Principals Weekly Update
Checking for Understanding, Celebrating Languages, and Building Trust at Uxbridge High
This week, Principal Louisa Seymour recorded her vlog from inside a Year 11 Spanish lesson, where students were working with mini whiteboards under the guidance of one of the school’s new language teachers. The atmosphere, she explained, perfectly reflected this week’s three themes: checking for understanding, International Languages Day, and the importance of trust.
Checking for Understanding in the Classroom
Ms Seymour highlighted the importance of live assessment during lessons, ensuring that teachers know what students have understood and where extra support is needed.
In Spanish, Year 11s were working on verbs and grammar, using mini whiteboards to show their answers. Teachers can then give instant feedback, identify misconceptions, and help students gain confidence.
“It’s a low-threat way of learning,” Ms Seymour said. “If a student makes a mistake, they can simply rub it out. It encourages risk-taking, builds confidence, and shows students that mistakes are an important part of the learning journey.”
Every classroom at Uxbridge High is equipped with mini whiteboards, which are being used across all subjects. Parents are encouraged to ask their children how they use them in lessons and how they support their learning.
Celebrating Languages and International Culture
The second theme of the week tied in with European Day of Languages, an annual event celebrated at Uxbridge High School with assemblies and activities. Mr. Norman, from the Modern Foreign Languages team, led assemblies exploring the culture of French and Spanish-speaking countries and the values that can be learned from them.
“Learning about other cultures helps us to respect them,” Ms Seymour explained. “Respect is one of our core values, and we are fortunate to have such a rich mix of cultures in our school community. It makes us stronger.”
As part of the celebrations, students took part in activities across the school, with younger year groups looking forward to the annual Languages Treasure Hunt, always a highlight of the year.
Trust: The Glue That Holds Us Together
Reflecting on the school’s Open Evening earlier this week, Ms Seymour spoke about the importance of trust between students, staff, and parents.
“Trust is the glue that holds us all together,” she said. “Our students trust their teachers to support them, we trust our families to work with us, and in return, we work incredibly hard to make sure that every class has a highly competent teacher with high expectations.”
She also pointed to the successful introduction of Yondr pouches as an example of trust in action. While some students were initially hesitant about the change, many have already reported that it helps them concentrate in lessons.
“One Year 11 student told me, ‘Miss, it’s the best thing we’ve ever done. I’m now concentrating much more on my lessons,’” Ms. Seymour shared. “That’s exactly the outcome we hoped for. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the trust and support of parents.”
Looking Ahead
With live assessment strategies building confidence, cultural celebrations reinforcing respect, and trust strengthening the partnership between school and home, Uxbridge High is continuing its strong start to the year.
“I’m grateful for the support of parents, students, and staff,” Ms Seymour concluded. “Together, we’re creating a safe, respectful, and ambitious environment where every young person can succeed.”
Thank you for reading and for being part of the Uxbridge High School Community.
We look forward to sharing more in next week’s update.