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Posted on: March 31st 2023

Headteacher Update 31.03.23

Alaric govan sml pic

‘Sometimes doing nothing makes way for everything.’- Hiral Nagda

Easter was originally a Pagan Festival (named after the goddess Eostre) that celebrated fertility and new beginnings. Nowadays, many of us probably think of chocolate eggs (I know my children do) but it’s also the start of Spring, the days are lighter, and (eventually) the weather is better.

I’m always looking for things that give me a boost, especially towards the end of term. The Sixth Form Fashion Show last week was one of those moments. Sixty minutes of fun, music and laughter. Exactly what I needed at the end of a long week. My thanks go out to all of the Sixth Formers who gave up their time to practise and perform, and to the Year team (led by Ms Smith). A brilliant example of what our students can do.

DSC01621It’s been a busy term and everyone- staff and students- have been looking tired this week. It’s a particularly busy and stressful time for students in Years 11 and 13, with exams starting soon after the Easter holidays. I am really proud of the effort being made across the school last week, 25 Year 11s attended a Geography intervention session with Mr Barclay until 8pm. That’s an impressive effort by all involved and a reflection of how hard everyone is working. Students will be coming in over the Easter break to revise - a big thank you to all involved. A google form was also sent out to all Year 11 Parents/Carers, offering free English Literature resources to those who want them. If you can complete that by Tuesday April 4th, that will allow us to order them in time for the start of the new term.

As you all know, we have been trying to improve the behaviour climate around school. The start of this has been the changes to toilets and the introduction of late bells. I’ve had some interesting conversations with Parents/Carers, staff, students and Governors over the last fortnight about these decisions. Some, particularly the older students in Years 10 and 11, understandably don’t like the changes. The younger students like the change to the toilets, saying that they find the toilets less intimidating during lessons. This had been raised earlier in the year by Year 7s. Staff have overwhelmingly told me that these changes have made the school feel calmer.  We also tried to introduce late bells this week. It has improved punctuality, but it’s also highlighted that our bell system needs modernising and we are looking at that.

I want to run a purposeful, orderly school where students and staff have good relationships and can focus on getting the best outcomes inside and outside the classroom. When students are late, this leads to disrupted learning and increased anxiety. It’s a very small snapshot, but over the last 8 days punctuality has improved, truancy and vandalism have reduced, and there have been fewer suspensions. This can only be a good thing and I would ask for your support in helping your children appreciate that these changes are being made to improve their experiences at school.

Whatever you and your children are doing over the Easter break, I hope that you are able to enjoy this time. I’m teaching a Year 11 English class next half-term in the run-up to the exams so I have my own revision to complete over this fortnight in preparation for that.

I also need to rest, do some exercise (I’ve barely been to the gym this half term) and sort out the house, garage and garden. These types of tasks help me clear out my mind, and

re-focus me on what I need to do next. And there’s lots to do!

Have a good holiday and I look forward to seeing all of the students back in school on Monday 17th April.

A Govan
Headteacher

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