Information for Inspectors
Leadership and Management
Fullbrook joined the GEP Multi Academy Trust in October 2015, allowing for the school to expand and develop our working relationships with other schools. In December 2016, Mrs. A Turner retired as Principal of Fullbrook School, and was succeed by Mrs. K Moore in January 2017.Since taking up the post, there have been changes within the SLT Leadership structure which resulted in some SLT membersadopting new areas of responsibility.
Pastoral System
To overcome the challenge of ensuring every child is ‘known’ and monitored in a large school, we have created small tutor groups of approximately 23 students in Years 7 to 10; organised into 6 houses.
In Year 7, the tutor groups are based horizontally as part of a transition programme. Whereas, from Years 8 to 10, the 6 houses are vertically structured. Year 11 allows for the students to be organised into 15 bespoke tutor groups, depending on need, so that CIAG and learning support can be focused effectively.
Fullbrook Parent Voice
The independent FPV strongly contributes to the strategic development of the school and organises information evenings for parents. They also contribute to the CIAG programme by providing speakers, mentors and support with school events such as our House Captain elections.
Fullbrook Site
Fullbrook has become a very busy site with almost 100% room usage. This is a result of a governor decision to respond to local demand and increase the PAN to 280 in 1998.
Due to the large intake, social areas and corridor space are very restricted. To overcome these challenges we run staggered breaks, but it is necessary for teachers and students to move across the school between lessons. This leads to some unavoidable lateness to lessons, which staff are asked to manage using non-confrontational strategies; deliberate lateness is not tolerated.
Lesson times vary for different year groups and it requires careful planning to achieve full lesson observation coverage.
To manage congestion at lunch times we operate a staggered lunch, where students can use the restaurant, main hall, LRC and designated playground areas. Our ‘meet and greet’ policy and robust duty rotas mean that we can maintain calm and safe student traffic at peak times. Yet, please be aware that corridors can be busy at certain times.
To improve the learning environment, and in anticipation of changing provision in the local area, the governors decided to reduce the PAN to 240 from September 2016.
Teaching and Learning
The Teaching and Learning policy on the website reflects current practise. Development of Teaching and Learning is a key focus this year, so please note practise in some faculties may not be in line with our uploaded policy. We are currently working faculty by faculty to trial different approaches, and once final decisions are formed from evidence based research, the policy will be redrafted to reflect new practise.
Navigation of Fullbrook
There is a map and clear signage around the school, but it can be difficult for visitors to find their way around this very complex site. We have trained Sixth Form Ambassadors who act as guides as part of their school service and they will be available for Ofsted Inspectors.
Facilities for Inspectors
The Meeting room is located near the front of the school, with toilet facilities close by. Parking will be reserved for Ofsted Inspectors at the front of the school.
Please note, parking spaces are at a premium and faculties have designated areas, so it would be helpful if Inspectors used the reserved places.
Mrs K J Moore
January 2017