I think it is fair to say that we are all back in the swing of things now at Roding Valley High School and term is well under way. The students have made an excellent start to the year and I have been into lots of lessons and I have been delighted with the levels of concentration and hard work that I have seen. I am particularly pleased that our new teaching staff have settled in so quickly and are clearly enjoying their lessons and are getting to know the students. I think that building positive professional relationships with the students is one of the key factors in ensuring that the students make excellent progress and I am glad to see that the school is a friendly environment with lots of good humour. This week has been very busy for the PE department with lots of trials and training sessions for football, netball and rugby and I would like to highlight the large numbers of students who have been attending these sessions. It is great to see so much competition for places but I would like to say that I want to encourage students of all abilities to get involved with sports as well as other extra-curricular activities across the school. Roding Valley High School is not just about achieving good grades, it is also about getting involved in the school community and enjoying the opportunities on offer whether these are sports clubs, drama and dance, art and pottery or any of the myriad of other clubs that are available. This evening we are hosting the Year 10 Parent Information Evening and I very much hope that those parents attending find the session useful. We are entering a time where GCSEs are changing and it is vital that students and parents are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. I am glad to say that we have planned the way forward very carefully and will certainly ensure that the students get every support in order to succeed. However, this is a difficult time for schools as we embark on new specifications with new requirements and we are grateful for your support as parents so that we can guide your sons and daughters through the new challenges. Finally I would like to mention how impressed I have been with the students' uniform this term. They look so smart and the new formal shoes are the finishing touch to ensure that they are the best dressed students in the area. Thank you for your support with this - it is much appreciated. J Luck Headteacher
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