With GCSE exams on the horizon, our Year 10 and Year 11 students have been working extremely hard. Mock exams have been completed in many subjects for both year groups; we have been really impressed by how our students have behaved in the exams and have seen some promising results.

Year 9 have now begun their options process; to support them through the process, students have had interview discussions with staff this week to ask any questions and check that the courses they have chosen are appropriate. 

As part of our Barnwood Book Month, students have been participating in our ‘Caught Reading Scheme’. Students have received raffle tickets when they have been ‘caught reading’ around the school – a prize will be awarded to one of the students at the end of term. We were also delighted to welcome two authors: Dean Atta on 5^th March and Spoz on 14^th March.  More can be found about this later in the newsletter.

Our students have shown an equally high level of commitment to their after-school activities. The Centrestage Dance Show has been a real highlight of the term with students from all year groups entertaining us with 2 wonderful shows – the quality of the performances was first class. It was also lovely to see so many families coming to show their support. Congratulations and thanks all round.  The Dance Festival in Cheltenham also saw a number of our students selected to compete - congratulations to all those who took part.

The after-school Art Workshops welcomed Abi Nicol from Creative Futures, along with local artists and designers: Christine Sadler, Natasha MacVoy, Karen Hiller and Lois Edmunds.  

Our PE department have hosted the Primary Multi-Skills event this week.  Local primary schools have been mentored and supported by many of our GCSE and Sports Studies students. Our thanks go to the PE department for facilitating this.

The last week of term has coincided with the start of Ramadan. The school has been able to equip a quiet prayer room for the students; I would like to thank all of our students who have used this space so sensibly and respectfully.

 

Areas of concern:

Respect for staff

I would like to thank all parents/carers for their support of the school; it is somewhat disheartening to raise the issue of inappropriate behaviour by some parents/carers towards school staff.

Recently, we have had several issues where parents/carers have been rude and aggressive towards staff. We have witnessed an incident where a parent/carer swore at another parent/carer and a further incident that required police to remove a number of individuals.

The school continues to receive emails from certain parents that are excessively demanding and rude in their tone.

Could I please ask therefore that the parent/carer visitor conduct is respected by all.

 

Academic Progress Evenings:

Year 8 Academic Progress Evening will be on 15^th April 2024

 

Attendance:

We have a school target of 96% attendance; however, our current attendance which dropped to 87.63% last term has not improved which is a real cause for concern. Can I continue to ask for your support in ensuring that your child attends school and is on time. The difference that good attendance can make to a young person is significant in terms of academic progress and developing strong interpersonal skills.

 

Communication:

Our reception staff work extremely hard to meet the needs of our students and parents/carers. There are times which are particularly busy, especially morning, break and lunchtime. Could I ask all parents and carers to exercise patience when calling the school; our reception staff will try to answer your query as soon as possible. Please remember that teaching staff will be working in classrooms and/or on duty.

If you have any concern about a subject, can you please contact the subject teacher in the first instance and then the Head of Department, if needed.

If you have any concern about a pastoral matter, can you please contact the form teacher in the first instance and then the Pastoral Leader, if needed.

It is reasonable to expect a reply, either by telephone or email, within 72 working hours. Should you need to make an appointment, can you please contact the relevant member of staff beforehand; the school is not able to make ad hoc appointments and does not want to disappoint parents/carers who arrive at school, hoping to see someone immediately.

 

And finally...

It remains for me to wish you all a very happy Easter break. We look forward to seeing you all when the school reopens on Monday 08^th April at 8.30am.

 

Kind regards,

Karen Clinton