A Letter from the Head
In February we received acknowledgement from the DFES that our approach to become a specialist language school had been successful and that this newly designated status will commence from September 2003. One of the reasons for our success was the generosity of past students, parents, governors and sponsors, who all contributed towards helping us raise the £50,000 necessary to submit the bid. I would like to extend my personal thanks to the Heath Old Boys Association, which supported the appeal.
Since February we have been putting in place systems and resources that are needed to implement language school plans. The building is being adapted to facilitate community use and to enhance ICT provision. There have been numerous meetings, between school and our partners in the local and national community, to determine the nature of the additional courses that will be on offer from September. These will benefit members of the school community and their families, language teachers throughout the authority, partner primary and secondary school communities, Calderdale Adult Education and business partners. All post-16 students will be able to experience taster courses in a range of different languages in their enrichment lesions.
In June, Penny Krucker, International Development Coordinator, came to speak to staff, governors and invited guests to talk about raising International Awareness through all subjects. One of our main aims is to help all those associated with the school to develop an understanding of global issues and to prepare our students for employment in an ever-expanding global employment market. Cultural sensitivity, independent learning, self-awareness and up to date knowledge of the latest technologies are high on the list of skills that we are attempting to promote alongside academic achievement. With this in mind, and as the school moves forward into the next stage of its development, we have revised, in consultation with staff, students, parents and governors, the aims and vision for Crossley Heath.
Building on the traditions that have been handed down from The Heath and The Crossley and Porter’s Schools, while looking ahead to the future, we aim to provide an education that is among the best, not just locally and nationally but also internationally. International experiences will become the norm for our staff and students. In short, we are looking forward to working towards our vision of becoming a world-class educational establishment!
Helen Gaunt
First appeared in the Newsletter dated