Good afternoon,
The lighter mornings and evenings have been most welcome upon our return to school this week, and it has been great to see more students outside at break and lunch enjoying some early Spring sunshine.
This first week of the half term has seen Year 11s complete their second round of mock exams, and once again they have been incredible in their approach to this final practice before the push towards the actual GCSEs - well done to all Year 11s. Attendance for the year group has been really impressive this week, and it's vital that this commitment to maintaining exceptional attendance remains for the rest of the year, as we know it will improve outcomes.
The PE department and the large number of students representing the school in a variety of sports have had an incredibly busy and successful sporting week. Congratulations and well done to all involved! We look forward to sharing more on this in due course.
On Wednesday this week, I had the absolute pleasure of spending breaktime with Lydia in Year 11 who had chosen 'Tea with the Headteacher' as a reward for the high number of House points she has achieved. Instead of the usual chat over a cup of tea or glass of squash, she took the opportunity to challenge me to a game of chess. Knowing that Lydia enjoys playing regularly with her dad, whilst I only very occasionally take a beating from the chess app on my phone, I was anticipating a rather speedy game. However, thanks in very large part to Lydia's generous in-game coaching, the match was a surprisingly tense affair, and as the bell sounded to signal the end of break, we had not finished. We resume at break on Monday (I fear I will be dealt a swift and brutal defeat). The picture below shows where the game was left, Lydia playing black with the next go, and me playing white (suggestions of next moves gratefully received).
Next Monday we will have the EPQ evening, which I know is a favourite for many. During this event our Year 12 students showcase their EPQ projects, demonstrating independent learning, research, creativity and huge amount o hard work. Hearing the students describe their work with such passion, confidence and conviction is always inspiring, and I am really looking forward to the event. Year 11 students who are considering the EPQ as part of their Sixth Form enrichment offer will really benefit from attending - please see the invite letter you received for full details. Good luck to all students with their presentations and thanks to all of the staff who have provided guidance and support along the way.
Also next week, we wish the very best of luck to the Year 11 Food and Nutrition students who have their GCSE practical. I look forward to seeing the results of this three-hour practical exam.
And finally, you will see above that we celebrated last week's Lunar New Year in the Dining Room this week, with some delicious sweet and sour chicken, vegetable stir-fry and fried rice. Wishing a belated Happy New Year to all members of our community marking the start of the rare Year of the Fire Horse!
Have a great weekend.
James Crowther, Headteacher
Tuesdays at 7-8pm
Online via Zoom
