HEADTEACHER Carol Gormley has a clear vision for Colne Valley Specialist Arts College as a flagship school for the future.
Her “purge” on discipline in her first week in post, forced her into the spotlight, but she is now keen to focus on the school’s strengths and successes and its place at the heart of this closely-knit community.
“This school was built as a flagship school 50 years ago and it has a very strong place in the Colne Valley community,” said Ms Gormley.
“It is quite unique in the fact that it enjoys a fabulous location, that looks out over the Colne Valley and it has strong heritage in the valley of music, culture and the arts which is a real asset to it as a specialist school.
“Since I became headteacher here I have been pleased with the huge improvements in the ethos of the school including pupil’s behaviour and their attitude to learning.
“The improvements that we have already made contribute positively to good teaching and learning.”
Ms Gormley said she was delighted by the huge support which she had received from students, staff, governors and the community for developing the positive ethos where everyone could achieve.
And she said her reason for focusing on the ethos and attitude to learning at the college was that she was convinced, that although the school had shown a steady improvement in results in recent years, there was still room for improvement.
Facilities are something which the school has an abundance and these are shared by the whole community.
A huge investment in sports facilities was completed and opened last year and students benefit from the wealth of opportunities which it offers including hockey, football, rugby, table tennis, judo, gymnastics and rowing.
A strong focus on the arts also enriches the curriculum with students taking part in the community arts programme Sing Global, Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, mock trials and educational theatre performances.
Forty students and staff also recently took part in an educational visit to Berlin and Krakow.
Year eight students are also transforming the school’s garden to its former glory as part on an environmental project.
The firm links with the community ensure a large variety of activities and opportunities are always available.
Ms Gormley added: “The vast majority of students here are a credit to the school and the vast range of events and activities which they are involved in are testimony to that and to the well-rounded school, into which we are developing.
“This real positive ethos shines through when our young people are taking part in the activities such as sports, drama and arts where they succeed and achieve.”
