Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many President’s Blogs, and a Happy New Year to all.
Firstly then, a big thank you to all those who attended the OPA AGM back on October 14th and who were kind enough to vote for me as your president. I hope I can live up to the high standards this appointment deserves.
This is the second time I have been fortunate enough to hold this office, the last time was in 2003!
The association’s fundamental role is to support the school, and I am making it my mission to use the funds we have at our disposal to further this goal.
At our first committee meeting, once we had elected those officers as required in our constitution, I laid out my ideas and plans.
I want to update our communications with the membership using the power of the internet though our Facebook and Website – this blog included!
I would like to start a programme of school competitions in areas such as IT, Photography, the written word and Science and Technology. Old Pharosians would reward the winners with a financial prize. If successful these could become annual events, raising the profile of OPA with current school pupils.
I would also like to restart the programme which was run years ago where Old Pharosians were able to speak to pupils, using their experiences to give career and business advice. I will be making contact with the school’s careers staff to facilitate this action. You can already sign up for this on the school’s website at https://www.dgsb.co.uk/601/dgsb-alumni
News from the school:
The school had its first Pantomime (Oh yes it did) in the new school hall – “Snow White” by all accounts was a great success.
Twelve A level Maths students participated in a “Mathematical Thinking” competition designed and hosted by Dover Grammar School for Girls. I understand they enjoyed working collaboratively in teams on challenging problems that were similar in style to university entrance tests and national UK Maths Trust competitions.
The school also recently completed its annual Sixth Form Review, with parents and students giving their thoughts and opinions on all things Key Stage 5 at DGSB. Here are some of the results:
- 100% of respondents believe their child had made the correct decision in joining the DGSB Sixth Form
- The average parent/carer rating for the quality of education in the DGSB Sixth Form was 8.74 (out of 10)
- The average parent/carer rating for the quality of pastoral support in the DGSB Sixth Form was 8.92 (out of 10)
- The average parent/carer rating for the quality of the school building and facilities in the DGSB Sixth Form was 8.58 (out of 10).
What a fantastic feedback and testament to all the hard work put in by the school’s Sixth Form staff.
Stay safe until the next time.