We have also introduced 10 minutes of reading time each morning in Form Time – I would like to congratulate all the students who have engaged with this so positively. Students are becoming more independent and organised in bringing their reading books to school and settling down quickly to read in a very focused way. The difference that this is making is huge – we have an air of calm and learning which is setting a super tone for the rest of the day.   

Careers’ Education has been a feature of this term. We hosted a marketplace event where we invited all the local sixth form and college providers into school. This was extremely popular and well attended by our Yr. 9, Yr. 10 and Yr. 11 students. Yr. 11 students have visited Stroud College and St. Peter’s School to experience taster lessons in a wide range of subjects including Hair and Beauty, Bricklaying and Criminology. Yr. 9 also visited Cadbury World last week to explore the business side of the chocolate industry! 

 

Reports and Parents’ Evenings 

Year 11: Year 11 have recently received their trial exam grades and updated current and predicted GCSE grades this week. Year 11 Parents’ Evening will be held on Thursday 12th January. This is an in-person, face-to-face parents’ evening for which bookings need to be made online using our Schoolcloud system. Year 11 parents have been sent information about how to do this and should book slots to see their teachers as soon as possible. Please contact the school if you are having any difficulties making appointments or logging in.  

Year 10: Year 10 will have their first Key Stage 4 Report home the week of 23rd January. Year 10 Parents’ Evening will be on 29th June.  

Year 9: Year 9 reports will be sent home week beginning 27th February. Year 9 have their Options Evening on 2nd March. We will send out more information about Options next term, including information about the option process, which subjects can be chosen, and information about all the subjects available.   

Year 8: Year 8 will receive their first report week beginning 6th March.  Year 8 Parents’ Evening is on 16th February: this will again be in person using an online booking system. Information will be sent to Year 8 parents about this in January.  

Year 7: Year 7 will receive their first report week beginning 6th March. Year 7 Parents’ Evening will be on 18th May.  

 

Attendance: 

We have a school target of 96% attendance; however, our current attendance sits at 88% 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: 

In order to communicate effectively between school and home, should you have any queries, could I please ask parents and carers to contact subject teachers and pastoral leaders in the first instance.  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 who arrive at school, hoping to see someone immediately. 

  

And finally... 

We say goodbye to several staff who are leaving us for pastures new at the end of the year. We thank them for all their work and support of our children and wish them well for their future roles. 

Sara Dillon – Teacher of English 

Peter Petros – Teacher of Maths 

James Davies – Teacher of Computer Science  

David Briggs – TA 

 

In the New Year, we would like to welcome the following: 

Holly Brown – Healthcare Assistant  

Danny Backhouse – Teacher of English 

Holly Wade – Technician 

Candice Jones – Teaching Assistant 

Roy Chappell - Teaching Assistant 

Sophie Metcalf - Teaching Assistant 

 

In keeping with the Christmas spirit, we have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas concert this week – many thanks to all the students and staff involved, especially to Mr. Pugh for his inspirational music-making.  

It remains for me to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas break. We look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. The school reopens on Tuesday 3rd January at 8.30am. 

Kind regards, 

Karen Clinton