The Right Secondary School 2009

Dagenham Park Community School

Acting Head Teacher: Simon Weaver

Admission Number: 220
Department for Children, Schools and Families number: 301-4022

Open Evening was on Tuesday 16 September 2008, 6pm - 9pm.

We are known as a friendly and happy school where students enjoy a pleasant atmosphere for work. As well as offering the full secondary comprehensive range of learning opportunities, we now have the status of a specialist arts college.

We were awarded more than £500,000 over 4 years, to transform our creative arts department. We have become a centre for artistic excellence, used throughout the day, evenings, weekends and holidays for a range of studies and performing arts.

Examination success

Our examination results have improved dramatically over the last 10 years. In the sixth form, the school offers a wide range of AS and A Level courses as well as more vocational BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 courses. Every year, many of our sixth form students gain places at university.

We closely support and encourage pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 as they study for examinations, follow the National Curriculum and do work experience. We maintain strong community links, including advisers from commerce and industry.

We have an extensive 'Gifted and Talented' programme, where our most able students take part in highly challenging, cross-curricular projects.

Improvement in buildings and facilities

The arts college status we achieved in 2001 has resulted in major improvements to the performing arts areas. We have state-of-the-art facilities for design and technology, art, dance, drama and music. These include a recording studio, extra music rooms and improved dance and drama areas. We have high-quality kitchen and dining facilities which offer students breakfast and morning refreshments as well as school lunches.

Last year, a brand-new sports complex opened, with 4 badminton courts, a fitness suite and dance studio and the only climbing wall in the borough. The new practical teaching areas, combined with a complete refurbishment of the existing building, give our students a high-quality environment in which to achieve and learn.

Improving learning

All students can take part in extra activities throughout the year. These include sports clubs, dance and drama productions, art exhibitions, and visits to the Trewern outdoor pursuits centre in Herefordshire and the information technology centre in Norfolk.

All Year 7 pupils have the opportunity to go away for residential experiences. We are linked with schools in France, Italy, Germany and Denmark. Students from these schools regularly visit each other's homes and schools. The Creative Arts Team takes its productions to other schools and performs for the public.

Our commitment

We are determined that all our students enjoy learning and succeed. As well as working towards high levels of examination success, we support pupils who face challenges in their learning with our 'Base for Moderate Learning Difficulties'. The 2004 Ofsted report praises our teaching strengths, commenting on the quality of our lessons. We were described as 'an improving school with many good features'.

Parents and carers are always welcome at Dagenham Park - drop in at any time or make an appointment for a visit. Come and see the school in action.

Closest public transport

Buses - 129, 145, 173, 174, 175, 287, 364, 721

Underground - Dagenham Heathway and Dagenham East Stations

Rail - Barking Station

Contact

Dagenham Park Community School

School Road

Dagenham

RM10 9QH

Tel: 020 8270 4400

Fax: 020 8270 4409

Email: office@dpcs.bardaglea.org.uk|

Location map|