Head of Maths

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL 

Morpeth is an eight form entry, mixed, 11-19 comprehensive school situated in Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets. In 2012 we were awarded Teaching School status as a joint applicant with one of our local primaries – Bonner and in May 2013 we received our second successive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted grading. Our pupils very much reflect our local community with the two largest ethnic groups being white pupils and those of Bangladeshi origin. However, there are pupils from many other ethnic groups and we see this diversity as one of the strengths of the school, prioritising the development of trust and understanding between pupils from different backgrounds. We are also a fully inclusive school welcoming pupils with a range of special educational needs. 

The last few years have seen many changes to the buildings and other resources. The entire school has been rebuilt or refurbished to a very high standard and we have been able to invest heavily in computers, books and other learning materials. 

In September 2011 we started a new curriculum structure, with a two-year Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8) and a three-year Key Stage 4 (Years 9 – 11). This enables us to offer a broad curriculum with two option subjects in each year of Key Stage 4, alongside the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, PE and Religious Studies. It also enables greater flexibility and personalisation for pupils and provides some opportunities for different groupings, for example mixed-age option groups. Our results from the first years of this new curriculum have shown that the Year 9 and 10 pupils who took GCSEs within a year are capable of achieving at least as well as their Year 11 counterparts. 

Our sixth form is relatively new, having started in 2009 in partnership with two other local schools. Since then, we have all expanded so successfully that we are now operating independently. We have built on our success at KS4 and are pleased that results are improving incrementally at KS5. The vast majority of students go on to university each year, many to the most competitive courses and universities, and a significant proportion choosing to study at universities outside London - highly unusual within Tower Hamlets. We have also proved very successful at placing students on post-18 apprenticeships.

The school is committed to creating an environment in which all pupils and staff are equally valued and respected.  Morpeth is an extremely friendly school with excellent relationships and there is much importance placed on enhancing the school ethos outside the classroom. Parents and carers are encouraged to participate in the life of the school. A number of our ex-pupils return to act as academic mentors or to support pupils in lessons. There is an extensive programme of residential experiences and a wide range of lunchtime and after school activities, particularly in sport and music. We aim to enhance and enrich the basic curriculum through developing these extra-curricular opportunities and raising aspirations.  

We have over 110 teaching staff, nearly 50 Teaching Assistants, Academic Mentors & Coaches and 60 other support staff who share a strong belief in what our pupils can achieve. Our pastoral system is a strength of the school and, wherever possible, our tutors remain with their class throughout their 5 years at Morpeth and even into the sixth form.  We work with four of our local primary schools on a range of projects, many of which involve our staff (and pupils) teaching in the primary schools. We have a strong belief in supporting CPD and work closely with a number of local schools as part of our Teaching School Alliance and through the Tower Hamlets Education Partnership.