Alan Newton

We pride ourselves on high standards and on getting the best out of everyone who studies and works in and for the college. Expectations are high, but this is coupled with a caring and supportive ethos which enables students to be aspirational, then to achieve and celebrate their ambitions and achievements and to be given a helping hand when necessary. We are proud of our specialist status but also of being a genuinely comprehensive school in which everyone has the opportunity to achieve or even exceed their personal potential. By looking after each individual, the success of the college as a whole largely looks after itself. As a result, together we share a dynamic and thriving learning community, with many dimensions and innumerable qualities.

In our most recent Ofsted report (September 2010), the college was graded as ‘outstanding’ which puts us in the top 10% of secondary schools in the country. The full report is available on our website, but the following are some key comments from the report:

• The college provides an outstanding, innovative and flexible curriculum that changes to meet the individual needs of the students and is reflective of their environment and aspirations. Students are very well prepared with the skills needed for the 21st century. They are articulate, versatile and enthusiastic young adults who have a thirst for learning.
• The college is at the hub of a large community and works extremely effectively with its outstanding Nursery, other schools, colleges, agencies and larger national institutions to create an ethos that is caring yet aspirational for all.
• The students arrive in Year 7 with standards that are above average. They make good progress overall and by Year 11 reach high standards in English, mathematics, science and the specialist subjects of technology and humanities.
• The technology and humanities specialisms make an excellent contribution to students’ achievement, personal development and enjoyment of college life, as well as benefiting students in other schools locally.
• Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and there is a mutual respect between teachers and students in all lessons.
• Students have an extremely wide range of opportunities to take on responsibility and contribute to the school and wider community. Just two examples include training to become a support mentor or being selected to be part of the student voice group.
• Behaviour in lessons is a key factor in the students’ learning. They are friendly, attentive and excel in discussion and group activities when given the opportunity. Around the school they are sensible and show consideration for others and welcome visitors.
• Students display very high levels of trust in the adults around them. Every student is known as an individual and the excellent links to external agencies complement a coherent, integrated approach to developing the whole person.
• The college engages the students in working with other schools, both locally and internationally, in a way that has meaning and broadens their understanding of life beyond their immediate environment.
• The governing body is highly effective and an essential part of the college’s development.

Investment in resources and buildings at Wyvern is high. Year after year, facilities and resources are improved and, while technology is a priority, we are committed to a broad and balanced curriculum which includes aiming for high achievement in English, Mathematics, Science, Languages, the Humanities, Sport and the Arts.

The staff at Wyvern is committed to excellence. Both teachers and support staff display an unrivalled dedication to the individual child, with both academic and pastoral issues taking equal priority. Our partnership with parents is extremely important to us and all communications between home and college are taken seriously.

This is only an introduction to Wyvern but I hope it inspires you to explore our College further and that it encourages you to become part of our successful community.

Alan Newton
Headteacher