News

As another busy term concludes and we look forward to the holiday period, I wanted to recognise the incredible resilience and sense of community within the school during what has been the most incredibly sad and challenging circumstances. Our shock and grief does not go away but the way the students have coped has made me incredibly proud of them. The Dove positive contribution week raising over £900 for wellbeing related charities is testament to this community spirit.

Year 11 received their mock exam results and had their Parents’ Evening last week. There were some incredibly encouraging results but also lots of work still to be done in the weeks ahead. Support for revision is available on the school website for all subjects.

Well done to all the students who took part in the Christmas Concert. There were some incredible vocal and musical performances on display. Thank you to Mr Williams for his time preparing the students so well and to FOSH for providing the refreshments.

Last week we welcomed year 5 from Stradbroke Primary into school. They joined Mrs Currie-Cathey to enjoy some festive cooking. The tempting smells of gingerbread drifting down the corridor suggest there are some budding chefs in the group.

Christmas lunch and jumper day was fun as always. Thanks to Simone and her team in the kitchen for all the extra time and effort in preparing such a superb meal for us all.

Year 7, 8, 9 and the year 11 drama students have enjoyed visits to the theatre this term including the Panto, King Lear and War Horse. Thank you to Mrs Rowe and all the staff who have accompanied the children.

Our new Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award group have now started and enjoyed their first Saturday training session last weekend learning essential first aid skills with Mr Thomas so they can keep themselves and others safe on their expedition. We look forward to them starting their skills volunteering and physical sections in the coming months.

We end the term today with the rearranged Awards Evening, and now traditional Talent Show. Recognising the efforts and achievements of the students is important and we will endeavour to get the photos out to families as quickly as we can in the new year. I am sure we will be entertained this afternoon in the Talent Show and know the term will end full of laughter.

Some key dates for your diary in January include:

· Thursday 8th January – year 10 Speak Out challenge

· Tuesday 27th January – year 9 vaccinations

· Wednesday 28th January – Year 9 Personal Development (PD) morning and Year 11 GCSE Geography trip

· Wednesday 4th February – Year 9 Parents’ Evening

 

The following is a message from our Multi Academy Trust:

Many of you will be aware that several trusts / schools have recently realigned the structure of the school year. After reviewing our own pattern, we have decided that a slight adjustment would benefit both pupils and staff, particularly in relation to the length of the autumn term.

Our priority has been to maintain the total number of days pupils spent in school, whilst also enhancing the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

The main change is an extension to the October half-term break. We believe this adjustment will support pupil and staff wellbeing and improve attendance, especially given the national priority.

We can confirm that there will be no reduction to the number of teaching days.

Thank you for your continued support as we implement these changes.

Sapientia Education Trust

I hope the holidays gives everyone the space they need to prioritise their own wellbeing whilst seeing family and friends. We look forward to welcoming the students back to school on Wednesday 7th January.

Very best wishes for a calm and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Mrs Millar