Dear colleagues,

Thanks to the Art Team who coordinated our annual S1 Christmas Card Competition.  The winning card is used as our formal Christmas card and is sent electronically to our parents, other schools and partners.  Well done to Mia Wojcik 1C1 for her fabulous design.

This week at assemblies, I will be reinforcing the mobile phone changes to S1-3.  The presentation is below along with the updated policy.  Last week we presented to a small group parents who attended the information meeting.  All of the updated presentations and policy have also been saved to the parent padlet.

You will shortly be issued with a box containing foam insertsm labelled for every room.  There will be envelopes in the boxes that you sould label and put each confiscated phone in should you need them.  A safe has been installed in the DHTs room where phones will be held until the end of the day.

If you confiscate a phone, you must log a phone demerit. This data will be used as one measure to monitor the success and progress of the policy.  This has been added to the policy along with some other logistical considerations shared with the group.

This is an important policy change.  I want to be confident that we are securing five and a half hours of mobile phone free education to all of our young people. The reason I feel strongly about this is the impact that phone use is having on wellbeing and attainment.  

Increasingly research highlights that phones in classrooms can have a negative impact on:

• distraction

• cognitive function

• memory recall

• overall academic performance

We will start with S1-3 in January, and implement with S4-6 on their return from study leave. Thanks to the PTs PS and DHTS who have been signposting this change to the parents of young people who we feel are most likely to struggle or push back.

ASN Outreach colleague, Heidi Bryce is delivering a session on structures and routines to support neurodiverse learners.  This will take place at lunchtime on Thursday.  Sign up below if you'd like to come along.

And finally, study timetables and blank flash cards are available for S4-6 form classes.  Please do encourage attendance at Supported Study and positive use of firm time for revision.

Have a great week. 

Thanks in advance for your contribution.  #buildingfuturestogether

Elaine