CAPE CORNWALL SCHOOL in Cornwall, Penzance

Education Centre Information: Cape Cornwall School:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Cornwall
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Town and Fringe - sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 421
Number of boys: 225
Number of girls: 196
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-16
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Cape Cornwall School is the main secondary school for the Lands End Peninsula. Smaller than an average secondary school, it is set in an 'attractive' site in an area of renowned natural beauty and around a quarter of the pupils come from outside the traditional catchment area. The school is situated in an area of economic recession and very high unemployment, recognised as one of the poorest areas in Europe in economic terms. Despite this, pupils achieve 'above average' results in both key stages. There are 'adequate' facilities for outdoor physical education lessons, and there are plans for a new sports hall to be shared with the community. The new reception area is 'welcoming and attractive' and a new art area has been opened. The school aims to provide a 'broad, balanced and exciting' curriculum, and manages to complement this with 'excellent' extracurricular activities. Music and physical education are strengths. The school has a string orchestra and steel band, and sports teams include football, netball and cricket. Cape Cornwall also has 'many' links with schools overseas. There is a Japanese club and clubs for information technology, science, photography, art and drama, among others. There are also 'many' school visits, mostly with curricular connections. Most pupils take part in at least one extra-curricular activity. Nearly one third of pupils participate in sporting activities, led by ten members of staff. The school aims to create a 'caring school community' and to 'identify, stimulate and develop the individual talents and interests of each pupil'.