Dear Parents and Carers
It’s been a rich and busy few days in the life of the school.
Just over a week ago, Mrs Thomas and colleagues (Miss Richmond, Mrs Huddleston and Mrs Cottrell) led a group of over forty students to explore the beautiful city and Christmas markets of Cologne, Germany. All arrived back safely and with many lifelong and magical memories.
Then, throughout the course of the week, the final frantic preparations were completed that allowed the latest school production, The Addams Family, to launch yesterday – with both a matinee performance for local primary schools, and last night’s first full performance.
I was fortunate to attend and after another very busy term it was wonderful to sit back and reflect on the lovely experiences and memories that schools can create for young people. There was no doubt that the performances were exceptional, taking advantage of highly talented student cast and crew, alongside more colleagues who continue to go the extra mile.
Christmas Jumpers and Jeans Day
On the last day of term (Wednesday 20 December) we are holding our annual Christmas Jumper & Jeans Day to raise money for local charities. I hope you have seen Mr Robinson and the House Council’s letter on this initiative and welcome all contributions, however big or small. We are not expecting any new purchases, and instead encourage the re-use of hand-me-downs and last year’s knitwear – and also consider our pre-loved Christmas jumper sale as well.
Celebration Assemblies
Starting on Monday we will be turning our termly celebration assemblies to each year group during tutor time. There will be awards and prizes for all gold scorecard winners, but also nominations for courage and curiosity from every subject in your child’s year group, as well as tutors’ all-round character awards, plus special nominations. We know that the older our students get, the more bashful they become about public accolades and praise – but it is important that we, as staff, have opportunities to celebrate our students and showcase their commitments and contributions to school life.
Christmas Lunches
Our really popular Christmas lunches will be served on Tuesday (for years 7, 8 and 9) and Wednesday (years 10 to 13) next week. Please note that whilst only pre-purchased Christmas lunches will be served at lunchtime on both days, normal service operates during first break (11:05-11:30) on both days. With this in mind, please consider additional packed lunches or snacks for lunchtime next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Attendance Matters
With the exception of years 7 and 12, it is clear that absence has once again been very high. Focussing on the many positives, our first big attendance prizes will be given out in the coming weeks with our emphasis on “attendance streaks” – giving everyone a chance of winning, but more so for those whose attendance has been really strong since the start of term.
| Mon 27 Nov to Fri 1 Dec 2023 | |
| Whole school | 90.6% |
| Year 7 | 94.2% (-1.8%) |
| Year 8 | 89.4% (-2.6%) |
| Year 9 | 88.2% (-1.6%) |
| Year 10 | 88.5% (-1.8%) |
| Year 11 | 89.0% (-1.9%) |
| Year 12 | 95.8% (-1.4%) |
| Year 13 | 92.9% (-7.3%) |
| No. still on 100% | 231 /1000 |
School Improvement Priorities
Budget pressures have forced many schools to narrow or limit curriculum offers but we shall continue to emphasise breadth and depth – but also continue to introduce tweaks or changes to be more inclusive.
| G2G Goals 1g: Curriculum adaptations | |
| What is our goal? | · To look at aspects of our key stage 3 and 4 curriculum to consider ways to alter the academic and vocational balance that currently exists. |
| Why is this our goal? | · To ensure our curriculum provides challenge and opportunity for all by considering both our academic and vocational provision. |
| Where are we now? | · Between 2018 and 2023 outcomes for those who had previously underperformed have risen significantly. |
| What are some of the things that we are going to do? | · Continually review our KS3, GCSE and BTEC courses so that we can provide breadth and depth that meets the needs of students.
· Explore development of some elements of internal alternate provision, including more local opportunities, to facilitate both academic tutoring and vocational experiences. |
If you have any questions, observations or ideas on any aspect of this school improvement goal, then please do contact Mr Trainer (Deputy Headteacher) regarding curriculum development.
Have a lovely weekend when it arrives.
Yours faithfully
Barry Doherty
Headteacher
