Subject Leader of Computing

Backwell School is a large, vibrant, very popular mixed comprehensive school situated in Backwell, North Somerset, about 6 miles south of Bristol. We have a long-standing reputation for combining academic success for students of all abilities with a fully rounded and enriching educational experience. Learning progress is matched by opportunities for personal growth and development.

In 2008 and again in 2013 both the school and the Sixth Form were rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted.

Examination results are among the best results produced by comprehensive schools regionally and nationally. The School's Progress 8 score for 2016-17 was the highest in North Somerset. 

In 2017 82% of Year 11 students achieved a standard pass (Grade 4 or above) in both English and Maths while 66% received a Grade 5 or higher in both subjects. Overall 78% of students achieved 5 A*-C grades including English and Maths (at Grade 4 or above). 27 of the new Grade 9 scores were received by Backwell students and 45% of students achieved the ‘English Baccalaureate’.

A level results in 2017 were also very impressive; well over half of all exam entries were graded A* to B, with an impressive overall pass rate of 99.2%. 

The Curriculum

During the first three years, students follow a common course across the whole curriculum, with each department making its own arrangements for student grouping, as far as possible.  In addition to the National Curriculum, all students are taught Drama and Dance by specialists as part of the Performing Arts programme.  

In Year 7, students follow a skills and theme-based “Breakout curriculum” for 10% of their learning time. 

Most students in Years 10 and 11 take courses leading to GCSE examinations in at least nine subjects - English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, a Modern Foreign Language and others chosen from a wide range after guidance between parents, students and school.  In addition all students take PE, Philosophy & Religion and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Education.  There is a wide range of over 20 A Level and applied subjects in the Sixth Form.  

In addition to activities within the conventional school day, students have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of enrichment activities, including sport, the arts, exam courses, and learning extension and support opportunities. Participation levels in these activities are very high and staff are encouraged to play a full part in the life of the school.

Pastoral Organisation

Year 7 students have their own Head and Deputy Heads of Year who oversee the transition from primary to secondary school.  Students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 are divided into four Houses, led by a Head and Deputy Head of House, assisted by tutors and accommodated in purpose built blocks.  The Head and Deputy Head of House are responsible for all aspects of progress, development and pastoral wellbeing of their students.  There are about 260 students in each House.  The Sixth Form is led by a Head of each separate year group supported by a Deputy Headteacher.  There is a Sixth Form Common Room and study area. We view the House system as a key factor in our students’ success and all members of staff are expected to act as tutors within the pastoral care system. Newly qualified teachers may be asked to assist rather than take sole responsibility.

The School

The School has an admission level of 270 in Year 7; however in 2015 and 2016 the school has taken 300 students due to parental demand and it draws on a catchment largely made up of the villages of Flax Bourton, Backwell, Cleeve, Claverham and Yatton. There is always a high demand for places from families outside the catchment area, including Bristol and Nailsea and the school is oversubscribed.  Total numbers in the School are currently just over 1700 of which over 350 are in the Sixth Form.  

Backwell School became an academy in 2011 and joined the Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) multi-academy trust in January 2018. The LSP currently consists of two other large secondary schools as well as many primary schools in the local area.

For many years, Backwell has placed great importance on providing high quality teacher training and professional development.  It became a Training School in 2003 and a Teaching School in 2012, leading the North Somerset Teaching Alliance. There is wide range of professional support available for new members of staff both within their department and in the school. Our induction programme is highly regarded and for teachers in their second and third year of teaching is one of our professional support priorities. A new teacher can also expect to be assigned a mentor in addition to career professional development support. We also place great importance on professional development and leadership at all levels.

Location

Backwell is situated in an attractive semi-rural location seven miles to the south Bristol. Backwell itself is a village with a strong sense of community and the school is located next door to the leisure centre with swimming pool. Other nearby towns include Nailsea, Yatton and Portishead (listed in the top 10 suburbs in the UK) and staff live in locations such as these or in Bristol itself.

Bristol is a lively diverse city full of culture. It has been named as the best place to live in the UK on numerous occasions and is a popular tourist and student destination. It has a thriving arts, music and food scene as well as many places of historical interest. Backwell is a green city, with cycling encouraged and many green parks and public spaces. 

The South West is a beautiful part of the world with excellent links to London and the North. Devon, Cornwall and Wales are within easy reach and Bristol Airport is only 3 miles from Backwell. There are many other places of interest in the area including Glastonbury, Bath and the Mendip and Quantock Hills.  

North Somerset and Bristol offer a great lifestyle of a vibrant city with a wide range of shops and amenities as well as rural and seaside areas offering leisure and outdoor activities. 

Jon Nunes

Headteacher