Description
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Introduction
Davenant Foundation School
Location: Epping Forest/London outskirts Essex
Funding Status: State – Academy
Type: Mainstream
Gender: Mixed
Phase: Secondary
Age Range: 11-18yrs
Who we are
Davenant is an Ecumenical Foundation School that was founded in 1680. We are set on the Edge of Epping Forest on the border of London, having the best of both worlds, beautiful country backdrop with tube access to the city and all it offers. We are rated 'Outstanding' for our Sixth Form and are a school that wants staff and students to enjoy being part of a community and engage in all aspects of school life.
We are proud:
As a school we do well academically, we are in the top 20% of schools every year for progress and attainment. However, school is so much more than exams and we aim to give students a broad and exciting education. Staff and students get the opportunity to go on a huge variety of trips including USA, Iceland, Japan as well as many European destinations. Extra curricula opportunities are an important part of school life from year 7 to 11. We have a very vibrant and active Music and Drama department with regular shows and concerts including a biannual Music tour. Many students in the school learn an instrument and we are blessed to have Orchestra, swing band as well as many ensembles.
Davenant's ethos is to Nurture 'Mind Body and Spirit' and Davenant staff and students fully reflect our values through compassion, tolerance and inclusivity. Our community supports many charities throughout the year including youth football teams in South America, local children's charities and high-profile national charities such as Amnesty International and the Red Cross.
Staff training and Welfare:
Staff training and CPD is an important part of our culture at Davenant. There are opportunities for whole school and department led training in conjunction with an online webinar approach that enables staff to watch anytime and allows early finishes on INSET days. This is just one approach to improved staff welfare that Davenant has. We firmly believe family is important and will always support staff so they don't miss those important moments in their family's lives, be it a graduation, wedding or nativity play.
We run and are the lead school of a TES teacher training consortium of 28 schools. This gives our staff the opportunity to mentor the next generation of teachers as well as working closely with many schools in Essex and outer London. The vast majority of the trainees end up working in the consortium of schools, which enhances the teacher network and creates a strong culture of collaboration, which has been missing from the teaching profession over recent years.
Davenant is an exciting and supportive school to work in, it has supportive parents, hard working students and a positive staff community. Our extended community supports the school in many ways including a very active Parents Association that works tirelessly to support the staff and school financially and socially. Please feel free to visit us and look around or call us for any further information or a chat. It is important to choose the right place to work at and we hope that it is us.
Staff Views
I have loved the 14 years I have been Head of Science at the school and have no intention of moving anywhere else. I get to work with delightful young people who are keenly interested in my subject, and whose parents are exceptionally supportive. The Senior Management support me and trust me to lead and innovate within my department in the ways that I feel make us as successful as possible.
David (Head of Science)
I initially started at Davenant as a trainee and immediately felt welcomed and supported by all around me. Since then the school has helped me to grow and develop as a teacher and I have been lucky enough to embrace as many opportunities as possible, while being supported by the staff around me. Davenant allows both staff and students to get involved in many exciting trips, for example I have been able to go on trips across the world and UK, such as the Zambia trip, Duke of Edinburgh and Ski trip. The school also encourages staff to take opportunities for career progression, I have a particular interest in the Pastoral System within the school and was given the opportunity to become an Assistant Head of Year to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area. It is often noted by staff and students that the Davenant community is like a family, the nurturing environment and the opportunities offered to staff and students alike are incredible and I cannot imagine working anywhere else. Emma. (History Teacher)
Davenant has a genuine, warm community feel where both students and staff are valued and cared for. Teaching and learning is research led and carefully considered, meaning that as teachers we are well informed and equipped in the classroom. Yet, from the moment you arrive, it's evident that academic life is only one of the areas enriched and nurtured here. The opportunities offered to students are sublime: there truly is something for everyone and it's clear how much our young people appreciate this.
Jennifer (Head of English)