From the Head Teacher...

Jo Shuter

Friday, 4th February 2011

Dear Parents and Carers,

Well done to year 11 students for meeting the deadline for their English coursework with such rigour. There are only 12 weeks until the Public Examinations start - Year 11 (GCSE) and 6th Form Students (A/AS). It is vital that this time is used wisely and productively. It can be a stressful time for any young person in the run-up to exams. Students should be revising at least 2 hours every evening to ensure maximum success. They should also be eating healthily, and getting at least 8 hours sleep every night. For those students who may not have a quiet study area at home, please remember the library is open every evening after school. There is also various study clubs running with each faculty. If you are experiencing difficulties managing your revision time or have any anxieties, please make sure you speak with your Director of Learning.

Year 11 Parents Evening is on Tuesday 8th February. You should now have received your letter with your appointment time. This is the last Parents’ Evening for Year 11 before they sit their GCSE Exams. All parent/carers are expected to attend.

The Mobile Phone Policy is working well and on the whole students are behaving in a mature manner. Students who are late must hand their mobile phone into reception, where it will be securely locked away. Students should collect their mobile after school. Thank you to parent/carers for their continued support with this policy.

As you can imagine the school diner is a very busy environment at break and lunch time, with a huge number of students using the facility. While we employ staff to clean-up after break and lunch, I would ask that you speak with your son/daughters regarding them taking responsibility for returning their own plate to the appropriate trolley when they have finished eating. We like to encourage students to behave as they would at home, and not expect someone else to clear their mess. As always, I am confident parent/carers will support the school with this message.

Finally, students will be dismissed early on Monday 7th February at 2.00pm. If you normally collect your son/daughter from school, please remember to come at the earlier time.

Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher