Future Developments

The purpose of Bablake School is to provide an excellent and stimulating education for boys and girls, by developing character, intellect and physical well being within a happy, scholarly and caring community.
 
Bablake is a school of which we are justifiably proud, with a highly dedicated teaching and support staff. The development planning process affords us the opportunity, in a continuous cycle, to review and improve, so that we can best achieve our aims and provide the best possible education for our pupils.
 
Staff, parents and pupils are often invited to contribute their views on the future direction of the school. The School Development Group monitors implementation of an agreed Development Plan, and the very positive Independent Schools Inspectorate report of 2008 has reinforced our planning for further improvement.
 
The aims and objectives of the school were reviewed and reformulated in 2007 and the strategic objectives for the medium term were defined as follows:
 
Staff development and teaching:

  • Ensure the recruitment, retention and development of high calibre staff
  • Spread good practice in teaching, and encourage diverse and stimulating teaching strategies

Curriculum and learning:

  • Maintain and develop a high quality curriculum which encourages independent and co-operative learning
  • Ensure best use of curricular time

Pastoral support:

  • Support staff in the delivery of the best possible pastoral care
  • Improve the support of pupils through peer-mentoring opportunities

Marketing:

  • Develop a distinctive profile in the local community, feeder schools and beyond
  • Ensure the best possible experience of Bablake for prospective pupils and parents

Resources:

  • Ensure a high standard of maintenance and refurbishment of existing facilities and resources
  • Continue development of the Bablake site and sports fields

Specific initiatives to develop and achieve these objectives include:

  • An increased emphasis on staff training
  • Cross-curricular and inter-departmental collaboration
  • The exploration of different teaching methods and learning styles, with the intention that pupils become better independent and more curious learners
  • Consistent individual pupil-tracking and more formative reporting
  • Increased use of the Library as a learning resource centre
  • A review of the use of ICT as a learning and research facility
  • Investigation into alternative examinations and qualifications
  • A review of our Sixth Form General Studies and enrichment programme
  • Enhancement of our Gifted and Talented programme
  • A review of the structure of the school day and curriculum
  • A review of homework policy and practice
  • A review of the delivery of PSHCE
  • A review of the colours, rewards and commendations system
  • Further training and development of form tutors
  • Further mentoring opportunities for pupils
  • Reinforcement of expectations of good manners and consideration for others
  • The provision of well-maintained and modern facilities, compatible with the aesthetics of the traditional Victorian building
  • We are currently planning modifications to the Sports Hall, to include a new gymnasium, a new fitness suite and refurbished changing rooms.
  • The Governors are committed to building a new Junior School. When this occurs, we shall reconfigure the current Junior School as a splendid new Sixth Form Centre, whilst also refurbishing and remodelling the current Sixth Form Centre to provide new teaching and pupil areas.