Welcome from Chair of Governors
I have had the privilege of being the Chair of the Board for the last 4 years, which allows me to regularly to meet with the Head Teacher and other members of staff, from the senior leadership team to the teachers in the classroom as well as talking to the students.
The Board comprises of 5 co-opted members, 3 of which are ex–teachers. We also have 3 parent governors as well as a staff governor. The Board meets with the Headteacher 6 times a school year, through 4 Board meeting and 2 Challenge Days. The Challenge Days allow the governors to observe the school in action. We enjoy being able to watch the teachers and students working to together. The students and are eagerto share their knowledge with us when we visit their lessons. We also use this opportunity to question staff about how teaching is managed on a daily basis, such as how all students can be encouraged to achieve well in all lessons. One of the best things about our Challenge Days are that we get the opportunity to talk to the students and find out what they enjoy the most and what issues and concerns, if any, they may have. These days also allow us to find out about the other departments within the school that help our students to achieve their goals: for example, the Welfare Team and the SEND team.
I enjoy watching the hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm that the students put into various performances that they put on during the school year. The musical performances seem to get better each year, and last year the students from all years competed in a friendly musical competition to perform at the school summer concert, which was very well attended by the local community.
It is always a pleasure to be able to present the students with their well-deserved awards on Awards Evening, acknowledging their achievements and months of hard work,both in the classroom and on the sports field.
Our school continues to grow; once again, we are oversubscribed, as we continue to be the school of choice locally. Our new Sixth Form Centre will welcome a record number of students into our Sixth Form this year, which istestament to the excellent teaching offered and the grades and destinations our students achieve. Our wonderful sports facilities are being utilised by both the school and the local community.
Being part of The Two Counties Trust benefits the work of both the staff and the governors at Wilsthorpe, offering us support and training opportunities, ensuring that all have the necessary skills required to undertake their roles. As the year unfolds, I look forward to working with the other members of the Board and with the school to ensure that the school continues on its journey of growth, ensuring all our students are able to be the best they can be.
Whilst the Board has a strategic role it would not be appropriate to get involved in either the day to day running of the school or about specific staff or student issues. These are best dealt with by the school. However, should the need arise to contact the Board, this is best done through the ClerkTo.Governors@wilsthorpe.ttct.co.uk.
Gill Cort
Chair of Governors, Wilsthorpe School
