Robert Barclay Academy
| Sheredes School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
 | |
Cock Lane , , EN11 8JY | |
| Information | |
| Local authority | Hertfordshire |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Headteacher | Mr Michael Smith |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 926 |
| Website | http://www.sheredes.herts.sch.uk/ |
Sheredes School is a secondary school for 11 to 18 year olds in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. It is situated on an extensive site in a residential area of Hoddesdon, surrounded by mature woodland. The school has wide ranging facilities including two halls, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, multiple ICT suites, a specialist ICT music room, and completely refurbished science and food technology facilities. Outside, there is a large playing field and the school has its own woodland area and pond, although recently a large proportion of this area has been fenced off.
Ethos
Performing arts at the school (dance, drama and music) are areas of excellence, forging strong local community links.
The school is also renowned for achieving high levels of success in athletics and sport, and many athletes have successfully gone on to join youth teams representing the United Kingdom in various sports at various levels, including National and International levels.
Having been placed in 'special measures' following the Ofsted Inspection in March 2007 [1], the school is working hard with its partners to address issues raised in the Ofsted report. This hard work produced 57% A*-C grades at GCSE (2007), the best results in the history of the school. The school has undergone a significant level of 're-branding', with a new school crest (designed by a student) and a new motto: Respect ~ Commitment ~ Success.
This radical overhaul has been met with mixed results by some of the students. Despite the school's efforts, attendance is still below the national average.[citation needed]
Uniform
 |
A new school uniform was introduced in September 2007. This comprises a black blazer with new Sheredes crest - colour-coded to reflect each student's year of entry into the school; Sheredes black tie, with blue and gold stripes and Sheredes crest; (optional) black V-necked sweater with gold band to neckline; white shirts, black trousers for boys, Sheredes black/blue/gold tartan kilt for girls (or optional black trousers) with Sheredes crest; black shoes, black socks for boys and black opaque tights for girls.
Sixth form students adopt smart businesswear - suits and shirts for boys; skirts/trouser suits and shirts/blouses for girls.
Personnel
The new Headteacher is Michael Smith BA (Hons) NPQH, and the current Chair of Governors is Mr Dave Warren.
Sixth form head students
Head Girl: Polly Hardy-Johnson; Deputy: Vicky Phipps
Head Boy: Zac Sideras; Deputy: Martin Wood
Paul Butterworth
Following the death, in tragic circumstances, of long-serving technology teacher, Paul Butterworth, a permanent memorial was erected on the lawn outside the Front Reception Building of the school. The memorial, in the shape of two hand-carved owls (mother and chick) is visible to all visitors to the school and is complemented by trees planted as a backdrop. A further memorial, in the form of a commemorative plaque, has been erected at the Kimodo dragons enclosure of Colchester Zoo. This was chosen as a fitting site since Paul accompanied many groups of students to the zoo over the years, and had a love of all wildlife, but particularly exotic creatures, such as iguanas, snakes and lizards. Each year a student who has been a great help to others is chosen to receive the Paul Butterworth Award.