Headteacher End Of Year Letter – July 2023

When I was appointed as Headteacher in January, I started with an assembly on ‘If it is worth doing, then it is worth doing well’ and each and every day I am so impressed that the vast majority of students live up to this, trying their hardest in their learning and being their best selves, taking pride in what they do, and in how well they treat others in the School community.

This year has seen us re-establish lots of what makes this school great in providing plenty of opportunities for personal development. Trips such as the Gambia trip, Ski trip, Year 8 Camp and the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions have all ran successfully and have been the highlight for many students. We have had many others trips and lots of opportunities for students to get involved with such as going out to junior schools and teaching Year 5 and Year 6 students. There are more clubs running than ever and attendance at these has grown and grown. It is a privilege for me to lead such a selfless and talented group of staff that go above and beyond to provide all these extra opportunities for our students.

Students are making the most of all the opportunities they have, and the sense of ‘belonging’ to the school community is growing all the time. There are now over 150 students involved in leadership roles of all different types, whether this be as a subject champion or an anti-bullying ambassador, a mental health ambassador or a representative on the school council. This is the student’s school and they have already started to make changes which they are excited about building upon next year.

This week we received the news that for the fourth time we have been re-awarded the UNICEF RRSA Gold Award as a Rights Respecting School which is an amazing achievement reflecting our school culture of putting relationships and students’ rights at the heart of our decision making. Throughout the year many parents have provided feedback, and this has been overwhelmingly positive. I would just like to thank you and reiterate how appreciated this is by staff receiving feedback when they have gone the extra mile to support students or given up time for trips and events such as Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or Year 8
Camp for example.

Timings of the School Day and Important Dates for your Calendar

Arrivals & Dismisals

Timings of the School Day

Arrangements for the First Day – Wednesday 6th September 2023

Year 7 and 11 – Arrival at school 8:20 – 8:40am – Year 7 go to main hall and Year 11 go to Tutor.
Year 8, 9 and 10 – Arrival at school 10:45 – 11am for breaktime then go to Tutor for lesson 3.
Lessons 4-6 will be normal lessons.

2023-2024 Term Dates and Important Events for your Diary