"Neunundsechzig! Soixante-neuf!" bi-lingual bingo caller, Catherine Jones drew in the crowds to the modern foreign languages department at Wyndham School’s recent open evening. Kate Watt, acting head of department was on hand to show potential pupils and their parents the range of available courses, the travel opportunities on offer and, in later life, the social and employment advantages of breaking the monolingual mould. And just to demonstrate the fundamental importance of being understood, morcels of foreign delicacies were on offer to anyone who attempted, "Ich möchte … " or "Je voudrais …".

In the sports hall, Ros Purdham and Syd Thomas choreographed a large numbers of eager volunteers in a comprehensive display of recreational and athletic endeavour. As the nation combats obesity, physical education has never been more important and Wyndham has achieved a fine balance between competitive sport and participation by all.

In the maths department, Anne Glaister packed the room with interactive displays of numerical analysis, algebra, data handling and quizzes to entertain the visitors. If Dilly is 7 years younger than Dally and in four years’ time she will be half Dally’s age, what is the sum of their ages now?

The art display at the open evening, assembled by James Roberts, head of art and Claire Matthews was in keeping with Wyndham’s long tradition of celebrating students’ work in the school and the community. The student guides, in evidence throughout the school, were particularly courteous in the art department and explained the exhibits to the most philistine visitor. I should know – I was he!

In PSHE the displays showed the guidance provided to empower young people to make important life choices from an informed position. The RE department introduces students to the philosophical and religious dimensions of contemporary life and above all seeks to ‘open eyes not close minds’.

The history department laid out its wares attractively, explaining the components of the course as well as displaying historic factoids. Fighting, punching opponents and gouging their eyes was banned in football in 1863. We were not told when these practices were re-introduced.

Music put on an IT demonstration in the entrance foyer and pupils were able to play instruments in the department. Technology was filled with students making cakes, cutting out textiles and demonstrating other crafts. Newly appointed head of English, Keith Skelton had persuaded students to write assignments in full public view and his displays had a strong philological bias, explaining the origins of words. Learning support put on a terrific series of displays and educational games, illustrating the superb teaching and assistance provided for students with particular identified needs. Geography covered the walls with maps and the tables with quizzes and games. Head of department, Andy Williamson explained the range of physical and human geography covered by the syllabuses. The ICT department, led by Paul Crickmore demonstrated a range of software applications to support teaching across the whole curriculum and students were developing websites for all to see.

I concluded my visit in the Science department where head of department, Sandie Dixon, Tony Terry and colleagues had assembled an array of entertaining demonstrations – flaring powder in a Bunsen flame, magnetizing coins, optical illusions and electrostatic discharges – all done in the best possible taste.

I attended the open evening as a governor, my own 12 years’ association as a parent having ended in 2002. I remain an unashamed advocate of community comprehensive education and I believe that this exhibition mounted by Andy Ward, his leadership team, teaching and support colleagues was a superb advertisement for Wyndham School. If I were a parent of a child approaching secondary school age, Wyndham would be my choice.