Back to school with promise of a fresh start at 'new' college
ANTICIPATION of a new term at one Derby school has taken on extra meaning.
This week sees a new start for Merrill College, which has been struggling for some years to improve its results.
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It is now a National Challenge Trust School, something which staff and pupils are hoping will usher in a successful new era.
While everyone was spinning out the last few days of the school summer holiday, a significant change for the college passed by almost unnoticed.
As of August 31, Merrill College's previous history ceased to exist as it officially closed and its record of poor results was wiped clean.
The next day, September 1, it officially reopened, complete with its new status as a National Challenge Trust School.
When they arrive on Thursday, pupils will find they have a new team in charge leading the changes under the eye of partner institution Derby College.
Lynn Whittaker and Geoff Wilson will jointly run the school as co-principals overseen by a new governing body, led by former city head teacher Carol Dover.
The trust has been set up to improve the college's results, which are below the expected national target of 30 per cent for five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths.
The most recent GCSE results in August showed 29 per cent pupils gained the five or more top grade measure – almost double last year – but with some way to go to ensure that 30 per cent or more is achieved and maintained.
Merrill College has been dogged by problems for many years. As well as poor exam results, it has seen several head teachers come and go, resulting in instability at the school.
The name of the college has been retained – at least for the time being – but rules on wearing ties have been relaxed and pupils will be able to wear black cardigans or jumpers under blazers in cold weather.
Lynn Whittaker, who was deputy head at Lees Brook Community School before taking up her new role, is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
She said: "Geoff and I are looking at the new year in terms of a real fresh start for Merrill.
"We were really pleased to see the improved exam results which provide us all with a solid base to work on. We have been in school a lot – both before the end of the summer term and during the holidays – and have been really impressed with the staff and the students that we have met.
"There is a real feeling of optimism and willingness to embrace change to move the school forward.
"To that end there will be new systems with a clearer focus on target setting to enable all students to reach their full potential and make Merrill a school that the whole community will be proud of."
Previous head teacher Dr Roger Shipton left last term, together with a number of staff.
But remaining staff are very upbeat and are eagerly awaiting the new term.
One of them is Jon Churchward, head of the 14-19 curriculum. He said: "We are all extremely optimistic that the changes will be a great benefit to both staff and students.
"The new team's credentials are first-rate and a recent training day was extremely uplifting and awe-inspiring.
"There was a sense of real excitement and a general feeling of positivity after the event. I can't wait to start the term."
The PE curriculum leader at Merrill College, Natasha Law, has been at there for seven years.
She said: "Staff are looking forward to the changes and challenges we face over the coming year and I believe the new senior leadership team will be a driving force towards our aspirations.
"The new senior members of staff come with a fabulous reputation and the staff, students and parents are looking forward to making Merrill the place to be."
Merrill College was rebuilt on its current site in Brackens Lane, Alvaston, in 2006 and staff think the fresh start and school facilities will have a positive impact in the city.
Scott Eley, college pastoral manager, said: " We hope that Merrill College will become the envy of everyone in Derby during years to come, providing our youngsters with the skills and opportunities to succeed in their future careers."
Some of the areas that the new management team will be tackling include behaviour, discipline and attendance.
Disruptive and badly-behaved children will spend time in the college's behaviour improvement centre and detentions will be enforced after school.
Mrs Whittaker said: "Good attendance is vital to high achievement and it is up to us to ensure that teaching and learning in lessons is of a high quality to engage pupils and make them want to come to school.
"There is a lot to be proud of at Merrill and we intend to build on those strengths and make the college a vibrant and successful school."
6 Comments
by Ex Merrill Student, Allenton
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 12:43AM
“Fi, I know you have apologised on here but your first comment did come across as extremely derogatory.
I myself went to Merrill and I actually lived in Shelton Lock and I assume that anyone else still living in Shelton Lock would still be in the catchment area for Merrill College. So to just assume that because the school is in Allenton (which is where I now choose to live) it is going to be waste of time doing anything about it or trying to improve the school is a really blinkered attitude to have.
Don't get me wrong I went to school with some very dubious characters but anyone who is willing to work hard got the support they needed and I for one was really happy and proud that I went to Merrill.
Why is it that some of my school friends actually trained to be teachers and are now employed at the school. Could it really be that bad?
I certainly hope that this change will be exactly what the school needs to develop all students who are keen to lean and help out all the students that perhaps haven't had the best start but by no means should be given up on.”
by fi, derbyshire
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 9:18PM
“JJ, apologies if i came across as being derogatory towards the parents and children of allenton - this is not my intention at all, and i completely agree with you - I think children who want to achieve will do well wherever they go to school.
Unfortunately, my job dictated that I always worked with the children and parents who did not fall into the category of wanting to achieve, and in my experience, the school were not encouraging to the students at all.
It is so true that Dr Shipton was totally unapproachable - when you DID manage to get hold of him; and it was my experience that he didn't care about the achievement of the students in any way shape or form.
I sincerely hope that the rebranding of the college does as much good here as it did for the old High View school, it could be a really good move for the whole community and give a much-needed morale boost.
Again, I apologise if i came across as being derogatory - certainly not my intention, there are many many good people in Allenton, parents and children alike.”
by jj, shelton lock
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 9:05PM
“We have a daughter that goes to this school , we gave her the choice as we were going to move , we had our doubts but she has done very well here , just because children come from allenton that does not mean they have no ambition !! or that the parents are no good !!! other schools have drugs problems truancy but you do not here about them !! i have met my daughters friends and they are the same they want to do well and so so our daughter ! you rather have it in you to make a go of it or not , and this goes for all schools not just this one !! . My only hope is that the head is more approachable , as Dr Shipton was not !! we could never get hold of him !!! , and the lasgt thing i would say is that i know parents who have moved from where we live because of the thought of there children going to this school only to move them there in the end !!!!!!!!.”
by fi, derbyshire
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 12:17PM
“OK Jack, i stand corrected that the school is postally in Alvaston, however, the majority of children who live in Alvaston go to Noel Baker. Merrill College serves the people of Allenton and Osmaston, and has done for a long time. I'm not saying there aren't inspirational people/families who live in Allenton, or anywhere for that matter - but experience of working in the area for the last 8 years has shown me that the majority of parents in the area are downhearted that their kids are sent to a demoralising school in the first place and this effects their progress and achievement.
Having said that, carol dover managed to turn da Vinci around when that was closed and rebranded, and maybe under her guidance Lynn Whittaker and Co can do it here too - I would love to see this school do well and achieve good results - as well as turning out some star pupils....
And I for one, will be the first to eat my words if this happens!”
by Jack, Oakwood
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 12:08PM
“What's your point Fi? The school is in Alvaston/Alvaston so let's not bother. Tad patronizing don't you think? They may be areas with problems but that doesn't mean there aren't decent and aspirational people. You never know, with good teaching some may even master capital letters and full stops!”
by fi, derbyshire
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 11:52AM
“commendable though it is, the school is still in allenton, with the same children, families and parents......
i have total respect for carol dover as a head teacher, and i think she'll be great as a chair of governors, lynn whittaker also is very good and professional.....
but there are still going to be the same old problems with truancy, and parents who don't give two hoots where their kids are or whether they achieve in school or not :(”