Staff Structure

Key Stage 3

The transition from Primary to Secondary school is of paramount importance to ensure that students are happy, feel safe and enjoy coming to school. The process starts in February and continues through the summer term, culminating in an Induction Day in June/July, followed by an Induction Evening for parents. To help students to settle and make new friends, a variety of activities are arranged, including a day at Nell Bank Outdoor Centre, where students participate in and lead team exercises.

In Years 7 and 8, students follow a very broad programme of study based on the subjects which make up the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum. However, changes to the educational landscape, alongside a series of major GCSE reforms, have allowed IGS to create an innovative and exciting curriculum for Year 9 students which is designed to support the Key Stage 4 options process, and increase opportunities for all IGS students to achieve. The new Year 9 curriculum was introduced in 2014 and has been further developed ever since. It still ensures breadth of study, but the number of compulsory subjects has been reduced slightly to include 10 key subjects; this reduction has then produced the curriculum flexibility to bring forward an options process into Year 8 which allows students to create a personalised curriculum by selecting 6 option choices. Final GCSE choices are then made in February/March of Year 9.

• Assistant Headteacher - Andy Calvert
• Head of Year 7 - Ben Leeming
• Head of Year 8 - Clare Robun
• Head of Year 9 - Sarah McManus
• Student Support & Transition Manager (Yr 7) - Sue Varley
• Student Support & Transition Manager (Yrs 8&9) - William Spivey

Key Stage 4

Whilst maths and science commence teaching GCSE material in Year 9, all other GCSE/technical courses are two year courses which commence in Year 10. There is also a focus on careers as students draft their CV and letter of application as preparation for a practice interview. Students also complete their work experience during Challenge and Celebration Week.

Year 11 is the culmination of 5 years of secondary education. A key priority is to decide on a post-16 pathway and to make the necessary applications – help is on hand. The mock exams in January often highlight the fact that in order to achieve individual potential, more preparation is needed. The rest of the year is spent preparing for the exams. Each individual receives the support that they need in this process, in order for them to achieve their Personal Best. The year finishes in May with the final assembly, before study leave commences.

Following the GCSE exams we celebrate with a spectacular Summer Ball!

• Assistant Headteacher – Hannah McKenzie
• Head of Year 10 - Lisa Hessey
• Head of Year 11 - Cath Walsh
• Student Support & Transition Manager - Sarah Headington

Key Stage 5

• Deputy Headteacher, Director of Post-16 - Jamie Gutch
• Associate Assistant Headteacher Post-16 - Josh Sykes
• Post-16 Learning Leader – Janine Pickard
• Post -16 Student Manager – Harriet Sanham

The two years spent in Post-16 mean that students can opt for four subjects that they wish to study in detail. This study leads into Higher Education, apprenticeships or advanced employment. Post-16 is not all about work however and our students are also actively involved in the community through local charity work and work experience. We also have our own student committee which ensures an active social scene for all students in Post 16.