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At the end of last year we said good bye and thank you to Huw Jones-Williams who had been Head teacher of Fitzalan since September 2005 to August 2008. We wish him well as he takes up his new post as Head teacher of Whitchurch High School, Cardiff. Fitzalan is a thriving 11 to 18 community focused school, with a talented sixth form known as “The Academy”, which has seen significant changes in investment over the last couple of years. We make no apologies for demanding high standards and high expectations knowing that this will enable all our learners to succeed and benefit from the many opportunities we offer. We aim to ensure that each student feels happy and challenged. Each individual needs to feel safe whilst respecting others. It is only then that students will become more effective learners. We want to challenge all, irrespective of ability levels, to achieve their best. Learning through partnership is key where learners engage with others through challenge and support. Fitzalan is trailblazing new ideas and methods to raise the achievement of all its learners, including our more able pupils, through many initiatives focusing on teaching and learning, such as the comprehensive use of ICT. At the same time we are, as part of our vision for the school, looking to further reach out and serve the needs of our community from morning to night. Our ability to do so is enhanced by outstanding facilities all recently opened such as, the eight pitch Gol five–a-side football centre (January 2006), sports hall (October 2006), refurbished swimming pool (June 2007), multi-media centre, performing arts centre and manufacturing and fabrication centre (all three September 2007). In May 2008 we recently opened our new hospitality and catering centre, expanded the Gol Centre from eight to twelve pitches and installed a climbing wall in the sports hall. We are on schedule for completing by September 2008 the second and final phase of the swimming pool refurbishment consisting of two large brand new swimming pool changing rooms and linked fitness suite. In addition we will be opening a new toilet block linked to the Multi Media and Performing Arts Centres in Upper School. These have all been funded by the Welsh Assembly, Sports Council, National Lottery, LEA and private investment. Work started in February 2008, and was completed in June 2008, on replacing the front cladding and windows on Upper School facing Lawrenny Avenue. This means that the whole of the front of upper school extending from the new sports hall to the new hospitality centre will have been renewed, including providing new vehicle and pedestrian access. We are pleased that such improvements have been made to our learning environment for the benefit of all. Future building plans centre on awaiting the outcome of Welsh Assembly considerations for a Cardiff wide investment in an Auto Engineering Centre to be opened in May 2009 linked to our manufacturing and fabrication centre, which would serve 14 to 19 learners throughout the city. The new Leckwith Athletics stadium, now opened this summer, immediately adjacent to the school playing fields will allow the school access to a full sized Astroturf pitch. In September 2009 the new Cardiff City Football stadium will be opening along with the completed associated retail park providing further opportunities for community partnerships to be established. If you would like to visit the school to see us in action please make an appointment to do so. You would be very welcome. Cath Bradshaw Headteacher (Acting)