EDUCATION PR NEWS FROM POLARIS MEDIA
The head of Kirkby High School has welcomed a “sea change” in pupil behaviour following a rebrand which has seen students create their own code of conduct.
Bill Leyland, left, says placing the decision process into the hands of pupils has made them feel a greater sense of belonging to not only the code but the school as a whole.
Formerly known as Kirkby Sports College, Kirkby High School has undergone a wholesale rebrand which has seen it adapt not just a new name and website, but also uniform and wider ethos across the campus in Southdene.
Called ‘The Kirkby Code’, it was drawn up in full consultation with the school’s form representatives who gathered the opinions of pupils in their classes and fed back to teachers.
The Kirkby Code has six key areas of focus for classroom behaviour and a further five for the broader community.
The developments follow the school’s record GCSE results in the summer which saw five or more GCSE grades A* – C (including English and maths) rising by 8.7pc to 43.3pc.
Mr Leyland, who has been in post since the start of 2013, said: “It has been really positive to see the pupils adapt so wholeheartedly their Kirkby Code which was undertaken as part of our rebrand.
“At its core is behaviour and respect – for teachers, fellow pupils and the wider community. The improved levels of both these qualities tells me that the code and rebrand have been fully worth it. This will ultimately prepare pupils more fully for the wider world and crucially the world of work.
“The pupils were also so excited to help design a new-look uniform which has brought a brighter look to the school. After strong improvements in GCSE results in the summer, we are continuing in our mission to drive teaching and learning standards to secure even better grades next August.
“Kirkby High School has been part of the Rowan Learning Trust since January 2013. Its aim is to maximise the potential of all children, students and adults in the communities which we serve. Kirkby High School works with Hawkley High School in Wigan whose governing body founded the trust. Hawkley High School is recognised as one of the top 6pc of value added schools nationwide. This partnership helps the two schools share learning opportunities and resources including highly experienced teaching and support staff who work across both sites.
“One of the keys to our success is delivering bespoke learning programmes tailored to individual students’ needs, to enable their development in areas which need greatest attention.”
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