Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this email finds you and your families well as we begin 2025.

Thank you for attending the Year 11 Parents' Evening last week and the Year 10 event last night. The attendance at both evenings was exceptional, exceeding previous years, and we have received very positive feedback on the new online booking system. This system was implemented following feedback received during the last round of parental questionnaires.  Face to face parents evenings are an opportunity for parents, students and teachers to build relationships and develop a shared understanding of the level of progress that is being demonstrated and how we can all work collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes and wellbeing for each of our students.  If you were, or are not able to attend a parents evening, please make contact with your relevant College administrator and they will be able to conduct a round robin of feedback from all teachers to ensure you have a summary in addition to our data reports about your child's progress.  

Last week, I delivered assemblies to all students on the opportunity of a new year.  Each of us has a chance to reflect and celebrate our successes, but also address change where we might feel it necessary.  I shared my experience of eating 12 grapes under a table at midnight with my children, which is a Spanish tradition to encourage prosperity for the new year.  A historic tradition which went viral over New Year and many students told me that they had done the same, so I felt less ridiculous sharing it with them!   The point was that there are many traditions over the festive period that bring us joy, or that we do in the hope it will have a positive impact on our future.  My assembly went on to explain that the traditions we want to foster and develop in all of our students are things such as hard work, punctuality, teamwork, and most importantly respect for others.  I reiterated mine and the academies expectations of how we present ourselves through our uniform expectations, alongside punctuality and how these are important attributes for any future job roles.  The start of this term has seen a real uplift in punctuality and we are very thankful to you as parents for your support and to the students for making a concerted effort.

This weeks assemblies have been led by Mr Toal and have focussed on student achievements and we have awarded over 180 students in assemblies by awarding them a Bronze (Yr 7), Silver (Yr 8) or Gold (Yr9) Subject achievement award badge alongside the Year 11 awards being given by myself and Mr Hatherill in assemblies this morning.  Congratulations to all those in receipt of an award and performing so well in the relevant subject area.  Our next awards will be the Character rewards where we reward students for the MYP profile they have been nominated and attendance awards also.  

We have continued to make significant progress in improving student attendance this term. Your ongoing support in ensuring your child attends school regularly is invaluable. We understand the impact that missed school time can have on both academic progress and social development and the correlation between attendance to lessons, progress is proven year on year as well as them building and maintaining positive relationships with their peers each day  

Thank you as always for your support and I would really appreciate your support in completing the below survey.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Brooks 

Dates for the diary:

Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th January - Dance Show - 7pm

Tuesday 28th January - Silver DofE Awards Evening - 5-5.30pm

Thursday 30th January - Year 9 Parents and Options Evening - 4pm - 7pm

Friday 7th February - Tuesday 25th March - Year 10 Mocks

Thursday 13th - Friday 14th February - KS5 Textiles Trip to Paris

Thursday 13th February - Last day of term

Friday 14th - Tuesday 21st February - Ski trip

Friday 14th February - INSET Day

Monday 24th February - Students return on a week one timetable