| Motto | "Learning is our passion, and success the fuel that drives it." |
|---|---|
| Headteacher | William Deighan |
| Chair of Governors | Ray Gold |
| Specialism | Technology, Music, Applied Learning. |
| Location | Balfour Road Brighton East Sussex BN1 6NP England |
| Local authority | Brighton and Hove |
| DfE URN | 114579 |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Staff | 158 |
| Students | 1300 |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Ages | 11–16 |
| Houses | Boto, Irrawaddy, Risso, Tucuxi |
| Website | www.varndean.co.uk |
Contents |
Varndean School is a secondary school serving the needs of a large area of Brighton, England. It moved to its current site overlooking the city and the sea in 1926. Varndean has a national reputation for innovation and achievement. It is a vibrant learning community with a distinctive ethos in which individuals are valued and can flourish. The quality of the inter-personal relations between staff and students is extremely high. Varndean has a broad, flexible curriculum, backed up by an outstanding extra-curricular provision, most notably in the Arts. It has the largest cohort of students in the city following the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Varndean was the first specialist school in the city (Technology in 1998). In 2005 it was designated a high-performing specialist school; in 2006 Varndean obtained its second specialism in Music, followed by a third specialism in Applied Learning in 2007. Applied Learning status has enabled the school to take a leading role in the emerging 14-19 agenda across the city in partnership with other local schools and colleges.
Varndean shares the Surrenden Campus with Balfour Junior School, Balfour Infants School, Dorothy Stringer High School and Varndean College.[1]
Varndean was founded in 1884 in central Brighton as York Place Higher Grade School. An Organised Science School was added in 1894. The name changed to Brighton Municipal Secondary School for Girls in 1905. During World War I, the premises were taken over for use as an Indian Military Hospital and not returned until 1919.
In 1926, the school moved to a new site, then on the outskirts of Brighton. It was renamed 'Varndean', after the nearby farm. When it opened, the original part of the building, designed by Gilbert Simpson and now known as the Ditchling Building was the most advanced in the country.
World War II saw half the school evacuated to Yorkshire.
There were no significant changes until 1970's, when the combination of the comprehensive movement and the take-over of Brighton by East Sussex County Council saw the educational system reorganised. Between 1975 and 1979, Varndean Girls' Grammar School became Varndean High School, a coeducational Comprehensive. The Boys' Grammar School became the Sixth Form College.
In recent years, the school has expanded significantly. Several building projects have resulted in increased accommodation. In the original building, several rooms have been converted into IT suites and extensions made to house new Maths rooms, a Music suite and extra PE facilities, such as a Fitness Suite and a Dance Studio. Sport has also benefited from the construction of a Sports hall and an astro-turf pitch. The Balfour Building, opened in 1993, houses Art and Design Technology. The Friar Building, in use since 2000, accommodates English and Humanities. 2008 saw the opening of a state-of-the-art Library, designed by Stephen Toomey of Brighton & Hove City Council Property and Design, who is also responsible for two other projects, Downs View Link College and the new extension to Balfour Junior School, on the Surrenden campus.
Students have always been encouraged to participate in decisions affecting the school. There have been student Associate Governors on the Governing body since this was first allowed in 2003. This is excellent practise, as it allows the students an opportunity to see how the broader school operates. This voice then triangulates the relationship between staff, students and governors. There is an elected body of students within the school. This is the Student Cabinet. The Cabinet mimics the British government so allows the student voice to speak democratically, as well as encouraging development of political skills and knowledge around the school. The Cabinet was instrumental in a whole school uniform change, but is also heavily involved in less traditional ‘school council’ business – this includes a review of lesson length and an investigation in to the current curriculum. All students in the school know how to access the council, so their views can be represented.
In September 2009, a school House system was introduced. There are four houses, which are all inspired by the school dolphin logo – Boto, Irrawaddy, Risso and Tucuxi. The House System is also designed to increase involvement in school life and provides a further sense of belonging for the individual students. It is still at the embryonic stage, but traditions are quickly being created. Houses are producing newsletters, adopting charities and involving themselves in creating four individual learning communities.
Alongside this, are the positions of responsibility. The school has a Head Boy and Girl, with deputies and there are House Captains and Deputies. This is underpinned by a strong team of Senior Prefects (Year 11) and Prefects (Year 10).
As well as the more overt positions of responsibility, there are students working as Peer Mentors (older students supporting younger students) and Student Observers (students feeding back to teachers regarding lesson feedback.
Student Voice at Varndean is both heard and listened to by staff at the school. It is encouraged and is responsible for creating Varndean as the learning community it is today.
"Hard work" is rewarded in many ways. Attainment Credits and House Points lead to rewards. The Head Teacher’s Celebration Wall showcases outstanding pieces of work. An annual end-of-year Celebration of Achievement is held for current students. Awards Evening in November sees the presentation of GCSE certificates and prizes to the previous years Year 11.
Music has a great tradition at Varndean. Currently, extra– curricular activities on offer include Senior, Gospel Choirs, a Jazz Band, The Big Band, a Rock Orchestra, String and Woodwind groups and the famous Samba Band, which performs at the Brighton Festival. Regular concerts are held as is an annual Carol Service at St. John’s Church.
The annual musical is famous for its high quality. Recent productions have included ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, ‘West Side Story’ and 'South Pacific'. Varndean Little Theatre sees plays put on by different year groups.
Varndean encourages care for the environment. The Eco-club is involved in many projects, including growing vegetables, recycling and keeping chickens. A wind turbine has been installed in the grounds.
Apart from strong links with local feeder schools, Varndean spreads its wings further a field. We have links with schools in Australia, South Africa and Ghana. Many overseas visitors are welcomed. An annual Chinese Culture Day is held. We have recently become an International School.