Welcome to the first headteacher’s blog of this half term, one that has already been busy.

Firstly huge congratulations to our Under 13 Girls Football team. Having qualified to the regional finals of the Utilita Girls Football tournament, the girls progressed to the final by winning all their matches without conceding a single goal. The girls played Waltham Toll Bar Academy in the final and after a 1-1 draw, were beaten only by a penalty shoot out to finish runners-up in this prestigious competition. The only goal the girls conceded in the whole competition was a penalty in the final. We are very proud of the team and thank Miss Imrie for coaching the girls.

It was a pleasure to attend the BTEC Performing Arts students’ showcases last week and watch some fantastic performances.

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending the Performing Arts showcases; the performances were filmed by the students and will be sent to the examination board as part of their final grade next summer. On Thursday, it was the turn of those studying GCSE Music, with performances again contributing towards their final exam. 

The academy fell silent for two minutes on Monday, Armistice Day, at 11am, in tribute to those servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Act of Remembrance was impeccably observed throughout the school and I’d like to thank the students and staff.

At lunchtime on the same day, Grimsby Institute’s careers team set up a pop-up stand in the dining room, giving an opportunity for Years 9, 10 and 11 to discuss their options at post 16.

Careers were also on the agenda for Year 10 yesterday, with sessions led by MADE throughout the day.

Last night, it was lovely to see so many parents at last nights’ Year 10 Parents’ Evening. Colleagues from MADE stayed on to give parents advice and information on how they could support their children with their post 16 choices.

 In recognition of Road Safety Week, Humber Road Safety Partnership have been in school this morning giving presentations to Years 7, 8 and 9. 

On Monday, our Eco students are doing a litter pick with colleagues from Tilbury Douglas, the firm building our new school.

It is part of its commitment to work in partnership with us on environmental sustainability. Our new academy building with be zero carbon.

The firm’s environment manager Jane Griffiths will give a presentation to Year 7 about the project next Tuesday. 

From Thursday, 28th November, there will be an opportunity for groups of students to tour the new building and speak to Tilbury Douglas staff about careers in the construction industry.

In terms of the build itself, the structure has been completed and it is at what is called the ‘tinning’ stage, sealing the steel frame. Anybody who has seen it at night under the contractors’ lights will agree it looks quite spectacular. 

Brick layers are due to arrive in early December and, once they set to work, we will see what the finished building’s going to look like.

Since returning from half term, teams from the academy in all year groups have represented the academy in football, boccia, netball, panathlon and futsal events. Well done to all who competed. I am particularly proud that the Sports Leaders from Beacon Academy provided the support for youngsters from other local schools at the panathlon event.

Finally, there are some dates for your diaries.

Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn is due to visit a week today. We look forward to welcoming her.

Flu vaccinations will take place on Tuesday, 26th November. The administration team will be in touch with further details.

North East Lincolnshire’s annual Cross Country Championships take place in Weelsby Woods on 27th November. The PE team will be in contact with more information.

Thank you for reading the blog – the next will be published on Friday, 29th November.

Mr Thurley