Head’s Newsletter -9th February 2024
Dear parents and carers
We had a very successful recruitment day on Tuesday and welcomed almost 50 potential applicants to Wollaston and have already interviewed and appointed some exceptional staff. They were all very positive about the school, the students and the vision and strategy to ensure that we go from ‘good’ to exceptional in the next few years. They were especially wowed by our student ambassadors who once again have been incredible examples of our student body. Similarly, our ambassadors reveled in the responsibility of being the first impression of Wollaston for our visitors.
Megan Year 7 said “I thought tonight was fun because I was able to meet new people and help them around the school.”
Lexie Year 7 “Overall I would say that tonight went well and that the people were very kind, engaging and nice to talk to. Thank you for this opportunity.”
Mya Year 7 said “My experience was amazing, I loved showing teachers around the school. They asked me so many questions, I felt like I was getting involved with something good for the school.”
Updates
Careers Update
Mr Myers writes “It has been a busy start to 2024 in terms of supporting students with information and guidance to help them make informed decisions about their future. We have had a number of visitors in school over recent weeks, including staff from Cummins Engineering who attended the lunch time drop-in session in an effort to inform students about their apprenticeship opportunities. More recently, Richard Denny from Niche Solutions GB attended the same session to inform students about the Food Technology Degree Apprenticeship scheme his company are about to launch. Former student Cameron Macarthur returned to school to help Azscears Management Limited present to sixth form students about the wide array of roles in the construction industry.
My work with one of our external careers advisor, Judith Howard, have been working with Year 11 and sixth form students to deliver bespoke advice and guidance.
We have also had great news about how effective we have been in terms for ensuring all our Year 11s successfully step into their next adventure. Recently published NEET figures for 2023 (Not in Education, Employment or Training)and we received news that just 1.3% of the Year 11 cohort of summer 2023 were without a positive destination in the autumn of 2023. This figure is a reduction from 1.5% the previous year against a background of increasing NEET’s in Northamptonshire as a whole where the number has increased by 50%.
This pleasing outcome is testament to the hard work of last year’s Year 11, the staff and the careers team”
Science Update
Head of Science, Mr Pugh writes: “Over the last week and a half 20 sixth form students have taken part in the International Biology Olympiad. Many of these students took the tests a year early and will get a second chance next year as well.
We also had a similar number of students take part in the Chemistry Olympiad competition. This the first time that Wollaston Sixth Form students have taken part in the prestigious competition and students can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates based on their scores. All the students will be waiting patiently and hopefully for positive outcomes. Update on results will follow in a future newsletter.”
PE Update
Mr Bennett writes “We are delighted to mention and celebrate the hockey team of mainly KS4 players who successfully beat Manor School on Tuesday in an away fixture. This was a great effort from the boys and girls and we encourage all students who are interested in playing hockey to come to the hockey club on a Tuesday after school run by Mr Crook and sixth form PE students.
Tuesday also saw 4 schools playing the Central Venue rugby matches hosted at Wollaston School. This was a great opportunity for Wollaston to help and support the development of rugby within the school and the other schools in the district. Wollaston played some excellent rugby and the afternoon was played in a great rugby spirit.
Frustratingly the Year 8/7 rugby was cancelled due to the poor weather conditions, and we will rearrange this in the next half term.”
Key Dates for the Diary
Week Beginning 12th February – RAG Week in the Sixth form (series of charity events)
Friday 16th February – Non-Uniform Day for all students
Monday 19th February – Friday 23rd February – Half term
Monday 26th February – first day of the half term- all students expected back in school
Wednesday 28th February – Year 11 photo
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Simon Anderson