Minutes of the meeting of The Crypt School Governors 9th May, 2016

The Crypt School

Minutes of the meeting of the full Governing Bodyheld on 9th May 2016 at 4.00pm

Present:Richard James (Chair), Nick Dyer (Headmaster), Clare Chad-Daniels, Gordon Taylor, Alison Borley, Birgit Whitman, Grant Stevens, David Hall, Glenn Webster, David Hall, David Preece, Des Coates.

Attendees:Joanne Hitchings (Company Secretary/Bursar), Janette Hicks (Clerk)

Apologies:Mike Evans, Phil Stanlake (Deputy Head)

Crypt/Renishaw Partnership presented by Kevin Downes & Nigel Ledeux:

KD and NL provided Governors with a presentation on the Crypt/Renishaw Partnership, highlighting to Governors; the team involved, Project Initiation and current school partnerships. In addition to this KD & NL explained the deliverables for year one and the events that have taken place in the year, in particular the green car challenge and 3D printing. KD and NL completed the presentation by highlighting to Governors how they can help by funding an engineer in residence/research – Gap year student and providing an enhanced in-house budget to scale up current activities and enhance standing with local bodies.

The presentation prompted governor discussion on the current perception of engineering and participation from girls in engineering projects and activities.

Co-educational Consultation Update presented by Paulina Kirkpatrick, Matt Hughes & Rachael Jackson:

PK updated Governors on progress to date and advised that a draft business case would be submitted following the consultation drop-ins.

MH & RJ guided governors through the collated student feedback. In summary the feedback provided suggested that the majority of students are neutral to the move to co-ed and a small number of older students are against. Governors discussed at length the published merits and disadvantages of a co-educational learning environment.

ITEM / SUBJECT / ACTION
1. / Welcome New Governors: New Governors were voted onto the board. RDJ welcomed James Price & Des Coates.
2. / Apologies: As above, approved by Governors.
Clerks Business: None
3. / Declaration of Interest: None
4. / Minutes of the last meeting:Amendments to be made & re-issued. / JTH
5. / Matters arising from previous minutes:
  • Governor framework to be presented at the Extraordinary Governors Meeting.
/ RDJ
6. / Chairman
  • Committee Membership – RDJ requested for details of committee membership to be issued to all Governors. Further Members for the PHS committee were requested by JH. DH requested terms of reference for the committee.
/ JH
7. / Company Secretary Report:
  • Budget 2016/17–JH outlined the assumptions in the budget for Governors and informed Governors that the budget for 2016/17 generated a surplus of £966. BW questioned the pay rise assumption which is currently set in-line with national guidelines. Governors approved the 2016/17 budget.

8. / Headmaster’s Report
Governors were provided with a copy of the Headmasters report prior to the meeting.
  • Academic Progress – ND guided Governors through Year 11, 12 & 13 targets, current position and concerns.
  • Staff & Curriculum Update – Governors were advised on current vacancies.
  • Mixed Intake Progress – Update provided at the start of meeting.
  • Teaching School Update – ND informed Governors that support to Millbrook would continue following receipt of additional funding (£40k) for the year.
  • New Build – Almost £1m has been awarded for the redevelopment of the Sports Hall and construction of a new three classroom teaching block. JH explained to Governors that a new approach will be taken whereby the school will deal directly with the contractor for the design and build stage. It is anticipated that this will give the school more direct control over the build.
  • Pupil Numbers – ND highlighted to Governors the significant number of appeals (75) this year. Governors discussed the appeals process and in particular the lack of information available from some primary schools.
  • Links to Industry – ND
  • Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)

9.
10.
11. / Committee Reports:
  • RSP – Budget and staff changes discussed.
  • PHS –No meeting held.
  • Audit– JH guided committee members through the risk register. Concern was raised over the forthcoming departure of A Courtney.

12. / Policy Reviews:
  • Examination Policy - BW to provide amendments to PS
  • Examination Appeal Policy- BW to provide amendments to PS
  • Examinations Charging Policy- BW to provide amendments to PS
  • Examinations Controlled Assessment- BW to provide amendments to PS
  • Examination Contingency Plan – New Policy. BW to provide amendments to PS
  • Fraud & Anti- Corruption – BW advised on the inclusion of false allegations. Approved.
  • Hospitality – Approved, spelling mistake to be amended.
  • Redundancy – Approved.
  • Sickness Absence - Approved, 5.2 grammar to be amended.
/ JTH
13 / AOB:
ND would like to support a request from Richard Graham to increase the number of pupil premium students going to Gloucester Grammar schools. This would (1) help with social mobility and inclusion and (2) increase the number of Gloucester city children going to Gloucester schools. Subject to be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
Next Meeting Date: 20th June 2016 (Extraordinary Meeting), 4th July 2016 Full Governors Meeting. / JTH

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