Well, it has been a beautiful week of sunshine that has also seen some of my best table tennis. During lunchtime this week I won several matches, beating students in Year 9. Having witnessed the standard of some of the Year 11 students on the next couple of tables, I will probably stay at my current level. Winning some games, and losing some, against students much, much younger than myself seems about my right level.

On a serious note, the brighter weather this week has seen the outside spaces at break and lunch busier as more students head out from the indoor dining halls. It has been really noticeable how everyone feels uplifted – sitting on benches in the sun is a joyous experience, for staff and students. Long may this bright spell continue into spring, and help all of us enjoy the journeys to and from school, in bright daylight.

Information evenings

It has been great to meet so many of our families this week for information evenings on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. We have met with families from students in Years 8 and 9 to discuss subject pathways and Year 11 families to share our plans for GCSE preparation. 

While we have talked about the detailed information in each presentation, slightly different for each year group, the constant has been community. It is really important that we feel connected to one another, as school and families. I have really enjoyed seeing so many of you in person, so thank you for giving up your time from your busy schedule to join us at school.

Build update

I have also taken advantage of meeting so many of you to share photographs of the temporary school, and explain our plans for the next phase. The work remains well on time, and we look likely to be taking possession of the temporary school at the start of summer term. When this is absolutely confirmed, I will share the plans for how we move into those buildings, probably either in next Friday’s letter or the week after. I remain a touch cautious about whether me promising anything too quickly might jinx all of the work, that until now, seems to be going very smoothly. 

For now, the next activity is for the School Council to get a ‘VIP Pass’ to the new buildings next week. They will be our first students to visit the buildings and I hope to update you next week with their views. 

Chess achievements

Well done to our chess team, who qualified in last Thursday's repêchage in the National Online Chess Championship, and are therefore progressing to the next round. Thirushanth, Ivan, Andrei, Ashwin, Kaveeshan, Krish and Saket will all play again on Monday, so we wish them all the best of luck.

Students of the week

Congratulations to these pupils for their combination of hard work, community spirit and great social contributions. Meeting them to hear more about their achievements, and present them with certificates, is one of the highlights of my week.

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
tbc	Isfahan	Nilaksan	Efe	Favour	Shaun, Sean, Gabriel, Kallumn

Wishing you all the best for a restful weekend.

Mr N House, Headteacher