HEADLINES
By James Saunders
GUIDED CHOICES
We have hit that time of year when our C8 learners begin to work through the guided choices process. This is where they choose the subjects they would like to take at GCSE. Mr Munro kicked things off with an assembly to C8 on Monday in readiness for our C8 parent information evening on Wednesday next week. We will be providing lots of information, advice and guidance to support families and learners through this process. The current timeline is as follows:
• Monday 23rd February: C8 Guided Choices Assembly
• Wk beg Monday 2nd March: Guided Choices website link shared with families and Subject Specific Videos shared with learners in LS5
• Wednesday 4th March: Guided Choices Evening for parents / carers
• Thursday 5th March Guided Choices form shared with learners and Website available with videos and support materials
• Tuesday 17th March Year 8 Parents Evening 3.306.30pm
• Monday 23rd March Guided Choices form handin (DEADLINE 9.00am)
We should never underestimate how daunting it can appear to be for our C8s and their parents. It is easy to think that, for our learners, the rest of their lives rests on the decisions they will be making over the next few weeks but in reality we all know there will be a whole host of decisions that they have yet to make that will hold more significance in their lives. I think it is important to remain grounded in this so that we do not create additional pressure or anxiety for our learners.
The process is called ‘Guided’ Choices to reflect the fact that we are guiding them through it. Our curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced. The
structure of the choices they can make dictates that, to some extent. Most combinations that our learners will select will meet this criteria, however, I feel it is still worth bearing in mind that we want them to make the right choices for themselves; choices that they own. I often use the following venn diagram to guide learners:
To achieve success, learners need to think about a combination of what they aspire to do in the future as well as what might help them in the future, combined with what they are good at and what they enjoy. If too much emphasis is placed on one at the expense of another then they will not be as motivated to be successful. The classic mistake is to choose a subject based solely on the teacher.
In any career there will be things you enjoy and things you must endure. Once our learners, at any level, start to understand this it is a lot easier to support them to achieve their goals. We don’t always like every aspect of our jobs (I certainly find some aspects more challenging than others) yet we understand the need
for them. We don’t get to pick and choose everything we do at work. This is no different to the broad and balanced curriculum we offer our learners. Whilst we are proud to offer a curriculum that contains choice we need to recognise that there are still things we must do that may not necessarily have been chosen.
We often hear statistics about the uncertainty of the job market in the future; how there are jobs that don’t yet exist. This is why it is important for learners to recognise that the curriculum choices they make or have to take are designed to support them as they churn their way through the unknown landscape of the future.
At Honywood we aim for learners to leave us happy and successful; to go on and leave fulfilling lives. I would like to share the Japanese concept of IKIGAI - the reason for being. I think this is a great way to support conversations about choice and aspiration for all children.
What I love about this is that it helps to identify purpose in life. I think working in a school offers IKIGAI and most days I think I have found it. I hope you have too.
We look forward to welcoming families into school on Wednesday for our guided choices information evening. Ahead of the evening we have developed a section of our website to support the process.
Have a lovely weekend.
James Saunders
WORLD BOOK WEEK
Time to ignite those imaginations!
World Book Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate reading, stories and a love of books across the school. To celebrate the magic of reading, we have a packed schedule of activities for World Book Week. Our goal is to foster a lifelong love of reading, and we can’t wait to see our learners get involved.
Here is what we have planned:
“Create Your Own Book” Lunch Club
Every day this week, we are hosting a lunchtime workshop where learners can build their own masterpiece from scratch. Each session focuses on a different element of book production:
Front Cover Design, Character Creation, Contents Page, The “Blurb” (Back Cover) and Custom Bookmark.
The Learning Group Door Display
During LS5s, Learning Groups will go head-to-head in a creative battle! Each LG will decorate their door based on a chosen book. Our judges will be looking for creativity, teamwork, and “wow factor.” Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!
“Get Caught Reading” Competition
We want to see the most “weird and wonderful” places our learners can find to enjoy a book! Whether it’s reading up a tree, in a dugout, or under the dining table, we want to see it.
How to Enter: Email your photos to aharris@honywoodschool.com. There is a special prize waiting for the learner with the most unique and imaginative reading spot!
Book Inspired costume competition
On Thursday (WBD) there will be a dress in a BOOK-INSPIRED costume competition. This can be themed with your LG, or you may choose your own outfit. Prizes for the best outfits in each cohort!
Reading
in every learning session
On Thursday during each of your lessons, you will read a part of a story.
WELL DONE REX! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Pure Sea is a non profit organisation dedicated to helping save the oceans from plastic and protecting our marine life. They hold volunteer led beach cleans and fundraising events around the UK, Mexico and Ibiza. They hold ocean awareness talks and childrens workshops in schools and Cub Scout groups too.
The founder of this organisation, Lisa, first met Rex six years ago when he went along to the annual New Year’s Day beach clean up in Thorpe Bay Southend. Below is what Lisa has to say about Rex.
“I couldn’t believe what a dedicated young man he was at such a young age so I signed him up to The Little Ripples project which is our young members group. Children are encouraged to keep a log of their own litter picks and are given t shirts and ocean awareness books.
Rex also attended the Pure Sea fun run and beach clean up in Frinton on Sea which was so much fun. Since then Rex has been actively involved with our events and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty filling bags of rubbish from our beaches.
He has a fantastic imagination and shares our vision for creating a brighter future for our oceans. Rex has a lovely spirit and I look forward to having his involvement with future projects. He has secured a place on one of our shark science and environmental programs in Wales where we are proud to educate students thus creating young ambassadors for our oceans.”
Lisa Good Founder and Director Pure Sea
FOR
PARENTS/ CARERS
@EssexMHST and SETcamhs
of secondary aged children to support with mental health and wellbeing Provided by your Mental Health Support Team Coming up in March
How to Support your Child Around Exam Anxiety 3 March 7 pm rd
Understanding Low Mood 16 March 10 am th
ON THE SLOPES
Where every day is a snow day!
Honywood
Our annual Honywood Ski trip once again visited the Dachstein West region in Salzburg, The hour coach journey was long, however, the 41 enthusiastic learners and 8 staff arrived safe
Our days were spent with high-energy skiing, and we were treated once again to great conditions and plenty of fresh snow. The excitement continued off the slopes with programme, featuring bowling, games nights, curling, ice-skating and a spectacular
A huge thank you goes out to our learners. Their positivity and respectful praise from locals and staff alike, ensuring the trip was as rewarding exhilarating.
Looking ahead.... Work is already well underway for our Val 2027 trip! We are currently fully booked, however, If you would like your child to join the waiting list, please contact dscott@honywoodschool.com.
26 safe and great weather a fun evening spectacular ski show. respectful nature earned rewarding as it was Cenis would contact
Go on a litter picking trip.
Remember to wear protective gloves of some sort (preferably not singleuse) and take a reusable container like a bucket or garden trug to avoid using bin liners. See how much litter you can collect from your local area. Send us a photo!
Monday 2nd March
Wednesday 4th March
Thursday 5th March
Dates for the Diary
C10 Science Live Visit
C11 Drama Exam
C8 Guided Choices Evening for parents
World Book Day
C9 Travel Hacks Performance
C9 National Theatres visit to the Mercury
Friday 6th March
C9 Dp/tet/polio vaccinations
Tues 10 & Wed 11 March Grease School Production
Wed 11 & Thurs 12 March GCSE PE Practical Exams
Mon 16th March
Tues 17th March
Thurs 19th March
Orchestra Workshop Day
C8 Parents Evening 3.30-6.30
C11 London Trip
30th March - 10th April Easter Holidays