Changes are afoot in Manygate Lane, Shepperton, with the construction of a new care home and some retirement flats for the elderly. However, between these two sites, stands Thamesmead Secondary school, with a very clear focus on the future of our young citizens.
Since joining Thamesmead in September 2017, Headteacher Phil Reeves (left) has been building on the strengths, successes and achievements of the school. “Even before my appointment as Head it was clear from my initial visits what a great school Thamesmead is. These last few months I have been able to see those strengths for myself each day. Teaching is good, the classrooms are calm spaces where students learn well, and staff work hard to support the students through their days at school.
I have been working with the staff and governors here to build upon the ‘Good’ Ofsted report received in June 2017, and the very positive Progress 8 scores that place the school in the top 16 secondary schools in Surrey and I am excited about having the opportunity to improve the educational opportunities and outcomes for future youngsters in Shepperton and the surrounding area.”
With the Summer Term approaching, the Year 11 students, supported by their teachers, are working hard towards their final GCSE exams. This is a crucial time for them as they head towards their next steps in education or training.
The school offers a variety of careers guidance with specialist advisors, visits to Careers Events and the recent Options Fair.
Enrichment of the curriculum is always wide ranging to support studies and inspire students. This year it has included trips to Amsterdam, Italy, Kew Gardens, Tate Modern, London theatres, The British Library, Bocketts Farm, Thames Young Mariners, Oxford, Cambridge and Surrey universities. Enrichment is not just limited to activities that happen outside the school and recent activities have seen students working in school on Science, Business and Computing challenges.
‘Annie the Musical’ has recently taken place in school. This production showcased some amazing singers, actors and musicians. Thamesmead welcomed the Mayor, local councillors and some Greeno Centre members and were delighted to support the Mayor’s charities.
Links to the community are increasingly important to Thamesmead as they seek to improve facilities and resources. The school thanks the M+W group and RBS for refurbishment of several area and is now working with other local businesses including Bazeleys Estate Agent, Co-Op, Tesco and Bright Sparks. These links will help the school raise the much needed funds to replace the minbuses, which in turn will be used by the community as well.
Anyone willing to sponsor the minibuses are welcome to contact the school. Phil Reeves and Rebecca Phillips (PE teacher) are running the Brighton Marathon in April for this important cause! http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/thamesmeadteachers
Thamesmead look forward to welcoming many of you into the school in the coming months, whether that be as existing parents, or as prospective parents and meeting community members at the Shepperton Village Fair and other key events. Daytime tours of the school can be arranged by contact the school office on 01932 219400.