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By James Saunders

Welcome back to the summer term. We are well and truly into exam mode now. C10 have made a great start to their mock exams and in a few weeks the main GCSE programme will begin for C11. It has been a pleasure to walk round the school this week to see learners full of focus. I want to take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of maintaining high standards and meeting our high expectations.

This week began with assemblies where we reminded learners of the importance of maintaining a focused work ethic. I believe that creating an inclusive environment where all children are free to be an individual and not be disrupted in their learning journey is the key to their success. Our routines, standards, and expectations are designed to create this climate. Only by working together and holding ourselves to account will we consistently achieve this.

Maintaining high standards is crucial in achieving success both in school and in life. It is through these standards and expectations that we set a high bar for ourselves and strive to achieve our best. By doing so, we create an environment that is conducive to learning, growth, and development.

High standards and routines also provide structure and consistency, which is crucial for creating a sense of safety and security for our learners. When we know what is expected of us and have consistent routines in place, we can focus on our learning and personal growth without distraction.

As we look ahead to next week and beyond, I encourage all of our learners to continue to strive for excellence. Remember that we are all in this together, and by working collaboratively, we can create an environment that is conducive to success.

Having spoken about the importance of routines we do however have some changes over the coming weeks. Next week on Thursday 27th April is the first of two more strike days. We then have two bank

holiday weekends after that and the second strike day on Tuesday 2nd May. I shall be writing to families to communicate the arrangements for these days.

The highlight of the week has been having the field open at lunch and break. It is wonderful to see the learners interacting with each other on the field during these times.

Have a lovely weekend

C10 PARENTS EVENING UPDATE

James Saunders

Last term we piloted a more traditional parent’s evening for C11 to complement the learning review process. This was in response to feedback from parents as well as the lack of face to face contact that the pandemic brought. We filled the hall with exam desks and arranged our teachers in alphabetical order and then parents and C11s flocked in. There was a real sense of energy in the hall as our teachers engaged with families and learners. I spoke to many C11s and teachers about the evening and they have all provided positive feedback. Teachers enjoyed being able to share their love and enthusiasm for their subject and the C11 learners all felt that it provided a welcome focus and the push they needed as they enter the final stages of the GCSEs. We will be doing the same for C10s later this term so please save the date of 8th June.

CONGRATULATIONS

To: Joseph Byers; Molly Barnes; Lenny Pyne; Tallulah Powell; Logan Smith; Harriet Mead; Nathan Humphreys and Esme Webster for representing our school this week and receiving their awards at the Jack Petchy ceremony.

21st April 2023

Congratulations to Honey Gott who over the Easter Break was awarded her black belt in Karate! An amazing achievement. Well done Honey!

NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA

On Tuesday 18th April we were very excited to welcome members of the National Youth Orchestra to deliver a workshop to C7 and C8 learners. During lunchtime they performed to staff and learners in the drama studio.

Wishing Mrs Putter the very best of luck as she embarks on the challenge of a lifetime this weekend as she runs the London Marathon to raise funds for Children with Cancer in memory of Finley who lost his battle to T-cell leukemia in October 2022. If you would like to support this cause, please follow the link to the Justgiving page: