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Posted on: January 12th 2024

Headteacher Update 12.01.24

Alaric govan sml picWeek 18: ‘Time is what we want most but what we use worst.’- William Penn

I've been a bit obsessed with time this week. When I lead assemblies at the beginning of each half-term, I really try to find materials that support the overall message I’m trying to make, as well as things that the students might remember. If I’m being realistic, I’m sure that most of them sit there politely and have forgotten about it within a matter of hours. 

Today was different. I wanted to make a point about using our time wisely in school, so I showed Year 7 some images from the James Webb telescope and explained to them that what we were really doing was looking back into the past. Some of the stars and galaxies we see in the night sky may no longer exist anymore - it’s just that the image hasn’t yet reached us. Assemblies aren’t usually interactive but today the children were filled with questions. 

Thank you to all of the staff, students and parents/carers who attended Year 13 Consultation Evening this Wednesday. It was a well-attended, really positive evening. This is a crucial time for Year 13s. They completed their mock examinations last term and they are in the run-up to the real thing in a few months time. The outcome of these will determine the university course that they are accepted onto. Last year, most students went on to their first-place university, but the students know that a lot of hard work and determination is needed now to ensure they are as successful. 

We run Year 11 intervention for core subjects on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and other intervention after school. These sessions have been very well-attended and staff feedback is that the students are very focussed on the Gold PPEs (our final set of mock examinations) as well as what they need to do to get better. This is a real credit to the students and the staff - well done everyone.

I would also like to thank all of you who have been supporting our ongoing efforts to improve behaviour across the school. Mobile phones continue to be a problem with a small number of children. Our policy on phones is exactly the same as other schools - we expect them to be switched off as soon as students come on site. If they are seen, they will be confiscated until the end of the day. There are lots of reasons why we do this - it stops students from being distracted; it prevents bullying on social media during the school day; it encourages students to talk to one another instead of being focussed on their screens.

It is worth remembering:

  • If your child needs to check the time, there are clocks around the school or they can ask a member of staff.

  • All students should have their timetables recorded in their planners, so there is no need for them to use their phone for this purpose.

  • If you need to contact your child, please phone Main Reception and we can arrange for the message to be passed on.

  • If your child needs to use their phone (for example, if they are expecting a message from you regarding a medical appointment), they can ask a member of staff for permission to access their phone. The member of staff can then give them permission (they may ask them to go into a classroom so that this is done privately instead of around other students).

Your support in this is appreciated.

Looking forward to next week, the Sixth-Form Fashion Show is being held on Wednesday and Thursday. This is an amazing event and, returning to my initial theme, a very good use of time.

Have a good weekend.

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