Wardle High School
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 "Excellence for all" |
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| Foundation | Unknown |
|---|---|
| School type | Arts School |
| Headmaster | Graham Wright |
| Chairman of Trustees | Gail Mortimer |
| Location | Wardle, Rochdale, Greater Manchester |
| Pupils | 1300 (GCSE) 180 (A-Level) |
| Teaching Staff | 200 (Teaching and Ancillary) |
| Houses | 8 (GCSE) 5 (A-Level) |
| School Colours | Green / Gold (Years 7-10) Red / Gold (Year 11) |
| Website | http://www.whs.rochdale.sch.uk |
Wardle High School is a high school and sixth form originally founded in September 1977 for all sexes between the ages of 11 and 18 and is located in Wardle, in the English borough of Rochdale. It is known for its remarkable changes in education, attitude and management following its recent removal from Special Measures. The school is now ranked highly above satisfactory, and has several merits, including its music and arts departments; both of which receiving widespread recognition in the community and educational authorities. The school received performing arts status in 2003 and was awarded the 'artsmark gold' recognition in 2005.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Inception and Lifetime
Since its inauguration, the school has gained a strong reputation within the local semi-rural communities of Littleborough, Rochdale and Wardle in which its students reside. Despite problems with previous management in 2004, it has now made very good progress in the rebuilding of the infrastructure and education and was recently graded highly in a recent OFSTED report. It currently has 1300 students on roll, with an additional 180 sixth-form A-level students.
The school received the performing arts status in 2003 which generated additional financial resources for the school due to its recognisable "specialist" status; subsequently attaining the school an Artsmark Gold Award for the North West region. The school has also been very notable on its musical provision and ability, which has been prominent throughout Ofsted reports over the course of the school's lifetime. The school currently has four brass bands of different age groups, which have played at major venues such as the South Bank Centre, London and Birmingham Symphony hall, as well as boasting performances at the Royal Albert Hall and several Televisual credits.
Continuing from the vein of musical provision, the school provides outstanding specialist teaching through several specialist music teachers; several being former pupils of the school, who attribute a wide range of musical skills and opportunities to students; allowing them practical involvement in music-making in several musical styles, such as woodwind, string, jazz, swing and choral ensembles.
Despite problems with previous management, causing the resignation of the former headteacher, the school has shown remarkable increases in all areas due to special measures put in place by OFSTED . The school website reports that not only has the provision and attitude of learning changed, but the ethos of the school has also become much more friendly and studious, with the introduction of new departments and facilities furthering the progress and status of the school. The school is making good improvements which have been authenticated by OFSTED, and show that the school is returning to its once flagship status.
[edit] References
- ^ Ofsted Report on Wardle High School.
- ^ Improvements to the school since special measures were taken by the government and Her Majesty's Chief Inspectors
- ^ OFSTED Monitoring Visit Findings Letter (Most Recent)
- ^ Rochdale Observer - Wardle climbs out of failure zone
