Dear HP families,

Update From The Headteacher, Mr Hudson: Another very positive week for attendance means we are forecasting a substantial year-on-year improvement compared with the same week last year. Being here every day matters, and it is pleasing to see regular attendance becoming increasingly normalised. As we go into the final week of this half-term on Monday, it is vital that we maintain this momentum. There is so much important learning from recent weeks to build on and consolidate, and Mr Hogarth will announce the first round of entrants into the HP Hero Club. Thank you for your continued support in helping students attend every day and make the most of their time at HP.

I would also encourage all families to complete our parent survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us make HP better. The introduction of positive telephone calls from tutors to every child’s family was a direct result of last year’s survey. The survey takes around five minutes to complete and must be completed in one sitting for your responses to be saved. Once you click ‘Finish survey’, your responses cannot be edited. Please complete it by the closing date of Friday 20th November.

Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors: This week, students in Years 9 and 10 were introduced to the outdoor education opportunities available at HP, following a similar introduction for Year 12 last week. These include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Ten Tors. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award helps young people develop confidence, take on challenges, follow their interests and discover new talents. HP offers Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Ten Tors is a demanding event organised by the British Army, testing endurance, resilience, perseverance and teamwork during a two day team hike across Dartmoor. The event offers routes of 35, 45 and 55 miles through the remarkable landscape of northern Dartmoor. HP plans to enter one 35 mile team, open to students in Years 9 and 10. We also collaborate with other local Greenshaw Learning Trust schools to enter a 45 mile team. Information has been emailed to families, and interested students are encouraged to complete the Google Forms to register their interest. Please email d.hipwell@hphigh.co.uk with any questions.

HP Voices Choir: If your child loves to sing, encourage them to join HP Voices, our new choir. This is an opportunity to enjoy singing with others, learn new skills, relieve stress, perform at a range of venues and make friends across different year groups. The repertoire will range from pop hits and musical theatre to classical music. Students from all year groups are welcome, and no previous experience or audition is required. The first rehearsal will take place on Wednesday 4th November, with rehearsals continuing every Wednesday from 3pm to 4pm in MU1. For more information, contact Mrs Greenow, Head of Music, at r.greenow@hphigh.co.uk.

Important Data Protection Notice: Homework Logins: We need to address a security and behaviour concern relating to independent homework. We have become aware that a small number of students have been using friends’ login details to display completed homework during Prep sessions. Your child’s login details are personal and must not be shared. If a student shares their username or password with another student, both students will receive a formal sanction. Sharing account access creates data protection risks and undermines the expectation that homework is completed honestly and independently. Please reinforce the importance of keeping login details secure and completing work honestly whether at home or in school. Please email t.ogallagher@hphigh.co.uk with any questions.

I wish you all a lovely weekend,

Mr Hudson
Headteacher