Heolddu Comprehensive School Governing Body
Introduction
Heolddu Comprehensive School is run by a very enthusiastic and extremely active governing body in conjunction with the headteacher and senior management team. This partnership promotes pupil achievement and ensures that pupils get the best possible education. With the current ‘well being’ that is felt within the school the body is over-subscribed with a waiting list of potential governors.
Members and Duties
The body is chaired by Cllr. David Carter and is made up of local councillors and LEA representatives, teaching and support staff, parents and also the head boy and girl. The majority of body members are elected by their peers. This mix of people provides varying individual talents and a wealth of experience from within the teaching profession and other organisations. The whole body and its various smaller sub-committees meet on a regular basis and are involved with the administration and decision making. They set strategic direction, polices and objectives, approve the budget and review the school’s progress against it. They are responsible for staff appointments, health and safety, the exclusion of students and appointing, challenging and supporting the headteacher.
School Visits
Governors are encouraged to visit the school during the working day; this allows them a first hand opportunity to talk to staff and pupils and to witness for themselves the effects of the decisions and policies implemented by them. Governors with special skills or a general interest in a subject can be a ‘Link’ governor to that subject and where appropriate can co-operate with teaching staff, share their knowledge and add their experiences to lessons and associated activities.
Training and Support
To keep abreast of new legislation and to maintain and learn new skills governors are expected to attend the variety of training courses that are available to them. For those unable to attend there is always positive feedback available from a colleague. The local LEA Governor Support Unit keeps governors well aware of the necessary training and suggests to individuals those courses most suitable for them. New governors are encouraged to participate in a national training programme and training materials can be found on the GovernorNet website. This website also contains information and guidance for all governors. The GovernorLine support service can provide advice on legal and other issues by telephone or email
Lighter Duties
As well as attending meetings there is also a lighter side to their responsibilities. Through the academic year the school organises many social events along with the annual Celebration of Achievements evening and Christmas carol concerts. Governors are invited to these events and their support is always appreciated.
Last Updated:
25/01/2010 21:18:39
By
Mike Cleverley