CHEYNE MIDDLE SCHOOL in Kent, Sheerness

Education Centre Information: Cheyne Middle School:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Middle Deemed Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Kent
Reason Establishment Closed: For Academy
Establishment Close Date: 31/08/2009
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 462
Number of boys: 228
Number of girls: 234
Age Range: 9-13
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Situated in West Sheerness, Cheyne Middle serves the Isle of Sheppey and is the largest middle school in the country. Following a substantial building programme in 1991, facilties now include four science laboratories, a music suite, technology suite, three language rooms, two networked computer rooms, a library and an internal television network. The 'extensive' grounds include two football and rugby pitches, a hockey pitch, athletics track, jumping pits, netball and tennis courts. Cheyne works hard to meet the 'huge challenges' of its catchment area which it describes as 'one of the most deprived in the country'. In order to cater for the high numbers of children with special educational needs, the school runs an in-school centre to support pupils on behalf of the the Department of Education and Employment. In addition to promoting academic achievement, the school aims to raise expectations by entering pupils in national competitions. In 1998 a multimedia project on the implication of building a second crossing to the island won them a bronze medal at the Craft Zeneca Life Science Awards and a number of local and regional competitions. The group of pupils were particularly proud as they had been the youngest of all the entries and were asked to sit with the inspector at the opening of the public enquiry into the crossing. Year 7 pupils are entered for the European Teachers Level 1 examinations intended for pupils aged 14 and over. Most recently, 37 pupils were entered, 18 gained distinctions and one pupil received the Maxine Drummond award for outstanding work. The school won the Kent Business Partnership Award for Quality of Work Experience and has successfully developed a teacher training partnership with the Christchurch College Caterbury. The Friends of Cheyne association helps with extra-curricular activities and organises fundraising and social events. The school also raises money for charity each year.