It has been an excellent start to the new term. The students arrived at both campuses looking extremely smart, eager to learn and experience exciting new things. We were delighted with the exam results at all levels, particularly the significant increase in the number of top grades in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. Thank you for all your e-mails and letters of congratulation to the staff; they really appreciate your comments and have shared in your children’s exam success.
Some of you may also be aware that over the summer Ghislaine Pullen, Teacher of French, died quite suddenly. Ghislaine had suffered considerably over the last few years with two very serious illnesses. She was just coming through her last illness and had made the decision to retire from teaching. Such was Ghislaine's love of her students that she came into school on 18th August to look at their A level French results, which were outstanding - whilst it is not appropriate to go into the details within a few days she had passed away. The modern languages department and I, together with a number of current and former staff and students, attended the funeral on Tuesday 6th September in Newport Pagnell. It is very sad that having made the decision to retire, embark on new hobbies and revisit old ones, Ghislaine's life was cut short. Her husband is a wonderful man and I know that he and their two girls together will stay strong. It is at times a very cruel world - may she rest in peace.
This term we welcome a number of new staff:
Newport Pagnell Campus:
Mrs Adeniyi, Teacher of Maths
Miss Bavister, Teacher of Vocational Learning
Mrs Dobson, Teacher of Business Studies & Finance
Miss Green, Teacher of Physical Education
Miss McGlynn, Teacher of Physical Education
Mrs Mernagh, Teacher of Science
Miss Kirby, Teacher of History (and Olney Campus)
Mr O’Sullivan, Caretaker
Mrs Tocknell, Clerical Assistant (Pastoral Filing)
Olney Campus:
Mr Bell, Co-ordinator of Science
Ms Clarke, Teacher of English
Miss Green, Teaching Assistant
Miss Pink, Teaching Assistant
We are working on our three year strategy and vision this term and the school has taken on a new motto: Aspire, Believe, Achieve. In my own teaching I always try and communicate to the students the belief that with hard work they can succeed. Last year I taught Year 11 students Mathematics at both campuses and continue to do so this year. It is the best part of my job and to me the three words sum up my attitude towards each and every child. They apply not only to our teaching, but are fundamental to everything we do- without a goal and belief in life one can find oneself lost with little or no motivation to succeed. Through our teaching and 1 to 1 guidance we shall endeavour to communicate our belief in your children and support them through their education at Ousedale School.
Sue Carbert
Headteacher
