Dear Parents and Carers

With just one examination left on Monday, it seems the right time to say thank you to the wonderful team of examination invigilators. They have all brought calm and certainty to what can be an intimidating experience, and we are grateful to them for our glitch-free summer. In particular, I wish to thank Mrs Ockenden and Mrs Blundell who have been so supportive of Mrs Lawson (Examination Officer). Not forgetting, Mrs Saxby (Deputy SENDCo) and Mrs Smart (SENDCo) for the behind-the-scenes work involved in examination access arrangements. However, it is also the effect of the wider invigilation team that has been so influential in creating the right environment.

Transition Update

On Wednesday afternoon, The Bridge Club resumed with a group of year 6 students and their parents and carers taking part in an additional transition activity with colleagues. Lessons in English, science and German took place and enabled a small number of students to get used to our school on their terms. This now builds to next week’s welcome evening and the two induction days (Thursday and Friday) that are back after a two-year hiatus.

Late Buses

Families will be aware that we have been exploring the possibility of resuming late buses next year. My thanks to those families who expressed interest in their resumption. Unfortunately, the level of interest, set against the very high (and rising) cost of providing a north and south bus, make the proposal unworkable. We have explored many ways to try to create a service but it is not possible to do so without passing on very high charges to passengers and families. We know this will come as a disappointment to some of our families and we are sorry that we are not able to resume the service next year.

Textiles Finalists

Last week, I shared some of the work produced by our A level art & design students. This week, I am delighted to share news that Erin and Lara, in year 10, have both been shortlisted (two of just ten students nationally) in the Wool4School  Design Competition.  This is an annual student design competition that enables young designers to show off their flair and give a sense of what the future of fabrics and fashion may look like in the coming years. Entrants were asked to design an outfit for their hero with wool fibre making up 70% of their outfit design. Mrs Drinkwater’s whole class took part and I have shared some of their images with you here and on page two. Mrs Drinkwater writes:

“Our talented and creative year 10 textiles students entered the competition designing an outfit for their hero, with wool being the fibre making up at least 70% of the outfit design.  The quality of the students’ work is outstanding and I am very proud of all their hard work.  Erin and Lara’s selection is already a fantastic achievement and we wish them good luck in the final on Friday 1 July!”

And finally…

I feel sure that our year 11s and 13s have had or are planning some celebrations as they embark on the longest summer holiday of their lives. Our year 13s have a special dinner at the town hall tonight, before what can only be described as a barn dance. We hope they have a fun and safe evening – and they certainly enjoy this moment.

Have a lovely weekend, rain or shine.
Yours faithfully
Barry Doherty
Headteacher