Fairfield High School for Girls

Fairfield High School for Girls, is an all-girls' secondary school in Droylsden, Greater Manchester. It was established in 1796 by the Moravian Church, a Protestant organisation which originates in the 15th Century, with just 21 girls and 6 teachers. Thus, it has been providing inclusive girls education for over 200 years. Now there are around 980 girls and over 50 teachers.

The school was Grant Maintained between 1993 and 1999. It is currently a Foundation School and became a Specialist Science College in September 2004.

The ethos is strong and traditional, and boasts a commitment to academic success for its girls, including high standards of behaviour and appearance.

The current Headmaster is Mr J R Hedley, following the retirement of Mr Penter in 2005.

Extra-Curricula Activities

The school hosts an increasing number of extra-curricula activities, including:~ The Debating Society.~ Y7 Circle Time.~ Choir.~ Band.~ Volleyball.~ Lacrosse.~ Drama Group.~ Eco Schools Group.~ Young Enterprise Group.~ Computer Club 4 Girls.~ Design Technology Workshop.

Expanding Opportunities

They are now offering students the chance to study for extra qualifications outside their normal study. For example:~ Critical Thinking AS Level.~ Religious Studies GCSE Full Course on Sikhism.~ Spanish GCSE.~ Microsoft Office Specialist Certificates.

Other developments include the creation of a virtual learning space offering students help and guidance at home. [http://vle.fairfieldhigh.tameside.sch.uk/ Virtual Learning Zone]

Alumni

The school retains strong links with its alumni through the Old Girls Association.

The group hold two meetings each year, one in the spring and a second in the autumn. These meetings are open to all ex-pupils and offer an opportunity to meet up with old friends in the school hall, with refreshments, whilst raising money for a charity.

Significant Staff Changes

Mr Howell, Deputy Headteacher, retired in 2008. He joined the school in January 1984 in the position of Head of Science. After a short time in post, Mr Howell's responsibilities were extended and he led an important new initiative, the Technical and Vocational Educational Initiative (TVEI}.Because of the importance of this responsibility, Mr Howell was promoted to the Senior Leadership Team. Shortly afterwards, he was promoted to the position of Head of Upper School (including responsibility for Years 10 and 11), and then he became Deputy Headteacher, working with the ex-Headteacher Mr Penter. He played a key role during the last three decades, working to bring about significant changes. For example, Mr Howell was at the forefront of the development of ICT within the school and is an expert on the use of the School's Information Management System (SIMS).

External links

* [http://www.fairfieldhigh.tameside.sch.uk/ Official website]