Headteacher Update

May 2023

Our inaugural Bizarre took place on Wednesday and what a triumph it was for its first outing! For those of you who were not able to attend, the evening was focused around physical and mental wellbeing in our community and attracted stall holders selling anything from cup cakes to head massage! The event was the brainchild of Ben in Year 8 to support the year group’s chosen charity UsActive who support young people with their mental health through engagement with physical activity. Ably supported by Mr Pilkington, students and fundraisers from the charity put together an exhibition including wellbeing advice and stalls from local businesses; the school’s newly formed PTA also sold loved uniform, which was very popular. Bizarre was incredibly well attended by students, parents and members of our community who were also treated to a performance from our performing arts students as well as a sneak preview of the Lion King, which is our summer production taking place on 27th and 28th June. Well done to all involved, £551 was raised for the charity.

Year 10 have been out on work experience this week and we have already had some excellent feedback from employers. Comments have included how polite, hard working and inquisitive the students have been. This is lovely to hear and a huge thank you to Mrs Winder who coordinated everything for the year group. It is an invaluable opportunity and it is great to hear that so many have got so much out of it.

This week has also seen the commencement of the Year 11 exams with Language speaking tests and the Art exam. Next week the written exams start in earnest meaning that we will switch to an early lunch for all students so that afternoon exams can start promptly and without disruption. These arrangements will remain in place until all exams are completed in mid June. The year group are working really hard (on the whole!), preparing well and are giving themselves every opportunity of success. Good luck to everyone.

I hope you all have a good weekend, only 2 days this week!

Best wishes
Jonathan