STALHAM HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER January 2018
By the time you read this, the decorations of Christmas will be coming down, if not already stored away for next time, and life will be settling back into the routine of term time at theDecember 2016 start of 2018. Where did 2017 go?! In particular, where did the Autumn Term go? Such has been the focus on our work that many have been making similar remarks about the speed at which time has flown by. That, in many respects, is a good sign. It is a sign of a busy and active school that is committed to continually trying to be the best it can be and upholding the high aspirations that were noted in our successful OFSTED Inspection in September. That seems a long time ago, but it was a significant moment for us all and clearly affirmed our commitment to our students and community. I have been delighted with the praise for the result that has been passed on to me directly and via others, particularly from community leaders, and Norman Lamb, MP, who we shall be welcoming to the school in January. From that momentous start to term, we continued, inspired by the outcome, and many great things followed. We were delighted with the outcome of, and praise for, the Open Evening and subsequently, the number of Year 6’s choosing to join us in September. You will read in this newsletter about the many positive events of the term, and I hope you will note the levels of participation from students, and the work that staff have done to make these possible – for all of this I am very grateful. So, I hope Christmas was a suitable recovery period from the exertions of the term and we look forward to further great success in 2018. Mr. M Budgett Head of School Year 11 Mock Exams & Revision Year 11 recently took part in a series of mock examinations designed to give them a flavour of what to expect in the summer. We have all been incredibly impressed by the maturity, focus and resilience displayed by the year group. From morning registration to lunchtime revision to afternoon exams, our students have risen to the challenge and have been a credit to themselves and the school. Thank you, Year 11! Teachers will begin to feedback to students as mock exams are marked, with all papers being returned by mid-January. We have asked teachers to ensure that students receive a grade and targets for next steps to help them to make further progress. As we are currently within a period of change across the nation with GCSEs, it is sometimes difficult for teachers to give a precise exam grade. Maths & English will be the most accurate as we have grade boundaries from last year to refer to but other subjects are, to a certain extent, working without a clear national picture. In these areas the feedback targets, as always, are crucial to support students in making further progress with their studies. Students have thrown themselves into revision recently with excellent attendance at our Maths & Science revision clubs. Other subjects are arranging revision sessions too and students will receive a list of available sessions in the New Year. GCSE Pod continues to be a favourite tool of Year 11 students with over 1300 streams & downloads since September alone! Year 11 have shown us that they are a mature and dedicated year group and we are looking at ways to further support them with their exam preparations. This will include discrete revision sessions in place of form time in the mornings and a dedicated series of revision assemblies. Details will be released next term. I wish all Year 11 students a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Whilst studies are important, so is quality down-time, time with family and general rest. Pace yourselves, enjoy the holidays and well done on a superb first term. Mr. P Norris Assistant Head Teacher: Director of Teaching & Learning