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Posted on: September 8th 2023

Headteacher Update 08.09.23

Alaric govan sml picWeek 2:

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
Nelson Mandela.

The senior team and myself meet every day to check on what is going on around the school, and to plan for what is going to happen next. In these meetings, we look at attendance, behaviour and culture, teaching and learning, trips and visits, what is coming up next in the school calendar, and other aspects of school life. As you would expect, we spend a lot of time talking about teaching and learning. During our learning walks this week, we have all been overwhelmed by how polite, sociable and funny our students are, particularly our new Year 7 cohort. They have been enthusiastic about sharing their learning, and I have noticed how the older students (particularly the Year 8 and 9 ‘buddies’) have helped our new students. Last night, some of the buses were very late and, despite the hot weather, our students were so patient, smiley, chatty, and entertaining. It’s been a really positive week.

This week, I’ve led welcome-back assemblies to all year groups, stressing the importance of working hard and of each student achieving her or his best. Attendance is part of this. Looking at the GCSE and A’ Level results, there is a clear link between good attendance and good attainment/ progress. It makes sense really - if a student is not in school, we can’t teach them and help them to progress. Attendance this week was 92.5%; it should be 95%. We will be working hard with children and their families to raise this figure back to pre-pandemic levels. Your support as always is much appreciated.
Information about attendance can be found on the website here

Year 11 intervention started this week. This is run by the core subject teachers and means that all students get additional learning to help them improve. We have our first set of Year 11 practice exams next month, so these sessions are crucial. Mrs Lewry, Deputy Headteacher, is in charge of the Year 11 strategy and was impressed with the Year 11s’  tangible and mature attitude to the learning and challenges. I’ve seen that in lessons this week. Let’s keep it up, Year 11.

Our A’ level results were very strong this year, with 26% A/A* grades, 56% A*-B grades and 81% A*-C grades. These figures are above national and stronger than other local schools and it all comes down to hard work and really close relationships with staff, students and parents/ carers over the two years. Most of our students went on to their first-place universities which is fantastic for them and their families. Over the summer, a small number of our current Year 13 students attended summer schools run by the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and LSE. This experience will help them in their applications to these prestigious universities and we all wish them well in this.

Over the weekend, students in the sixth form are travelling up to the Lake District to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. The weather looks great and I know they are all looking forward to this challenge. As always, thanks to the staff whose support makes this possible.

Finally, Molly S (Year 10) is representing Sussex in the 1500m this weekend. It’s an incredible achievement to be selected at this level and we all wish her well in this.

After a long, hot week, temperatures look to be peaking on Saturday and then going down to the low 20s next week. With this in mind, we are asking students to wear full school uniform next week. If it is hot around the school, we will make adjustments. A letter is going out from Dr Taylor, Deputy Headteacher, today.

Alaric Govan
Headteacher

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