Headteacher Update

September 2022

Pledge Day 2022 has been a huge success with every student in the school engaged in activities linked to the school’s Fit for Life Pledge, details of which can be found on our website here. Throughout the day Year 7 students have been involved in numerous team building activities and it has been fantastic to see their resilience, their leadership and communication coming to the fore as they overcame the challenges of the day. Year 8 have visited Cragside to learn about our regional heritage as the house was the first building in the country to install hydroelectric power; as well as that they enjoyed the amazing grounds in the sunshine with lots of activities to fill the day. Year 9 discovered more about their local heritage with a trip to sites such as Segedunum and The Monument in Newcastle (this was after a slight hiccup in that the metro system went down just as they were about to board the trains…All part of the experience!). On the trip they learnt all about each historical site and will have finished the day with a much greater understanding of the rich history of our area. Year 10 have spent the day at Newcastle University to learn about the possibilities available in higher education for them in the future and Year 11 have spent the day touring further education colleges to help them make their choices for the next stage of their education. It has been a spectacular day where the students have been a credit to the school. A huge well done and thank you must go to Mrs Winder who has organised this monumental day.

Last night we welcomed hundreds of Year 6 children and their families to our 2022 Open Evening. It was wonderful to be able to showcase the school and share with everyone what happens in each subject and what to expect if they choose to join us in September next year. The success of the evening was very much in the hands of our students who were assisting teachers in classrooms and leading groups on tours – they were an absolute credit to the school. The compliments about our students as parents left at the end of the evening were wonderful and those involved should be very proud of their part in what was a hugely successful evening.

It has been a short, but busy week with the Sport Academy back up and running with nearly 240 students braving the rain yesterday morning to take part in the taster session. The Performing Arts Academy for Years 7 and 8 will be up and running in the next few weeks. We have also finalised details of the Year 7 residential trip to Ford Castle in Northumberland. Details were sent out via email and sent home with Year 7 students, but please do contact the school if you would like any further information.

Finally, we have had some information from the Children’s Society this week about slang terms that are commonly in use linked to drugs and other worrying activities. I have attached the information here and here for you so that you can spot anything that might be of concern if you see messages or content on your child’s phone. This is a really practical way that you can help to protect your child online.

Best wishes
Jonathan