Moreton Hall case studies (14)

Impact of partnership work done in 2023 (ISC annual Census 2024)

• 10 state schools involved
• 51-100 state school pupils involved
• 75 staff hours given

Impact Statement

Although we work with a number of state schools across the area Moreton Hall has a special relationship with St Martin’s School. St Martin's does not have its own Sixth form and every year a number of girls join Moreton Sixth on generous scholarships and bursaries. The head of St Martins and the Chair of Governors cites this relationship as a key part in the raising of aspirations within the school and believe the possibility of joining Moreton Sixth has contributed to the increase in numbers lower down the school. A member of Moreton Sixth staff is a governor at the school with responsibilities for teaching and learning and careers and this again is viewed by the St Martin’s head as an important part of the special relationship.

The Head of STEM at Moreton Hall works with Year 11 Mathematicians from St Martin’s School on a weekly basis to support them in reaching their full potential. With a focus on stretch and challenge, the aim is to raise grades in the most able by providing support which St Martin’s School would not have sufficient resources to provide. Typically the grades of these students improve by one or two grades above their predicted level.

In addition, the Moreton Science Department teaches all of St Martin’s School Year 10 students with a focus on developing their practical skills. St Martin’s School lacks the resources and equipment needed to conduct practical sessions to a suitable standard. Although the results of this intervention are difficult to quantify it is certainly well received and the feedback has been very positive. For all of these classes and workshops Moreton Hall provide free transport and lunch for all students.

Moreton Hall runs an annual Careers Fair to prepare students for leaving school, and giving them the ability to meet representatives from over 70 different universities and professionals, as well as to attend talks and seminars. Each year local state schools are invited including; The Marches School, St Martin’s School, Lakeland School, The Corbett School, The Maelor School and Dinas Bran. The Careers Fair has grown year on year and in 2019 over 200 students from local schools are attending. For the universities this access to the state sector is a key part of their widening participation work and the high turn-out from the universities reflects this important independent and state school relationship. Free lunch is provided for all attendees.

For the creative arts, pupils from nearby St Martins, Pontfadog and Penley Madras primary
schools have the opportunity to participate in the Creative Arts Schools Project. Moreton Hall music, drama and Arts staff join forces in a range of projects which culminate in performances for parents.

Pontfadog Primary School says: Our students have returned to school with an experience which will last for their whole schooling, they all feel full of confidence and have a new found love for the arts. It is safe to say that this programme is outstanding and an asset to the local community.”

As the hub for the North Shropshire Music, Moreton Hall has continued to work in partnership with the Shropshire Music Service and Shropshire Educational Hub providing a home for young musicians from across the region. In November 2018, Moreton hosted its inaugural 'North Shropshire Big Sing'. 117 children, from Gobowen, Whittington, Selattyn and Moreton First joined forces to take make music together and sing as part of a mass choir. Alison Stevens from Shropshire Music Services says this fantastic event was: “a very exciting choral initiative: one that I have no doubt will engender a love for choral singing in a fun and entertaining way. Moreton Hall is leading the way with such an initiative and we are proud to have such a positive working partnership with such a forward looking independent school''.