I imagine you are all looking forward to the Easter holidays. It has been a busy term; I have been asked by many pupils this week if today is a half day, and as you can imagine, there has been some disappointment when I have said no!
Our Pupil Voice co-ordinator, Mrs Clarke, has continued to work with pupils on ensuring that we hear their opinions and use them to support any changes. Last week she conducted some pupil-led learning walks across the school. It is always interesting to hear a pupil’s perspective, but the overwhelming feeling was that lessons are engaging and calm. The maturity displayed by our pupils in their feedback was remarkable, and we will share the findings with all staff so that any changes/adaptations can be implemented.
It was also fantastic to see so many of you at our Tea, Toast, and Talk event on Wednesday. Parents of secondary aged children can feel more distanced from school, compared to primary school and these sessions are a good way for us to break down any barriers.
I encourage you to take a moment to read the latest edition of our school newspaper. There are some fabulous articles written by our pupils, showcasing their creativity and writing talents. I’m sure you’ll be impressed by the quality of work they’ve produced. I particularly like the new section, ‘The Masked Swan’. We have many pupils who achieve great things but don’t always want this to be highlighted. This is a perfect way to share successes, whilst maintaining anonymity. Please do continue to share with me any of your child’s successes out of school. I do love to hear about what they are up to.
I have written to you previously regarding the changes in behaviour we have observed in pupils since the pandemic, and I wanted to follow up on this matter as more research continues to emerge that supports these observations. As many of you may know, the impact of the pandemic on young people’s social and emotional development has been significant. There is an article in The Guardian today, which provides some interesting insights into this issue. We are committed at Alsager School to providing a well-rounded education that not only focuses on academic achievement but also on the development of good citizens who are equipped with the skills to thrive in wider society. While qualifications are a key part of what we do, equally important is fostering personal growth, resilience, and social responsibility. Please continue to work alongside us in helping all of our children understand the importance of a good education—both in terms of academic success and personal development. School provides routine and structure and together, we can ensure that our pupils are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
A couple of important reminders:
- Please remember to top up your child’s lunch account to ensure they have sufficient funds for the upcoming term.
- For our Year 11 pupils, revision sessions will be taking place during the Easter holidays. Please encourage your child to attend, as this is a crucial time to prepare for their exams.
- Now is the time for Year 11 and Year 13 students to really focus on their revision. Their hard work now will make all the difference when the exams arrive.
As always, thank you for your continued support and whatever your plans, have a restful Easter break.
“Cultivation to the mind is as necessary as food to the body.” (Marcus Tullius Cicero)
