I had the pleasure of being invited to two student council meetings yesterday. I heard the students of Years 9 and Year 10 organising fund raising events for good causes, and witnessed first hand their organisational skills. It was also brilliant to hear them debate the relative merits of different good causes, comparing charities raising money for research into health conditions with others set up to conserve wildlife. As ever, our pupils never cease to impress me with their maturity and care for others.

Mobile phones

You will probably be aware of much discussion recently in the media about mobile phone usage, particularly for school aged children. There are a number of proposals, including changes to the law on the age at which children can set up their own social media accounts and ideas about reducing mobile phone use in schools.

I thought it might be useful to let you know where we are at as a school, and how we have got there.

About eight years ago we decided that mobile phone usage in school was not necessary. We started with an educational approach, talking to our young people about the downsides of using social media too frequently, while also acknowledging that mobile phones are also useful tools. We did say that on balance we wanted pupils in school to be socialising with their friends at break and lunch, making eye contact with one another, chatting and playing games. 

Since then we have adopted a ‘gate to gate’ policy. This means that while we do know that our children will carry a phone, we do not expect it to be switched on or seen on our site. We also ensure that no lower school lessons involve use of mobile phones as a learning tool. The expectations are similar for our Sixth Form students, with the exception of when they are in the Sixth Form Centre.

We continue to monitor any formal changes from the Department for Education, as well as talk with other Sutton secondary schools about their practice. Interestingly, the views of the two School Council meetings I attended yesterday were that they feel our current approach works. Should there be any nationally mandated changes I will of course let you know.

INSET Day, Monday 9th March

Just a quick reminder that school will be closed for all pupils on Monday 9th March. School will be open as usual on Tuesday 10th March.

Building the new school

The development over the last month has been very rapid. If you are familiar with our school you will have seen the metal framework of the largest building take shape very rapidly. Our pupils and staff continue to manage the odd situation of continuing their very focused learning, while we are a stone’s throw away from a huge building site, superbly. I will continue to share images over the coming months as particular milestones are met. For now, all is progressing very well.

Pupils of the week

Well done to each of the pupils below for being nominated this week. I look forward to hearing about each of their achievements and the contributions that they have made to the school.

Year 7: Billie-May

Year 8: Faith

Year 9: Grace

Year 10: Shaurya

Year 11: Dean

Year 12 and 13: Joe, Lisa and Yusuf

This has been our sunniest week since September, and has also seen at the same time brilliant attendance. Particular shout out to pupils in Year 8 who have averaged 97% attendance this week but thank you to all families for ensuring that your pupils have been in and on time. This has been a great week to have all of your children in school. Wishing you sunny weekends!