Dear Parents

I hope you have had as productive a week as we have. This week has seen our CIS/WASC evaluators online with us. The Council for International Schools (CIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) set out rigorous global international standards that we as a community evidence and aim to meet. This week we have been privileged to have Martin Kneath (School Support and Evaluation Officer for CIS) and Alana Steward (International Consultant for WASC) online with us. To make things as authentic as possible we have been streaming live footage of lessons, lunchtimes, entry and exit and filming all aspects of school life. Learners, staff and parents have had panel interviews with the evaluators as they aim to write a report identifying where we are in terms of the standards and help us reflect to become even better.

Reflection is such an important skill. Analysing your own experiences to improve the way you learn or work can help with confidence and self-awareness. I hope the publication of the round one reports has helped you and your child reflect on where they are in their learning journey. These reports provide a snapshot of your child's learning and are designed to stimulate reflection and discussion. I am pleased so many of you took the opportunity to meet the Year 12 teachers this week and hope that many of you will take the time to join the year ten teachers online next Wednesday. Working together to support your child, our learner is the best way to ensure success for learners.

Whilst study is really important it is essential to spend some time relaxing too. It has been great to see so many of our year nine take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award practice hike as they build their skills towards the final award. As always, our community have been looking for ways to make fun things happen even with the covid restrictions. This weekend you can open the NCG Advent Calendar (click here) each day and have a go at the family activities and have some fun recording your 'Nexus Everyone Can Sing' video and audio (see the 'Arts' section for details).

Best wishes

Dr Heather

Head of Secondary