Headteacher Update
May 2023
Year 11 will leave us on study leave today after 5 years, during which time they have showed resilience and a growing maturity that has seen them approach their exams in an absolutely superb manner. Our external invigilators, some of whom have worked in other secondary schools have commented on their politeness, the seriousness with which they have approached exams and their exemplary behaviour. Well done to them all.
No doubt many of them will be going out to celebrate, so please remind them to be respectful of others in their community and avoid areas where large groups may gather. Northumbria Police and North Tyneside Council have written to schools in North Tyneside and Newcastle to advise them of increased patrols as well as CCTV and representatives from Operation VITA (a North Tyneside Anti-Social Behaviour team who work with young people to offer advice) in order to combat any anti-social behaviour, which sadly did occur last year. It would be a shame that such an important day in their lives could be marred by the behaviour of others.
Returning to celebrations, I am delighted that Frankie in Year 8 is a finalist in this year’s North Tyneside Learning Trust STAR Awards. There are 10 categories and the Trust receive hundreds of nominations from over 40 schools, so it is a real achievement to have reached the finals in a shortlist of 4 for the Useful and Kind category. Frankie was nominated by Jerri Buckles for the support she offers her peers in school as well as the wonderful support she provides for her family at home; I know that mum is, justifiably, very proud. Well done Frankie!
Yesterday our Year 10 Engineering cohort went on a visit to Nissan in Sunderland. Ms. Armitage reported that they got an enormous amount out of the visit and gained some really useful insights into Nissan’s operations as well as about apprenticeship routes that they could look at in the future. As usual, the students behaved excellently and were ambassadors for the school.
When making medical appointments for your child, please try to do so outside of the school day and where this is not possible, please ensure that they come to school before and after their appointment. I do appreciate that there may be some occasions where this isn’t possible, but recently there has been an increase in whole day’s absence for an appointment that may only take an hour or so.
Scholars Service – we are in the process of reviewing the Scholars bus service to and from school due to the occasional poor behaviour of some students who use it. We currently do ban students from using the service and will continue to do so, but if the situation does not improve we may alter timings or reduce the stops along the route in order to address the issue. Students need to remember that this is a public service and any poor behaviour reflects poorly on the vast majority of students who are respectful of others in their community. If your child uses this service, please do remind them to be sensible and considerate of others, including the driver, whilst on the bus.
That’s all for another half term, where has that gone! I hope you all enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend and we look forward to welcoming the students back on Monday 5th June.
Best wishes
Jonathan