I wanted to write to all Greenshaw families with a brief update after an unusual start to term, and learning, in our new rooms. I also wanted to let you know about changes to the front of school.

We started the term as always in the summer with art exams (A Level Art last week, Photography and
3-D Design this week) and GCSE listening exams for languages students. We started with Polish last week and are into Spanish this week. This sense of normal school routines has very much helped us continue to focus on our students in Years 11 and 13, as well as all of those in our new buildings.

Our two new buildings

Exactly as promised by the contractors, the new classrooms are very bright and fresh. They are a good size, and nothing like any memories we might have from our own education of temporary cabins in playgrounds, that may have sometimes been leaky and not suitable.

Indeed, staff in some subjects have suggested the new rooms are superior to what we had before, particularly in the practical subjects. I have included a photograph of a workshop classroom below, so families can have a sense of what the newer rooms look like.

Adjustments to the fence and entry to the school

If you have been past the school during the Easter holidays, you will have seen that the original fencing (from the opening of the school) has been upgraded. It is now green, of course, but also has a greater level of control around entry to the site.

Nothing will change in the morning or at the end of the school day. The gates will be open and staffed, welcoming students in as always. During other points of the day, however, there will be a push button and speaker on the main pathway into the school office, rather than an open gate along the main path. This is a part of our development of the whole school site and will allow us to ensure that Greenshaw remains a very safe place for students and staff alike.

Assessments for Year 7, 8 and 9

If you have a child in Years 7, 8 or 9, they may talk to you about assessments this week in English, maths and science. I can reassure you that there is no need to revise for these – in fact to attempt to do so is futile. These assessments do not cover our taught curriculum, rather test skills like literacy and mathematical fluency. So merely encourage your child to do as well as they can, and take these in their stride. We wish them all well.

I will write in more detail at the end of the week, but I hope families appreciate a brief update in the meantime. Enjoy the sunshine!

Mr N House, Headteacher