Cymraeg

In July 2008 we said goodbye and thank you to Gareth Mathewson OBE who retired as Head teacher of Whitchurch High School after fourteen years distinguished service. I am delighted and privileged to succeed him on returning to the school, having previously been Head teacher of Fitzalan High School for three years, after being Deputy Head teacher at Whitchurch.

Whitchurch High School is a co educational comprehensive school with almost 2,400 pupils on roll. Our intake is drawn from our eight partner primaries based in northern Cardiff. These are Birchgrove, Coryton, Eglwys Newydd, Eglws Wen, Gabalfa, Hawthorn, Llanishen Fach and Rhiwbina, as well as Meadowbank. The school is based on two sites in the suburb of Whitchurch. Years 7, 8 and 9 are based on the lower school site off Manor Way, with Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 students on the upper school site in the Village. The popularity of the school means that it is oversubscribed in all year groups.

Our sixth form is one of the largest in the country with nearly 450 students studying a range of courses. We are the only state school in Wales to offer a study of the International Baccalaureate Diploma as well as the Welsh Baccalaureate, Applied A levels, BTECs, A2s and A/S with individually designed programmes for students of all levels of abilities, including the More Able and Talented and those with Special Educational Needs. Excellent examination results ensure that a very high proportion of our students move on to University.

We are a forward looking innovative school in which well proven, traditional values are allied to the best of modern teaching methods, including the extensive use of ICT. We aim to provide the very best learning environment and opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom, to allow each individual student to thrive and succeed. Staff are dedicated to helping each child achieve his or her potential and to this end we work closely in partnership with parents. The needs of each individual student are reviewed at regular intervals throughout their time with us.  One of our fundamental aims is to produce responsible students who posses the qualities which equip them for further study or employment. We are keen to celebrate personal successes at every opportunity.

Individuals are encouraged to think about their role in society and to consider the needs of others. Charity work and community involvement therefore feature strongly, motivating our students to become responsible citizens of the twenty first century. We have a strong effective student forum, which is fully involved in the running of the school.

We aim to achieve excellence. We are very proud of the School’s outstanding reputation

I hope we have the opportunity to meet with you in the future.