Gosforth High School
Encyclopedia
Gosforth Academy is an English
secondary school
in Gosforth
, Newcastle upon Tyne
. As well as having a sixth form department it is a specialist Language College
. Many of its mainstream students come from three large feeder middle schools: Gosforth Central Middle School
, Gosforth East Middle School
and Gosforth Junior High Academy (formerly Gosforth West Middle School).
It also houses a large sixth form college
, where the majority of the lower school students continue their studies. There is a Special education
centre within the school to aid students who need it. The school houses 'Gosforth Community Education', which provides courses for adults
within the local community. The school is also a regional centre for young people with visual impairment
.
the school became Gosforth Grammar School in 1944. In the early 1960s the current site of the School began to be used.
In 1973 the local council adopted the three-tier education
system. Following this, the Grammar school was combined with Gosforth County Secondary School and Gosforth East County Secondary School, and Gosforth High School was born. The high school moved permanently to the 1960s site.
The site on which Gosforth Grammar stood is now used by Gosforth Central Middle School
. The Grammar School building was used by Central Middle, until it was replaced in 2004.
Tony Blair
on 29 November 2002. This visit took place at the time of strike action by firefighter
s, who jeered Blair outside the school, gaining media attention. This new building cost a total of £9 million, of which £6.3 million came from a government grant, "New Deal for Schools", £1.85 million from "Newcastle Great Park" and £800,000 from Newcastle City Council
. After the completion of the new buildings, which bear a striking resemblance to airport architecture, the old 'West Wing' was demolished in 2004.
The current head teacher, Hugh Robinson, started at the school in 2003. Keith Nancekievill left the school to take up the head teachers post at Hinchingbrooke School
, Cambridgeshire
, in February 2003 after being head at Gosforth for 15 years.
Footballer and former pupil Alan Shearer
donated £10,000 to the school in 2006 from the proceeds of several testimonial events held to honour his ten years playing for Newcastle United.
In September 2006, a new discipline system was introduced, known as the 'PRAISE Code' (Perform, Reward, Achieve, Inspire, Succeed, Excel). Its aim is to reward students, with stamps for example.
style agreement. The Federation came into action on 1 January 2007 and Gosforth West was later renamed Gosforth Junior High School after the 2007 Easter
break. The Junior School building is to be replaced with a new building.
, in addition to becoming a beacon school
in 2001. Gosforth Academy is currently the only school with DFES "Training School" status in Newcastle and has been a specialist Language College
since 1996. In 1999, the school gained Investors in People
accreditation. Gosforth Academy has also been awarded many other awards in the past.
In 2008 at the first gathering of the High Performing Schools group, Gosforth High School was recognised as being ranked in the top 10% of schools nationally and the highest performing school in Newcastle. In March 2008, Ofsted
inspected the school and rated it 'outstanding'. Coupled with the improved 2008 exam results the school has been classified as a high performing specialist school for the next four years.
Gosforth Academy is currently recognised as the best co-educational school in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The school's emblem has 3 main parts: the tree of growth and knowledge, the badge of Newcastle city and the Northumberland
coat of arms. For a period of time the school's motto had been "High Achievers".
Sixth Form students currently have no formal school uniform, however they must wear a school I.D. badge at all times when on school property aimed at preventing unauthorised persons entering the school. The I.D badge scheme has been hailed as a success as it has dramatically improved security within the school. Visitors are required to report to the main reception area, where they receive an official label, for security reasons.
Mainstream students (Year 9
, Year 10
& Year 11) must wear the school's uniform.
The uniform for students attending consists of (first three with school logo on):-
Specialist equipment is required for some subjects, such as:-
Gosforth Academy's present building is actually 2 buildings; one building has 2 floors and the other 3 and a half floors (the half being a Mezzanine Level which is currently used as an art gallery and a computer suite). This difference in buildings can be clearly seen when you are crossing between the two via stairs. The room numbers for the bottom floor begin with a zero; the middle floor room numbers begin with a one; and the top floor room numbers begin with two.
The 2002 building cost a total of £9 million. Companies that assisted with the construction of the 2002 building included Newcastle City Design Department, Multicare and Desco. Desco handled the Mechanical and Electrical services for Phase 3, costing £3 million. The school is also part of the "Building Schools for the Future
" Initiative.
In 2009 plans to extend the back of the school with a new sports hall were accepted. Building commenced soon after, and was unaffected by the change in the Building Schools for the Future policy. A multi-million pound gym full of p.e. equipment was built ready for use by September 2011. This is accompanied by a 9-court sports hall.
The school also has facilities for young people with visual impairment.
The two libraries are the Cousins Library, a new library which opened on 8 September 2008 a library for years 9, 10 and 11, and the Old Library, known as the Learning Resource Centre or LRC for sixth form
.
The school is able to teach many languages; their mainstream teaching for Modern European languages is concentrated in French
, German
, Italian
and Spanish
.
In 2008 the School Kitchen was awarded 4-stars after an inspection under the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006.
The register in the school is taken via computer, using a Student information system
, called SIMS.net
, which uses the main PC system. The school also utilises a Virtual learning environment
, under the Frog platform. The school's current computer workstations are Dell
Optiplex 740
s.
In the past the school had used a Bromcom
hand-held student information system for taking register and had computer workstations provided by Elonex
Systems.
The school have been planning to replace the existing indoor sports courts with a modern sports facility for many years. Some of the plans were to have 8 new sports courts within the new building and provision for "all-weather pitches". The current building work is for the "erection of 2 storey sports hall, activities suite and classroom extension to south and west elevation to existing school; creation of synthetic turf pitch with associated fencing, and 6 x 15m high lighting columns and landscape works to east of existing school buildings and formation of 35 space car park to southern boundary of site". This application was submitted on 25 November 2008 by AURA Ltd, a local education partnership company in which the council has a 10% share, and was conditionally granted on 5 March 2009. Building work by contractors Sir Robert McAlpine
commenced late in the summer of 2009, on the all-weather pitch, and it is estimated that the all the new sports facilities will be completed by Summer 2011. The synthetic turf pitch was first used on 2 December 2009, and is available for lettings out of school hours. In total the new facilities will be a 6 court Sports Hall, new changing rooms, a Fitness Suite, a Climbing wall
, a master classroom and a large flexible learning space.
The Sport@Gosforth building was officially opened by former students Alan Shearer
and Kathryn Tickell
on 3 October 2011.
The Newcastle Falcons
rugby team and their Academy have linked up with the School in an apprenticeship scheme; in 2007 eight students joined the rugby academy for two years.
and GCSE
re-sits.
Students must attend a weekly meeting with their tutor, either in private meetings or in a classroom setting. This weekly meeting is aimed at ensuring the Tutors are fully aware of the progression each student makes on a personal basis. It allows the tutor to get to know the student and allows them to prepare references for jobs and university applications to the highest standard. It is also a time where Tutors can help students with any issues they are having, including UCAS
applications.
electoral ward. The school is opposite the Asda
Gosforth superstore (formerly a multi-use Stadium) and near to the Regent Centre
business complex. Between the school and Regent Centre Metro Station there is a modern apartment block (formerly a Territorial Army centre) and on the other side of the front field there are a set of shops, including a Jet
(former BP
) petrol station.
Many students use the local metro
and bus systems to travel to the school, due to the proximity of Regent Centre transport Interchange
to the school. The school field also runs parallel to the metro line, including a short platform used for reversing the direction of Metro trains going out of service. The edge of the back field, next to the 'West Wing' is the location of Grange First School.
This list includes only key staff members, please visit the Parents Handbook PDF on the Gosforth Academy website for additional staff listings.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in Gosforth
Gosforth
Gosforth is an area of Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England, United Kingdom, to the north of the city centre. Gosforth constituted an urban district from 1895 to 1974, when it became part of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne. It has a population of 23,620...
, Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Historically a part of Northumberland, it is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne...
. As well as having a sixth form department it is a specialist Language College
Language College
Language Colleges were introduced in 1995 as part of the Specialist Schools Programme in the United Kingdom. The system enables secondary schools to specialise in certain fields, in this case, modern foreign languages...
. Many of its mainstream students come from three large feeder middle schools: Gosforth Central Middle School
Gosforth Central Middle School
Gosforth Central Middle School is a middle school in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Students typically transfer to Gosforth High School. The school is in the East Gosforth electoral ward.- History :...
, Gosforth East Middle School
Gosforth East Middle School
Gosforth East Middle School is a middle school in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Students usually transfer to Gosforth High School. The school is in the Parklands electoral ward.- History :...
and Gosforth Junior High Academy (formerly Gosforth West Middle School).
It also houses a large sixth form college
Sixth form college
A sixth form college is an educational institution in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Belize, Hong Kong or Malta where students aged 16 to 18 typically study for advanced school-level qualifications, such as A-levels, or school-level qualifications such as GCSEs. In Singapore and India, this is...
, where the majority of the lower school students continue their studies. There is a Special education
Special education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
centre within the school to aid students who need it. The school houses 'Gosforth Community Education', which provides courses for adults
Adult education
Adult education is the practice of teaching and educating adults. Adult education takes place in the workplace, through 'extension' school or 'school of continuing education' . Other learning places include folk high schools, community colleges, and lifelong learning centers...
within the local community. The school is also a regional centre for young people with visual impairment
Visual impairment
Visual impairment is vision loss to such a degree as to qualify as an additional support need through a significant limitation of visual capability resulting from either disease, trauma, or congenital or degenerative conditions that cannot be corrected by conventional means, such as refractive...
.
History
The school was originally founded in 1973 through the merger of two local comprehensive schools with Gosforth Grammar School.1921–1944
In 1921 Gosforth Secondary School opened. The first permanent buildings were built in the late 1920s. The site was on the opposite side of the Great North Road, to the current site.1944–1973
Due to the Education Act 1944Education Act 1944
The Education Act 1944 changed the education system for secondary schools in England and Wales. This Act, commonly named after the Conservative politician R.A...
the school became Gosforth Grammar School in 1944. In the early 1960s the current site of the School began to be used.
1973–2000
Three-tier education
Three-tier education refers to those structures of schooling, which exist in some parts of England, where pupils are taught in three distinct school types. A similar experiment was also trialled in Scotland....
system. Following this, the Grammar school was combined with Gosforth County Secondary School and Gosforth East County Secondary School, and Gosforth High School was born. The high school moved permanently to the 1960s site.
The site on which Gosforth Grammar stood is now used by Gosforth Central Middle School
Gosforth Central Middle School
Gosforth Central Middle School is a middle school in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Students typically transfer to Gosforth High School. The school is in the East Gosforth electoral ward.- History :...
. The Grammar School building was used by Central Middle, until it was replaced in 2004.
2000–2010
Between 2000 and 2002 the school buildings were renovated, and the new facilities were opened by the Prime MinisterPrime minister
A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. In many systems, the prime minister selects and may dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the government. In most systems, the prime...
Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
on 29 November 2002. This visit took place at the time of strike action by firefighter
Firefighter
Firefighters are rescuers extensively trained primarily to put out hazardous fires that threaten civilian populations and property, to rescue people from car incidents, collapsed and burning buildings and other such situations...
s, who jeered Blair outside the school, gaining media attention. This new building cost a total of £9 million, of which £6.3 million came from a government grant, "New Deal for Schools", £1.85 million from "Newcastle Great Park" and £800,000 from Newcastle City Council
Newcastle City Council
Newcastle City Council is the local government authority for Newcastle upon Tyne, a city in Tyne and Wear, England. The council consists of 78 councillors, three for each of the city's 26 wards...
. After the completion of the new buildings, which bear a striking resemblance to airport architecture, the old 'West Wing' was demolished in 2004.
The current head teacher, Hugh Robinson, started at the school in 2003. Keith Nancekievill left the school to take up the head teachers post at Hinchingbrooke School
Hinchingbrooke School
Hinchingbrooke School is a large school situated on the outskirts of Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Originally all of the surrounding land—including what is now Huntingdon Town—comprised the grounds of Hinchingbrooke House. In fact, the Town was given the name "Huntingdon" as the owners of the house...
, Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire is a county in England, bordering Lincolnshire to the north, Norfolk to the northeast, Suffolk to the east, Essex and Hertfordshire to the south, and Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire to the west...
, in February 2003 after being head at Gosforth for 15 years.
Footballer and former pupil Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team...
donated £10,000 to the school in 2006 from the proceeds of several testimonial events held to honour his ten years playing for Newcastle United.
In September 2006, a new discipline system was introduced, known as the 'PRAISE Code' (Perform, Reward, Achieve, Inspire, Succeed, Excel). Its aim is to reward students, with stamps for example.
Junior School
In September 2006, Gosforth High took over the administration duties of Gosforth West Middle School, in a FederationFederated school
An affiliated school is an educational institution that operates independently, but also has a formal collaborative agreement with another, usually larger institution that may have some level of control or influence over its academic policies, standards or programs.While a university may have one...
style agreement. The Federation came into action on 1 January 2007 and Gosforth West was later renamed Gosforth Junior High School after the 2007 Easter
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
break. The Junior School building is to be replaced with a new building.
The future as an Academy
By 2011 the high school had become an academy, known as Gosforth Academy along with the Junior School, now Gosforth Junior High Academy.Achievements
The academy is a designated ambassador school for the National Academy for Gifted and Talented YouthNational Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth
The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth was based at the University of Warwick in Britain and was founded in 2002 by a government initiative for high-achieving secondary students in England. It closed in August 2007, after Warwick University decided not to apply for the new contract...
, in addition to becoming a beacon school
Beacon School
Beacon School was a government designation awarded to outstanding primary and secondary schools in England and Wales from 1998 to August 2005. The Beacon Schools programme identified schools that were examples of good practice and funded those schools to enable them to build partnerships with each...
in 2001. Gosforth Academy is currently the only school with DFES "Training School" status in Newcastle and has been a specialist Language College
Language College
Language Colleges were introduced in 1995 as part of the Specialist Schools Programme in the United Kingdom. The system enables secondary schools to specialise in certain fields, in this case, modern foreign languages...
since 1996. In 1999, the school gained Investors in People
Investors in People
Launched in 1991 Investors in People is a business improvement tool administered by UK Commission for Employment and Skills and supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills ....
accreditation. Gosforth Academy has also been awarded many other awards in the past.
In 2008 at the first gathering of the High Performing Schools group, Gosforth High School was recognised as being ranked in the top 10% of schools nationally and the highest performing school in Newcastle. In March 2008, Ofsted
Office for Standards in Education
The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills is the non-ministerial government department of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools In England ....
inspected the school and rated it 'outstanding'. Coupled with the improved 2008 exam results the school has been classified as a high performing specialist school for the next four years.
Gosforth Academy is currently recognised as the best co-educational school in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Emblem
Northumberland
Northumberland is the northernmost ceremonial county and a unitary district in North East England. For Eurostat purposes Northumberland is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "Northumberland and Tyne and Wear" NUTS 2 region...
coat of arms. For a period of time the school's motto had been "High Achievers".
Uniform
Mainstream students have a coloured ring around the logo on their uniforms. This helps identify individuals into which year group they are. The colour of the ring is either pale blue, red, gold yellow (Junior High) or dark green. Students have the same colour ring from years 9 to 11, when they leave after year 11 the colour is passed down to the new year 9 students. As of September 2011; Year 9 have a red ring, Year 10 have a blue ring, and Year 11 have a green ring.Sixth Form students currently have no formal school uniform, however they must wear a school I.D. badge at all times when on school property aimed at preventing unauthorised persons entering the school. The I.D badge scheme has been hailed as a success as it has dramatically improved security within the school. Visitors are required to report to the main reception area, where they receive an official label, for security reasons.
Mainstream students (Year 9
Eighth grade
Eighth grade is a year of education in the United States, Canada, Australia and other nations. Students are usually 13 - 14 years old. The eighth grade is typically the final grade before high school, and the ninth grade of public and private education, following kindergarten and subsequent grades...
, Year 10
Ninth grade
Ninth grade is the ninth post-kindergarten year of school education in some school systems. The students are 13 to 15 years of age, depending on when their birthday occurs. Depending on the school district, ninth grade is usually the first year of high school....
& Year 11) must wear the school's uniform.
The uniform for students attending consists of (first three with school logo on):-
- A navy blue sweatshirt
- A white polo shirt
- A black, school fleece
- Black, navy, or dark grey trousers or skirt
- Black shoes
Specialist equipment is required for some subjects, such as:-
- A CraftCraftA craft is a branch of a profession that requires some particular kind of skilled work. In historical sense, particularly as pertinent to the Medieval history and earlier, the term is usually applied towards people occupied in small-scale production of goods.-Development from the past until...
apron - A Home economicsHome EconomicsHome economics is the profession and field of study that deals with the economics and management of the home and community...
apron
For boys
- Royal blueRoyal blueRoyal blue describes both a bright shade and a dark shade of azure blue. It is said to have been invented by millers in Rode, Somerset, a consortium of which won a competition to make a dress for the British queen, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz....
polo shirt - White or black shorts
- Training shoes
- Outdoor jersey, plain navy with gold band
- Plain navy shorts
- Navy football socks
- Football boots
- Navy blueNavy blueNavy blue is a very dark shade of the color blue which almost appears as black. Navy blue got its name from the dark blue worn by officers in the British Royal Navy since 1748 and subsequently adopted by other navies around the world....
or black tracksuit bottoms (optional)
For girls
- Royal blue polo shirt
- School sweatshirt or hoodie, royal blue
- Navy blue shorts
- Navy blue or black tracksuit bottoms (optional)
- White ankle socks
- Training shoes
Facilities
Gosforth Academy has a wide range of quality of facilities. Some areas are in desperate need of modernisation whilst some are up-to-date. Much of the original 1960s building of the then High School no longer exists.Gosforth Academy's present building is actually 2 buildings; one building has 2 floors and the other 3 and a half floors (the half being a Mezzanine Level which is currently used as an art gallery and a computer suite). This difference in buildings can be clearly seen when you are crossing between the two via stairs. The room numbers for the bottom floor begin with a zero; the middle floor room numbers begin with a one; and the top floor room numbers begin with two.
The 2002 building cost a total of £9 million. Companies that assisted with the construction of the 2002 building included Newcastle City Design Department, Multicare and Desco. Desco handled the Mechanical and Electrical services for Phase 3, costing £3 million. The school is also part of the "Building Schools for the Future
Building Schools for the Future
Building Schools for the Future is the name of the previous UK Government's investment programme in secondary school buildings in England. The program is very ambitious in its costs, timescales and objectives, with politicians from all English political parties supportive of the principle but...
" Initiative.
In 2009 plans to extend the back of the school with a new sports hall were accepted. Building commenced soon after, and was unaffected by the change in the Building Schools for the Future policy. A multi-million pound gym full of p.e. equipment was built ready for use by September 2011. This is accompanied by a 9-court sports hall.
Facility list
The school has:- 15 Science laboratories
- 12 ICT rooms (some assigned to a particular subject)
- 2 large libraries (Goodfellow and Cousins)
- A large art department
- A sixth formSixth formIn the education systems of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and of Commonwealth West Indian countries such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Jamaica and Malta, the sixth form is the final two years of secondary education, where students, usually sixteen to eighteen years of age,...
common roomCommon roomThe phrase common room is used especially in British and Canadian English to describe a type of shared lounge, most often found in dormitories, at universities, colleges, military bases, hospitals, rest homes, hostels, and even minimum-security prisons. It is generally connected to several... - A smaller year 11 common room
- A fully equipped Drama studio
- 3 small Music practice rooms
- A dance studio
- One Gym
- One Indoor Sports Court (badmintonBadmintonBadminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players or two opposing pairs , who take positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court that is divided by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their...
, basketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
& football) - One Indoor 9 court Sports Hall (badmintonBadmintonBadminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players or two opposing pairs , who take positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court that is divided by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their...
, basketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
, hockeyHockeyHockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or a puck into the opponent's goal using a hockey stick.-Etymology:...
& football) - 2 Outdoor Sports Courts (tennisTennisTennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
, hockeyHockeyHockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or a puck into the opponent's goal using a hockey stick.-Etymology:...
, basketball, netballNetballNetball is a ball sport played between two teams of seven players. Its development, derived from early versions of basketball, began in England in the 1890s. By 1960 international playing rules had been standardised for the game, and the International Federation of Netball and Women's Basketball ...
, football) - One Weight-Training room.
- A Student Support Base, which also contains a police base for the area.
The school also has facilities for young people with visual impairment.
The two libraries are the Cousins Library, a new library which opened on 8 September 2008 a library for years 9, 10 and 11, and the Old Library, known as the Learning Resource Centre or LRC for sixth form
Sixth form
In the education systems of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and of Commonwealth West Indian countries such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Jamaica and Malta, the sixth form is the final two years of secondary education, where students, usually sixteen to eighteen years of age,...
.
The school is able to teach many languages; their mainstream teaching for Modern European languages is concentrated in French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
, German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
, Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
and Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
.
In 2008 the School Kitchen was awarded 4-stars after an inspection under the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006.
Computer facilities
There are over 50 computers in total in the libraries and 12 dedicated computer rooms. Most of the classrooms have interactive whiteboards (most of which are Promethean ACTIVboards). A combination of wired and wireless networks allowing teachers to use their laptops anywhere.The register in the school is taken via computer, using a Student information system
Student information system
A student info system is a software application for education establishments to manage student data. Student information systems provide capabilities for entering student test and other assessment scores through an electronic grade book, building student schedules, tracking student attendance, and...
, called SIMS.net
SIMS.net
SIMS is a management information system used by more than 21,000 schools in 150 local authorities across the United Kingdom boasting around 80% of the market share.-Overview:...
, which uses the main PC system. The school also utilises a Virtual learning environment
Virtual learning environment
Defined largely by usage, the term virtual learning environment has most, if not all, of the following salient properties:* It is Web-based* It uses Web 2.0 tools for rich 2-way interaction* It includes a content management system...
, under the Frog platform. The school's current computer workstations are Dell
Dell
Dell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest...
Optiplex 740
Dell OptiPlex
Dell, Inc. targets its OptiPlex line of desktop computers for sale into the corporate, government and education markets. These systems typically contain Intel CPUs, beginning with the Pentium and with the Core i7 , although Dell sells some models with AMD CPUs as well...
s.
In the past the school had used a Bromcom
Bromcom
Bromcom Computers plc is a British technology company. It provides schools and colleges with a Management Information System and handheld data capture devices to record and track pupil performance...
hand-held student information system for taking register and had computer workstations provided by Elonex
Elonex
Elonex is a computer hardware and related IT services company based in Birmingham, UK, that develops eBook Readers, Android eTouch Tablets, and other consumer electronics.The Elonex brand was founded in 1986, in London....
Systems.
Sports department
In contrast to the rest of the facilities, excluding the English department, the sports department is the oldest part of the current school and is in need of modernisation. The gym, indoor sports courts and weight training room all have roofs that leak, which in turn sometimes prevents them being used if the weather has been bad. The indoor sports courts have earned the nickname "The Shed" by students and teachers alike in the school; "The Shed" was demolished by February 2010.The school have been planning to replace the existing indoor sports courts with a modern sports facility for many years. Some of the plans were to have 8 new sports courts within the new building and provision for "all-weather pitches". The current building work is for the "erection of 2 storey sports hall, activities suite and classroom extension to south and west elevation to existing school; creation of synthetic turf pitch with associated fencing, and 6 x 15m high lighting columns and landscape works to east of existing school buildings and formation of 35 space car park to southern boundary of site". This application was submitted on 25 November 2008 by AURA Ltd, a local education partnership company in which the council has a 10% share, and was conditionally granted on 5 March 2009. Building work by contractors Sir Robert McAlpine
Sir Robert McAlpine
Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd. is a private British company headquartered in London. It carries out engineering and construction for the oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, nuclear, pharmaceutical, defence, chemical, water and mining industries.-History:...
commenced late in the summer of 2009, on the all-weather pitch, and it is estimated that the all the new sports facilities will be completed by Summer 2011. The synthetic turf pitch was first used on 2 December 2009, and is available for lettings out of school hours. In total the new facilities will be a 6 court Sports Hall, new changing rooms, a Fitness Suite, a Climbing wall
Climbing wall
A climbing wall is an artificially constructed wall with grips for hands and feet, usually used for indoor climbing, but sometimes located outdoors as well. Some are brick or wooden constructions, but on most modern walls, the material most often used is a thick multiplex board with holes drilled...
, a master classroom and a large flexible learning space.
The Sport@Gosforth building was officially opened by former students Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team...
and Kathryn Tickell
Kathryn Tickell
Kathryn Tickell is an English player of the Northumbrian smallpipes and fiddle. She has recorded over a dozen albums, and toured widely.-Life and career:...
on 3 October 2011.
The Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle Falcons
The Newcastle Falcons is an English rugby union team currently playing in the Aviva Premiership. The club was established in 1877 and played under the name of Gosforth Football Club until 1990. The name was then changed to Newcastle Gosforth and the club began to play at Kingston Park stadium in...
rugby team and their Academy have linked up with the School in an apprenticeship scheme; in 2007 eight students joined the rugby academy for two years.
Post-16 sixth form
Rated as one of the best 6th form colleges in the Newcastle upon Tyne area, Gosforth Academy's Sixth Form College offers a larger array of subjects (46 as of 2008) which its students can study. Not only can students study traditional AS and A-Level subjects, but the 6th form also offers newer qualifications such as BTEC First Diplomas, BTEC National CertificatesBusiness And Technology Education Council (BTEC)
The Business and Technology Education Council is the British body which awards vocational qualifications. Such qualifications are commonly referred to as "BTECs"....
and GCSE
General Certificate of Secondary Education
The General Certificate of Secondary Education is an academic qualification awarded in a specified subject, generally taken in a number of subjects by students aged 14–16 in secondary education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is equivalent to a Level 2 and Level 1 in Key Skills...
re-sits.
Post-16 management
The post-16 environment in Gosforth Academy is directed and headed by Karen Blackburn (Director of post-16). She is backed by an Assistant Director, Steve Evans, a team of 3 Learning Managers a team of 8 Tutors who are responsible for the well-being of the students and an Administrator who oversees the post-16 administration.Tutors
Every student within the post-16 college is assigned to a personal tutor. The tutor is responsible for the student's well-being throughout the duration of their post-16 education. They assist with university applications or advise and guide the student in making an educated decision on career choices once they leave the college.Students must attend a weekly meeting with their tutor, either in private meetings or in a classroom setting. This weekly meeting is aimed at ensuring the Tutors are fully aware of the progression each student makes on a personal basis. It allows the tutor to get to know the student and allows them to prepare references for jobs and university applications to the highest standard. It is also a time where Tutors can help students with any issues they are having, including UCAS
UCAS
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is the British admission service for students applying to university and college. UCAS is primarily funded by students who pay a fee when they apply and a capitation fee from universities for each student they accept..-Location:UCAS is based near...
applications.
Careers advice
Besides the guidance offered by the personal tutors, Gosforth High School 6th Form College also offers independent advice from the careers advisor. The role of the careers advisor is to offer non biased advice on career paths after 6th form education, be it direct employment, university advice or advise on apprenticeships. The careers advisor is also assisted by Connexions Direct, a government funded scheme aimed at offering information and support to young people.Location
Gosforth Academy is located on Knightsbridge, connecting to a section of the Great North Road in the ParklandsParklands, Newcastle upon Tyne
Parklands is an electoral ward of Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England. It encompasses the northern edge of the suburb of Gosforth and covers most of the Newcastle Great Park residential and business development.-Education:...
electoral ward. The school is opposite the Asda
Asda
Asda Stores Ltd is a British supermarket chain which retails food, clothing, general merchandise, toys and financial services. It also has a mobile telephone network, , Asda Mobile...
Gosforth superstore (formerly a multi-use Stadium) and near to the Regent Centre
Regent Centre
Regent Centre is a large business park in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The Centre is home to a variety of companies, including banking group Northern Rock whose Head Office is located on the site...
business complex. Between the school and Regent Centre Metro Station there is a modern apartment block (formerly a Territorial Army centre) and on the other side of the front field there are a set of shops, including a Jet
Jet (brand)
Jet is the filling station brand of ConocoPhillips, used in Europe.Jet filling stations are located in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Thailand and the United Kingdom....
(former BP
BP
BP p.l.c. is a global oil and gas company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the third-largest energy company and fourth-largest company in the world measured by revenues and one of the six oil and gas "supermajors"...
) petrol station.
Many students use the local metro
Tyne and Wear Metro
The Tyne and Wear Metro, also known as the Metro, is a light rail system in North East England, serving Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and Sunderland. It opened in 1980 and in 2007–2008 provided 40 million public journeys on its network of nearly...
and bus systems to travel to the school, due to the proximity of Regent Centre transport Interchange
Regent Centre Interchange
Regent Centre Interchange serves the Regent Centre business park in the Gosforth area of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The transport interchange consists of a station on the Tyne and Wear Metro, as well as a medium-sized bus station.- History :...
to the school. The school field also runs parallel to the metro line, including a short platform used for reversing the direction of Metro trains going out of service. The edge of the back field, next to the 'West Wing' is the location of Grange First School.
Management structure
Gosforth Federated schools are currently run by the Principal who is in charge of all of the four schools with in the federation (GA, GJHA, Gosforth High Sixth Form College and Gosforth High Community Education College). On the SMT there are the Principal, 1 vice Principal, 2 Deputy Head teachers and several Assistant Heads, each member of the SMT hold director positions including director of performance and director of main school. The Junior Academy is run on a day to day basis by the Director of Junior Academy, Main School (Years 9, 10 and 11) is run by the Director of Main School and 2 Assistant Directors, the Sixth Form College is run by the Director of Post-16 and one assistant Director and the Community education College is run by the Director of Community Education. All schools within the federation however are run by the head of the federation, the principal, who therefore has overall control and is responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of all schools within the federation.Changes to the management team
In June 2008, Simon Richards (Deputy Head and Director of Curriculum) was seconded to Ofsted for at least 1 year. Allon Welsh (previously Assistant Head and Director of Post-16) was appointed in Simon Richards place as Director of Curriculum and Deputy Head. Steve Evans was promoted from Assistant Director of Post-16 (Deputy Assistant Headteacher) to Director of Post-16 (Assistant Headteacher) in order to take over from Allon Welsh. Furthermore, Anne Walton (previously Learning Manager to Post-16) took over from Steve Evans as Assistant Director of Post-16 (Deputy Assistant Headteacher). There is possibility that the old structure will revert back upon Simon Richards' return.Senior staff
The senior staff as of Summer 2010 comprised:| Role | Staff member |
|---|---|
| Principal | Hugh Robinson |
| Vice principal | Kathryn Thomas |
| Director of Curriculum | Allon Welsh |
| Director of Post-16 | Karen Blackburn |
| Director of Main School | Don Harrison |
| Director of Junior School | David Sheppard |
| Director of Communication & Specialist Status | Chris Duckett |
| Director of Financial & Support Services | Christine Edwardson |
| Director of Human Resources | Corrine Raybould |
| Director of Performance | Joanne Lowther |
This list includes only key staff members, please visit the Parents Handbook PDF on the Gosforth Academy website for additional staff listings.
Results
The GCSE (5A*-C including Maths & English) and A-Level results score by year for 2005 to 2011 are listed below:| Year | GCSE score and comparison to local schools (%) | A-Level score |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 54 (33.2) | - |
| 2006 | 56 (33.3) | 736.6 |
| 2007 | 64 (38) | 739.6 |
| 2008 | 59 (39) | 739.1 |
| 2009 | 59 | |
| 2010 | 69 | |
| 2011 | 71 |
Ofsted report 2008
In 2008, Gosforth High School was rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Ofsted noted that students of all backgrounds often make outstanding progress in all aspects of their development due to exceptional care and support. Guidance at key points in their school career and with health, social or personal problems is very good, and the academic is excellent. The management and leadership and are outstanding, and the school has made very good progress since its last inspection. There are exceptional opportunities at the sixth form, which is one of the largest in the area. The behaviour within the school, both in and out of class is excellent, which creates a safe environment. Students by the end of Key Stage 4 achieve well and reach high standards, and overall the teaching at the school is usually good and in some lessons it is inspirational.Feeder schools
There are three middle schools in Gosforth, one of which is federated with the Academy (High School), that act as feeder schools to the Academy (High School):- Gosforth Central Middle SchoolGosforth Central Middle SchoolGosforth Central Middle School is a middle school in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Students typically transfer to Gosforth High School. The school is in the East Gosforth electoral ward.- History :...
- Gosforth East Middle SchoolGosforth East Middle SchoolGosforth East Middle School is a middle school in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Students usually transfer to Gosforth High School. The school is in the Parklands electoral ward.- History :...
- Gosforth Junior High Academy
Notable alumni
Gosforth has had a rich notable alumni including actors, artists, business people, musicians and sport people.Gosforth Grammar School
| Name | Profession |
|---|---|
| Derek Chinnery Derek Chinnery Charles Derek Chinnery was the controller of BBC Radio 1 from 1978 to 1985.-Career:He joined the BBC in 1941 aged 16. From 1943-7 he was in the RAF. He returned to the BBC in 1947, becoming a producer in 1952.... |
Controller of BBC Radio 1 BBC Radio 1 BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock... from 1978–85. |
| Noel Forster Noel Forster Noel Armstrong Forster was a British artist who trained at King's College Newcastle a part of Durham University, graduating in 1957.He was born in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland and attended to Gosforth Grammar School.... |
Artist. |
| Carol Galley Carol Galley Carol Galley is a businesswoman who, as a Director of Mercury Asset Management, was regarded as the most powerful woman in the City in the 1990s.She was educated at Gosforth Grammar School in Newcastle upon Tyne and at the University of Leicester.... |
Businesswoman, worth over £80 million. |
| Prof Russell Hindmarsh | Professor of Atomic Physics at Newcastle University from 1961–73. |
| Robert Sherlaw Johnson Robert Sherlaw Johnson Robert Sherlaw Johnson , was a British composer, pianist and music scholar. Sherlaw Johnson was one of that group of post-war British musicians whose work reflected wider European interests in new ideas, techniques and aesthetics... |
composer Composer A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media... , pianist Pianist A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:... and music scholar Musicology Musicology is the scholarly study of music. The word is used in narrow, broad and intermediate senses. In the narrow sense, musicology is confined to the music history of Western culture... . |
| David Knopfler David Knopfler David Knopfler is a British singer-songwriter, rhythm guitarist, pianist and cofounder of the critically acclaimed rock band Dire Straits.... |
Dire Straits Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band active from 1977 to 1995, composed of Mark Knopfler , his younger brother David Knopfler , John Illsley , and Pick Withers .Dire Straits' sound drew from a variety of musical influences, including jazz, folk, blues, and came closest... guitarist, singer and songwriter. |
| Mark Knopfler Mark Knopfler Mark Freuder Knopfler, OBE is a Scottish-born British guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer and film score composer. He is best known as the lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the British rock band Dire Straits, which he co-founded in 1977... |
Guitarist and lead singer of Dire Straits Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band active from 1977 to 1995, composed of Mark Knopfler , his younger brother David Knopfler , John Illsley , and Pick Withers .Dire Straits' sound drew from a variety of musical influences, including jazz, folk, blues, and came closest... . |
| Prof Arthur Jones CBE | Principal of the Royal Agricultural College Royal Agricultural College The Royal Agricultural College is a higher education institution located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK. Established in 1845, it was the first agricultural college in the English speaking world... from 1990–7, and of the North of Scotland College of Agriculture Scottish Agricultural College The Scottish Agricultural College exists to support the development of land-based industries and communities through Higher Education and training, specialist research and development and advisory and consultancy services.... from 1986–90. |
| Prof Edward Potts | Professor of Mining at Newcastle University from 1951–80. |
| Sir William Ryland CB | Chairman of the Post Office Corporation General Post Office General Post Office is the name of the British postal system from 1660 until 1969.General Post Office may also refer to:* General Post Office, Perth* General Post Office, Sydney* General Post Office, Melbourne* General Post Office, Brisbane... from 1970–77, and Chief Executive from 1969–70. |
| Anthony Thomson | Co-founder of Metro Bank UK. |
| Prof Michael Yeoman | Regius Professor Regius Professor Regius Professorships are "royal" professorships at the ancient universities of the United Kingdom and Ireland - namely Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dublin. Each of the chairs was created by a monarch, and each appointment, save those at Dublin, is approved by the... of Botany from 1978–93 at the University of Edinburgh University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university... . |
Gosforth High School
| Name | Profession |
|---|---|
| Donna Air Donna Air Donna Air is an English television presenter, singer and actress.-Early life:As a former student of Gosforth High School, Donna attended the Drama School at First Act in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, where she was a pupil alongside Jill Halfpenny, Ant & Dec and Dale Meeks.-Television:She became... |
Actress and television presenter. |
| Martin Bare Martin Bare Martin Adam Bare is a solicitor in the United Kingdom. He is a personal injury law specialist, a Fellow and past-President of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers... |
Solicitor. |
| Michelle Bass Michelle Bass Michelle Bass is an English glamour model and television personality turned singer and columnist.... |
Reality TV star in Big Brother Big Brother (UK) Big Brother UK is the British version of the Dutch Big Brother television format, which takes its name from the character in George Orwell's 1948 novel Nineteen Eighty-Four... 5 UK. |
| Michael Chopra Michael Chopra Rocky Michael Chopra is an English footballer who plays for Football League Championship side Ipswich Town. He is of mixed Indian and British descent.... |
Centre forward Striker Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals... for Ipswich Town F.C. Ipswich Town F.C. Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02.... |
| Robbie Elliott Robbie Elliott Robert James "Robbie" Elliott is an English former football left back who is currently the strength coach for the United States U-20 men's football team.... |
Retired footballer, who notably played for Newcastle United, and currently works as a coach. |
| Shivani Ghai Shivani Ghai Shivani Ghai is a British actress of Indian origin. Born and brought up in Newcastle, at 18 Shivani moved away to pursue an acting career.-Career:Finding herself in London she started out in theatre working for companies such as Man Mela, Rifco and Kali.... |
Actress. |
| Brighid Lowe | Artist who has exhibited at Tate Britain Tate Britain Tate Britain is an art gallery situated on Millbank in London, and part of the Tate gallery network in Britain, with Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives. It is the oldest gallery in the network, opening in 1897. It houses a substantial collection of the works of J. M. W. Turner.-History:It... and Jerwood Space Jerwood Space Jerwood Space is an arts venue at Bankside on Union Street, Southwark, London. The facilities include rehearsal studios, gallery/exhibition space, meeting rooms, a café, etc. Exhibits include contemporary art and photography throughout the building.... and one of the first winners of the Paul Hamlyn Award for visual arts. |
| Ben Price Ben Price Ben Price is a British actor, best known for playing the third incarnation of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street... |
Actor, known for roles in Casualty Casualty (TV series) Casualty, stylised as Casual+y, is a British weekly television show broadcast on BBC One, and the longest-running emergency medical drama television series in the world. Created by Jeremy Brock and Paul Unwin, it was first broadcast on 6 September 1986, and transmitted in the UK on BBC One. The... and Footballers' Wives Footballers' Wives Footballers' Wives is a British television drama surrounding the fictional Premier League Association football club Earls Park F.C., its players, and their wives. It was broadcast on the ITV network from 8 January 2002 to 14 April 2006... . |
| Alan Shearer Alan Shearer Alan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team... |
Former Striker Striker Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals... and manager for Newcastle United F.C. Newcastle United F.C. Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger... |
| Kathryn Tickell Kathryn Tickell Kathryn Tickell is an English player of the Northumbrian smallpipes and fiddle. She has recorded over a dozen albums, and toured widely.-Life and career:... |
Folk singer. |
| Shaun Hutchinson Shaun Hutchinson Shaun Matthew Hutchinson is an English footballer who currently plays for Scottish Premier League side Motherwell as a centre back.-Motherwell:... |
Footballer at Motherwell F.C. Motherwell F.C. Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998... |
Timetable
The school operates a two week (10 day) timetable for students. The times are as follows:| Time | Period |
|---|---|
| 8:45 – 8:55 | Registration with Tutor (Y9 – 11) |
| 8:55 – 9:45 | Period 1 |
| 9:45 – 10:30 | Period 2 |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Break |
| 10:45 – 11:35 | Period 3 |
| 11:35 – 12:20 | Period 4 |
| 12:20 – 1:00 | Y9 & Y10 A–M Lunch |
| 12:20 – 1:10 | Period 5 Early |
| 1:10 – 1:50 | Y10 N–Z, Y11, Y12 & Y13 Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:50 | Period 5 Late |
| 1:50 – 2:40 | Period 6 |
| 2:40 – 3:30 | Period 7/7-Up |
External links
- Gosforth Federated Academies
- Gosforth Academy
- Sport@Gosforth
- Gosforth Community Education
- Newcastle VTLE - Online learning portal
- School information at Newcastle City Council