20 March 2025
Dear Parent/carer
I hope this letter finds you well. As an Academy we always strive for excellence in all we do, and we believe that excellence is not just about achievement but also about effort, resilience and the positive impact we have on those around us. This week we are celebrating excellence in many forms: including academic challenges, community involvement and personal determination.
STEM week – inspiring future innovators
Our students celebrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) week last week. Students were given an opportunity to experience science outside the curriculum by designing and building bridges using spaghetti and building circuits using graphite pencils. There was also a STEM form time quiz where students could demonstrate their scientific knowledge and understanding. Students were invited to a STEM scavenger hunt where they won prizes for naming famous scientists. We relaunched the STEM club where students are invited after school to participate in experiments and other engaging activities to improve their scientific knowledge but more importantly to enjoy more science. The STEM club is on every Wednesday in room 27 from 3:15 – 4pm.
Pi Day Competition – The beauty of Mathematics
On 14th March, our students participated in our annual Pi Day competition, celebrating one of the most fascinating numbers in mathematics. After school students recited the Pi digits and one student managed to recall Pi to 277 decimal places. Congratulations to all the winners and well done to all who took part!
The Mile Run for Comic Relief
Excellence is not just about the classroom; it is about pushing ourselves physically and supporting those less fortunate than us. Last week, as part of the PE curriculum, we held our annual 1-mile run to raise money for Sport Relief and Comic Relief charities. Every student participated during their PE lesson, creating an exciting and energetic atmosphere. They had the chance to challenge themselves to beat school record times or to place among the top 10 male and female runners in their year group. Alternatively, students could enjoy a more relaxed pace, walking or running around the course with friends. So far, we’ve raised over £500, thanks to the generous sponsorship from family and friends. It was also fantastic to see so many students running in fancy dress. The individual results and the top fundraising student contributions will be included in the Interhouse competition, and we will share these with students and parents soon. We want to extend our congratulations to all the students who took part. Their efforts not only supported an incredible cause but also demonstrated the resilience and enthusiasm that are at the heart of our Academy.
Year 11 – Excellence in Mock Exams
A special mention must go to our Year 11 students, who have shown outstanding commitment and conduct during the final mocks before their GCSE exams. Their focus and maturity in approaching this important stage in their education is truly commendable. With only 5 teaching weeks before the start of their GCSE exams they need to maintain this focus and prepare in earnest, taking advantage of all the support in school. They should now be revising every day to ensure they achieve the best possible results in the Summer.
Recognising excellence – Thank you cards
We have also been taking time to recognise and thank those who inspire, support and help us in any way. Whether it is a teacher who has gone the extra mile, a friend who has shown kindness, or a student demonstrating perseverance, these small but meaningful gestures remind us of all the power of gratitude. Students and staff appreciate when they receive one of these cards and value them enough to proudly display them on doors or keep safety in pockets to take home.
We look forward to celebrating many more achievements and fostering an environment where excellence is encouraged and celebrated. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students reach their full potential.
Mrs Muschette
Assistant Principal
