As we look forward to another exciting and very busy term, I would like to thank you for your continued support. Our pupils continue to work incredibly hard and I am proud of their progress, achievements, and resilience. Year 11 and 13 are now well into their exam season and I wish them the very best of luck as they continue with their revision. Our final farewells will take place over the coming weeks where we have both Awards Evenings and Proms to look forward to. These are always very special occasions.
As we look ahead to the second half of the Summer Term, we will be placing a strong focus on two key priorities: attendance and punctuality. We have worked hard since January to improve both areas and have seen some improvements, but we are still not where we want to be.
Regular attendance is essential for children to achieve their full potential. Every lesson matters, and even occasional absences can have a significant impact on learning, confidence and progress. We are therefore asking you to support us by ensuring that your child attend school every day, even when they might not be feeling 100%.
Equally important is punctuality. Arriving at school on time helps children settle calmly into the day, begin learning positively, and avoid missing important teaching and routines at the start of lessons. Late arrivals can be disruptive not only for the child concerned, but also for the wider class.
If your child is persistently late to school and/or lessons, you will be receiving a separate letter to explain the actions we will be taking to ensure your child’s punctuality to school and lessons improves.
During this half term, we will be:
- closely monitoring attendance and punctuality
- celebrating and rewarding excellent attendance and punctuality;
- recognising students who consistently demonstrate positive habits;
- working with families where attendance causes concern; and
- continuing to promote the importance of being in school, on time, every day.
A reminder that all students MUST be through the main gates by 8:42am. After this, they are late. Once through the gates, they must go straight to their CREW room to prepare for the start of the day.
I firmly believe in recognising and rewarding students who do the right things every day. Pupils with excellent attendance and punctuality will have opportunities to receive certificates, rewards, special recognition and participation in celebration events throughout the term. We want all students to feel proud of their commitment to school and understand the positive impact these habits have on their future success.
Mobile Phones – Upcoming changes
I would also like to remind you about mobile phones. Mobile phones should be switched off and stored safely in school bags during the school day. Any mobiles phones out of bags during the school day will be confiscated. If you need to contact your child during the school day please contact our main reception who will relay any important and urgent messages.
From September, and inline with Government Policy, we will be a mobile phone free school. I will write to you towards the end of the term with more details on this and the consequences for students who breach this policy, but be assured that this policy will be appropriate to the needs of students and their safety and well-being.
Thank you once again for your continued support,
Mrs C. Aitcheson
Headteacher