Nether Stowe School

Nether Stowe School is a mixed secondary school and sixth form located in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. The school was originally opened in late 1964, with its first full year of running in summer 1965. It caters for students aged between 11 and 18, providing a wide range of curriculum over all key stages. The school's current headteacher is Ruth Poppleton, formerly Barrie Cooper (From 2004 to 2008) and latterly acting headteacher John McElroy (2008 to 2009).

History

Nether Stowe High School replaced Lichfield Central School in 1964, with the first 350 students being transferred upon its closure. It was substantially expanded in 1969.

Awards and achievements

As of 2008, the school has achieved a Maths & Computing College status. The school also received an Artsmark reward; a school achievement award, and a Sportsmark award - all of which were awarded in 2001. In 2003, the school gained 'Investors In People' status and a 'School Extra' award.

The 2013 OFSTED report has shown that the school now places under the 'good' category, having moved up from 'satisfactory', with inspectors citing that the use of peer marking in lessons, carefully planned teaching and reading initiatives and good relationships between staff and pupils have increased attainment substantially. Students stated that they feel 'very safe' and the pupil premium that is being utilised has had a great benefit on those involved. Also noted was the fact that some lessons were 'outstanding' and that the school only has a few basic steps to take before becoming an outstanding school. The full report can be viewed on the school website at

Motto

The current motto for the school is 'Learn, Achieve, Succeed'. Previously, it had been 'Altiora Peto', translated from Latin as 'Aim Higher'. The old motto is still visible on the school uniform.

Houses

The school has various 'houses' in which competitions are played. This increases both competitiveness and extra education, as well as being a fun activity too. Usually, one is held in every term. The houses involved are Austen, Elgar, Francis and Turner, all of which are relative to key figures in society - Jane Austen, Edward Elgar, Clare Francis and J. M. W. Turner. Up until 2009, there was a fifth house - Brunel, representing Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Early "House" names were also after famous names, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Sir Francis Drake, Sir Philip Sydney and Sir Richard Grenville and their colours were blue, red, green and yellow respectively. At the end of the 1980s there were two registration form classes per year belonging to each house. Form class designations were year/house/number. 5G2 would designate 5th year, Gilbert house, 2nd form room. 3Gr1, 3rd year, Grenville house, 1st form room.

The school abolished the form of 'house points' in 2010, in favour of a 'Credits & Debits' system, whereby credits are awarded for good behaviour and achievement, and debits are incurred for bad behaviour.

Improvements

In 2011, the school improved both its dining facilities and Performing Arts centre, with the addition of both 'Bill Gates' Dining Area' and 'Newton's Nibbles', centred on Bill Gates and Isaac Newton respectively. The state-of-the-art 'Samuel Johnson Centre for the Performing Arts' was opened on 4 July 2011 and has seen moderate usage. Samuel Johnson's birthplace museum is located in the city centre.

Nether Stowe's new website was unveiled in November 2011, at , and many cosmetic improvements, which are currently underway, ave been authorised to maintain the ageing infrastructure, such as replacement of the roof coverings and new windows and doors in most corridors to aid lighting and ease accessibility.

In 2013, the changing room facilities received a sponsored renovation as part of Places People Play scheme.

Facilities

In addition, the school leases its facilities to the community, such as classrooms, the gymnasium and the extensive sports field.

Controversy

According to an OFSTED inspection from 2004, the school, at the time, was notable for its failure to recruit suitable experienced staff members for long periods of time. In the same report, it was noted that the students of the time had a bad attitude to learning, and that teaching staff failed to control classes - thus, results were being affected badly. As a consequence, the school was put under special measures. This measure was lifted towards the end of 2005.

In 2007, the school came under scrutiny when incumbent headteacher Barrie Cooper announced to install CCTV cameras in the main toilets to quell the effects of problematic pupils - at the time, poor behaviour was rife. Although some students cited this as a good idea to cut down on violent incidients and gang gatherings, many felt that it was an invasion of privacy and that impressionable children may think that it is acceptable. The operational status of the cameras today is unknown, although they are still present.

List Of Headteachers

• 1966 to 1970 - Mr. C. L. Bower
• 1970 to 1975 - Mr. H. winkler
• 1975 to 1976 - Mr. A. K. Chatwood
• 1976 to 1980 - Mr Davies
• 1991 to 1999 - Mr. D. L. Binnie
• 1999 to 2004 - Ms. J Ward
• 2004 to 2008 - Mr. B Cooper
• 2008 to 2009 - Mr. J McElroy (Acting Headteacher)
• 2009 to present - Ms. R Poppleton

External links