Aireville School, Skipton, stages awards night (From Craven Herald)

Aireville School, Skipton, stages awards night

8:00am Thursday 17th December 2009 in

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Skipton’s Aireville School has lived up to its slogan “Success for You”.

Headteacher Mark O’Neill told guests at the annual awards evening that the school had seen record improvements in achievement, with more pupils going on to further study or training.

The number of students achieving five good GCSE passes had risen from 48 per cent to 79 per cent, which, he said, was a reflection of the commitment and hard work of both staff and pupils.

“The challenge is now set for future years,” said Mr O’Neill. “We will continue to focus on success, achievement and aspiration.”

He also noted that, during the year, one of the science teachers had won a national competition for the innovative use of cricket in the curriculum and the school had received recognition for its student leadership from the Youth Sport Trust.

“We are an inclusive school where all can succeed,” he said.

Mr O’Neill, who took over as head at the start of 2009, described his first year as “full of challenge”.

He said: “It quickly became apparent that the students were engaging, well-behaved and hard-working. They enjoyed their studies and many loved their sports.

“There was a positive school ethos and a desire to do well from staff, students and parents. But this was matched by a certain reluctance to believe in its full potential. Achievement was patchy – good in some places but weak in others. Aspirations among some students were low. I saw a firm foundation for improvement.”

Mr O’Neill said future developments included a “virtual learning environment” which would allow students to access their work anywhere and at any time.

“It effectively extends the time of the school day and allows for more self-study, better homework and feedback and it widens opportunities for revision,” he said.