Dear all,

As January draws to a close, we are looking forward to the days starting to get a little lighter again.

Our Year 13s have been receiving their mocks results this week. Like Year 11, they have made excellent progress and we’re all excited to seeing their hard work pay off this summer. I’m also looking forward to meeting Sixth Form parents next week at their Parents’ Evening. 

Moving into February means that we have only ten weeks of school left until the beginning of the A Level / GCSE season! At this stage, revision is absolutely vital; all students should be completing revision, as well as their set homework, every single evening. We have taught students the skills necessary to revise effectively – particularly the flip and fetch method of using flashcards, and Cornell note taking, so your child should be in a good position to get started. All students also have Assessment Manifests, which cover all topics they need to revise, and most subjects are selling revision guides at subsidised prices.  As always, if cost is an issue please speak to the relevant Head of Year.

January also tends to mark a low point in the year for attendance. While our attendance has been bucking the trend by gradually creeping up since December, it is still far too low. Our teaching is now moving at a much greater pace, which means if a student misses a lesson, it can be hard for them to catch up. With lots of colds flying round, please think carefully before keeping your child at home. We do have a medical team who will send home any child who is too unwell to be in school, so if in doubt, send them in!

Finally, it’s been a good week for sport with a number of football and netball wins. The absolute standout of the week, however, has to be Poppy Bingham in Year 11, who took two gold medals in kickboxing at the Watford Open Nationals. Congratulations!

Best wishes,

Mr Farmbrough