In The Loop

Dear families,

As we draw to the end of an exceptionally busy half term I would like to thank all members of our community for your continued support. It has been lovely to see the pupils and staff wearing pink, red and white today as part of non-uniform day and I am pleased to share that this, combined with the Year 11 pupils’ organisation of Valentine’s gifts, has seen the Year 11 prom committee raise just over £300.

The Year 9 option process is well underway; thank you to the parents of Year 9 pupils who attended Tuesday evening’s information session and I know Year 9 pupils are making thoughtful and informed choices as they complete their options form. Should parents/carers have any questions about Year 9 options, please contact Mr Nielsen, Deputy Headteacher, via the main school office.

I was delighted to receive the recognition of our attendance being in the top 10% of all schools this week (click here) which reflects what we know: our pupils enjoy coming to school because they feel safe, supported and appreciate the high-quality teaching and further opportunities they experience. As well as the excellent lessons that are taught each and every day, we also have a range of trips and visits and this week saw our Sports Leaders supporting the primary schools Panathlon on Tuesday and we received a lovely email praising our pupils for being “incredibly mature and hard working”. This week has also seen a Year 12 trip to the University of Cambridge, a debating competition for members of the debate team, a trip to the BFI for Mandarin pupils, a trip to Highgate Cemetery for Literature pupils and a trip to the Panathlon competition. February is LGBTQAI+ month and pupils have heard in assembly about key LGBTQAI+ figures who have been influential throughout history and the importance of working together to make the world safer and more inclusive.

Next week is the half-term break although there will still be lessons running for those pupils preparing for public examinations in the summer who have been invited to intervention sessions, and there is a trip to Berlin taking place for History pupils.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a relaxing half-term break, Ramadan Mubarak and Happy Chinese New Year for next week.  We look forward to welcoming our pupils back on Monday 23 February.

Kind regards,

Dr Ruth Hill

Headteacher