Sancho

In Sancho, I am pleased to say it has been a module worth celebrating. Our students have done us proud through the calm, mature and resilient manner by which they have conducted themselves during a period of obvious national turmoil and sadness.

Since the academy’s first day, back in 2018, Ms Smith has spoken repeatedly about the importance of students living our values; rarely has that been as evident as these past few months, with Sancho students working hard in lessons to better their futures, and treating each other with kindness and respect in the corridors and the playground, all whilst the nation outside our gates was under lockdown.

Throughout the past 7 weeks, staff across the academy have continued to comment positively on the conduct of Sancho students. At the time of writing, all college tutor groups have a combined total of 2346 merits, with only 557 demerits. This is a ratio of almost 1:5, which is an improvement upon module 1 (a not unimpressive achievement given that a full ⅓ of our college spent a fortnight learning from home). I would like to pass on my thanks to all across the college who worked hard to earn merits by demonstrating one or more of our values, with special appreciation going to 9B who, although not achieving the highest total in terms of merits (that title belongs to 8E), acquired only 18 demerits over the course of the entire module. That’s less than one demerit per student a month: an impressive feat indeed! 9B also deserve special mention for their levels of engagement whilst working from home, with over 85% of students engaging in all subjects areas for the duration of the fortnight.

I’m also pleased also to report that, at the time of writing (albeit with only a few days left of term), Sancho has the highest attendance: with the college as a whole achieving nearly 96%. This is a fine achievement in the circumstances, and particular acknowledgement should go to 7B, Mr Natufe’s form group, with an attendance of 97.98%. This is the highest in the entire academy. Year 8 also deserve recognition in this regard, as both 8B, Mr Tebbutt’s form, and 8E, Ms Stewart’s form, achieved over 97% attendance. Well done to all who contributed to these impressive statistics by consistently displaying resilience during a cold, wet and windy module. Indeed, said attendance would be pleasing under normal circumstances, but in the midst of a global pandemic, they are remarkable.

There are particular individuals within the college whom I feel deserve special mention, and thus I would like to pass on my congratulations to the following. Well done to Phoebe (7E), Lois (8E), Isabella (7E), Rannell (8B), Rishona (9E), Sonny (7E), Yalon (7B), Damien (8E), Serra (9E), Leo (7E), Szonja (7E), Ellieanne (8B) and Brooke (9E). These are individuals whom, over the course of this module, have been identified by staff as ‘Sancho Stars’: students who have striven to consistently live one of our values for a sustained period. We are very proud of each and every one of them; they are assets to both the college and the wider academy.

Special mention in this regard must also go to Mohamed and Aliyah, both in 9E, for wining the Jack Petchey Achievement Award this module. This is an award for those who have gone above and beyond to achieve - showing resilience and ambition in the face of significant challenge. Both Mohamed and Aliyah received a certificate, a pin badge and a book from Sir Jack himself, as well as a £250 grant to benefit their school in a manner of their choosing. Both students intend to spend theirs on reading books for the library: a heartwarming testament to both their generosity of spirit and love of fiction.

I wish all of our students and their families a safe and happy Christmas. The college team looks forward to greeting you in 2021, such that together we can build on what has been a fine start to the academic year.

Please click on the links below for both tutor and tutee reflections from across the college.

7B

7E

8B

8E

9B

9E

Sincerely,

Dan Morrison