Goffs School Newsletter

Well, we finally made it into our new building and what a fantastic learning environment it is with all facilities now in one building and no need to go outside during lesson changeovers. Students are getting used to all the new facilities that are available to them with lockers proving a particular hit. Our first set of exams in the new building started this week in the sports hall and all concerned are commenting on what a much improved environment it provides with greater soundproofing to ensure students are not disturbed and improved lighting. There are of course some snagging issues which we are working through with the contractor; thankfully however these have thus far been relatively minor issues that have really had no impact on the day to day operation. The project continues of course, with the next phase being the demolition of the old school, we expect this to begin next month and all works are scheduled to be completed by next Summer.

Photograph by Sam Edwards

Below are views from some Year 7 students:

“The new build is great as it is colourful and vibrant. My favourite part is the canteen, as it is all open and reminds me of a shopping mall.” - Freddie Wright

“I really like the new build as there are lots of big windows and it is very light. There is also lots of indoor space for us to use.” - Tilly Barnard

“The new heating system is clever, and the building is nice and new.” - Corrina Page

“I like the spinny chairs in ICT, they are cool.” - Harrison Doherty

“I like that is been designed so that the school is all together in one block, so it means no more walking out in the cold!” - George Arno

“The technology is brilliant.” - Jessica Blake

Mr Ian Denchfield

Vice Principal

After a successful transition from the old school to the new and the official opening last week I would like to take this opportunity to look back at Goffs over the years.

The school has seen many changes in its time, from Goffs Grammar School to becoming a Comprehensive School in 1980 and of course attaining Academy status in 2011.

Bellow are a few photos of the school over the years, including a visit from HRH Princess Margaret in 1977.

Year 11

The date labelled on the photos may not be correct, as from the letter bellow it would suggest that the school opened in 1964 rather than being built during that time.

On Thursday 2nd February 2017 the new school building at Goffs Academy was officially opened by Charles Walker MP following the £20 million investment by the Department for Education.

Ms Garner and Mr Attard (Chair of Governors) hosted a range of dignitaries including representation from Broxbourne County Council, our own school Governors, Hertfordshire County Council and the Education Funding Authority with Charles Walker MP cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the school.

Guests enjoyed an opportunity to speak with our students and our Sixth Form Top Team over drinks and pastries before they all went on a full tour of the school. All of the guests were amazed at our facilities but also took the opportunity to speak with students who shared their learning in their lessons. They then gathered at the front of the school to officially open the school building.

The event was a tremendous success and marked the culmination of many years of hard work to ensure the project was successful.

It has been a fantastic start to the new building for the PE department with our large fitness suite providing a spacious activity centre for students to work on their physical fitness during lessons, at lunchtimes and after school. Our brand new sports hall is also a pleasure to teach in allowing good space to teach a wide variety of sports which students have thoroughly enjoyed so far. Not many schools have the reputation and quality of performance in Dance that Goffs has and having an activity studio to act as a Dance studio is a fantastic facility many schools would dream of. We know it will be used to create some excellent Dance routines and can't wait for the next Dance show. We are looking forward to using these facilities throughout the year to enhance students' performance and progress them onto the next level of their potential.

Mr R Ashdown

Head of PE

In the final week before breaking up for Christmas, Sixth Form students were privileged to be given a presentation from one of the most important names in the British car business, Steve Nash, who is CEO at the Institute of the Motor Industry. He gave the students enriching advice about climbing the ladder in their careers and was very optimistic about our generation`s prospects. “You are in a position where many companies will want you”. These uplifting words certainly did resonate in everyone's minds and gave them a much-needed boost before the tough year ahead.

After, Steve – who encouraged us to use his first name - addressed the students; questions were answered over biscuits and beverages. Many wanted to find out more about the motor industry, and how they would go about entering this line of work. One important message Steve gave here was that to advance well in your career, you must bring something new to the table, and constantly push for change. Following their meeting, students then gave Steve a tour of the new school build, and it was clear that he was excited by the development that had taken place. Steve generously agreed that we can contact him with any further questions, and those who are interested in apprenticeships within the motor industry can find out more. We would like to thank Steve and the Speakers4Schools programme for organising such an insightful and motivating event.

Ryan Andrew

Head Boy

The A Team were at the Broxbourne Offices on Monday 23rd January, to have an opportunity to solely focus on their core subjects. Mr Vyras provided students with top tips and advice on how to get top grades in Maths, working through a higher ability booklet. Mr Hopwood highlighted the importance of command words in exams and covered each of the three Sciences, looking at how to obtain full marks. Mrs Petrou broke down each of the assessment criteria for English to ensure that students were aware of key terms and how to use these within their exam responses.

Students were very focused and engaged. They participated very positively in the event and asked pertinent questions.

Mrs Sophie Enstone and Miss Carla Ball

Email: admin@goffs.herts.sch.uk
Website: http://www.goffs.herts.sch.uk
Location: Goffs School, Cheshunt, United Kingdom
Phone: 01992 424200
Twitter: @Goffs_School