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Committed to Achievement
2015-16
Annual Report of
Governors to Parents
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS 4
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER 5
SCHOOL LIFE DURING THE YEAR 6
2015 6
2016 6
THE SCHOOL YEAR ACTIVITIES 7
SPORT BURSARY AWARD 2ND OCTOBER 2015 7
TRIP TO THE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE 7
VIETNAM EXPEDITION TRAINING WEEKEND 8
MUSIC FOR MEMORY AT LARCHFIELD CARE HOME 8
SHAKESPEARE FOR SCHOOLS, ANOTHER BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE. 8
YOU’RE HIRED! INTERVIEW DAY 9
A LIFETIME IS NOT ENOUGH — SIXTH FORM CULTURAL TRIP TO ROME - OCTOBER HALF TERM 2015 9
WINTER CONCERT 2015 10
OUR HOUSE 10
KRAKOW/AUSCHWITZ TRIP 11
YEAR 7 CRASHED COX GREEN! 11
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE VEX ROBOTICS TEAM: 13
COX GREEN CHAMBER CHOIR RAISE THE ROOF OF THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL 14
TRIP TO WEMBLEY STADIUM—ARSENAL VS CHELSEA WOMEN’S FOOTBALL 14
THE SCHOOL YEAR SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS 14
POLE VAULTING BRONZE FOR JACK MCARA YEAR 11 14
TOBY PRITCHARD SUCCESSFUL SELECTION FOR THE COUNTY FOOTBALL SQUAD 15
FRED’S SELECTION TO COUNTY FOOTBALL 15
KATIE CROWHURST HAS PARALYMPIC POTENTIAL 15
CGS TEAMS WIN AT THE 5-A-SIDE NATIONAL GIRLS LEAGUE CUP! 15
MINIGP CHAMPION FROM YEAR 8 16
ABBIE JONES REPRESENTS COX GREEN AND BERKSHIRE AT ENGLISH SCHOOLS AT CROSS COUNTRY 16
AMETZ PARCELL-ARREGI TO COX AT 16
THE OARSPORT JUNIOR SCULLING HEAD AT DORNEY LAKE 16
U15 RUGBY STAR CHARLIE SCOTT, YEAR 10 16
BRONZE MEDAL FOR OUR GIRLS! 16
BERKSHIRE SCHOOL GAMES 16
OUR AMAZING GIRLS WIN 5-1! ( AGAINST CHARTERS) AND BRING BACK THE BERKSHIRE SCHOOLS CUP! 17
SHOT COUNTY CHAMPION 18
PARENT/STUDENT SURVEYS 18
INCLUSION 18
MORE ABLE STUDENTS AT COX GREEN 19
LITERACY 19
THE SIXTH FORM 20
TEACHING QUALITY 21
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 22
OUR STUDENTS AND THEIR VIEW 22
JAKE HARRINGTON 22
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MAJID HAJMAHMOUD 22
BETH GARDNER 23
PUPIL PREMIUM 23
ATTENDANCE 24
CAREERS 24
OPTIONS 25
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LINKS 25
“WHAT NEXT?” EVENING 25
BEHAVIOUR AND SAFETY 25
STUDENT LEADERSHIP 26
SITE IMPROVEMENTS 27
THE GOVERNING BODY 27
GOVERNORS 27
THE WORK OF THE GOVERNING BODY 27
LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT 28
PEOPLE AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE 28
FINANCE & RESOURCES COMMITTEE 29
AUDIT COMMITTEE 29
TEACHING & LEARNING COMMITTEE 29
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS As Chair of Governors for Cox Green School I am very pleased to be
able to write part of the foreword to this our 5th Annual Report to
Parents.
The last 12 months has again been a very busy time for Cox Green
School and the Governors.
We are extremely proud of our school and the progress it has made.
The last three years have been very challenging for all associated with
the school as the drive to gain the improvements necessary continued to develop. We were delighted that
the excellent work done by the school was recognized by the Local Authority and that they agreed with our
request to expand the school earlier than originally planned. So for the first time we will have seven forms of
entry next school year. This means that we will be able to welcome over 200 new, Year 7s in September
2016.
As Governors we recognise we have some wonderful staff; whose commitment to the young people they
work with is second to none. Daily they demonstrate their passion and purpose in delivering their best for
those students. Those students deserve every success and it is the job of the Governing Body to facilitate,
through involvement and challenge, their journey through this part of their education.
The Headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the
implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body.
The role of the governing body is a strategic one; its key functions are:
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its
pupils, and the performance management of staff.
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
Our role became even more critical in ensuring that the school gives our pupils the very best education it can
and provides them with the sound base that everyone needs to build careers and futures. Governors are
challenged directly to show that they undertake all of the functions set out above and that they can
demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of how the school goes about achieving the strategic aims
set out for it.
Finally, please remember that the Governors can be contacted through the school if there is anything that
you would like to discuss and that our Governing Body welcomes new ideas and volunteers alike.
Paul Louden Chair of Governors
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MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER What a fabulous year we have had!
The school has gone from strength to strength following the
really positive Ofsted Report last year. Our students have once
again done us proud by taking part in prestigious performances
for the Queen, singing at the Royal Albert Hall and winning the
Girl’s County Football Cup Final, these are to name just a few.
Such occasions present phenomenal opportunities for our students and at Cox Green that’s what we are
about: making the most of opportunities.
Our school theme last year was centred on the idea of ‘Never try, never know.’ We wanted to encourage our
students and staff to step outside of their comfort zones, to take risks and to be challenged. Activities
focussed on this theme were numerous: we managed to break a few world records from the Guinness Book
of World Records and took a group of students to Vietnam. We welcome challenge and, have had a lot of fun
along the way.
We recognise that achievements and success does not always come easily for some of our students but, with
the continued support of our amazing staff, parents and Governors I know we will continue to support them
to grow and to be successful.
We are very excited about some of the other new developments which now means that our Sixth Form offer
is extended. This is a result of establishing a Sports Academy. Whilst in its first year the Sports Academy will
focus on developing excellence within the field of football through offering high quality academic and
vocational qualifications, providing students with employment opportunities and first class coaching. In
future years we will be expanding the Academy to focus on other sports.
I am pleased to share the news that as a result of our success our popularity as a school has grown
enormously. Our student population has increased significantly and we are oversubscribed. This means that
we will be gaining substantial monies from the Local Authority for an expansion project to enhance our
already superb facilities.
I know this coming academic year is going to be great one and I look forward to welcoming you to our
fantastic school.
Regards
Heidi Swidenbank
Headteacher
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SCHOOL LIFE DURING THE YEAR There were a significant number of school trips during the academic year. The Governors would like to thank
all those staff who gave up their time in support of our students.
2015
September History Rise up Theatre trip
October 6th Form Rome Trip
Drama Our Country’s Good Theatre trip
Careers Learning to Work - Step into STEM
History Auschwitz Trip
Drama Shakespeare's School festival
November English Lord of the Flies Theatre trip
History South Africa Lecture
Science Physics in Action
Media British Film Industry - Studying TV Drama trip
Humanities Year 7 crashes Cox Green Sleepover
Careers Hospitality & Catering College trip
December Drama Wonderland Theatre Trip
Drama Woman in Black Theatre Trip
Drama The Firework Makers Daughter Theatre trip
All years Muddy Welly Run
Pupil Premium Year 7/Year 8 Kidzania
English Cinderella Pantomime Trip
6th Form Windsor Ice Skating trip
Careers Blue Coats LAMDA Trip
2016
January Geography Thames in Flood
PE Berkshire inter school cross country
Science Vex Robotics
February Geography/Science Paris Trip - Science Museums / Disneyland
Media British Film Industry - UK Cinema Trip
Careers Oxford University Trip
Y11 careers Oxford Brookes University Trip
History London Dungeons
Science Flight Simulator Trip
March Geography Stonehenge Field trip
English Romeo & Juliet Theatre trip
Science Y13 Physics Conference
Science Science Challenge
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April Science Nuclear Fusion
6th Form UCAS Convention
May Music Participation in the Royal Albert Hall concert :
"A celebration of Music in Berkshire"
PE Women’s FA cup final
June Drama Globe Theatre Trip
Drama Threepenny Opera Southbank trip
July Year 10 Brecon Beacons
History Battlefields Trip
Careers Oxford Brookes University visits
Year 7 Ufton Court Activity Day
Music Lion King Theatre Trip
6th Form Vietnam Trip
THE SCHOOL YEAR ACTIVITIES
Sport Bursary Award 2nd October 2015
A record number of students from Cox Green School were awarded a bursary
to enable them to continue to flourish in their chosen sport or arts, reflecting
the high-level of talent we have in sports and arts at our school.
Sports applicants had to be playing at county level or equivalent to be eligible
to apply. The application form required each applicant to write about what
they would use the money for and why, and include a reference from their
coach or teacher. Arts applicants had to submit evidence of their work, either recorded or portfolio.
Examples of how these monies will be used are; Hayden Netherwood-Meek said; ‘I can use my bursary to
buy equipment, competition and club fees for my swimming.’ Sammy Clarke will use her funding for Grade 7
singing exams and performing arts training outside of school. Samuel Phelps will use his funding for
travelling between his training and events for Swindon Town Football Academy and Berkshire County as well
as some new football boots. "I will be using my funding to service my flute and saxophone" said Hannah
Croft and Olivia Phelps told us she will be getting “new running spikes.”
Trip to the Royal National Theatre
14 of our students travelled to see ‘Our Country’s Good’ at the
Royal National Theatre.
Oli James said; ‘Seeing the play gave me a deeper understanding of
the text, which we had read in class. I understood more about the
characters, where they were from and their status. The staging was
really good, as it rotated, raised and lowered to show changing
scenes’.
The play is about the first convicts as they begin their time in the new continent, Australia. The play follows a
group of prisoners putting on a play. Our Country’s Good explores the themes of crime and punishment as
well as status.
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Vietnam Expedition Training Weekend
From the 23rd to the 25th of October, 13 Year 12 and 13
students took part in their Training Weekend in preparation for
the Vietnam Expedition that takes place in July 2016.
Over a weekend that threatened to be a wet and windy event,
the students had to prepare all of their own food and camp out in
the elements. They also had to navigate a 13km trek through the South Downs.
Our students excelled themselves, demonstrating teamwork and problem solving tasks, particularly enjoying
the Vietnamese style sleep over on the final night. Skills learnt this weekend will be invaluable during the
Vietnam visit.
Music for Memory at Larchfield Care Home
Three ambassadors from Cox Green School travelled to play their
music for the residents at Larchfield Care Home. Aidan Campbell
(year 9, Bassoon), Hannah Croft (year 10, Keyboard) and Cameron
Goff (year 10, Euphonium) played for the clients in their sitting
room. The ‘Music for Memory’ project was led by Aidan Campbell
when he applied for funding through Youth Voice Youth Choice.
The successful bid was created to bring music to residents at the
Larchfield Care Home and now Cox Green School music students
will be playing selected pieces every month at the care home until July 2016.
Aidan, Hannah and Cameron selected pieces they felt would appeal to their audience, such as ‘Who Will
Buy?’ from ‘Oliver!’, ‘Somewhere, Over the Rainbow’ and The Beatles. The reactions to the live music were
summed up by a comment Matthew made. He said “one of the ladies never comes out of her room, yet
within the final chords of Hannah’s first piece on the keyboard, she arrived with her carer to sit for the rest of
the mini concert in the communal lounge.”
Hannah remarked about how much she enjoyed the reaction of the residents, and Aidan said he wanted to
go back and play for them again. All of the musicians were vibrant and energised about their experiences,
and it has started this project in a positive and enchanting way.
“Today was fantastic.” said Matthew Chapman, Activity Coordinator at Larchfield, “We would like to thank
Cox Green School and their students for enriching our residents’ lives by performing for them monthly. We
have individuals that do not usually socialise come along and enjoy the performances. When the musicians
perform we see some subtle changes in our residents, from the tapping of a toe, to the clapping of hands and
some even sing and dance along to the music. Your students were a credit to the school and their parents
and should be proud of the way they conducted themselves within our home which can be a difficult
setting.”
Shakespeare for Schools, another brilliant performance.
In March fourteen students from Cox Green School performed their abridged version
of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as part of the Shakespeare for Schools festival. After months of
rehearsal, the cast performed with three other schools at Wycombe Town Hall.
The set was minimal, only 14 wooden stools which were used as props and setting the
scenes. All the cast wore black and white, and there was a souring contemporary feel
with music enhancing the violence such as the lyrics of ‘I am an Anarchist’.
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Ms Stead commented on the cast, “Tonight was their best performance, they have been such a good group
to work with, they were brilliant.”
Opportunities like this encourage an appreciation of literature whilst learning a variety of life skills such as
communication, social awareness and commitment.
You’re Hired! Interview Day
On the 18th of November, Year 13 students were
interviewed by experienced professionals in various fields
of work from banking and finance to marketing and law. In
preparation for this, we had to create a covering letter
specifically about the area we wanted to pursue for our
careers and/or a CV or personal statement.
In preparation of the event there were several workshops
to help with our presentation and interview skills. We were also given the details of our interviewers so we
could do some research and have an idea of what they do in order to be able to ask pertinent questions and
gain further knowledge of what it’s like in the working world.
The interviews themselves were half-an-hour long and included feedback on our covering letters, CVs or
personal statements. There was also a period of time where we could question our interviewers, discuss the
potential careers we want to pursue and listen to experiences of the interviewers from 16 years old to where
they are now.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience for everybody involved, and the morning was hugely helpful to all
students. For many of us it was our very first interview and it provided vital experience which gives us lots
more confidence going forward as we approach the time where we are looking for jobs, applying for
apprenticeships and going for interviews at different universities.
It was a great insight into the careers of successful people that work in a range of different fields, and a
thoroughly enjoyable experience. Ben Johnson Year 13
A lifetime is not enough — Sixth Form Cultural Trip to Rome - October Half Term 2015
An educational eye-opener which revealed an ancient wonder round every corner. That is what Rome
offered to the 19 students that took the opportunity to visit the Eternal City.
Starting our tour with the incredible Trevi Fountain and ending with the
lively Piazza Navona with whistle stop tours in between of the antique
known as The Pantheon as well as the world renowned Spanish Steps.
All of these sites gave us as a group a different angle on what Rome had
to offer.
Day two began like day one with another early morning ride on the
Metro. The Colosseum shrouded the view from the Metro station if you
were looking to the outside. Its sheer size did not occur to me and many
others on the trip until we saw it up close and personal. We moved to the Roman Forum which was
surrounded by ruins of several important governing buildings which held significant importance in the history
of Ancient Rome.
Day three we travelled to the Catacombs, an underground maze of tombs. Port Ostia was our next
destination which is a large archaeological site that used to be the location of the harbour city and then we
ended the day with a typically Italian dinner to celebrate one of the students’ birthday.
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Day four was our final day in Rome. We travelled to the Vatican City to explore and find out more about the
incredible art that has decorated this famous site for generations. After lunch we moved onto St. Peter’s
Basilica. The day ended on a high with the final view of Rome from The Dome which was simply breath
taking and an image that will stick in my mind for as long as I live. Reluctantly we left this historic paradise
vowing one day to return.
All in all Rome was an incredible trip. It offered me experiences I had never had before. A great group of
people in a great city where a lifetime was not enough to see everything it had to offer.
Mitchell Martin Year 13
Winter Concert 2015
Another successful, touching and sold out Winter Concert was
held at Cox Green School on 19 November.
An eclectic mix of music included pieces from the Concert Band,
the Brass Ensemble, the Vocal Ensemble, our Junior Jazz
Orchestra, the Year 7 Class Band, the Junior Band, the Choir, the
CGS Jazz Orchestra, the Chamber Choir, the Wind Trio and the Sax
Quartet.
There was some stunning singing in the vocal ensemble from Oli James, Phillipa Russell and Sammi Clarke,
and later Oli James delivered a smooth Sinatra piece accompanied by the Jazz Orchestra. Kymberley Charlett
performed a beautiful and lilting traditional Scottish harp solo which was mesmerising and the Year 7 Class
Band also played “Trailer Blues” wonderfully—a fantastic achievement considering most of them had only
just started learning their instruments at the beginning of the Winter term.
All funds raised went to the Nordoff Robbins Charity for Music Therapy.
Our House
My congratulations to Bob Hawxwell, Sue Beach, Simon Davie, Mikaela Martinez-Joyce and Laura Abbot for
a great production of 'Our House' at Cox Green School. I think I enjoyed myself almost as much as the cast,
band and crew clearly did.
The youngsters did you proud again and it is fantastic to see not
only how much they enjoy the challenges but also how they
respect you as a team.
I came to see a show but as a parent, as a local employer and as co-
founder of Stage One Youth Theatre Group what I also saw was a
lot of young people growing in confidence, learning teamwork,
focus and discipline, putting massive effort into developing their
skills and then deservedly relishing their achievements.
Will all of those young people grow to be stars of stage or screen? Almost certainly no.
Will all of those young people grow to use what they've learnt, all the time, in whatever future career they
choose? Almost certainly yes. Now that's education at its very best!
I'm sure I speak on behalf of them, their parents and their future employers, when I say well done team... for
a whole lot more than just a great show!
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Krakow/Auschwitz Trip
After many months in the planning, 5 staff members and I travelled to Krakow in Poland with 51 Year 11
GCSE History students. With Germany 1919-1945 featuring prominently throughout the year 11 unit of
study, this trip was designed to help students gain a realistic and emotional understanding of the Holocaust
and the human cost of war.
After arriving in Krakow and checking into our hotel, we dined out at a traditional Jewish restaurant where a
three course meal was served in surroundings typical of a Jewish family home where many pictures and
paintings adorned the walls and pretty table cloths dressed the tables. Entertainment was provided by a trio
of local musicians playing the violin, accordion and double-bass.
On Saturday we were met by our guide and boarded our coach for a tour of Krakow. This included a visit to
the Wawel Royal Castle which constitutes the most historically and culturally important site in Poland. For
centuries the Castle was the residence of the Polish royals and the symbol of Polish statehood. The Castle is
now one of the country’s premier art museums.
From here we travelled across the city to Schindler’s Factory of Enamelled Vessels. A guided tour took us
around the factory which has been turned into a modern museum devoted to the wartime experiences
under the five-year Nazi occupation. The exhibitions combine period artefacts, photos and documents.
After lunch we visited the Jewish Museum where we met with a Holocaust survivor who talked about her
childhood experiences. This was a very emotional recount as she shared with us details of how her parents
took the decision to leave their baby at an orphanage in the hope that she would survive the horrific events
of that time. A decision that turned out better for her and not so for her parents whom she never saw again.
It was a truly emotional and humbling experience.
Year 7 Crashed Cox Green!
In November the school hosted its first ever sleepover—Year 7
Crashed Cox Green! This event was planned, advertised and
run by the Humanities Committee.
40 Year 7 students slept in the humanities room, and spent the
evening playing games and watching movies. The students
were provided with a lovely lasagne and pineapple turnover
cake cooked by the Year 11 catering students, who relished the
opportunity to cook a two course healthy meal for the students. Everyone had a brilliant time.
The Humanities Committee is a group of enterprising Year 8 students who are raising money for a humanities
trip. Their crashing Cox Green night raised £150.
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Oxbridge Interview Practice - Reading Blue Coat School.
On the 19th of November, Oxbridge candidates in the Sixth
Form were given the opportunity to visit Reading Bluecoat
School and take part in mock interviews as preparation for
Oxbridge.
The evening began with group interviews in which we sat
and listened to each other as we were asked questions
about our personal statements. This session was a fantastic
exercise in being able to explain exactly why a university
course particularly appeals, giving details of favourite
modules or topics, and expressing our enthusiasm. We were all given individual feedback on the
strong points of our interviews, and advised on how we could further improve our answers.
Following on from this, we were each given individual interviews as well to focus more specifically
on our subjects of interest. I was given a poem to read and analyse a few minutes before my
interview and was then questioned on my interpretations of it. Additionally, I was asked more
specific questions on my personal statement, such as whether I felt that there was any pure love
presented in ‘Lolita’, and why I thought the title of ‘Enduring Love’ was ambiguous. I found these
questions particularly interesting as I was familiar with the books, but I was then asked to defend
my opinions of them; this was something I had not been challenged to do before.
Towards the end of the individual interviews, questions moved to the more traditional Oxbridge
reasoning questions. I found these the most engaging questions as I was constructing arguments for
and against questions such as “Should there be awards for literature?” and forming opinions on
matters I may not have thought about otherwise.
We were invited back on the 3rd of December to participate in more interview preparations, this
time focusing on confidence and first impressions.
We were introduced to the lady running the session, Ginny Avery, and were then informed of the
importance of a good first impression. To enforce this, we were told to practise our handshakes,
with everyone walking around the room and introducing ourselves to each other. After some initial
nervous laughter, we really began to engage with what Ginny was saying and how it made such a
big difference. We moved on to practising physical relaxation techniques, swinging arms to relax the
shoulders, and scrunching up our faces to enable better facial movement (cue more nervous
laughter).
Finishing the group session, we then had individual interviews with Ginny to assess our actions
during interview. We spoke about how to greet the interviewer (remembering handshakes), how to
dress to impress, and even how to change your body language to show we were engaging.
The sessions at Bluecoat School were valuable experiences in preparing us for interviews, and I
know that I have certainly learned many lessons which will come in useful for any university or even
job interviews in the future. Emma Fagence, Sixth Form
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Congratulations to the VEX Robotics team:
The team competed in a regional competition at Winston Churchill
School in Surrey. There were nine other teams and in the final team
challenge, Cox Green became runners up with only 1 point away from
qualifying for the National Finals.
The team (Hannah Croft, Charlotte Hayward Faulkner, Niamh Clark,
and Katie Tuttlebee) had some issues initially with the functioning of
the robot, however, they worked as a team to overcome these
challenges by diagnosing the issues, applying the research they had
done and then readjusting parts of it to enhance its performance.
Teams worked co-operatively in the 1 minute challenge to dislodge the balls from their positions, gaining
bonus points for driving their robots up the ramp and remaining there until the end of the minute.
Our team was a credit to the school and demonstrated a resilience in the face of what seemed initially to be
quite a mountain to climb.
We are all extremely pleased with them and we are looking forward to the rest of the team (Charlotte
Sheddon, Jessica Richard and Lucy Langdale) joining them at the next regional competition. Well done girls!
Brilliant work!
Romeo and Juliet at the opening of the Bandstand for the Queen’s Birthday Celebrations in
Alexandra Gardens Windsor.
On Wednesday 20th April, 8 of our Year 10 students had the
honour of taking part in Her Majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations,
in Alexandra Gardens, Windsor. It was a beautiful day for such a
special event to take place with the sun shining down into the
bandstand, which the Queen opened during the celebration. We
all thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Langley Grammar School
and the Shakespeare Schools Festival Directors and it was a
privilege for all of us to perform for Her Majesty.
When the Queen made her way up to the bandstand to greet Romeo, (Tim, Langley Grammar), and I, we
were both unimaginably exhilarated. We not only had the opportunity to have a conversation with both Her
Majesty and Prince Philip, but we got to shake both their hands, something not many people can say they’ve
done, I’m sure! I was also told by the Duke of Edinburgh that if I stay at school for another 3 years, I’ll be
going grey by the time I leave! It was such an incredible opportunity and we all loved every minute of the
experience, it was definitely a day we will never forget. Jess Wood, Year 10
Paris Trip 2016
During the February half term, 50 students took part in a trip to Paris. We
stayed in outdoor luxury PODS and took part in a range of activities from
visiting Science museums, the Eiffel Tower and a chocolate factory.
I think most would agree that the day trip to Disneyland was an absolute
highlight finishing off with all watching the parade together.
Mr Slater’s morning wake up calls have been missed by all students as
well as Mr Casserley’s daily radio station “Chateau FM”
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Cox Green Chamber Choir raise the roof of the
Royal Albert Hall
On Sunday 1st May, 21 members of our Chamber Choir,
ages 13-18, travelled to London with Mr Davie and Ms
Beach to sing in the Royal Albert Hall as part of the
Celebration of Music in Berkshire organised by Berkshire
Maestros.
What an incredible experience! We had the opportunity to
sing some of the most inspiring choral works of all time in a choir of 700 young people from schools across
the county, Berkshire Youth Choir and Berkshire Youth Orchestra joined by members of the BBC Concert
Orchestra. The programme included famous choral and operatic works by Haydn, Verdi, Mozart, Handel and
Bizet including the iconic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’. Whilst the photographs give an impression of the enormous
numbers involved and the awesome venue, for a real sense of the sound please listen to :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59l6cN-OLSE. Thanks to all the parents and to Mrs Olmos who came to
support us.
Trip to Wembley Stadium—Arsenal Vs Chelsea Women’s Football
On Saturday 14th May the fantastic u13 girls’ football
team travelled down to the iconic Wembley Stadium to watch
Arsenal Ladies take on Chelsea Ladies. With Arsenal being the most
successful women's team in the history of English football, Chelsea
had an uphill task to overcome one of the fiercest and well
established teams in the women's super league. The game saw a
fantastic strike from Danielle Carter, Arsenal's number 9, resulting
in an early first half goal for Arsenal. The second half saw much of
the same, strong attacking pressure with Chelsea not really turning
up. 1-0 to Arsenal Ladies was the final score.
The girls had a fantastic day and in a few years potentially we could be going to watch some of these girls
playing in the FA Cup final!
THE SCHOOL YEAR SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS
Pole Vaulting Bronze for Jack McAra Year 11
Jack has had a busy summer on the athletics field. He competes for Windsor
Slough Eton and Hounslow Athletics Club (WSEH) who won the UK Youth
Development League Final on Sunday to establish themselves as the top athletics
club in the UK at U17/U20 level.
Jack won a bronze medal in the U17 Pole Vault “A” event, equalling his Personal
Best in the process at the famous Alexander Stadium, Birmingham on Sunday.
This was Jack’s first appearance in a National Final and hopefully the first medal
of many on the National stage.
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Toby Pritchard successful selection for the County Football
Squad
Following two rounds of trials, Toby Pritchard (Year 11) has been
selected to play in the Berkshire Schools’ Football Association Under
16 Boys County Football Squad!
Fred’s Selection to County Football
Fred Chapman Year 9 has been chosen to represent the Under 14's in goal at
County Level football. This selection followed a friendly match against
Hertfordshire on October 3rd, which was a great game that ended in a draw.
Fred is looking forward to the future games and is very proud to wear the county
tie.
Katie Crowhurst has Paralympic Potential
Katie Crowhurst (7A1) is a visually impaired swimmer. She
competes nationally as an S13 Para Swimmer. She is on British
Swimming's England Talent programme and last year and this year
she made the times for the next programme up— 'World Class
Podium Potential' - but you have to be 12 to be accepted onto this
programme.
Katie has competed in the ASA South East Region Winter Championships and won 3 Medals - Silver
in her 100m Backstroke, Silver in her 400m Freestyle and Bronze in her 100m Freestyle.
Katie also won the Young Sports Star Award for the South East and has been nominated to win the
overall Young Sports Person of the Year Award. In December Katie travelled to Manchester to
compete in the British Swimming Para National Championships where she hopes to make the times
to compete next April in the Paralympic Trials in Glasgow. It’s a tough sport and although Katie is
chasing the Tokyo Paralympic dream she may not ever make it but she will certainly have had some
fantastic opportunities and experiences along the way.
CGS Teams win at the 5-a-side National Girls League
Cup!
On Wednesday 2nd December, 11 budding year 7 and 8
footballers travelled to Woodley to play in the annual U13 5-a
side National Girls League Cup. Cox Green was represented
strongly with 2 teams entering the tournament.
The final was against Waingels, who had previously beaten our
other team 4-1 in the group stage. The whole squad was ready
to fight and give absolutely everything in the final match. The
girls were undefeated champions of the day and richly deserved the medals and certificates they received.
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Each and every player who came was a true ambassador for the school and a real credit to themselves. Their
sporting manner was exemplary throughout the day and I could not be more proud of their performance and
conduct. They have made me one very proud coach. Miss P Glover
MiniGP Champion from Year 8
After coming second in the 2015 British MiniGP Championship, Aditya Behal, Year 8,
went on to the top of the leaderboard in the MiniGP 70cc World Championships 2016
after a trio of race wins. He is doing so well that he is on course for honours in the
MiniGP 50cc and 70cc British Championship.
Abbie Jones represents Cox Green and Berkshire at English Schools
at Cross Country
Abbie Jones of Year 9 has been selected to represent Berkshire at English
Schools Cross Country on 4th/5th March 2016 representing Cox Green. Abbie
competed in two other races (one in Newbury - with lots of other Cox Green
Students, and one in Bexhill on Sea) to be selected.
Ametz Parcell-Arregi to Cox at
The Oarsport Junior Sculling Head at Dorney Lake
Ametz, Year 7, has been selected by her rowing club, to cox one of the sculling
boats at the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head National Competition next Friday 18th of
March at Dorney Lake.
Ametz is learning to row and trains every Saturday and Sunday at Maidenhead. She
has already coxed a winning team at the National Championships in Scotland last
year—the Junior Team won silver!
U15 Rugby Star Charlie Scott, Year 10
Charlie was chosen to represent Berkshire in the u15 rugby matches against
Dorset and Wiltshire on Sunday! Well done Charlie!
Bronze Medal for our Girls!
Olivia Phelps Year 8 and Abbie Jones, Year 9, both represented Team
Berkshire in the Regional Sportshall Athletic Finals at Burgess Hill. Both
won a bronze medal in their respective events (U13 and U15 4x200m
relay teams).
Berkshire School Games
On Wednesday 16th March 2016, ten phenomenal Year 7 and 8 girls
attended the Berkshire School Games at Bisham Abbey in Marlow. After
a successful unbeaten streak at the previous tournament and a first
place finish, the girls’ confidence was high as we arrived at the National
Sports Centre.
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The final saw us come up against Waingels again. The last time Cox Green played Waingels the game finished
3-3 and had been decided on penalties where we were victorious; neither team wanted this to be the
outcome this time. The game started well for the opponents with a quick brace from their midfield resulting
in a 2-0 lead. Sadly on the day, Waingels were a little stronger and managed to clasp the last goal with
seconds remaining 3-2 to Waingels the game finished. Cox Green were the runners up.
The girls were exceptional throughout the day and their sporting behaviour and manners showed them to be
true accolades for the school. They did themselves and the school proud.
Well done girls! I’m so immensely proud of you all. Miss Glover
Our amazing girls win 5-1! ( against
Charters) and bring back the Berkshire
Schools Cup!
A superb game!
On Tuesday 21st April the U13 Cox Green
footballers travelled to Thatcham Town
Football Club for the U13 Girls County Cup
Final.
Near the end of the match the score was 5-0
to Cox Green, but the girls remained calm
and composed and continued to work to their absolute best, continuously pushing the limits of their
footballing ability. The game ended 5-1 to Cox Green and we were declared the County Champions!
The girls were not only excellent in this game, but have been all season, they are truly heroes and I can’t wait
to get the new season rolling in September! Well done girls, you are truly superb! Miss Glover
CGS win West Berkshire Year 10 Boys Cup Final
This was the Year 10 Boys Cup final against
Brackenhale to decide the best team in West
Berkshire. We had already beaten them 5-0 in the
group stages but anything can happen in a final so the
boys were fully prepared for the last game of the
season.
The game started very well, Cox Green were on top
right from the start and we created several chances before we eventually managed to score,
beating the keeper to tap the ball in. Cox Green continued to threaten and the midfield was
particularly strong dominating the possession and disrupting Brackenhale’s ball whenever they had
it. We were 2-0 up at half-time.
The second half started fairly edgy with Cox Green unable to finish the game off with a third goal.
Brackenhale managed to score from an early free kick to make the game a very tense final.
Thankfully we kept the defence under control and Brackenhale rarely looked like equalising. Cox
Green managed to seal the win so the game finished 3-1. Mr Slade
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Shot County Champion
Congratulations to Molly Horler, Year 11. Molly won First Place for the Intermediate
Girls Shot at the County Championship at Palmer Park in June. Fantastic!
PARENT/STUDENT SURVEYS
INCLUSION Cox Green School continues to pride itself on its fully inclusive nature, philosophy and provision. Every
student on the school SEN register has a personalised student progress plan that teachers and students feed
into to ensure our students receive the best education possible.
Early intervention and identification of need is the focal point of Inclusion at Cox Green. Strong pastoral care
coupled with this and the very firm belief that every lesson, every day, and every child counts ensures that
our support meets the needs of all our learners. “Never try, never Know” has allowed our students to take
risks, and for students to take risks, they must feel secure in their learning. Students know their well-being
and academic progress remain paramount and are confident in their learning provision and abilities as our
PASS survey shows.
Support within school has gone from strength to strength through bespoke intervention. One- to -one
behaviour mentoring and emotional literacy support have proved very successful along with our extended
counselling services. Speech and Language within Cox Green is the bedrock of our provision and has proved
to have had a profound impact on the support and intervention offered within the school. A large amount of
students have benefited from this provision, as have teachers who have also built upon strategies to advance
teaching, learning and differentiation within the classroom.
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MORE ABLE STUDENTS AT COX GREEN Meeting the needs of our More Able students is of paramount importance and we offer challenge in lessons
and a diverse range of enrichment activities as well as individual monitoring and support.
More Able students at Cox Green School last year excelled themselves again. Some students really took on
board Malcolm Gladwell’s idea: to become an expert in something requires 10,000 hours of practice, we
wonder where they fit it all in!
Staff last year worked collaboratively to trial new and unconventional techniques in their classrooms to
stretch and challenge students. This saw a rise in the use of mobile technology use in the classroom which
students have welcomed very much.
‘TeachMeet’ events were run again at Cox Green School to share teaching ideas and strategies across
teachers in the Windsor and Maidenhead area.
A number of Sixth form students attended mock interviews at Reading Blue Coats School to prepare them for
Oxbridge and Russell Group interviews. The students were put through their paces in both group and
individual interviews with a wide range of questions thrown at them. All found it great practice for not just
University interviews, but any type of interview.
Year 10 students visited Brasenose College Oxford. They found the
trip eye-opening, with a member of the Oxford University staff
talking about the importance of GCSEs, time management and
being passionate about your interests. Overall the trip was very
interesting and made the students realise how much they need to
focus on developing their knowledge and understanding over the
next few years.
As a school we have also been working with all of our students to
show them how they should review each day’s learning in the
evening and discuss how they can extend their knowledge in areas they are interested in. Done consistently,
this makes students less anxious towards exams and makes them more attractive as candidates to employers
and Universities.
Mentoring for our More Able students has been highly successful and we have provided highly individualised
programmes for our students.
LITERACY The new school year kicked off with another Extreme Reading competition! Our students and staff showed
just how thrilling reading can be by getting caught reading all over the world.
Reading continues to have a high profile in the Cox Green community. This year 3,195 books were
borrowed! To continue our love of reading, many students received extra opportunities to engage with all
sorts of authors.
Twelve Year 7 and Year 8 students are taking part in the CILIP Carnegie shadowing scheme. This means they
'shadow' the judging process for the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Children's Book Awards; they read,
discuss and review the books on each shortlist selected by CILIP's panel of librarian judges and engage in
reading related activity online. So far, the favourite is There Will be Lies by Nick Lake.
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Some of our More Able Year 10 readers are also part of a book club which is run by RBWM. Twice a term,
they meet in the library to discuss more challenging books that they may not encounter in the curriculum.
They have read a wide variety of books from young adult
fiction such as More Than This by Patrick Ness to modern
classics such as The Great Gatsby.
In March we celebrated World Book Day. Morris Gleitzman,
Australian author of the popular Onc e series, delighted Year
7 with his funny stories and advice to budding writers.
Many students bought books by the author and had the opportunity to meet him. He generously took time
to speak to the students and to sign their books with personalised messages after his talk.
As 2016 is the year of Shakespeare, the Borough Library Service offered Cox Green students an exciting
opportunity to work with a poet to enhance their creative writing skills. Thirty of our More Able Year 8
students worked with Philip Wells, the Fire Poet, and received an energetic and engaging workshop on the
poems of the Bard and the 400th anniversary of his death on 23 April 2016.
This year we continued the Read, Write, Inc Fresh Start intervention programme for Year 7 students who are
reading below expected level. Students are placed in groups based on their reading age and work from
specific modules which contain a fiction or non-fiction text and a range of writing and comprehension
activities which provide practice in the sounds and graphemes taught in the phonics lessons. The
programme has been highly successful: out of a total of 31 Year 7 students, 25 students improved their
reading scores in just one term.
THE SIXTH FORM
The Sixth Form has had another exciting academic year.
The core values of Commitment (to achievement), Aspiration and Collaboration have been at the centre of
everything we do. We have worked hard to build our Post 16 students’ competencies, their character and
their sense of belonging to the world. We are fully committed to ensure that all our students leave us with
the cultural capital they need to be successful citizens, now and in the future. We have strived to ensure our
6th Form students have very strong personal leadership to enable them to be leaders of their own life.
We have introduced our specialised programme: LIVE TO LEARN, LEARN TO
LIVE, to ensure our students have all the skills they will need to flourish in a
changing education and social environment, no matter how challenging. We
want our students to be ready for study, ready for work, ready for life!
There have been some changes to the structures in the 6th Form to reflect our
vision. These have included a daily morning student briefing, that is often led by
students to their peers where an inspirational thought for the day is discussed.
Students also attend personal leadership Seminars. Students sign up to these allowing them significant
choice. Seminars have included Mindfulness, creative thinking, motivating yourself, debating skills, first aid,
and personal finance skills. Students also experienced the Safe Drive event to teach them about safe driving.
Wednesday afternoon is dedicated to enrichment for all 6th Formers. There has been a range of recreational
sport for students to partake in, including ultimate Frisbee, golf, ice skating, football and fitness. Students
have had the opportunity to learn other new skills also such as knitting, DIY, construction, budget cooking
and driving skills. This has all been very well received. Staff (including non-teaching staff) from across the
school have supported with the delivery of the enrichment.
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Through the Pixl Edge accredited programme students have contributed to the school and wider community
through volunteering and fundraising. This has included organizing charity cake sales and mentoring
students from other year groups. Some students have volunteered for example, to deliver Music therapy
sessions in Maidenhead community centre on a weekly basis.
A number of Year 12 and year 13 students successfully completed their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Students are required to carry out their own research in order to find an answer to the problem they set.
Students have attended a variety of sessions led by visiting universities to develop key project skills. The
students presented their final projects during a showcase evening to Governors, parents, staff and peers.
Sustaining a culture of high expectations and aspirations has
continued to be a key priority and outstanding impartial careers
guidance ensures that our learners develop clear and realistic plans
for their future. This was demonstrated for instance, through our
engagement with a group of external colleagues from a wide variety
of professions when we hosted the first ever ‘You’re Hired’ event for
year 13. This involved our students having bespoke workshops
beforehand on writing application forms, CVs and letters of
application and how to present themselves in an interview session. The feedback from students and the
visiting colleagues was excellent and suggests our learners have developed personal, social and employability
skills through this high quality non-qualification activity.
Year 12 have had the opportunity to experience work placements and one of our students has secured a
week’s experience with Theresa May, our new Prime Minister, in the Houses of Parliament.
Students have been supported to prepare for leaving school and venturing into the world of further
education. Year 12 attended the ‘Higher Education Convention’ in London, gaining a wealth of information
and help from exhibits from learning providers, universities and possible apprenticeships, in order to set
them up for Year 13.
Meanwhile, our current Year 13s are getting ready to leave for new adventures after exams. We are
delighted with the offers our students have received, which is testament to their hard work and support they
have had from staff. Offers include; Bristol University to undertake Creative Music technology and
Birmingham University to study Human Biology. Also, some students, again through determination and hard
work, have secured outstanding apprenticeships in a range of areas including for example Deloitte and
American Airlines. We are so proud of these amazing student achievements.
TEACHING QUALITY As a school, we have continued to drive teaching and learning practices to address our action points from
OFSTED, this has meant encouraging both students and teachers to take risks in the classroom to develop
student curiosity.
In February 2016, we trialled a new style of coached lesson observation. In English, students were seen
developing their debating skills which stimulated their curiosity, and led to greater engagement in lessons. In
Business Studies, new technology was being used through revision apps on students’ smartphones to
consolidate work and aid students with exam preparation. Smartphone technology has also been harnessed
in History though the programme “Pickers”, which lesson observation records showed students were highly
engaged with their learning. Music has experimented with “flipping” students learning, to encourage more
independence in their learning. This has been particularly successful in providing appropriate challenge for
our More Able students.
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The Maths Department has been bringing outside world problems into the classroom to make learning
relevant via work based examples and through problem based learning. This has allowed students to be
encouraged to challenge themselves and to think critically about the problems being presented. Maths has
also been experimenting with choice in learning, so students can choose questions which are relevant to
their ability.
Our ambition, to get students to question themselves and the world they live in, has also been promoted
through our use of “Thunks”. A ‘’thunk’’ has been posed to the students to encourage deeper thought. The
aim of creating independent resilient and curious learners will continue next year, furthering our ambition
that Cox Green is recognised for “outstanding” teaching and learning.
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whole school professional development has been used to enhance already great teaching. Sarah Pavey from
the world renowned educational company “Independent Thinking” worked with our staff in January on
different teaching methods to promote curiosity.
We have continued to share practice in briefings, which has included the staff being introduced to “Kahoot”.
This professional development has had an impact across the school but particularly in areas such as Science,
RS and History where it’s being used to engage whole classes in questioning through their smart devices.
This year we held another successful ‘Teachmeet’ which saw both teachers and educational companies
demonstrating the latest innovative practice used in schools. Cox Green teachers took a leading role in
presenting their ideas and the event is attended by many colleagues from the local area.
Cox Green is now the lead school in “Teach Maidenhead,” an initiative which
has seen us training the future teachers of Maidenhead schools. Next year the
organisation will be expanding and developing the NQT programme to allow
new teachers to get access to excellent professional development across the
Maidenhead schools.
OUR STUDENTS AND THEIR VIEW
Jake Harrington
During my time studying at Cox Green Sixth Form I have enjoyed each of my subjects thoroughly and have
found that there is always somebody available to help if you should need it. The subject teachers are all very
dedicated and have given me that extra push when I was struggling for motivation – such as showing me
useful revision apps and pointing me to resources. I have also managed to gain essential skills in my chosen
subjects and progress towards my next step which will hopefully be studying Architectural Technology at the
University of Northampton.
Majid Hajmahmoud
My time at Cox Green Sixth Form has been a real experience! There have been a lot of ups and downs, but it
is safe to say I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sixth Form. The teachers have been extremely supportive
and I am sure they will continue to be so for future students, as they are so committed. Although I am sad to
be leaving Sixth Form I am very excited to see what the future holds for me and I would like to think that Cox
Green Sixth Form has taught me some of the skills I will need for Brunel University next year where I hope to
study Computer Science.
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Beth Gardner
My time at Cox Green has been a wonderful and educative experience. I have met many new people and
made so many new friends. Sixth form has been great, as it gives you the first step into being independent,
helped by bespoke seminars on topics I will definitely need at university – like finance and housekeeping. The
teachers and sixth form team support you enormously, advising you as to what step to take next and also
helping with any other issues you may have. I am delighted to have a place at Brighton University next year
to study Creative Writing.
PUPIL PREMIUM Cox Green School sees reducing the progress gap between those in receipt of free school meals in the last 6
years (Pupil Premium) and those not as an absolute priority. We interview all our Pupil Premium students
throughout the year to identify their strengths and areas for development and work hard on an individual
basis to remove these barriers.
We have also strengthened our interview process for transition from year 6 into 7 as we aim to involve
parents earlier on and make greater impact.
Pupil Premium students have received a careers interview and all have attended a University open day. The
additional funding the school receives for those in receipt of free school meals has supported a range of
initiatives which are explained in detail on the school website where they have been evaluated for impact.
We continually adjust our curriculum offer so that it is bespoke to each year
group. This year we have run courses such as ‘Learning for life’ and ‘Prince’s
Trust’. In addition to these courses we run bespoke interventions for students,
such as ‘managing distractions’, ‘self-esteem/confidence’ groups, ‘Kidzania’ and
‘Read-Write-Inc’ to name a few. Maths and English run smaller classes sizes in
particular year groups to support students with the core skills and run targeted
revision sessions for individuals to work on gaps identified in mock exams and
classes. The images below are of some of our students who attend an
experience called ‘Kidzania’ where students took on roles in F1 racing teams, as
ambulance crew, as Radio presenters and so on. We are very aware that a set of
good qualifications at GCSE or A Level are not the only tools students will need to
reach their next step of University, Apprenticeship and ultimately their career.
We have invested this year in running a homework club for students and have
encouraged students to attend where it is felt they would benefit, or where they have
indicated they need support from an adult at school and access to resources. The
homework club has run on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.15 to 4pm in
IT2. Students have been shown in tutor time how to review their work each day and
also how to manage their time and homework using their planners. Students are
aware they should be spending about 50 to 80mins per evening reviewing the day’s
learning from their five lessons in addition to any homework they are given from a
subject. Students who have gone on to do well at Apprenticeships or University always
remark that it is the little and often work they have done that has helped them the most.
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We subsidise trips for those in receipt of free school meals, encourage
participation in one of the myriad of extra-curricular and enrichment
clubs run during breaks and at either end of the day. Examples of
such enrichment activities this year have included: a trip to Rome,
trips to various universities including Oxford University and Oxford
Brookes, a wealth of performing arts and musical events, an array of
sporting events and other trips including Paris, Auschwitz and the
WWI Battlefields. We recognise that although we publish enrichment
activities and suggest them to students they still do not always attend.
We would strongly urge parents and carers to ensure that their child participates in at least one enrichment
activity to help nurture their soft-skills and make them more competitive career-wise. Employers are on the
look-out for the soft-skills of communication, leadership and teamwork.
We urge parents and carers over the summer break to encourage their children to continue to read for
pleasure, to visit the many free attractions on offer both locally and in London which help equip each child
for their next steps as their cultural awareness and experiences grow. The National Trust have a list of 50
ideas for children to do this summer - https://www.50things.org.uk/
ATTENDANCE Our attendance figures have continued to improve dramatically year on year, with this academic year being
the highest yet. This is a result of students feeling safe, because they enjoy coming to the school and the
support that is offered to them and their families by our SAFE and pastoral teams.
We work tirelessly at improving students’ attendance. We offer support to
parents through parenting classes, regular home-school contact, support in
lessons, use of within school resources and referral to outside agencies.
Attendance is vital to all of us as it supports achievement, progress and social
interaction both in and out of school and ultimately to provide the holistic, well-
rounded education at the centre of our core values.
Our aim continues to ensure that every student has an attendance figure of at
least 96% by the end of the academic year. The attendance tracker monitors
students’ attendance and this is celebrated each week and in termly rewards
assemblies.
The impact of the attendance tracker, in conjunction with the work of the SAFE Team and the Attendance
Officer, have ensured Cox Green’s attendance is still above the national average and is higher than last year’s
for overall school attendance. In addition, our Persistent Absence figure (those students who have less than
90% attendance) has reduced again this year. A student who has an attendance of 90% or less will have
missed about half a year of school and will achieve 3 GCSE grades less than the average student.
Punctuality to school and lessons is also a constant focus for us as we are preparing students for the working
world and reinforcing successful employment habits. The number of students attending school late in the
mornings is minimal.
CAREERS It has once again been a very exciting year where all students in years 8-13 have been given impartial and
sound careers advice. New careers drop in careers advice sessions have been available for all students and
have proved very popular.
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Options
The year began with year 8 and 9 students being guided through their option choices, students worked
through an option booklet for a number of weeks in PSHE time. Following the parents’ introduction evening
session students then experienced an options taster day. There were an array of activities which included
guest speakers talking to our students about careers in construction, apprenticeship opportunities and
Policing. This was followed by a session on skills required in employment, such as communication and
resilience.
Business and Industry Links
This year we have been very fortunate to work alongside Learning to Work. This has enabled us to attend
several events. Year 10 students attended an informative Hospitality and Catering event at East Berkshire
College. It was a chance to meet local and national employers and included British Airways, LEGOLAND, and
the Marriott Hotel Slough. It also provided our students with the opportunity to talk to East Berkshire College
about Apprenticeship vacancies and vocational courses.
We held two fantastic “You’re Hired” Interview days this year. Year 11 and 13 students were tasked with
preparing for a mock interview by writing a covering letter, filling in an application form or writing a personal
statement. These were then shared with an external business representative who interviewed the student
on a one to one basis. The days were an enormous success and feedback from students was extremely
positive. One of the students was offered a work experience placement with a barrister following on from
their interview. The Sixth Form have also attended new seminars throughout the year on topics such as
applying for apprenticeships, CV writing, researching volunteering roles and work experience opportunities.
Our Oxbridge/ Russell Group candidates attended a practice interview session at Reading Blue Coat School,
which was a great experience and provided them with some valuable experience and feedback.
“What Next?” Evening
The ‘What Next?’ parents evening was well attended. This event was to inform parents about the next steps
after sixth form. Presentations on the different pathways of apprenticeships, UCAS, GAP years and
employment were extremely well received by parents. Jenny Vince represented the National Apprenticeship
Organisation and provided excellent information to all about new national apprenticeship opportunities.
BEHAVIOUR AND SAFETY “Students are courteous and polite and they respect others. Their smart appearance, the good presentation
of their work and the absence of litter and graffiti around the site reflect the pride students have in their
school.”(Ofsted 2015)
Attitudes to all aspects of learning are extremely positive within the school. “Students approach their
learning with commitment and enthusiasm for the tasks set, particularly when activities are challenging and
make them think hard. They work well together. Disruption in lessons is extremely rare.” Students continue
to respond quickly to staff’s instructions and as such lessons flow smoothly with minimum disruption. The
behaviour policy is consistently implemented and rigorously monitored within the school and as such
students at Cox Green know the expectations of the school and adhere to the expectations which are
transparent to all. Our positive ethos remains, and is best highlighted in the positive learning environments
and student/ teacher relationships seen on a daily basis. 98% of parents surveyed reported that their child
felt happy at school this year.
Bullying, homophobic and racist incidents within Cox Green remain very low. This is because the school
prides itself on its implementation of the British values of fairness, tolerance and respect. These are shared
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by all within the school and developed and encouraged through the strong SMSC and PSHE programmes.
These values are modelled by and reinforced by staff in the classroom, through assemblies and through the
encouragement of positive interaction within the more social aspects of school life. Cox Green prides itself
on its community spirit and on being a local community school.
The school goes above and beyond in all aspects to keep students safe and secure. Students feel safe and are
kept safe. We ensure through our pastoral care that students are made aware of possible threats and
challenges especially with regard to bullying, internet safety, child sexual exploitation and the prevention of
radicalisation and extremism. The support and guidance of the SAFE Team is pivotal in this. Their work
remains the bedrock of our pastoral care and safeguarding within the school and has ensured that our
students receive care, nurturing and the therapeutic support so vitally needed at crucial times.
As a learning community, we strive to ensure all students enjoy the benefits of a positive, friendly learning
environment. Students and staff take pride in the school and celebrate our achievement. Positive behaviour
is acknowledged, rewarded and celebrated within the school. It is shared within the student body, with
parents and within the whole school community. We have this year, because of the good behaviour,
encouraged both staff and students take risks in their teaching and learning. As such we have created an
environment where students feel safe, challenged, encouraged to succeed and where the learning
experience is fun, enjoyable and celebrated.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP Student Leadership at Cox Green has continued to flourish this year. We currently offer the following
leadership opportunities to our students: STEM Leaders, Humanities Committee, Student Ambassadors and
Sports Leaders.
Our STEM Leaders have welcomed visiting STEM lecturers to the school and helped design and implement
our year 5 and 6 Science event, to inspire a natural curiosity for science.
Our Humanities Committee have met regularly to plan a series of Humanities themed activities for
themselves and others to take part in. This has included the very popular event called ‘Year 7 Crashes Cox
Green School’. These Leaders planned, risk assessed and helped run a sleepover for students in Year 7, which
raised significant funds for the Humanities committee. They have run a series of other competitions which
students went on and a fact-finding hunt and received a prize for successful completion and organising a
cultural day trip to London.
The Student Ambassadors are appointed from years 8 to 10. They are a self-managed group that provide
amazing support at school events and with fundraising, and they have recently organised a non-uniform day
to raise funds for the 'Buy a Brick' Campaign for the construction of the Alexander Devine Children's Hospice
at Woodlands Park. They also assisted with the Transition Day for Year 6 students by arranging some team
building activities.
Sports Leaders have gained valuable skills and qualities that have not only contributed to their GCSE Physical
Education course but their confidence and self-esteem. Our leaders continue to develop high-quality sports
sessions for their peers, younger year groups and our local schools. This year, our leaders have been further
challenged by planning and leading excellent multi skills sessions to Manor Green Students. The feedback
received from both students and staff from Manor Green was outstanding. Our sports leaders have also
assisted in Intra-house, interschool and after school House activities.
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Our 6th Form Head Boy and Head Girl have attended Governors meetings to represent the Cox Green School
student body. Other 6th Form student leaders have organised an array of fundraising activities and helped
mentor younger aged students.
All our leadership programmes have had a significant impact on our students. Greater opportunities have
been created for the school and wider community through our students giving up their own time. They also
continue to inspire many others with everything they do.
SITE IMPROVEMENTS We were delighted to receive the news in September 2015 that the Local Authority has asked us to expand
by 30 students from September 2017. Due to the parental choice demand for the 2016 intake the expansion
was brought forward to September 2016.
Work is due to start on site early 2017. Architects are working with the school to plan the new buildings that
will be required as the numbers increase over the next seven years and this will bring new facilities to all of
the students of the school including additional classrooms, changing facilities and a long awaited improved
dining and kitchen facility.
THE GOVERNING BODY
Governors
Community Governors
Mr Paul Louden – Chair
Mr Steve Lumb – Vice Chair
Mr Peter Thorn
Mr Clive Haines
Mrs Gwenda Lilley
2 Vacancies
Parent Governors
Mrs Diane Armstrong
Mrs Julie Batten
Mrs Wen-Lan Richard
Mr Marc Tucker
Teacher Governors
Mr Matt Foster
Vacancy
Staff Support Governor
Mr Graham Jons
Headteacher
Ms Heidi Swidenbank
Head Boy and Head Girl
(non-voting members)
The work of the Governing Body
Organisational Structure
The governors have responsibility for setting and monitoring the overall strategic direction of the school,
approving decisions reserved to governors and appointing key members of staff.
The governors meet as a board five or six times each year. All decisions reserved to the governors are taken
by the board as a whole. Board committees meet four or five times each year to consider detailed matters
and recommend decisions to the full board.
There are 5 such committees:
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Leadership and Management
Remit:
Responsible for ensuring the effective operation of the Governing Body committees;
Continue to develop strategies to achieve school improvement;
To co-ordinate the working of the Governing Body and agree proposals to go to the Governing Body;
Ensure the Governing Body has a set of strategic planning processes for the advancement of the school
and that these are supported by a clear set of plans;
Ensuring the effectiveness of the Governing Body through a rigorous self-evaluation process;
To be the first sounding board for potential major changes to the school;
Responsible for oversight of the sustainability of school leadership;
Responsible for SEF Strand 4 – Leadership and Management and 8 – Summative Judgements and the
integration of the overall SEF document;
To provide information to the full governing body on all key personnel and employee issues. To include a
review of workforce data on an annual basis;
To ensure Performance Management recommendations are adhered to and to recommend the Pay
Policy (including Teaching and Learning Responsibilities) to the full governing body;
Oversight of School Evaluation Framework as agreed on the annual Self Review and Development
Planning Calendar.
Membership:
Paul Louden – Chair Peter Thorn
Steve Lumb Heidi Swidenbank
People and External Relations Committee
Remit:
To ensure that the school places the best interests of pupils as individuals and as a group at the forefront
of its every action. To include a review of Behaviour Policy and pupil exclusions and a review of Child
Protection Policy including the appointment of a Child Protection Governor.
Safeguarding. Also to ensure that all governors have up to date safeguarding training
To ensure the Governing Body is appropriately trained through the appointment of a Link Development
Governor.
Oversee the delivery of the school’s Extended Schools Provision
Monitor the Prospectus including distribution
Relationship with RBWM and Maidenhead Federation
Membership:
Mr Steve Lumb – Acting Chair
Mr Paul Louden Mrs Julie Batten Mrs Diane Armstrong
Mrs Wen-Lan Richard Mrs Helen Hannam (Assistant Head) Mr Clive Haines Mr Ed Hillyard (Deputy Head)
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Finance & Resources Committee
Remit:
To assist the decision making of the governing body, by enabling more detailed consideration to be given
to the best means of fulfilling the governing body's responsibility
To ensure sound management of the academy’s finances and resources, including proper planning,
monitoring and probity
To make appropriate comments and recommendations on such matters to the governing body on a
regular basis
Membership
Mr Peter Thorn (Chair) Mr Paul Louden Mr Steve Lumb Mr Graham Jons
Mrs Heidi Swidenbank (Headteacher) Mrs Gill Newman (School Business Manager) Mrs Caroline Dunne (Deputy Business Manager)
Audit Committee
Remit:
This committee is a subset of the Finance & Resources Committee.
Membership
Mr Peter Thorn (Chair) Mr Paul Louden Mr Steve Lumb
Mrs Heidi Swidenbank (Headteacher) Mrs Gill Newman (School Business Manager) Mrs Caroline Dunne (Deputy Business Manager)
Teaching & Learning Committee
Remit:
This committee has the responsibility of focusing on the quality of teaching that is undertaken in the school
and the outcome of that teaching. Good teaching alongside other enrichment activities enables our young
people to learn effectively and aspire to be the best they can be.
At every meeting the committee reviews a dashboard of
KS3 Level of progress
KS4 (GCSE) progress measures by subject and cohort
Current Year 11 targets
Overall quality of teaching
Appropriate policies
Parents should be aware that no individuals are named, these are overall statistics.
The metrics are used to analyse trends and review measures where these trends are negative.
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This committee is also involved in monitoring any subject specific reviews that are undertaken and
monitoring any subsequent interventions in the results. This year Maths and Modern Foreign Languages
were reviewed.
Membership
Mr Peter Thorn – Acting Chair
Mrs Diane Armstrong
Mrs Gwenda Lilley
Mrs Wen-Lan Richard
Mr Marc Tucker
Mr Paul Slater – Assistant Head
Mrs Beth Sanderson – Assistant Head
