Headmistress' Introduction

Dear Parents and Carers

I hope this letter finds you well and that all had a restful and enjoyable break.

This week, we welcomed thirty five parents to our Parents' Afternoon, where they were given a talk by Mrs Medley about our UpGrade Programme which supports the School's focus on Critical Thinking; more details below.  They were also given the opportunity to meet with Mrs Crafts, our SENDCo, Mrs Westcott, our Wellbeing Lead, and Heads of Years.  We will continue to offer these events throughout the year, although I would like to encourage parents to reach out whenever they feel they have questions or would like support. We are keen to work with you.

On Tuesday we welcomed Year 8 parents to the Year 8 Open Evening, where we discussed the upcoming Aberdyfi trip.  Having visited Aberdyfi myself last year, I would like to emphasise what a brilliant opportunity this is for our students and encourage Year 8 to take part. Here are a few student quotes from previous years to highlight the long term positive impact of this visit:

‘I have realised that I can do so much more than I thought I could’

‘I learned that I can be a leader.’     ‘I can put my mind to anything.’

‘I loved the gorge walking as we worked really well as a team to support each other and sliding down the waterfall was so fun!’

‘I enjoyed the hike and cabin the most because our group worked so well together, the views were amazing and it was really fun sharing the cabin with everyone and making new friends.’

‘The jetty jump was so good as I have never had the chance to do anything like this.’

Our students and staff celebrated Diwali this week, with a non-uniform day, lunchtime activities and a Sixth Form Disco tonight at AGS.

Our Year 13 French students leave today to travel to Paris for two nights. Thank you to staff, students and parents for making this possible. 

On Thursday we held a Lockdown (Shelter In) Practice. We would like to thank all staff, students, parents and AGS for supporting us in this, we hope never to use it but will be better prepared if we do. Scenarios when it might be used include a chemical spill in the area leading to noxious fumes meaning that we want to keep students inside, a missing vulnerable student that we need to locate, which might be difficult to do with nearly 1400 students moving around our buildings, or an unexpected person on site.  

Finally, this week we also launched our new website. Please do have a look. This has been two years in the planning, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the teams who have worked so hard to make this happen.  We will continue to populate it over the coming weeks, but if you are unable to locate any information that you require, please email office@ahs.bucks.sch.uk.

UPGRADE - the new bespoke study skills programme at AHS

This year, we have launched a brand-new, bespoke, in-house study skills programme for our KS4 and KS5 students. Previously, we used an external company to deliver study skills, but their sessions were very generic; now we create sessions which cater for the specific needs of AHS students at key points throughout the school year.  On Tuesday afternoon, Mrs Medley gave a presentation to parents about the programme and how parents can best support their daughter's learning at home.  If you would like to know more, you can click on the link below to see the presentation or get in touch with us via email at office@ahs.bucks.sch.uk.

Link to slides

Congratulations!

Huge congratulations to both Charlotte Wheatley and Hannah Johnson in Year 11 who have been accepted onto the Bucks county programme for U16 Rugby. They have already had to complete numerous training and assessment evening after being put forward by their club coach. The assessments are now over and they are in the full squad.   Well done, we are super proud of you both!

The Tunnocks Teacake Challenge!

This week the year 11 GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition students handed in their first NEA1 assignment. 

As a celebration of this being completed, they then got to do the ‘Tunnocks Teacake Challenge’ this is to practise their presentation and plating skills ready for the next NEA2 assignment.  One teacake each and half an hour later this is what they achieved!

Vacancies

Teacher of PE (Maternity Cover) - Closing date Monday 18 November, 9.00 am

Wishing all well for a lovely weekend and thank you, as ever, for your support.

Marieke Forster