I am pleased to present myself as the recently appointed Headteacher of Ercall Wood Technology College. As former Deputy Headteacher I have a strong commitment to the school and community and have a clear vision of the school’s future direction. This is a school where people are valued as our greatest resource.
Ercall Wood is a self governing foundation school which allows us complete control of spending and decision making. As a Technology College we are funded for the provision of a technologically rich curriculum and as a Leading Edge school we take an active role in sharing good practice with other schools. Ercall Wood is an open access multi-cultural comprehensive school offering a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum.
We want young people to leave us with a rich combination of knowledge, skills and confidence to continue their learning journey. Our curriculum considers the needs of the individual. In Year 7 pupils have lessons in a wide array of subject areas. These provide the experience and foundation for options in Key Stage 4. Our primary foreign language is German. We plan to deliver Spanish tasters to Year 7 and will continue to offer accreditation in other languages through external providers.
Our Learning Support Departments has a proven track record of success for those pupils with special educational needs. All pupils are assessed shortly after starting at the school to ensure any needs are quickly identified. Gifted and Talented pupils are supported by our G&T coordinator and can access a variety of enrichment opportunities.
Extracurricular activities include a range of sporting disciplines, a film club, rock band, chess club, drama, dance and many more. Pupils attend a residential visit to Arthog in Year 7 to encourage bonding and teamwork. Other opportunities include trips abroad with the Languages department and visits with Science, Design and Technology and Humanities.
As a Technology College we ensure pupils and staff have access to up to date electronic resources. We boast a high pupil to computer ratio and access to the latest developments in hardware and software. All teaching spaces have computer and projector facilities; with almost all having an interactive whiteboard.
At Ercall Wood Technology College we are committed to creating an environment where all members of our community feel safe and respected. New students are supported in their transition to Key Stage 3 through a structured programme of visits in collaboration with feeder schools. Student welfare is a priority for the college. All pupils receive excellent pastoral care from a tutor and a skilled and supportive pastoral team. We have a peer mentoring system, thriving school council and strong anti-bullying policy.
We know that effective learning takes place in a calm, studious environment where achievement and good behaviour are valued and celebrated. All pupils have the right to learn and consistent application of a clear and fair discipline policy ensures good progress is made. In 2009 we saw a 7% increase in our 5 A*-C (including English and Maths). In 2010 we predict an increase which will place our results at over 40% of pupils achieving 5 A*-C (including E&M).
In June 2009 Ofsted found the school to be good in all areas. The following observations encapsulate the healthy ethos of Ercall Wood:-
Students feel safe
Students make good progress
Students’ personal development and well-being are good
Students receive good quality care and guidance
Good teaching can be seen throughout all departments.
Students enjoy their lessons
Good relationships exist between students and with staff
I would encourage all prospective parents and pupils to come and look around Ercall Wood to see firsthand what we can offer. Our Open Week is early in the autumn term. Please book a tour or drop in to our open evening. Our guiding statement is ‘Excellence through Challenge and Initiative’. We hope you will join us in a committed partnership that will see all our pupils enjoy their time at Ercall Wood.
Chay Davis (Headteacher)