Dear HP families,

It is crucial that all HP students can write fluently to communicate their thinking and ideas. While typing is common in our modern digital life, the physical act of writing by hand is proven to boost memory retention and understanding. It is also essential for exams in Year 11 and Year 13. When students write with ease, they can focus entirely on their ideas rather than the struggle of forming letters. To support students who find this more challenging, we recommend 15 minutes of practice once a week at home. Effective methods include copying work, such as transcribing a favourite song lyric or poem; journaling a three sentence summary of the week; or handwriting practical items like the family grocery list. Short, consistent bursts of practice will build the muscle memory required for writing confidence.

Regarding KS3 Maths homework, we are currently focusing on Times Table Rock Stars because fluency in this area is vital to access the full curriculum. Our aim is for every KS3 student to ‘go green’, which signifies the ability to consistently answer every sum up to 12x12 in less than three seconds. Please reinforce the importance of speed to your children. Completing the compulsory 30 minutes is not enough on its own; it is the speed element that leads to the fluency required for secure maths skills. Once students have ‘gone green’, they will transition back to Sparx Maths. Please contact s.stanton@hphigh.co.uk with any questions.

Families Survey The survey is now open and the link was shared via a previous email. The deadline for responses is Thursday 26th March. Your views are important and are reflected upon as part of the annual planning process for the next academic year. As of 8:45am today, we have received 159 responses, so please do complete the survey if you have not yet done so.

HP in Action Tours with the Headteacher While we host daily tours in the autumn for prospective Year 7 families, we also want current families to have regular opportunities to see HP in action and ask questions as your child progresses. There is now a tour with the Headteacher every Tuesday starting at 10am. Prior booking is compulsory and can be made at https://calendar.app.google/WowXxdDdnqT53v7o7 or via the ‘HP in Action Tours’ section at https://www.hphigh.co.uk/openevening.

Y8 Science Trip Year 8 students have an exciting opportunity to attend the Cheltenham Science Festival on 02/06/26. Bookings open on MCAS at 6pm on Monday 16th March. Spaces are limited, so please log in and sign up promptly if you are interested. Please contact h.brooker@hphigh.co.uk with any questions.

INSET Day on Friday 20th March HP will be closed to all students on this day for staff training.

I wish you all a lovely weekend,

Mr Hudson
Headteacher