You won’t find The Christian School (Takeley) in any league tables; we are too small. And yet this tiny independent school, with pupils from across the region has excelled again. Last week we celebrated A level results from two pupils who sat them in Year 11 and gained all A or A* grades in their AS and A2 units. The school does not have a sixth form, but has a tradition of allowing pupils to sit AS and A levels if they are ready.
This June, six pupils were entered for GCSEs in Year 11. Two of these pupils have been in the school since their junior years, while the others joined in Year 7 or just to do their GCSEs. The results were fantastic with everyone achieving their best.

The statistics will not be available through the league tables but everyone celebrated.

54% of the GCSE grades gained by our six pupils were As or A*s and 90% were C or above. 83% of the pupils gained five A* to C grades including Maths, English and Science. Four of the six were awarded the English Baccalaureate. Everyone achieved what was expected and most results exceeded the predictions given by independent tests .

But what we are proud of is the hard work the pupils put in and what a credit they are to the school. Each has a very special character and each, I believe, will be make a positive contribution to their community as they grow into adulthood. One of the pleasures we have each year is reading the reports employers feedback to us about the pupils who go on work experience. They regularly comment on the excellent work ethic; the friendliness and helpfulness;  the ability to work both in a team and independently; and the initiative of these young people.

Some things you can’t measure but are of lasting value. And haven’t we learned this from this summer of Olympics and the Paralympics?

On Friday 7th September the pupils of the Christian School (Takeley) were privileged to visit the Paralympics and watch the finals of the women’s Goalball. The event took place in the Copper Box, a legacy venue, clad in copper.

Everything was special, from the good humour of the Games Makers, through to the almost theatrical procession to the Olympic Park and the majestic venues. Everything seemed to shout, ‘This is good!’

Goalball is a game for those with sight impairment and is played blindfolded. A heavy ball with bells is thrown from end to end with the aim of getting passed the opposition and in to their goal. Some of the pupils at the school had attempted to play it themselves and were able to appreciate the need to remain silent while the ball was in play. This adds to the tension amongst the spectators who have to hold in their emotions at the most exciting moments.

The pupils witnessed Sweden trance Finland for Bronze and Japan outmanoeuvre China in an intense match that ended one zero to Japan. There followed an emotional medal ceremony. The Paralympic experience was enjoyed by all and the Olympic site was appreciated for its immensity and beauty both as a built environment and in the inclusion of natural features such as flowers, the river and trees.