December 2022
Dear Parent/Carer
As this term comes to an end, it is a chance to reflect on a long and busy few months for the Academy and the year as we all returned to a more stable and normal schooling pattern. Some of the high points from the previous year have been:
Continuing improvements in GCSE outcomes from our year 11 results in August.
Over the summer holiday a significant refurbishment investment of the academy site took place, this included 2 new drama studios, 2 new science laboratories, new reception and meeting rooms, upgraded art and photography facilities and a new library. Reading and literacy is firmly at the heart of all we do and it was a great pleasure to have the local MP Paulette Hamilton to open our new library named after Sue Bowley our librarian who retired after 37 years in May.
In the summer we were delighted to discover that one of our PE teachers, Mr Brotherton, was awarded Rugby teacher of the year, this recognition was just one of the great opportunities our students have to participate and broaden their experiences in every week. Over the holiday please look on our website at the extra-curricular opportunities with your child and make a new year resolution to begin to participate.
As part of the ERASMUS European Union project some of our students have had the chance to visit Portugal and Turkey to work with students from other countries to investigate the career opportunities in other parts of Europe, this project will continue in 2023 with us hosting students and teachers from six other countries.
It has been my immense privilege to lead an incredibly skilled, talented and dedicated group of staff over this year. This term I have seen some high-quality teaching, leading to good understanding and progress from our students. I look forward to this continuing next term and would encourage parents and carers over this holiday to discuss with students the topics and learning from this term, the ability to recall facts and apply skills is vital to GCSE success.
Please use this time over the holiday to refresh any uniform that needs replacing, ties and shoes are the main areas that students break or grow out of. Our uniform suppliers are open over the break and orders can also be done on-line, details can be found on the school website.
We have been reviewing our medical processes, one of the changes will be the use of toilet passes, from January all toilet passes are being cancelled. If you feel your child needs a medical pass can you please arrange an appointment with Mr Halstead to discuss, medical evidence will need to be provided in the meeting.
We are delighted to see so many students participating in the additional sports activities that we are providing at lunchtimes. Additional sessions of street dance, football, cricket and basketball take place each lunchtime.
If your child wishes to participate in these free activities after the holiday, they must bring a change of footwear for the sports hall and dance studio, and food must not be eaten in the sports facilities.
I would like to remind parents/carers that school will close for all students on Friday 16th December 2022 at 3:10pm, this will be a normal school finish time for all year groups.
Thank you for your support this term. The new term begins for students on Wednesday 4th January 2023 at 8:40am.
Can I finish by giving my best wishes to all families, whether Christmas is celebrated or not; time to spend with friends and family is always very special. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable break.
If you would like to leave feedback on Parent View please follow the attached link:
https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/
Yours sincerely
Mr Mallett
Principal
