I wrote to you at the end of last term suggesting that if I needed to send reminders about sun cream, water bottles and hats in the playground over half term, then I would. Checking the forecast at the end of the half term heat wave, that clearly was not needed. It has been more important this week that students have had coats and umbrellas to ward off heavy rain and hail, not the heat of the sun.

However, I am sure that there may be some hot weather at some point in the next six weeks. So a reminder that students may wear short trousers at any point of the year and some did last half term. These do need to be short trousers, i.e. dark grey or black fabric that are in keeping with shirts and ties. On days when students have PE, they will be wearing sports shorts anyway.

Year 9 work experience launch

Work experience for Year 9 students was launched last night, and it was wonderful to see so many families attending the presentation led by Mrs Sone. I hope that the evening was both informative and personal, with a range of students sharing their own work experience journeys and reflections. I really enjoyed the videos by our current Year 10 students.

If you were unable to attend, all presentation materials and resources are available on the school website under the Careers section.

Making learning real in Personal, Social and Health Education

As part of their Crime and Punishment unit in PSHE, Year 9 students welcomed PC Clark and a local PCSO into their lesson earlier this week (pictured above). This was a chance for our students to understand a particular profession and students had the opportunity to bring their learning to life by engaging directly with serving police officers, asking a range of thoughtful and insightful questions. Discussions focused on laws, local crime issues, how crimes are reported, and the important role the police play within the community.

The visit provided valuable real-world context to classroom learning and encouraged students to think critically about crime, justice, and community safety. We would like to thank PC Clark and the PCSO for taking the time to share their experiences and answer students’ questions so openly and honestly.

Curriculum Enhancement Days

This term, we have three scheduled Curriculum Enhancement Days as part of our enrichment programme. Our enrichment programme is about much more than simply taking part in activities; it is designed to provide students with valuable opportunities, memorable experiences, and a stronger sense of belonging within our school community. This week, students received letters containing the final details for each event.

These experiences are carefully planned to support and enhance learning beyond the classroom, creating lasting benefits that students will remember long after the day itself.

Could we please ask you to check that you have: 

• Made a contribution towards the overall cost of the visits; and
• Provided your consent via the MCAS app.

These Curriculum Enhancement Days are a compulsory part of the curriculum and form an important element of students' learning and personal development.

Students of the week

Well done to each of the students 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	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
Andrew	Hazel	Charlie	Ethan TB	tbc	Iliana / Mustafa

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Mr N House, Headteacher