End of half term one

As we reach the end of another half term I want to take a moment to thank everyone in our school community for their hard work, commitment and support over the last eight weeks. Schools are busy places at the best of times, and this half term has been no exception. Whether in classrooms, on sports fields, in performances, behind the scenes, or through the countless everyday interactions that make our school what it is, our students and staff have contributed enormously.

A particular well done goes to our Year 11 students who have completed their first set of trial examinations in English, Maths and Science this week. These exams matter. Not just because of the results, but because they provide valuable experience of the routines, expectations and resilience that will be needed in the months ahead. I have been impressed by the mature and serious way that students have approached them. Thank you in advance to the teachers who will be spending a great deal of time marking these exams to give high quality feedback in future lessons. It is a huge job and I know the students will be as grateful as I am for you doing it.

I’d also like to recognise all the new members of staff who joined us in September. Starting a new job at a new school is never easy, especially having to build those all-important relationships again from scratch. However, our new colleagues have strengthened our school enormously. They have settled in quickly, embraced the life of the school and are already making a strong contribution to our community.

I hope all of our students, families and staff have the opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy some time with family and friends this coming week. Have a happy, safe and enjoyable half-term holiday.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next month.

Best wishes

Joe Barker

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