Crunch time

Description

The end of another year at Lilian Baylis School in south London, where staff and students anxiously await the all-important GCSE results, on which the National Challenge school's immediate future depends. Term ends with a number of emotional farewells. Head of music Michelle Jaques is leaving after making a massive contribution to the cultural life of the school, but frustrated at the relentless focus on English and maths GCSEs. Another leaver is Andrew Marsh, headteacher Gary Phillip's trusted deputy of ten years. In an emotional speech to staff, in which he recalls a former pupil convicted of attempted murder who finally saw the light, Marsh talks about the unique potential of teaching to transform children's lives.And finally, the results, and a spectacular vindication of Gary's focus on English and maths. 42% of children achieve 5 A*-Cs - one of best results in Lambeth - so the Academisers have been thwarted - for another year at least.

Runtime

16 min

Series

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

2009

Database

Alexander Street

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