Gosforth High School

Infobox UK school
name = Gosforth High School

---

size = 150px
latitude = 55.0131
longitude = -1.6237
dms =
motto = High Achievers
motto_pl =
established = start date|1921
1973 (as Gosforth High School)
approx =
closed =
c_approx =
type = Comprehensive
Sixth form
religion = Non-denominational
president =
head_label = Principal
head = Hugh Robinson
r_head_label =
r_head =
chair_label = Chairman
chair = Prof Mike Goodfellow
founder =
founder_pl =
specialist = Language College
specialist_pl =
street = Great North Road
city = Newcastle upon Tyne
county = Tyne & Wear
country = England flagicon|England
postcode = NE3 2JH
phone = 0191 2851000
fax = 0191 2132068
LEA = Newcastle upon Tyne (391)
ofsted = 108523
staff =
enrollment = 1704 (650 in 6th form)cite web |url=http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/pdf/?inspectionNumber=309719&providerCategoryID=8192&fileName=\\school\\108\\s5_108523_20080411.pdf |title=Gosforth High School Inspection report |publisher=Ofsted |format=PDF |date=2008-03-28 |accessdate=2008-05-07]
gender = Coeducational
lower_age = 13
upper_age = 18
houses =
colours =
publication =
free_label_1 = Junior School
free_1 = Gosforth Junior High School
free_label_2 = Post-16 College
free_2 = Gosforth High Sixth Form College
free_label_3 = Community College
free_3 = Gosforth Community Education College
website = http://www.gosforthhigh.newcastle.sch.uk/
website_name = GHS Official website

Gosforth High School is an English secondary school and sixth form college in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne and is a specialist Language College. Many of its mainstream students come from three large feeder middle schools: Gosforth East Middle School, Gosforth Central Middle School, and Gosforth Junior High (formerly Gosforth West Middle School).

It also houses a large sixth form college, where the majority of the lower school students continue their studies. There is a Special education centre within the school to aid students who need it. The school houses 'Gosforth Community Education' [cite web |url=http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/gosforthcommunityadultcourses |title=Gosforth Community Education College |publisher=Newcastle City Council |accessdate=2008-04-04] , which provides courses for adults within the local community. The school is also a regional centre for young people with visual impairment [cite web |url=http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/senmainstream |title=SEN placement in mainstream schools |publisher=Newcastle City Council |accessdate=2008-04-04] [cite web |url=http://www.helpinsight.org.uk/ofsted_list.htm |title=Ofsted list |publisher=HelpInSight.org.uk |accessdate=2008-04-04] .

History

The school was originally founded in 1973 through the merger of two local comprehensive schools with Gosforth Grammar School.

1921–1944

In 1921 Gosforth Secondary School opened [citation |publisher=Tyne and Wear Archives |title=Gosforth County Grammar School, Collection RefNumber E.GO1 |accessdate =2008-04-04] . The first permanent buildings were built in the late 1920s. The site was on the opposite side of the Great North Road, to the current site.

1944–1973

Due to the Education Act 1944 the school became Gosforth Grammar School in 1944. In the early 1960s the current site of the School began to be used.

1973–2000

In 1973 the local council adopted the three-tier education system. Following this, the Grammar school was combined with Gosforth County Secondary School and Gosforth East County Secondary School, and Gosforth High School was born. The high school moved permanently to the 1960s site.

The site on which Gosforth Grammar stood is now used by Gosforth Central Middle School [cite web |url=http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/tlt/photo/022987.htm |title=Photograph of Gosforth Grammar School, 1952 |publisher=Newcastle libraries service |accessdate=2008-04-04] . The Grammar School building was used by Central Middle, until it was replaced in 2004.

2000–present

Between 2000 and 2002 the school buildings were renovated, and the new facilities were opened by the Prime Minister Tony Blair on 29 November 2002. [cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2528013.stm |title=Firefighters Jeer Blair |publisher=BBC News |date=2002-11-29 |accessdate=2008-04-04] [cite web |url=http://www.paulpugh.co.uk/ppd%20ghs.htm |title=Publications for GHS |publisher=Paul Pugh Design |accessdate=2008-04-04] This visit took place at the time of strike action by firefighters, who jeered Blair outside the school, gaining media attention. This new building cost a total of £9 million, of which £6.3 million came from a government grant, "New Deal for Schools", £1.85 million from "Newcastle Great Park" and £800,000 from Newcastle City Council. After the completion of the new buildings, which bear a striking resemblance to airport architecture, the old 'West Wing' was demolished in 2004.

The current head teacher, Hugh Robinson, started at the school in 2003. Keith Nancekievill left the school to take up the head teachers post at Hinchingbrooke School, Cambridgeshire, in February 2003 after being head at Gosforth for 15 years.

Footballer and former pupil Alan Shearer donated £10,000 to the school in 2006 from the proceeds of several testimonial events held to honour his ten years playing for Newcastle United. [cite web |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=412858&in_page_id=1779&ct=5 |title=Shearer's £1.64m charity giveaway |publisher=Daily Mail |date=2006-10-27 |accessdate=2008-04-04]

In September 2006, a new discipline system was introduced, known as the 'PRAISE Code' (Perform, Reward, Achieve, Inspire, Succeed, Excel) [cite web |url=http://www.gosforthhigh.newcastle.sch.uk/February_2007_News_Bulletin.pdf |title=News Bulletin |format=PDF |publisher=Gosforth High School |date=2007-02 |accessdate=2008-04-04] . There is some controversy around it. Its aim is to reward students, with stamps for example.

Junior School

In September 2006, Gosforth High took over the administration duties of "Gosforth West Middle School", in a Federation style agreement [cite web |url=http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/cab2006.nsf/allbykey/54D62FA12D87E353802571EF00432681/$FILE/5a%20-%20GWM%20&%20GH%20Prop%20Fed.pdf |title=GWMS & GHS:Consultation by Governing Bodies in Respect of a proposed Federation |format=PDF |publisher=Newcastle City Council |date=2006-09-27 |accessdate=2008-04-04] . The Federation came into action on January 1, 2007 and Gosforth West was later renamed "Gosforth Junior High School" after the 2007 Easter break.

Achievements

The school is a designated ambassador school for the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth [cite web |url=http://www.nagty.ac.uk/professional_academy/ambassador_schools/gosforth.aspx |title=Ambassador School, Gosforth High |publisher=National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth Dead link|date=April 2008] , in addition to becoming a beacon school in 2001. Gosforth High is currently the only school with DFES "Training School" status in Newcastle and has been a specialist Language College since 1996. In 1999, the school gained Investors in People accreditation. GHS has also been awarded many other awards in the past.

In 2008 at the first gathering of the High Performing Schools group, Gosforth High School was recognised as being ranked in the top 10% of schools nationally and the highest performing school in Newcastle [cite web |url=http://www.gosforthhigh.newcastle.sch.uk/March_2008_News_Bulletin.pdf |title=News Bulletin |publisher=Gosforth High School |format=PDF |date-2008-03 |accessdate=2008-04-26] . In March 2008, Ofsted inspected the school and rated it 'outstanding'.

Emblem

The school's emblem is comprised of 3 main parts: the tree of growth and knowledge, the badge of Newcastle city and the Northumberland coat of arms.

Uniform

Mainstream students have a coloured ring around the logo on their uniforms. This helps identify individuals into which year group they are. The colour of the ring is either pale blue, red, gold yellow (Junior High) or dark green. Students have the same colour ring from years 9 to 11, when they leave after year 11 the colour is passed down to the new year 9 students. As of September 2008; Year 9 have a red ring, Year 10 have a blue ring, and Year 11 have a green ring.

Sixth Form students currently have no formal school uniform, however they must wear a school I.D. badge at all times when on school property aimed at preventing unauthorised persons entering the school. The I.D badge scheme has been hailed as a success as it has dramatically improved security within the school. Visitors are required to report to the main reception area, where they receive an official label, for security reasons.

Mainstream students (Year 9, Year 10 & Year 11) must wear the school's uniform.The uniform for students attending consists of (first three with school logo on):-

* A navy blue sweatshirt
* A white polo shirt
* A black, school fleece
* Black, navy, or dark grey trousers or skirt
* Black shoes

Specialist equipment is required for some subjects, such as:-
* A Craft apron
* A Home economics apron

PE

There is also uniform that must be worn when doing P.E. lessons, comprising of:-

For boys

* Royal blue polo shirt
* White shorts
* White ankle socks
* Training shoes
* Outdoor jersey, plain navy with gold band
* Plain navy shorts
* Navy football socks
* Football boots
* Navy blue or black tracksuit bottoms "(optional)"

For girls

* Royal blue polo shirt
* School sweatshirt, royal blue
* Navy blue shorts
* Navy blue or black tracksuit bottoms "(optional)"
* White ankle socks
* Training shoes

Facilities

Gosforth High School has a wide range of quality of facilities. Some areas are in desperate need of modernisation whilst some are up-to-date. Much of the original building of Gosforth High School no longer exists.

Gosforth High School's present building is actually 2 buildings; one building has 2 floors and the other 3 and a half floors (the half being a Mezzanine Level which is currently used as an art gallery). This difference in buildings can be clearly seen when you are crossing between the two via stairs. The room numbers for the bottom floor begin with a zero; the middle floor room numbers begin with a one; and the top floor room numbers begin with two.

Companies that assisted with the construction of the 2002 building included Newcastle City Design Department, Multicare [cite web |url=http://www.multicare.co.uk/clients.htm |publisher=Multicare |title=Clients |accessdate=2008-04-04] and Desco. Desco handled the Mechanical and Electrical services for Phase 3, costing £3 million [cite web |url=http://www.desco.uk.com/projects/project.php?id=41&cid=3 |title=Projects, Education, Gosforth High School, Newcastle |publisher=Desco |accessdate=2008-04-04] . The school is also part of the "Building Schools for the Future" Initiativecite web |url=http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/bsf_pfi |title=Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Private Finance Initiative (PFI) |publisher=Newcastle City Council |accessdate=2008-04-04] .

Facility list

The school has:
* 15 Science laboratories
* 12 ICT rooms (some assigned to a particular subject)
* 2 large libraries (known as the Learning Resource Centre or LRC for sixth form only and one was built recently for all years)
* A large art department
* A sixth form common room
* A smaller year 11 common room
* A fully equipped Drama studio
* 3 small Music practice rooms
* A dance studio
* One Gym
* One Indoor Sports Court (badminton, basketball & football)
* 2 Outdoor Sports Courts (tennis, hockey, basketball, netball, football)
* One Weight-Training room.
* A Student Support Base, which also contains a police base for the area.

The school also has facilities for young people with visual impairment. In 2008 a new library in an open area, previously covered with gravel, within the school building, was built.

The school is able to teach many languages; their mainstream teaching for Modern European languages is concentrated in French, German, Italian and Spanish.

In 2008 the School Kitchen was awarded 4-stars after an inspection under the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006.

Computer facilities

There are over 50 computers in total in the libraries and 12 dedicated computer rooms. Most of the classrooms have interactive whiteboards (most of which are [http://www.prometheanworld.com/us/server/show/nav.2462 Promethean ACTIVboards] ). A combination of wired and wireless networks allowing teachers to use their laptops anywhere.

The register in the school is taken via computer, using a Student information system, called [http://www.capitaes.co.uk/SIMS/sims.asp SIMS.net] , which uses the main PC system. The school also utilises a Virtual learning environment, provided by Newcastle City Council [cite web |url=http://www.newcastle-schools.org.uk/ICTCentre/ |title=ICT Centre |publisher=Newcastle-Schools |accessdate=2008-04-04] . The school's current computer workstations are Dell Optiplex 740s. The school utilises Sentinel Products' Ranger Suite for managing and controlling their Microsoft Windows network.

In the past the school had used a [http://www.bromcom.com Bromcom] hand-held student information system for taking register and had computer workstations provided by [http://www.elonex.co.uk/ Elonex Systems] .

Sports department

However, the sports department is the oldest part of the current school and is in need of modernisation. The gym, indoor sports courts and weight training room all have roofs that leak, which in turn sometimes prevents them being used if the weather has been bad. The indoor sports courts have earned the nickname ‘The Shed’ by students and teachers alike in the school.

The school have been planning to replace the existing indoor sports courts with a modern sports facility for many years [cite web |url=http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/cab2002.nsf/allbykey/4FE42A96D882743A80256D080052708A/$FILE/6.3.doc |title=Planning Application for Erection of single/two storey sports hall |publisher=Newcastle City Council |date=2003-04-17 |accessdate=2008-04-04] . Although currently it has not stated the dates in which this build may be put into action, it is still a current projectcite web |url=http://www.gosforthhigh.newcastle.sch.uk/December_2007_News_Bulletin.pdf |title=News Bulletin |publisher=Gosforth High School |date=2007-12 |format=PDF |accessdate=2008-04-04] . Some of the plans were to have 8 new sports courts within the new building and provision for "all-weather pitches" [cite news |title=School sports complex approved |publisher=Evening Chronicle |date=2003-04-18] .

The Newcastle Falcons rugby team and their new Academy have linked up with the School in an apprenticeship scheme; in 2007 eight students joined the academy for two years [cite web |url=http://www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk/421_431.php |title=Rugby Apprenticeships |publisher=Newcastle Falcons |accessdate=2008-04-04] [cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/articles/2007/08/30/rugbyparticipation_feature.shtml |title=Young guns flock to the Falcons |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-09-03 |accessdate=2008-04-04] .

Post-16 Sixth Form

Rated as one of the best 6th form colleges in the Newcastle upon Tyne area, Gosforth High School Sixth Form College offers a larger array of subjects (46 as of 2008) which its students can study. Not only can students study traditional AS and A-Level subjects, but the 6th form also offers newer qualifications such as BTEC First Diplomas, BTEC National Certificates and GCSE re-sits.

Post-16 Management

The post-16 environment in Gosforth High School is directed and headed by Steve Evans (Director of post-16), who was recently appointed in place of Allon Welsh who took over as Director of Curriculum in June 2008 following Simon Richards secondment to OFSTED. He is backed by an Assistant Director (Anne Walton who was previously Learning Manager for post-16), a team of 3 Learning Managers a team of 7 Tutors (although 2 new tutors are to be appointed for the 2008 - 2009 school year) who are responsible for the well-being of the students and an Administrator who oversees the post-16 administration.

Tutors

Every student within the post-16 college is assigned to a personal tutor. The tutor is responsible for the student's well-being throughout the duration of their post-16 education. They assist with university applications or advise and guide the student in making an educated decision on career choices once they leave the college.

Students must attend a weekly meeting with their tutor, either in private meetings or in a classroom setting. This weekly meeting is aimed at ensuring the Tutors are fully aware of the progression each student makes on a personal basis. It allows the tutor to get to know the student and allows them to prepare references for jobs and university applications to the highest standard. It is also a time where Tutors can help students with any issues they are having, including UCAS applications.

Careers advice

Besides the guidance offered by the personal tutors, Gosforth High School 6th Form College also offers independent advice from the careers adviser. The role of the careers adviser is to offer non biased advise on career paths after 6th form education, be it direct employment, university advise or advise on apprenticeships. The careers adviser is also assisted by Connexions Direct, a government funded scheme aimed at offering information and support to young people.

Location

Gosforth High School is located on Knightsbridge, connecting to a section of the Great North Road in the Parklands electoral ward. The school is opposite the Asda Gosforth superstore (formerly Gosforth Greyhound Stadium) and near to the Regent Centre business complex. Between the school and Regent Centre Metro Station there is a modern apartment block (formerly a Territorial Army centre) and on the other side of the front field there are a set of shops, including a BP petrol station.

Many students use the local metro and bus systems to travel to the school, due to the proximity of Regent Centre transport Interchange to the school.

Management structure

Gosforth Federated schools are currently run by the Principal who is in charge of all of the four schools with in the federation (GHS, GJHS, Gosforth High Sixth Form College and Gosforth High Community Education College). On the SMT there are the Principal, 1 vice Principal, 2 Deputy Head teachers and several Assistant Heads, each member of the SMT hold director positions including director of performance and director of main school. The Junior school is run on a day to day basis by the Director of Junior School, Main School (Years 9, 10 and 11) is run by the Director of Main School and 2 Assistant Directors, the Sixth Form College is run by the Director of Post-16 and one assistant Director and the Community education College is run by the Director of Community Education. All schools within the federation however are run by the head of the federation, the principal, who therefore has overall control and is responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of all schools within the federation.

Changes to the Management Team

In June 2008, Simon Richards (Deputy Head and Director of Curriculum) was seconded to OFSTED for at least 1 year. Allon Welsh (previously Assistant Head and Director of Post-16) was appointed in Simon Richards place as Director of Curriculum and Deputy Head. Steve Evans was promoted from Assistant Director of Post-16 (Deputy Assistant Headteacher) to Director of Post-16 (Assistant Headteacher) in order to take over from Allon Welsh. Furthermore, Anne Walton (previously Learning Manager to Post-16) took over from Steve Evans as Assistant Director of Post-16 (Deputy Assistant Headteacher). There is possibility that the old structure will revert back upon Simon Richards return.

Senior staff

The senior staff as of Summer 2008 comprised: This list is made up of the Principal, Vice Principal and Deputy Head's only - The schools Assistant Head Teachers have not been included on this list for a full list of the Senior Management Team visit the [http://www.gosforthhigh.newcastle.sch.uk/Parents_Handbook_2007-08.pdf "Parents Handbook" PDF] on the School's website.

Feeder schools

* Gosforth East Middle School
* Gosforth Central Middle School
* Gosforth Junior High School

Notable alumni

Gosforth Grammar School

* Carol Galley, businesswoman, worth over £80 million. [cite web |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=6J8xDWDqOkEC&pg=RA2-PA196&lpg=RA2-PA196&dq=%22gosforth+grammar+school%22&source=web&ots=vMCUYJ4FuV&sig=QW0u9gWZJuvizt-hNt0Sl5lrnzc |title=The International Who's Who of Women 2002 By Elizabeth Sleeman |publisher=Google Books |accessdate=2008-04-04]
* David Knopfler, Dire Straits guitarist, singer and songwriter [cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-146106875.html |title=Meet the sultan of less bling |publisher=Evening Chronicle (hosted at High Beam) |date=2006-05-23 |accessdate=2008-09-02] .
* Mark Knopfler, guitarist and lead singer of Dire Straits.cite web |url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0300entertainment/showbiz/tm_objectid=15070696&method=full&siteid=50081&headline=alan-s-bar-is-just-the-tonic-name_page.html |title=Alan's bar is just the tonic |date=2005-01-13 |accessdate=2008-04-04]
* Robert Sherlaw Johnson, composer, pianist and music scholar. [cite web |url=http://www.leeds.ac.uk/reporter/459/obit_full.htm |title=Times Obituary - Robert Sherlaw Johnson |publisher=Leeds University |date=2000-11-20 |accessdate=2008-04-04]

Gosforth High School

* Donna Air, Actress and television presenter [cite web |url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/eveningchronicle/features/tm_objectid=15602124&method=full&siteid=50081-name_page.html |title=Geordie girl stars |publisher=Chronicle Live |date=2005-07-07 |accessdate=2008-04-04] .
* Michelle Bass, Reality TV star in "Big Brother" 5 UK [cite web |url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/eveningchronicle/angeleyes/tm_objectid%3D15875346&method%3Dfull&siteid%3D50081&headline%3Dmichelle-has-eye-on-ant-name_page.html |title=Michelle has eye on Ant |publisher=Chronicle Live |date=2005-08-19 |accessdate=2008-04-04] .
* Michael Chopra, Centre forward for Sunderland A.F.C [cite web |url=http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/viewarticle2.aspx?sectionid=1102&ArticleID=962752 |title=Tykes fans want to be Hart-less |publisher=Peterborough Today |date=2005-03-04 |accessdate=2008-04-04] .
* Robbie Elliott, retired footballer, currently at a coach Newcastle United [cite web |url=http://www.officialplayersites.com/players/elliott/biography/ |publisher=OfficialPlayerSites.com |title=Robbie Elliott Biography |accessdate=2008-04-06] .
* Kevin Lees, fiddler with Last Orders [cite web |url=http://www.gosforthhigh.newcastle.sch.uk/February_2007_News_Bulletin.pdf |title=News Bulletin |publisher=Gosforth High School |format=PDF |date=2007-02 |accessdate=2008-09-02] .
* Ben Price, Actor, known for roles in "Casualty" and "Footballers' Wives". [cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20040208/ai_n12886730 |title=I scored with Zoe to join Mile High Club |publisher=Sunday Mirror (Archived at FindArticles.com) |date=2004-02-08 |accessdate=2008-04-04] .
* Alan Shearer, former Striker for Newcastle United F.C.

References

External links

* [http://www.gosforthhigh.newcastle.sch.uk Gosforth High School] - Official site
* [http://www.gosforthcommunityeducation.org Gosforth Community Education] - Official site
* [http://www.newcastlevtle.org Newcastle VTLE] - Online learning portal
* [http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/gosforthhighschool School information] at Newcastle City Council