REPORT FROM THE HEADMISTRESS

2008 was a year of inspections; first, the ISI inspection (which takes place every 6 years) and then the Ofsted inspections.  

“Pupils are well educated, happy and proud of their school”. This was the conclusion reached by the ISI inspectors in January 2008. Their report also acknowledged that “Croydon High School offers an all-round education of high quality, well suited to the interests, aptitudes, and needs of all pupils” and that “through the curricular and extra-curricular opportunities provided, the school successfully meets its aim of encouraging the development of well-balanced young women in their pursuit of academic excellence, as they learn how to take responsibility for their own learning”. CHS girls were praised as pupils who “achieve high standards in academic work and a broad range of extra-curricular activities”. In addition, the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness” was seen as being “central to the school’s aim of encouraging the development of well-balanced young women who are caring and happy”. We were very pleased that the report recognised our strengths and our commitment to providing a caring environment and a challenging, all-round education for every girl. The Ofsted Early Years inspection followed later in the year and we were delighted when our provision was rated as ‘outstanding’.

However, we cannot stand still and we continue to seek to improve continuously.

 Over the last year, several developments took place; these included a complete refurbishment of the main reception area to the school, a facelift to the classrooms along ‘J corridor’, a new school uniform for Years 7 – 11, and a new school logo. As always, considerable success was achieved, not only in examinations, but also in Sports, Music, Drama, D of E and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

The PTA was re-established last year and, through the efforts of a small but hard-working committee, we enjoyed a number of events including Christmas parties in the Junior Department and a Summer Fun Day. Their fundraising enabled us to purchase digital cameras for every class in the Junior Department as well as three interactive whiteboards.

The ‘Old Croydonians’ reunion last summer was a highlight of the year; meeting ex-pupils and hearing so many stories and memories was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The OCs have an important and crucial role in maintaining the strong sense of community and promoting links between ex-pupils and the school long after the girls have left. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge within the OCs and I look forward to continuing to work with the committee to see how they can further support the school.

It is hard to believe that four terms have passed since I joined Croydon High School and, each day, I am impressed by the enthusiasm, energy and intellect of the pupils and the skills, dedication and commitment of the staff.

Mrs Zelma Braganza