from
Governors, Business and Office Team, Leadership, Teaching and Support Teams and our amazing
students, we achieved the ultimate accolade in educational standards of being designated an
Outstanding School, under the new Ofsted framework which had been made more challenging for all
schools, resulting in a significant reduction in Outstanding School gradings. Our report was so impressive
that the lead inspector struggled to identify areas for improvement! A hugely satisfying experience for all
of us and a vindication of our vision, ethos , culture of self improvement, leadership and staffing
structures, and commitment to provide the best educational experiences for our students. We have
already started planning strategically for the next phase of school improvement so that our next
inspection will identify that we are a school that constantly seeks ways of improving provision.
St Martins School Prom for KS4: Judith Malone
Our second student Prom was a great success. Students and staff were transported by a vintage red
London bus coach to the Derby Conference Centre for a fun night of fine eating and dancing. A big thank
you to Judith Malone and the team of staff who organised this-the students looked amazing in ball
dresses and smart suits :what a memorable night to finish their St Martins careers.
Conclusions…………..Gary Dodds
This academic year was always going to be a special, and pivotal year for everyone associated with St
Martins School, from Governors, students ,staff, families and the local authority. It was going to be a year
when questions of whether we would be able to turn the co-location vision into reality, or if we could recreate the “family” welcome and ambience of Wisgreaves Road, and would we be able to rise to the
challenges of a new Ofsted framework to retain our Outstanding status. How would our students and
staff adapt to a new campus and learning environment, would we still achieve Teaching School status,
and would the vestiges of unwarranted past negative reputation still linger?
This report clearly indicates that we have fully embraced the vision we set out with Noel Baker, our colocation partners, and, despite increasing our staffing and student numbers, we have retained that
“family” welcoming ambience that all our visitors recognise and speak about . Our team structures, levels
of professionalism and commitment, and a tangible desire for constant self- improvement which is
encouraged and facilitated , has resulted in St Martins being the first and only school in Derby city to
have achieved an Ofsted Outstanding grade under the more rigorous new DfE framework: we are the
envy of many schools and are frequently quoted in LA leadership presentations.
Our students are the benficaries of passionate, skilled and hard-working staff and their progress and
achievements across the phases clearly reflect this. I am confident again this year, that the ground work
put in at KS3 will reflect outstanding results in KS4 accreditation achievements in September.The range
of staffing reports shows the depth of responsibility devolved to teams and how effectively this works for
our students as well as developing and motivating staff.
Our new Post 16 Horizons programme is another indicator that students are at the centre of all our
visioning and planning, and also that we are always thinking creatively how to improve provision to
secure the reputation and future of the school and all associated with it. The Comenius Project, Film
Making, X -Factor, Learning Mentors, visits and residentials, Global Ed., our CPD and unique
staffing structure, our SHAPE curriculum, Alternative Technologies and many other aspects of school
life all contribute to making St Martins an amazing place to learn and work. I also want to acknowledge in
this report the outstanding work that goes on quietly but consistently in the background with our Full
Governors and Finance Governors: their guidance, commitment and counsel has been a fundamental
influence in establishing the secure financial and pedagogical reputation we now have.
But tomorrow is another day with more exciting opportunities for all of us. I would like to thank everyone
for their commitment and contributions this year, and I look forward to sharing with you another
challenging year ahead in 2013/2014 for our St Martins community, when we will again seek for even
more ways of improving ourselves and the outcomes and opportunities for our students.
Gary Dodds : July 2013