Dear all,

The shortest half terms usually feel like the busiest ones, and this has certainly been no exception!

I have to start by saying well done to Years 11, 12 and 13. They have been superb, and are working incredibly hard right now - so today we celebrated with a free ice cream van on the field for them. I'm sure you'll understand that these year groups are our main focus right now, so I hope you'll excuse a very brief letter this week. 

Please can I remind Year 11/12/13 parents that Mr Hogarth and Mrs Marsden-Green have been in touch about revision classes over half term; we would love to see as many students as possible there - but it is also very important they have a good rest and come back ready for the final few weeks of exam. I have every confidence they will continue to do well. 

I also wanted to mention road safety. Recently, we've seen an increased number of instances where students have either been cycling unsafely or crossing the road dangerously. We will be doing assemblies on this after half-term. In particular, we'll be asking students to use the zebra crossing by the bus stop outside school, and to only use certain routes on their bikes when leaving school. If you'd be able to speak to your child, particularly if they cycle into school, about this, I'd be very grateful, and I will be writing with a little more information next term. 

Finally, I spoke to students today regarding the Queen's Jubilee, and her absolutely remarkable service over the past 70 years. She is an excellent embodiment of our school values, but above all our third value of taking responsibility. I know many of you will be celebrating the Platinum Jubilee over the half-term, and so I hope the current weather continues! Can I also remind parents that as the bank holiday falls in the summer holiday, we have elected to give students the bank holiday at the end of next term, which means we will finish for the year on Wednesday 20th July, rather than Thursday 21st as previously advised. 

As always, best wishes for the half term,

Mr Farmbrough

Headteacher