Regents Review Spring 2024

The Regents Review Spring 2024

WELCOME

Headteacher’s Welcome

Dear Parents As we begin to observe the first signs of sunshine and the students have been able to get outside more, it has been wonderful to see the students make full use of our new PE surface area. At lunchtime, it is full of aspiring footballers and in PE, the students have experienced new sports including hockey (which is being taught for the first time in many many years at the school). Our annual swimming gala always reminds us that the school is entering a new season with the sounds of swimming pool splashes and children’s laughter echoing around the school. One thing that has been a highlight this term, has been the ongoing development of our student leaders at the school. Our visitors to the school, always comment on the ‘real student leadership opportunities’: student librarians, creative art ambassadors, cyber ambassadors, prefects, PE champions and cultural ambassadors, to name a few. During the recent visit by our school improvement partner, Brian Lightman, he noted: “ Student Leadership is another strength of the school. The option to apply for these and progress into different levels of responsibility and skills, as they move up through the school is appreciated by the students. As well as, being led by teachers some of the older students take on more of that role for example by interviewing younger students for those roles. They all spoke enthusiastically about the impact they are having, for example in enhancing enjoyment of sports, giving feedback on subject lessons and influencing decisions on catering, opportunities for girls and sports facilities. They know they are genuinely listened to. ” The summer term also marks the start of the final exam season and over the last few weeks, I have been spending time with the

Year 11 students to ask them how we can support them over the coming months. The conversations have been enlightening and have ended with a personal postcard and a lucky £1, to wish them luck as they complete their Regents journey. It has also given me time to discuss end of year events and of course, their plans for the future, which are wide and varied: joining the army, starting an apprenticeship, going to college and for some, they are looking for the opportunity to start making their millions, as they plan to start up their own business. As you will see from our Regents Review Spring 2024 edition, the staff at the school continue to offer not only great learning in the classroom, but they continue to be a very creative bunch out of the classroom with something for everyone. Look out for the World Book Day photos, the photography competition, the PSHE inputs and all the wonderful creative work in DT, as well as our first ever science show. And finally, some staff updates. Mrs Ballard will be leaving us at the end of this term to go on to a new exciting position. She has worked at the school since 2003 and over the years, she has supported hundreds of students in dance and creative lessons. We wish her well and we know she will continue to support many more children in her new school. Next term will also see Mrs Mouland leave to have her baby and we look forward to hearing about the arrival of her new little bundle. Whilst she is away, we will ensure that the pastoral team support the year group, until she returns later on in the year. As always thank you for your support. Mrs Barnes Headteacher

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