A Smooth Transition into GCSE Options

This term also saw the start of the students' GCSE option subjects, and I’m thrilled to report that the transition has been incredibly smooth. The step up to GCSEs can be daunting but our Year 10 students have embraced their new courses with great enthusiasm. Whether it’s in social sciences, humanities, or the arts, the focus and dedication they’ve shown is impressive. Teachers have commented on the positive attitude and commitment displayed in lessons, and we’re excited to see how this early momentum continues to build over the coming months. Their hard work and engagement are the foundation for what I am sure will be a very successful Year 10.

Assemblies Focused on Revision Strategies and Careers

We have also been focusing on providing our students with essential skills to support their learning and future planning. Assemblies this term have centred on revision strategies and careers, underpinned by our CORE values. We want to ensure that our students are not only learning the content for their exams but are also equipped with the tools to revise effectively. Techniques such as time management, active revision, and using practice papers have been highlighted. In addition, we have started discussions about work experience and future careers, helping students to consider what area of employment they would like to experience and how to organise this.  These assemblies have been well-received, and we hope they will encourage our students to start thinking seriously about their goals and how to achieve them.

Attendance

I am pleased we have seen a significant improvement in attendance across Year 10. Regular attendance has a direct impact on learning and overall success and is crucial for students to keep up with their coursework, participate fully in lessons, and ensure there are no gaps in learning. We appreciate the efforts of both students and parents/carers in making attendance a priority and we will continue to work together to encourage and support this.

New York Trip – Only Six Months Away!

The excitement is building for those able to join our upcoming New York trip, which is now only six months away! I am pleased to inform you that the itinerary has been finalised and we have a fantastic programme of activities planned. This promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students, filled with educational visits and cultural experiences. We will be hosting an information evening in January, to share more details about the trip and answer any questions you may have. Please look out for further communication closer to the time. This is such an exciting opportunity, and we can’t wait to see our students exploring one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Sporting Achievements

This term has been packed with sporting events and we are incredibly proud of the performance of both our football and netball teams. They have shown excellent communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship, which has been a key factor in their success. While we have experienced a couple of defeats, this has not dampened our determination or spirit. In fact, the resilience and perseverance demonstrated by our teams have been commendable. They continue to play with passion and enthusiasm, and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve as the term progresses. A big well done to all the players involved for their hard work and commitment!

Whole school events

Unfortunately, our Race for Life event in September had to be cancelled due to the weather; we aim to reschedule this for the Spring/Summer term when, hopefully, conditions will be better. 

On Thursday October 10, World Mental Health day, we participated in supporting the YoungMinds Hello Yellow day.  It was fantastic to see Year 10 take part by wearing a yellow accessory alongside their uniform and thank you to those who baked or donated cakes for sale at break time.  From the cake sale and donations we raised over £800 for Young Minds. In tutor time students received guidance on how to support their own mental wellbeing and were reminded of the resources and support available to them within the school including support from our Mental Health Team, Lulu our school dog, and the wider Individual Educational Needs (IEN) team.  

Tutor Curriculum

This half term students have been Exploring British Values within the Tutor Time curriculum. This has offered them an excellent opportunity to develop their student leadership and knowledge of these areas. We have also been celebrating Black History Month, with the focus on reclaiming the narrative. Students have engaged in activities and opportunities for discussions to learn more and to explain why it is important for us to reclaim the narratives for Black communities.

Top of the Rewards Table

I am thrilled to announce that Year 10 has once again remained at the top of the school’s rewards table! Collectively, the year group has achieved over 26,000 reward points, which is a record number when comparing this time to previous years in Years 9, 8, and 7. This incredible achievement highlights the positive behaviour, effort, and dedication of our students across all areas of school life. Rewards points are earned for a wide range of positive behaviours, from academic excellence and participation in extracurricular activities to demonstrating respect and kindness towards others. This shows that Year 10 continues to set a fantastic example for the rest of the school. I am also so happy to acknowledge the achievement of those students in each college as well as BD01, who have managed to achieve over 3000 points collectively.

A special congratulations goes to the students who have earned the highest number of reward points so far this year:

These students have consistently demonstrated exceptional behaviour, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude. Congratulations to all of you!

Student Leadership

Well done to the students who, applied for, and have been selected as our Year 10 Sports and Careers Leaders.

Calendar
Upcoming events
Next half term opportunities for Year 10 students continue with events including.

• Remembrance Day
• College Fortnight
• Anti-bullying week
• Community and Charity Christmas activities

Dates for the Diary

• Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards Evening – Thursday 28 November
• Winter Music Concert - Wednesday 4 December   

Let’s continue to build on this fantastic start and make the rest of the term just as successful. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to seeing what else we can achieve together this year.

Kind regards,
Mr Royle
Year 10 Lead