In this busy term, where Shakespeare is competing with Rugby 7s and football for the students’ attention and where the Spring Concert and Charter Hall Schools’ Prom have to play second fiddle to external modules and internal mocks, I write to provide website visitors with some information on recent developments at the school.

This is the time of year we review and revise some school policies. You will be aware of the Code of Conduct, our school behaviour policy, which underlines our commitment to high standards of behaviour and appearance. It is worth emphasising that incidents outside the jurisdiction of the school, which have an impact on life at the school, can be subject to school sanctions. I am thinking in particular of ‘cyber bullying’ or abusive text messages, which might have slipped through the net in the original Code. The school has a zero tolerance policy on bullying and we will act strongly to preserve an ethos of respect and consideration for others at CRGS. The anti-bullying policy is effective, and we deal severely with anyone guilty of intimidatory or bullying behaviour.

In considering the impact of other policies at the moment, I can thankfully report no racist incidents or examples of discrimination. It is important to the ethos at CRGS that we remain a school where all have equality of opportunity and all individuals, irrespective of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or disability are treated with respect and consideration. As a traditional school with a mix of cultures, an international boarding section and a co-educational sixth form, CRGS is a vibrant learning community, where the positive supportive atmosphere is crucial to the happiness and success of our students. Our emphasis is on the individual, and it is pleasing to note that the examination results show that all groups do well. We have recently produced a ‘community cohesion’ policy, which not only sums up our unswerving commitment to our school community but also stresses our desire to be a positive influence in the wider community. I know through the charity work, service and outreach work that our students share this commitment to others.

Premises Development

We have submitted plans to create a new Food Technology facility in the Technology block, and to extend the Restaurant and the Sixth Form Common Room. I will keep parents informed of developments.

Staff News

Dr Davey retires this summer after 35 years’ dedicated service to the school. A proper tribute to him will appear in this year’s School Magazine. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mark Walsh to the post of Head of Mathematics from September. Many of you will know Mr Walsh, who has a proven track record of outstanding success in the school, and will wish him well in his new role.

Former stalwart of CRGS, 98 year old George Young sadly died last month. George taught English at the school for many years and is perhaps the most fondly remembered of all staff at the school. An archetypal schoolmaster, George had a profound influence on the students he taught and was still in touch with many of them, over fifty years since they left CRGS. George remained a good friend and strong supporter of the school until his death, and we will host an event in the school to commemorate him on St George’s Day this year.

Satisfaction Surveys
Thank you to the parents who were chosen at random to complete a satisfaction survey and did so. It is always interesting to receive feedback and parents’ views. We have acted on previous feedback, in for example, our organisation of Parents’ Evenings, our presentation of UCAS information and our communications in general. I am always pleased to hear from parents, if they have an idea, criticism or tribute they would like to bring to my attention.

January Modules
The January module results were released last week, and there was, as always, some joy and disappointment. I view the January modules as a marker for the summer. If students can get a good mark ‘in the bank’ in a module or two, all well and good, but the module results should serve principally as a benchmark and timely reminder of the work that needs to be done between now and the main examination season. Mr Hadcock will be seeing all the Upper Sixth individually to check on their progress, and the school will continue to provide support in a variety of ways. If parents feel the need for extra help or support in a particular area, please let us know.

As we approach Easter, the time to take stock and focus with intent on the forthcoming examination session is nigh. There is still time, however, to balance work with other worthwhile pursuits and I look forward to the end of term activities which are usually a source of great enjoyment. I hope that students make the most of the various trips, performances, games and competitions that are taking place between now and the end of term.

K.L. Jenkinson

Headmaster