School's Out For the Summer!

Who would have thought when we started the year, we'd end it as part of a thriving Academy Trust, have had a great (but early!) visit from Ofsted and once again be at the very top end in Wakefield for our SATs results. Of course, that's all incidental really, it's merely the backing track behind what is our driving force at HBA - our wonderful, talented and perfectly unique (also see: crazy!) pupils! And boy, have they put in a shift this year.

It will never cease to amaze me how much pupils grow and develop across a school year. Whether this be academically, socially, building independence and resilience, developing a new passion or fine-tuning their existing skills. Every day counts,  with new ideas and concepts being hoovered up - they are the true definition of a sponge! Only yesterday I walked into Class 1 and they were having a heated and passionate debate about whether a chilli was a fruit or a vegetable...all backed up by scientific reasoning - amazing!

Of course, this time of year also comes with mixed emotions as not only do we celebrate everything we achieved across the year, but also have to accept that, as they sang in the leavers assembly, 'The Nicest Kids in Town' aka Y6 are leaving us to move on to pastures new. What a credit to us all they have been. We talk often about our three values of Kindness, Courage and Community and you couldn't wish for a better representation of those three values than our Class of '23. From everyone here, we wish them all the luck and happiness as they begin their new chapter. Thank you, Year 6, you are all blummin' marvellous!

In order to have great pupils, they need great support, and I couldn't wish for a better team than the staff we have at the academy. They have worked tirelessly behind the scenes this year as we have implemented a new curriculum, introduced new systems and organised more events and experiences for the pupils than ever. But what impresses me the most is that this is never at the detriment of 'being there' for our pupils - for having the time, care and attention for any of them that needs a helping hand. As one member of staff said during our inspection - 'We're not a team, we're a family'.

That family also includes you, our parents, carers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who have supported everyone at Horbury Bridge this year. Your continued support of your child's education plays a huge role in their success. From myself and the whole team, a big thank you to you all.

Finally, after saying how wonderful the pupils are...sometimes they still don't listen! So to quash any rumours, it is Mr Hammond's last day as a SINGLE teacher at Horbury Bridge (I'm sure you can guess what they heard!) as he is getting married to his Fiancee, Emily, in August. I'm sure you'll join me in wishing them both the very best for the big day.

Have a wonderful summer, and make sure you have Wednesday 6th September 2023 in your diary for the start of next year - it's going to be a belter!

Mr Tuddenham