Morpeth is an 8 form entry, mixed, 11-16 comprehensive school situated in Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets.

The last few years have seen many changes at Morpeth. The first of these can be seen in our buildings and other resources. The entire school has been rebuilt or refurbished to a very high standard and we have been able to invest heavily in computers, books and other learning materials.

The second major change has been the levels of achievement attained by our pupils. Our 5 A*-C figure at GCSE has increased from 11% in 1994 to 76% in 2007, and from being 30% behind the national average we are now almost 20% above. Just under 100% of the pupils achieve 5 A*-G passes and in 2006 over 100 pupils achieved 10 or more A*-C grades.

The third change has been in our popularity within the local community, as measured by those pupils wanting to come to Morpeth. In the last few years we have gone from the lowest number of families making us their first choice to one of the highest, with almost 3 applicants for every place.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Throughout Key Stage 3 teaching takes place in mixed ability groups. All pupils study French in Year 7 and have the option of Spanish or Bengali in Year 8.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4 most subjects are also taught in mixed ability classes, although in Maths and Science there is setting, according to the GCSE tier of entry.

Compulsory subjects:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• RE
• PE
• CPSHE

Optional subjects include:

• French
• Spanish
• Bengali
• Geography
• History
• ICT
• Drama
• Music
• Technology
• Art
• Photography

At Post-16 our pupils attend a wide range of sixth forms and colleges. Tower Hamlets is currently in the process of a major review of its provision for 16-19 and we hope in future years to be offering courses at Morpeth.

Staff

We have over 100 teaching staff and more than 90 support staff who are very committed to the high expectations of our pupils. Our pastoral system is one of the strengths of the school and, wherever possible, our tutors remain with their class throughout their 5 years at Morpeth.

All pupils in Years 7-11 wear school uniform and there is excellent support from parents. Moslem girls may wear shalwar kameez in uniform colours. The school is committed to creating an environment in which all pupils and staff are equally valued and respected. Assemblies take place every day. These reflect the multi-faith nature of our school of which we are proud. We celebrate the major festivals of all the religions in our school. All departments have produced handbooks to reflect our policies and agreed aims.

Morpeth is an extremely friendly school with excellent relationships and there is much importance placed on enhancing the school ethos outside the classroom.

Beyond the curriculum

Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in the life of the school. There is an extensive programme of residential experiences and there is a wide range of lunchtime and after school activities, particularly in sport and music. We aim to enhance and enrich the basic curriculum through developing these extra-curricular opportunities and raising aspirations. We are part of an exciting partnership in which we are working with four of our local primary schools on a range of projects.