Headlines 3July26 by Honywood School

HEADLINES 3rd July 2026

James Saunders

OVERCOMING PERSONAL CHALLENGES

We always approach sports day with great anticipation and a touch of trepidation - well at least for the weather. Whilst the summer weather can be unpredictable, based on the current temp we were less worried. Thankfully today was great. Sports day takes a lot of organising behind the scenes as well as on the day. People often ask me if being a Headteacher is tough. I can honestly say that when you experience things such as Sports Day, when you get to see how talented our young people are; when you get to share in their challenges, talents, failures and success, it is the best job in the world. I hope that our learners have enjoyed competing for their Houses today in relays; netball; rounders; football; and a range of skill based challenges.

As we wrap up the week we are preparing to say farewell to our C7 learners who will be attending Caythorpe for their residential and C10 who are either travelling to Paris or Berlin, or completing work experience. That leaves just C8 and C9 in school for the week to complete an in school programme of enrichment. The week certainly looks jam packed with lots of enriching experiences that I hope will bring our learners together and create experiences that they will remember beyond Honywood. As a Caythorpe regular I know that the C7s will have a great time getting stuck into the activities. I am pleased to see Laser Tag is still on offer.

No matter which activity or experience our learners are involved in, either in school or far away, each one will support them to think, reflect and overcome personal challenges. Overcoming life’s challenges is an important part of building character. Our approach to building cultural and social capital in all our learners is designed to do this. These character building challenges come in many forms - such as leaving home, communicating in another language or embracing the challenges of adulthood. I am sure that these experiences will help to build resilience to face

the everyday challenges that school and life often presents. Challenges like: balancing workload; revising for exams; taking exams; making friends; talking to a class; leading peers and supporting friends. Keep an eye on Facebook to follow the many exploits of the week - it’s going to be a busy one.

When we return we will enter the final week of the year. In the meantime, should there be any school matters that you need assistance with, Mr Munro will be on hand in school.

In light of most staff and learners being out of the building next week we will not issue the Headlines at the end of the week. Therefore, there will be one final Headlines on Friday 17th July.

I wish you all a lovely weekend.

THANKS

James

Saunders

Please can we thank the following learners for supporting the Governance Day on 1st July:

Isobel Jones, Wilson Strong, Sylvie Rassell, Ethan Yerby, Callum Bones and Hema Mistry

Prom 2026 A Night to Remember

Celebrating Excellence: The Jack Petchey Achievement Award!

We are absolutely thrilled to shine a spotlight on the Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme, an incredible initiative that continues to recognise and reward the outstanding young people in our school community.

Established by the visionary businessman and philanthropist Sir Jack Petchey, the foundation operates on a wonderfully simple yet powerful belief: "If you think you can, you can!" ---

What is the Jack Petchey Award?

Unlike traditional academic or sporting trophies, the Jack Petchey Award isn't just for the top grades or the fastest runner. It is about effort, character, and resilience

The award recognises young people who go above and beyond, show exceptional dedication, help others, or overcome personal challenges. It’s for the students who make our school a brighter, kinder, and more vibrant place to learn.

How Does It Work?

Throughout the school year, students and staff have the opportunity to nominate individuals who they believe deserve recognition. Each winner receives:

• A prestigious framed certificate and a pin badge.

• An invitation to a spectacular regional live presentation ceremony to celebrate with family and friends.

• A £300 grant to spend on a school project of their choice!

The £300 grant is a fantastic bonus because it puts the power directly into the winner's hands. Past winners have used their funds to purchase new equipment for extra-curricular clubs, buy specialized books for the library, or fund exciting school workshops. It is the ultimate way for a student to leave a lasting, positive legacy.

A

Massive Congratulations to Our

Our 2026 winners so far were:

Latest Winners!

January - Evie Vaughan 10BWi - For going over and above expectations to help others, for supporting Dance Club and enabling another learner to succeed. Evie’s grant will provide a Dance workshop for our GCSE learners.

February - Charlene Regan 10BWi - For overcoming challenges, for perseverance and excelling in Karate and being a true role model to others. Charlene’s grant bought the Science department new quadrats.

March - Emma Wilkins 7FGr - For showing bravery, courage and always engaging in school. Emma’s grant has bought a reflection bench for the school grounds.

April - Charlotte Kernahan - 11DSp - For demonstrating great resilience, supporting others and for helping others to achieve their potential. Charlotte’s money is going towards a Macbeth workshop.

May - Amelia Edwards - 11ASa/TPa - For being a fantastic role model, offering incredible support to someone outside of school and for lifting people’s spirits. Amelia’s grant will be used to buy new grading pieces for the Music department.

June - Wilson Strong - 7BRs - For independently noticing when someone was in need of support and stepping up to help them, for his work ethic and being a good role model. English will also be using Wilson’s grant towards the Macbeth workshop.

We want to give a huge round of applause to our most recent Jack Petchey Award recipients We would also like to recognise all students who have been put forward for a nomination. Well done to the following learners:

Cohort 7 - James Casey, Ned Chambers, Evie Cherry, Brandon Cook, Jack Everitt, Hannah Fish, Thomas Gardener, Olivia Holt, Scarlett Hurley, Callum Lee, Jacob Marcus, Harry Martin, Chimkasima Mba, Brooke Nickerson, Hayden Parish, Jax Sears, AleyaRose Short, Lucas Sprunt, Finley Weavers, Austin Wells, Hugo Williams and Lyla Wood.

Cohort 8 - Stevie Davey, Cleopatra Dey, Charlotte Dobedoe, Eddie Hutchison, Oakley Maddox, Chizi Mba, Frankie Taylor and Benji Walker.

Cohort 9 - Summer Morgan-Brooks, Zack Cooper, Esme Crux, Tigs Ellis, Freya Horvath, Micah Melvin, Caitlin Sorrell, George Swinbourne and Rhiannon Williams.

Cohort 10 - Mia Carlsson, Sophie Collard, Micah Cudjoe, Noah Ellis, Lacey Fitzpatrick, Freya Hyland, Ivy Murkowski and Micah Seaman-Cudjoe.

Cohort 11 - John Cook, Jayden Fulcher, Freya Hutchinson, Quinn O’Brien, Estelle Scherer and Freddie Smith.

Get Involved: Who Will You Nominate Next?

Do you know a student who always lends a helping hand? Someone who has shown massive improvement in their attitude to learning, or a peer who has shown incredible courage in the face of adversity?

We want to hear about them! Our next round of nominations will open in September. Keep an eye on the school notice boards and your inbox for the next round of nominations. Let’s keep celebrating the amazing spirit of our students.

Remember: If you think you can, you can!

1. America began as 13 British colonies

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Great Britain owned several territories along North America’s Atlantic coast. They were known as the Thirteen Colonies and included Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia. The 13 stripes in the modern American flag represent those original colonies.

2. The Revolutionary War started America’s quest for independence

The Thirteen Colonies weren’t entirely happy with Britain’s rule over them. They initiated the American Revolutionary War in 1775 to express their grievances about certain matters, such as taxation and their lack of representation in government. It soon turned into a quest for independence from Britain.

3. America actually declared independence on 2 July 1776 Delegates from the Thirteen Colonies held a meeting called the Second Continental Congress. On 2 July 1776, they agreed to approve a resolution of independence, which proclaimed freedom from British rule. The statement of autonomy, called the Declaration of Independence, was officially approved two days later on 4 July.

4. Celebrations

Everywhere in the United States, Independence Day is an all-day celebration. Many people have the day off from work. They spend time with family and friends. They attend picnics, barbecues, and parades during the day. At night they gather to watch fireworks. Some people wear red, white, and blue clothes on 4 July. Many people hang U.S. flags outside their homes.