Spring Term Update

18th March 2013

Dear Parent/Carer(s)

Headteacher’s Update - Spring Term 2013

We are immensely proud of our new building and the excellent state-of-the-art facilities that it has to offer to our pupils and the community.  A great deal of thinking, planning, dreaming, consulting and sheer hard work from everyone involved went into the completion of the building and we think it has paid off!

There have been plenty of changes and new systems to get used to once the doors of the new college were opened for the first time, but everyone has adapted very well to their new environment and the college.

The building cost £27 million and includes a range of fantastic modern facilities to help each and every one of our pupils to achieve their own potential and get the most out of the learning opportunities available.  We have the opportunity to inspire a generation and develop the talents of our young people to ensure that they all can all truly believe, achieve and celebrate.  For as we know today’s effort creates tomorrow’s opportunity.

The pupils have responded to the new building tremendously in terms of their attitudes to learning and respect for the new facilities.  They all look exceedingly smart in their new blazers and several visitors have commented on the calm and purposeful learning climate in the college.  I would like to thank all of our parents and guardians who have worked with us to ensure that a smooth induction into the new college has been possible.

There have been many amazing developments, activities, visits and achievements this term and over half a million VIVO student credits have been awarded to pupils in the past 12 months.  These are all reviewed in the Marvell Matters editions which are available on the college website.

The second phase of the new building is now under way and we look forward to even more state of the art facilities being made available in September 2013 when the external sports facilities will be ready, including a 3G multi-use sports pitch.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing support and to wish everyone an enjoyable Easter holiday.  We look forward to the pupils returning on Tuesday 9th April.

Yours sincerely

Mr K J Lister
Headteacher
 

Headteachers February Update

We are immensely proud of our new building and the excellent, state-of-the-art facilities that it has to offer to our pupils and to the community. A huge thank you to the following teams:

• The Morgan Sindall site team
• The architectural team interior design
• Hull BSF & Esteem for their continual support
• All of the AMC staff and pupils who have shaped the design of the building

A great deal of thinking, planning, dreaming, consulting and sheer hard work from all involved went into the completion of the building and we think it has paid off!
In MAY 2011, the builders moved on to the existing site and began preparatory work so that the old building could remain in use while the new college was constructed.

From this date, the college and its pupils carried on as usual while building works continued just a few feet away. It is a credit to the pupils and to the builders how well this arrangement worked and that life at school has continued (almost) as normal.
There will be plenty of changes and new systems to get used to once the doors of the new college open for the first time, but everyone I am sure will adapt very well to their new environment and the college will be back up and running at full force in no time.
The building cost £27 million and includes a range of fantastic modern facilities to help each and every one of our students to achieve their own potential and get the most out of learning opportunities available.

These facilities include:
• Fabulous sports facilities including an amazing climbing wall, sports hall fitness gym and specialist classroom

• Spacious classrooms, complete with state-of-the-art equipment to help pupils with their studies;
• Breakout zones on each floor that allow pupils to use IT, either as part of their lesson or at break times, to supplement their learning;
• A new  auditorium performance hall, complete with retractable seating and top of the range lighting and music equipment.
• The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains a library and a full IT suite;
• The ‘art terrace’- a roof terrace that can be used by pupils for landscape painting
• A range of facilities that will be available for hire by the community outside school hours later this year;
• A new canteen and snack bar, providing tasty, good quality, healthy meals to pupils and staff every day in the food court.

We have the opportunity to inspire a generation and develop the talents of our students to ensure that they all can all truly believe, achieve and celebrate. For as we know today’s effort creates tomorrow’s opportunity. The students have responded to the new building tremendously in terms of their attitudes to learning and respect for the new facilities. They all look exceedingly smart in their new blazers and several visitors have commented on the calm and purposeful learning climate in the college. I would like to thank all of our parents and guardians who have worked with us to ensure a smooth induction into the new college has been possible.
 

Autumn Term Update

14th November 2012

Dear Parent(Carer)s

                                                                                         AUTUMN TERM 2012

The start of term has been very productive with pupils and staff adapting well to the new college day and two week timetable model.  Pupils have acquitted themselves very well with a calm, purposeful and positive attitude towards their lessons.  I would like to thank all parents/carers who have supported the uniform changes and the pupils who have chosen to purchase their blazers this term look extremely smart.

Uniform Shops - we will be holding Uniform Shops in Barham on the following dates which gives two further opportunities to collect, pay for and/or order uniform items:-

• Wednesday 28th November from 3.15pm until 5.00pm
• Wednesday 12th December from 3.15pm until 5.00pm

Please note that from January 2013 blazers are compulsory items of uniform for all pupils in Years 7 - 10.

Attendance and Punctuality - we are on course to meet our attendance target for the academic year of 93%. Can you please encourage your son/daughter to be on site for the start of the day by 8.20am in readiness for Period 1 which starts at 8.30am.  Punctuality is a very important personal attribute and pupils who arrive late for lessons will be expected to make up the time lost in detention.

Safeguarding - In order to raise awareness and maintain our ethos of caring for our pupils we have enclosed a letter from the Chief Constable for all parents/carers regarding Mephedrone (M-CAT).  Please support us and read the letter and discuss its contents with your son/daughter. 

Building Schools for the Future - Our new College building is on schedule and Morgan Sindall are finalising the internal specification of the building in phases as we enter the final countdown to completion period over the next 8 weeks. 

Please note that during week commencing 7th January 2013 your child will only attend for the 1 Induction Day as detailed overleaf for each Year Group.

Normal timetables will resume for all pupils on Monday 14th January.

A reminder that the scheduled decant and mobilisation moving into the new build days are detailed below:

Tuesday 18th December -  School closes to all pupils at 12.50pm
Wednesday 19th December -  Staff moving in day
Thursday 20th December - Staff moving in day
Friday 21st December - Staff moving in day
Monday 24th December - Current school building closed to all staff, parents, carers, pupils and the community
Monday  7th January - New school open to staff - Orientation Day - School closed to pupils
Tuesday 8th January - New school open to staff - Orientation Day - School closed to pupils
Wednesday  9th January -  Year 11 pupils attend all day - Induction Day - School closed to pupils in Years 7, 8, 9 & 10
Thursday 10th January  - Year 11 pupils attend for English exam - all Year 11 pupils based in Jervis Hall & Library (pupils will be home based after the exam) Year 9 & 10 pupils attend all day - Induction Day - School closed to pupils in Year 7 & 8
Friday 11th January -  Year 7 & 8 pupils attend all day - Induction Day - School closed to pupils in Years 9, 10 & 11

Please note that the above arrangements may be subject to change pending on the building schedule completion.

I will inform all parent/carers in December about the final agreed schedule in a specific BSF New Build letter.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely

Mr K J Lister
Headteacher

Enc

Headteacher Update

29th August 2012

AUTUMN TERM 2012

Dear Parent/Carer(s)

Welcome back to the new term, especially to Year 7 students who I am sure will achieve success over the coming years at Andrew Marvell College.

I am writing to provide you with an update on the provisional examination results for Andrew Marvell College for the Class of 2012.  In another record breaking year for the College, the headlines are:

• Record exam results for 2012 for Andrew Marvell with 91% of students gaining 5+A-C GCSEs or equivalent.  This represents a rise of 14% from 2011.

• Record number of students gained 5 or more A*-G GCSEs or equivalent at 99% - a rise of 3%.

• Boys - Highest ever set of results for Boys gaining 5+A-C GCSEs or equivalent at 87% a rise of 17% from 2011.

• Girls - a very impressive 50% gained 5+A-C GCSEs or equivalent performance including English and Maths GCSEs, with a 94% pass rate for 5+ A*-C GCSEs or equivalent.

• Exceeded the expected levels of progress for average point’s scores for all students.

• 41.25% of all students gained 5+A-C GCSEs or equivalent performance including English and Maths GCSEs.

Following widespread national concerns over the marking of the English Language GCSE examinations and particularly the grade boundaries at grade C level a national investigation is taking place conducted by the examinations regulator Ofqual.  Any changes to the results for the gold standard 5+A*-C including English and Maths will be detailed on the college website once the national investigation is completed.  The pupils whose grade result improves will be informed in due course once the exam board report back to us.

Andrew Marvell College new build is due to open in January 2013 and is presently is on schedule.  You will appreciate that the logistics in moving from our existing buildings into the new building at the end of the autumn term is a major exercise and one which needs additional time to ensure all equipment, books, fixtures and fittings are packed up and moved in appropriately.  Time is needed to facilitate the move and we are therefore giving advanced information about the change to the College calendar which will include additional BSF days when pupils will not attend Andrew Marvell College. 

These are:

• Autumn term 2012 – All pupils will finish on Tuesday 18th December 2012.

• Spring term 2013 – All pupils will return and start their education in the new building on Thursday 10th January 2013.

There will be a large amount of information communicated in the autumn term for pupils and parents, to ensure everyone is familiar with a number of new arrangements which will be made to accommodate our move into the fabulous new building.  This will include cashless catering cards for all pupils and staff.  Please note that the changes to the calendar may be subject to change depending upon the build completion and weather conditions in the autumn term.

We look forward to the new term starting for pupils on Wednesday 5th September and another exciting academic year for all of us as we look forward to the completion of our new building.  All pupils are expected to arrive at the normal time by 8.30am.  The arrangements are as follows for each year group:

• Year 7 – 8.30am all pupils report to Barham Hall for an assembly.

• Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 report to Tutor room.

• Periods 1 and 2 will be Tutor based to go through routines, issue planners and timetables.

• Each year group will have an assembly during periods 1 and 2 in Barham Hall:

o Year 8 – 9.00-9.15am

o Year 9 – 9.25-9.40am

o Year 10 – 9.50-10.05am

o Year 11 – 10.15-10.30am

Normal subject lessons will start for all pupils period 3 onwards from 10.50am.  The transport routes for the 10A, 10B and 10C buses with up to date information from the local authority transport team is enclosed also.

Well done to all of the students from the Class of 2012 and thank you to all the parent/carers for their support.

Please encourage your child to work hard and enjoy their time at Andrew Marvell College.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing support.

Yours sincerely

Mr K J Lister
Headteacher

2012 GCSE Results

Andrew Marvell College Press Release

An encouraging set of examination results for Andrew Marvell College.  Pupils have once again achieved record examination results for the College in a number of performance categories.  I would like to thank all the pupils and staff for their efforts and hard work over the year. This was achieved with strong parental support and with good attendance to pupil revision sessions. Together we have managed to achieve some impressive results and move the College nearer to its goals.

We exceeded the 2011 record exam results with 91% of our students gaining 5+ A-C GCSEs or equivalent a rise of over 13% on last year, and a record number of students 99% who gained 5 or more A*-G GCSEs or equivalent.

41% of all our students gained 5+A-C GCSEs or equivalent including English and Maths. We will be working on a rigorous action plan to ensure that our performance improves in this aspect of performance in 2013 and we are confident that we are a rapidly improving school as rated by Ofsted.  We are positively optimistic that the new school will provide further high quality learning opportunities and will have a positive impact on future results.
We have had the highest ever set of results for boys with 87% gaining 5+A-C GCSEs, a rise by 17% on last year. Girls have also improved with 94% or equivalent. 

“I would like to congratulate the staff and pupils for improving boys progress which had been a real concern. This has laid the foundation for the improvement in all areasready for when we move into the new college building.” Mary Harker – Chair of Governors.

We are proud that every child has left with at least one qualification and over 90% of pupils have left the college with a good set of exam results which will enable them to move onto further education, training and work based learning programmes. We wish them every success in the future.

Mr. K. Lister
Headteacher

Mary Harker
Chair of Governors
 

Session Change Notice

25th May 2012

Dear Parent/Carer(s)

Many thanks for the significant parental response from the consultation on the changes to session times planned for September 2012.  Following the Parents’ and then Governors’ meetings on 24th May 2012 regarding these changes, I am hereby giving the required minimum of three months’ notice to Parents, Staff and to the Local Authority.  The Local Authority will confirm the change with the professional associations and other relevant agencies.  The agreed and approved changes are:

The Local Authority Transport Team have also been informed and a new bus timetable schedule will be published before the end of the summer term, detailing the alterations to the service to enable pupils to arrive in time for an 8.30am start for Lesson 1 and a 2.55pm finish at the end of the college day.

Following our consultation regarding a uniform review, I am writing to inform you that from September 2012 there will be amendments to our current uniform.  The main addition to the uniform will be a black blazer which is eco friendly, (made from recycled plastic bottles!) which has extending sleeves, contrasting trims/jets, lining and the college logo. 

The cost of the blazers should be £30 but in the first instance we are able to subsidise this in order to reduce the cost to yourselves.  Further details will be sent to you after half term along with a full uniform list for every year group.

In preparation for this change we have arranged a ‘measuring day’ in college on Thursday 31st May.  Your child will be measured for their new blazer which can then be ordered in readiness for September 2012.

This main uniform changes from September 2012 are outlined below:-
Years 7 and 8 - Andrew Marvell Blazer, Grey long or short sleeved jumper with black trim, College Tie - these are only available from the college.  (Year 8 may still wear their current college sweatshirts but may order one of the new jumpers if they wish to). 
Years 9 and 10 - Andrew Marvell Blazer, Black long or short sleeved jumper with grey trim, College Tie - these are only available from the college. (Year 10 may still wear their current college sweatshirts but may order one of the new jumpers if they wish to).
Year 11 - will not have any compulsory changes to their uniform but may purchase a blazer or new jumper if they wish to.
There will also be an opportunity to purchase a new black and grey PE top.  These are available as short sleeved or reversible long sleeved.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely

Mr K J Lister
Headteacher 

School Session Change

8th May 2012

Dear Parent/Carer(s)

I am writing to you regarding a proposal to change the School Session Times starting in September 2012.  Staff and Governors have been consulted regarding a change in the session times which affects the start of the morning session, the midday break and the end of the afternoon session.

The details are as follows:

Any written comments regarding the proposed changes can be made by completing the tear off slip attached to this letter.  There will also be a Parents’ Meeting at which the proposal will be considered on Thursday 24th May at 5.30pm, this will take place in Barham Hall.  Please note that this is a voluntary meeting and will enable parents to ask any pertinent questions regarding the changes proposed to session times should you wish to attend.

As the Autumn Term of 2012 will be the only term remaining in the existing Andrew Marvell College building, we will then benefit from the new catering facilities in our fantastic new building opening in January 2013 where students will be able to have a breakfast if they so wish prior to starting school at the new proposed time of 8.30am.  We are planning to have a Breakfast Club available when we move into the new building in the newly built food court as well as the traditional break time food options being available alongside an extensive lunch menu.  The planned early finish at 2.55pm will enable us to offer more extra-curricular clubs and facilitate sport related inter school matches with an earlier start time. 
From September 2012 we are also arranging the timetable on a two week cycle and moving to a
25 period week with 1 hour lessons as opposed to the current 30 periods per week of 50 minute lessons.

We have consulted closely with staff and governors regarding the proposed changes to session times and I look forward to the consultation with parents.  If you have any written comments or questions you would like to ask then please return the reply slip below via your son/daughters Form Tutor.

Uniform Update
Firstly a big thank you to all of you who completed the consultation questionnaires and returned them to us.  We have taken your comments and opinions into consideration as part of the process and have amended our Uniform Policy from September 2012.

The main addition to the uniform is the introduction of blazers.  These will be available at a greatly subsidised cost.  Other changes have been made but we have taken note of your concerns regarding cost and other changes in the past few years.

We hope to have the new uniform items available during the last half term of the year and more information will be available via our web site once we have finalised the details.

Yours sincerely

Mr K J Lister
Headteacher

Reply Slip

Name of Pupil _____________________ Tutor Group __________________

*I will/*will not (*please delete as appropriate) be attending the Parents’ Consultation meeting on Thursday 24th May at 5.30pm in Barham Hall.

Comments/Questions:

Signed _______________________________ Parent/Carer

Headteacher Update - Ofsted

In accordance with section 13 (4) of the Education Act 2005, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector is of the opinion that the school no longer requires special measures.

Andrew Marvell is a satisfactory and improving school. The school has made significant improvement since the previous inspection. Notably, leadership and management have strengthened, the quality of teaching has improved and provision for care, guidance and support is good. As a result, students’ achievement is now satisfactory.
The quality of teaching is continuing to improve rapidly across key stages and subject areas. With a firm focus on students’ progress in lessons, school leaders have ensured, through the rigorous monitoring of classroom practice and well-targeted professional development, that all groups of students are making at least satisfactory progress. Key groups of students, notably boys and students with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who were significantly underachieving at the previous inspection, are now benefiting from the school’s strong emphasis on improving classroom practice.
The quality of care guidance and support that students receive is good and promotes both their personal and academic development, through effective pastoral work and, where required, academic intervention. Students report that they enjoy school and feel safe.
The headteacher, ably supported by the deputy headteacher, is providing purposeful and effective leadership with a clear vision for continuous improvement. In this he is well supported by leaders, teachers and support staff. There is a strong sense of teamwork across the school with a clear understanding of what has been achieved and what is yet to be done to further improve outcomes for students. The governing body is rigorous in monitoring the school’s work and challenging performance in all areas. Measurable improvements in all areas highlighted at the previous inspection and accurate self-evaluation show that the school now has satisfactory capacity for sustained improvement.
What does the school need to do to improve further?

• Maintain the focus on teaching and increase the proportion of good and outstanding lessons by:

- using assessment information more precisely to tailor activities in lessons to meet the needs of individual students and promote independent learning
- using questioning more effectively to check students’ understanding and progress, and ensure high levels of challenge.

• Raise attainment across the curriculum by:

- closing the gaps in performance between different groups, particularly boys,
to enable the majority of students to make at least good progress
developing and promoting students’ literacy skills in all subject areas.-
Quote from Headteacher
We are very pleased with the Inspection findings and delighted that we are judged to be a ‘satisfactory and improving school’. The last two years have been very challenging for us all and the staff, Governors, pupils and parents have worked together in partnership to ensure that our pupils are receiving a quality education. It has been a real team effort for us and we have been fortunate to have strong support from our Foundation trustees and our sponsors the Co-operative group. Our recent validation as Investors in People with a Silver Award gained this term is testimony to the cohesive working practice and support our college provides for all member of the educational community. This alongside other national kite marks we have gained this year as a Healthy school, a Young Enterprise National Centre of Excellence and the Information and Guidance Gold standard recognise the quality of education, enterprise and guidance our students receive on a daily basis.
The College exam results for 2011 place us in the top 30% of schools nationally for value added performance and pupils at the end of Key Stage 4, pupil progress is now well above the national average. The cycle of improvement will be maintained and we look forward being judged as at least a ‘good’ school when we are next inspected.

Headteacher’s Update September 2011

Andrew Marvell College is a vibrant educational establishment and has over the past 5 years achieved record examination results every single year.

The class of 2011 have once again recorded the highest ever set of results at 79% for 5+A-C GCSEs or equivalent. Both boys and girls reached record levels of attainment in several performance categories. In real terms results have improved by 50% in the past 5 years. Pupils now make better than expected progress at the end of Key Stage 4 compared to the national average.

All of our community are looking forward to the new Building Schools for the Future scheme providing us with a fantastic new building fit for 21st century learning in January 2013. We are over the next 15 months going to witness the new building taking shape and being built on our existing site. This is an exciting period of physical and educational change we are embarking upon with staff, pupils, parents and the community we serve. The new facilities will provide us with further opportunities to improve achievement through active learning.

As a Co-operative Trust College we are able to work with a host of key partners and develop links which will give further opportunities for us to provide enrichment activities which will benefit all of the community.

With the Co-operative values and principles at the heart of the College we are working to produce citizens of tomorrow, equipped with creative and technological skills, to live and work within a changing local community. We welcome all agencies connected with the college to work in partnership, creating a climate where our investment in people helps us in developing a risk-taking culture to promote innovative and confident learners. The principles of inclusion and equal opportunities underpin all of these values.

Kevin J. Lister
Andrew Marvell Headteacher