Headteachers Letter – 19th November 2021
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are enjoying the rhythm of a far more normal school and academic calendar, and this is clearly having a positive impact on how students are approaching their studies and making the most of the wider curricular opportunities on offer.
Mock Examinations
Our Year 11 and Year 13 cohorts have approached these examinations with focus and positivity. Our team of invigilators and examination staff have recognised the exemplary conduct of students and their personal organisation in ensuring that the exam timetable and seating plans work so effectively. This is a real cause for collective pride as we emerge from the shadow of the pandemic, and it is wonderful to see our shared resilience as we return to a full academic calendar. It may seem an unusual statement – but we have really missed exams and it is great to see our students working with so much purpose, but no pressure!
Year 10 Success at GCSE Evening
Thanks to the parents of Year 10 students who joined us for our Success at GCSE evening. We know that academic and personal success arrives through consistent application over time, and our aim is to ensure that our Year 10 students develop the skills required at the outset of their GCSE courses. The evening included advice about how to ensure student well being and good mental health as the heart of our approach, in addition to subject specific sessions which are designed to help parents, students and the school to work together to achieve success. If you were not able to make the evening, or would like any further advice, please contact Mr Rees ReesM@wollaston-school.net . A recording of the information from the evening will be sent out to all Year 10 parents on Monday.
Sporting Successes
We are relishing the opportunities of a full sporting programme and we are delighted with the enthusiasm, participation and success of both competitive and social extra curricular activities.
We have a talented and hard working group of students and staff, who have enjoyed particular successes in a range of sporting disciplines.
Congratulations to the U17 team who have won through to the quarter final of the county cup and have beaten Northampton Boys School. They played fantastically with some excellent levels of skill and technique. The U15 Boys have been successful in beating Northampton Academy and are through to the next round of the county cup also.
The year 7 and year 8 rugby teams were in action against Wrenn School. The games were played in a great spirit with both Wollaston teams coming out successful over their opponents. It was wonderful to have the meaningful games played and we would encourage new players to come to training on a Thursday after school rugby club. There will also be girls rugby fixtures in the future also.
Spectacular performances by the Wollaston Junior Cross Country runners in particular.
Junior Boys race – Year 8 Oliver Carter 2nd in his junior boys race,
– Year 7 Laike Favier performed very well also.
Junior Girls Race – Year 8 Iona Ellwood finished 6th in her race.
These are fantastic results by all of the runners for Wollaston and a brilliant achievement by the athletes involved. The cross country runners are representing Wollaston and also the District team at the regional competition this Friday and if successful may be invited to the national championships if successful.
School Uniform and PE Kit
We appreciate parental support with ensuring that our school uniform rules are adhered to and that all students wear the Wollaston badge with pride. Please see the following guide HERE which will help with purchasing decisions and provide clarity regarding what is and is not acceptable. We are also aware that genuine issues do arise, and if your child is unable to be in correct uniform for a day – please contact the form tutor who will ensure that a slip is issued, which will ensure that students do not get in trouble for circumstances beyond their control. We are also aware that financial circumstances can be challenging for families and we do offer support to students who are eligible for Pupil Premium Funding. If you would like assistance in this regard please contact Mrs Steadman SteadmanK@wollaston-school.net and she will be able to advise on how we can help.
As the weather turns colder, and now that we are running a normal changing regime for PE lessons, our PE faculty will write to parents to clarify the rules for outer wear during outdoor PE lessons. We encourage students to wear base layers underneath their PE tops – ideally in black or maroon. Base layers can include light jumpers to be worn under the PE kit – but these may not be hooded tops as these represent a health and safety issue in PE lessons. We do also have for sale the outdoor PE jacket which can be purchased HERE
Please do also be assured that in the event of very cold weather, our Head of PE will issue a direction for outdoor lessons either to be truncated in terms of time outside, or moved to any available indoor venue. We passionately believe that an excellent PE curriculum involves outdoor sporting activity, but we will ensure that this is undertaken in a safe and measured manner. Thank you as always for your support of both our school uniform and PE kit requirements.
Job Opportunities at Wollaston and across the Nene Valley Partnership
A reminder that all roles available in our three partnership schools can be found HERE. We are currently advertising for a range of positions, some of which include part time and flexible working arrangements. Positions available include joining our excellent cleaning and site team, in addition to cover supervision and academic mentoring posts. If you would like to contribute to our mission to provide excellence in education and value working in a friendly, dynamic and positive environment – we would love to hear from you.
School Closure for Professional Development
A reminder that as advertised, Wollaston school is closed to students on Friday 26th November and Monday 29th November for professional development days for staff.
Children In Need Events
Students and staff have come together to raise money for Children in Need.
Earlier this week, the sixth form charity team organised a tabletop event with activities including splat the rat, treasure island and guess the number of sweets in the jar.
Today we started the day with our fabulous House Leaders dressing as minions and collecting donations – it certainly entertained students and parents at drop-off time!
Students and staff wore yellow or fancy dress to show their support; we had bananas, Woody, minions, fishermen, Pikachu, footballers and even Pudsey made an appearance.
Then at break the same sixth form students held a bake sale and not one cake was left as the bell sounded for the start of Period 3!!
PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ADDED TO FACEBOOK & THE WEBSITE VERY SOON.
Competition winners are:
Guess the number of sweets in the jar – Liam in Year 7 who guessed 423. The correct total was 427 so this was very close.
Treasure Island – Fletcher in Year 9.
Fancy Dress – Lewis in Year 10.
The combined efforts have led to a fundraising total of £1262.50 – an amazing effort by everyone involved.
Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this important charity.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Please do get in touch if there is any aspect of our provision which you would like to discuss.
Mr James Birkett
Headteacher