March seems to be flying by, and it’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of the term. As we look ahead, we are gearing up for a busy period. The language speaking exams will begin after the Easter break, and preparation for both GCSEs and A-levels is well under way. Our students are showing great dedication and focus, and we are confident that their hard work will pay off.
As part of our ongoing commitment to engage with our school community, we’ve moved our Tea, Toast, and Talk session to after school, in response to parental feedback. It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible on Wednesday, 3rd April, from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to catch up with school news, share ideas, and connect with fellow parents and staff.
On another note, we were pleased to welcome our local MP, Sarah Russell, to the school today. She spoke to a large group of students, some studying politics and others with a general interest in the field. She fielded some interesting questions, and our pupils were fantastic in their engagement with her. It was a valuable opportunity for them to gain insight into the world of politics and the role of MPs.
I also wanted to share some exciting highlights from last weekend. We had the privilege of taking a talented team of students to participate in the prestigious University of Oxford Debating Competition. Throughout the day, they displayed exceptional skills in articulating and defending their arguments in four intense debates. Competing against schools from across the country, including several private schools and international schools, they were nothing short of fantastic. Their performance was a true testament to their hard work and the power of effective communication.
In addition, we had a team of Year 10 pupils representing our school at the GCHQ “The Word is Not Enough” event in Manchester. This event focused on modern languages and the importance of communication in a global context. At school, we place a strong emphasis on oracy – the ability to express oneself effectively and confidently. The experience these students gained will undoubtedly contribute to their growth in this area.
As we continue to stress the importance of communication, I’d like to draw your attention to a timely topic that has been making waves in the media recently. The Netflix programme Adolescence has sparked important conversations about the challenges children face in the digital age. It’s compelling viewing and highlights not only the significance of knowing what your child is accessing online but also the value of regular, open discussions within the family. Engaging our children in conversation, staying connected, and understanding their experiences are essential in fostering healthy development.
As always, thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing many of you at our Tea, Toast, and Talk session on April 3rd.
Whatever your plans, have a lovely weekend.
“The best thing to spend on your children is time.” — Louise Hart
