Head’s Newsletter – 30th June 2023

Dear parents and carers

A reminder that next week sees two additional planned NEU strike days: Wednesday 5^th July and Friday 7^th July. Consequently, I must limit attendance on those days to the following year groups:

Wednesday 5^th July

• Year 10
• Year 12

Friday 7^th July

• Year 7
• Year 12

For year groups not attending school on those days, and where their subject teachers are attending work on those days, work will be set on Go4Schools and their teacher will be available either on TEAMs or email for the duration of their timetable lesson.

 

Important Calendar dates

Monday 3^rd and Tuesday 4^th July – Year 6 Induction

Thursday 6^th July – sixth form Induction

Wednesday 12^th July – Sports Day

Friday 21^st July – school finishes at 11.50am (buses depart at 12pm)

 

Exam Certificates- notice to ex-students!

We currently have many uncollected exam certificates in school from previous years. Please contact the school to arrange collection before 10^th July and we will check if we have your certificates. Certificates from six years ago and older will be disposed of if they remain uncollected.  Certificates must be collected by the student, or they can nominate someone to collect on their behalf, however, the nominated person must bring written permission from the student that they are permitted to collect the certificates.

 

UCAS Conference

Mr Mills writes “On Tuesday this week we took 112 Year 12 students to the UCAS conference hosted by the University of Bedfordshire.  This is an incredibly valuable annual trip and is fully funded by the school. It provides students with the opportunities to speak to admissions teams from a wide range of universities, apprenticeship providers and employers, as well as being able to collect the free bags, pens and sunglasses that are used to tempt students to stalls! It was wonderful to see so many people making the most of the day, getting advice about what they might need to do next, what grades they might need to aim for, or how to use the UCAS website effectively.

Others utilised the hands-on zone where potential medics were able to practice drilling into bones, and those with an artistic focus produced their own T-shirts.   The students conducted themselves superbly and really showed why they are destined for success.  Their positivity and ability to communicate so well on the day really stood out.”

 

Sixth Form Update

Mr Mills writes “We are delighted to announce that this year’s senior students have now been selected following a rigorous application process.  Over 30 students put themselves forward for a range of roles which included leading school initiatives on charity and sports events, and roles supporting the community both within the school and beyond.  All students were asked to be involved in a group exercise to judge their team and leadership skills and were then asked to deliver a presentation outlining their plans for the next twelve months.  The final stage involved a formal interview with a panel of staff.  

The quality of applicants this year was excellent, and we are very proud of the 20 students who were successful, but also of those who we were unable to put in a position who also showed they had some excellent ideas and suggestions.  We are particular pleased to announce that Will Baldry and Freya Prince will be out Head students for the next year, they will be ably supported by the Deputy Head Students, Freya Jolley, Shauna Murove and Harry Brown.   All candidates really shone in a strong field and thoroughly deserve their positions.  With all of the senior students in position we are looking forward to a very exciting year.”

 

An Evening With  Hannah Lewis MBE Holocaust Survivor

A reminder that holocaust survivor, Hannah Lewis MBE, will be sharing her testimony of how she survived the Holocaust at 18:30 on Wednesday 12th July. Please come and join us to witness this rare and moving opportunity to meet one of the last witnesses of the Holocaust and hear her story.

Although a free event, we shall welcome donations to the Holocaust Educational Trust on the evening. Ticket are available https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/654739081217

 

Alton Towers

Mr Jackson writes “On Tuesday we had the first rewards trip for the year 10 cohort which saw 49 amazing students visit Alton Towers. This trip was a reward for the students who have consistently demonstrated excellence in education and continued high levels of attendance and behaviour. It was a fantastic day with students thoroughly enjoying themselves and with many pulling some questionable faces on several of the rides! A fantastic trip for some fantastic students.”

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Simon Anderson