News
Grafham Grange School receives excellent Ofsted
Grafham Grange School are delighted to announce that following their recent residential inspection, Ofsted have returned a judgment of 'Good with outstanding features'
Ofsted spoke very highly in their report of the significant strides made by the school in ensuring that they continue in 'Building Better Futures'
The Inspectors found that:
'Residential pupils are offered good opportunities to develop their academic abilities as a result of detailed education and care plans'
'There are good relationships between pupils and staff. A passionately committed leadership team, a dedicated experienced staff team and reflective practice ensures a commitment to improving standards and outcomes for residential pupils'
'The safeguarding of pupils is a priority within the school' and that 'The routines and support which residential pupils receive from the staff, enable them to feel emotionally safe and very closely supported'
'Residential pupils have access to very good health services and information'
'Leadership and management of the school are of an outstanding calibre. It is a key strength and influence on driving and expecting high standards from staff and pupils. This ensures that the boarding community is seen as a central and important aspect of the school.'
All staff at Grafham Grange have been working very hard to secure a positive result and this has been achieved.
Many congratulations to all at Grafham Grange.
Grafham Grange does Sport Relief!
On Friday 23rd March, students and staff at Grafham Grange abandoned the time table for the morning, in favour of some fundraising shenanigans in aid of Sport Relief.
Students ran / walked/ piggy backed around our all-weather sports pitch, shot penalties at our head teacher and took aim with wet sponges, some with more precision than others!! The students, some of whom had never really run any great distance before, threw themselves at the challenge with enthusiasm and determination and we managed to total a magnificent 277 laps! The sense of ‘togetherness’ and solidarity within the whole school team, in aid of such a worthy cause, was palpable and the boys went above and beyond anything we ever expected. We had several students approach, after the fact, asking if they could donate ‘extra’ money because they didn’t feel that they’d run far enough!
We would like to extend our special thanks to the CEO and Assistant CEO for joining the run, and additionally, to our Head Teacher and staff who stepped up to the plate, to be fired at with sponges and footballs. We raised in excess of £200 for Sport Relief and are exceptionally proud of all the boys who took part!! Thank you...
Grafham Grange Facilities Commended in Football Foundation Review
One of the 1,492 facilities that has been developed thanks to a Foundation grant is the brand new 3G pitch at Grafham Grange Special Educational Trust (GGSET), a Surrey based school for children with a range of special needs.
The new pitch has made an immense difference to the school`s ability to provide appropriate sport and exercise opportunities for its pupils, as well as the wider local community out of school hours.
But it has also had a profound effect on the children`s academic studies and therefore their chances in life. As Susan Tresman, GGSET's Chief Executive, explains: The Foundation`s investment in GGSET has made a very significant difference to the skills and experiences achieved by our students and others in the local community facing the challenge of disability/disadvantage. She added: The support of the Foundation has transformed the opportunities we can offer to these vulnerable young people and has led to increases in academic and sporting attainment and critical enhancement in levels of their self esteem and self belief.
Lewis, a Year 10 pupil at the school said: `The new pitch at Grafham has made so much difference to the school; not only has it increased the amount of football we are playing, it has greatly improved our ability. The pitch is used about 2-3 hours during the evenings and is also used heavily throughout the day. It has meant we can focus more on things like slide tackling, diving without having to worry about grass burns. The pitch can be used no matter what the weather, and it`s completely flat. This suits the kind of football we play at Grafham Grange School.`
Grafham Grange School shows racism The Red Card
On Wednesday 18th January two representatives, Paul Mortimer and Osei Sankofa from ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ completed a series of workshops based around raising pupil’s awareness of racism and how it impacts on people.
The pupils were arranged in vertical groups and completed a class based session and a football focused session, both with an anti discrimination message.
Pupils participated well in the sessions – particularly enjoying the opportunity to hone their football skills with the professionals!
GGSET Celebrates 18 Years!
During 2012, Grafham Grange Special Educational Trust is delighted to be celebrating it's 18th birthday.
GGSET was founded in 1994 to facilitate the transfer of Grafham Grange School from local authority control to non-maintained status. This was a unique achievement, without precedent in law, which required a special Act of Parliament.
GGSET then expanded in 2003 with the acquisition of Brantridge School which has enjoyed great success with many 'Outstanding' judgements from Ofsted
GGSET has also overseen the development of a third generation football pitch based at Grafham Grange School with it's partners, The Football Foundation and Surrey FA
The last two years have seen the Childrens Services department develop a very successful Shortbreaks programme which they are looking to run again in 2012
A very big thank you to all Partners, Local Authorities and Supporters of GGSET in helping us to support both Brantridge and Grafham Grange Schools and ensure that we continue in 'Building Better Futures'