Ofsted

As you are aware, this week we had a visit from Ofsted.  Obviously, at this point, the outcome has not been released, but I would like to say a huge thank you to all the pupils, staff, governors and to you, our parents and carers for your support. We were able to show all the great things that have always made Horbury Bridge Academy a very special school, as well as some of our more recent developments around our curriculum and other areas. I am extremely proud of everyone and feel very privileged to be able to work in such a great community. As one of our staff put it, "We're not a team, we're a family!" I will, of course, share the outcome with you as soon as I am able.

PFA Curry Night and Quiz...and phase one of Operation Playground!

Many thanks to everyone who came to the Curry and Quiz Night last week. We raised a magnificent £520! A huge thank you to the PFA for organising and also 'Quiz Master Mr Hammond!' Following our recent fundraising exploits, I'm also delighted to inform you that phase one of our playground redevelopment will begin at Easter with the extension of the playground and resurfacing of some areas. 

Young Voices

As I write this, a group of pupils from Key Stage 2 are sitting in Sheffield Arena (see left!) getting ready to sing in the Young Voices concert this evening. They have had a great time rehearsing this term and I know they will do us proud, as they always do!

School Band

On Monday, the school band visited the Opera in Leeds to watch The Cunning Little Vixen. It was a great experience for pupils to see live singers and an orchestra in a theatre and, although reviews of the actual opera were mixed(!), they all really enjoyed the experience and hopefully, it has shown them what is achievable if they continue to develop their musical skills.

If your child would like to play an instrument, we currently have spaces for woodwind, brass and piano, so please get in touch and we can arrange a trial lesson.

Attendance

I appreciate recently that the traffic around the school has been terrible at times and parking will always be an issue, but please can I remind all parents that the school day starts at 8:50am lined up on the playground.

It is really important that pupils arrive promptly ready for the school day. Not only can pupils feel awkward and sometimes anxious if they have to walk into class late, but they also miss out on essential learning time as we always start the day with our Diamond Dash timestable challenge or other basic skills work. Late arrivals also put extra work on staff who have to let pupils in, take dinner orders and register late pupils. Obviously, there will be the odd occasion when lateness can't be avoided (I have definitely been there myself!), but regular and prompt attendance really is important.

After School Clubs

After February half-term as the days get longer, after school sports clubs will be starting again. Please look out for sign up forms which will be sent via ParentHub. We will also be starting a Coding Club in Upper KS2, so please look out for that too!

I hope you all have a lovely half term and I look forward to another busy and exciting run into the Summer when we return.

Best wishes

Mr R Tuddenham

Head Teacher