Principals Weekly Update
Year 7 Language Learning, Year 10 Work Experience and Staying Prepared for the Winter Weather
In this week’s blog, Ms Seymour visited a Year 7 Spanish lesson to highlight the strong learning routines already embedded across the year group. Students were eager to share their enthusiasm for the subject, demonstrating how confidently they have settled into life at Uxbridge High School.
Strong Starts in Spanish
During the visit, Year 7 students were completing a range of activities linked to the UHS Playbook, including a structured ‘do now’ task focused on key equipment vocabulary, dual coding to support memory, and a reading assessment reflecting the progress they have made this term.
Ms Seymour praised the class for their commitment and consistency, noting how well students are applying routines across all lessons. Whether students studied Spanish in primary school or are learning it for the first time, the Languages department has been extremely impressed with the progress made in both Spanish and French.
Parents of Year 7 students are encouraged to ask about their learning at home, as their early enthusiasm is evident across the curriculum.
Year 10 Work Experience: Building Skills for the Future
This week, Year 10 students began a full week of work experience – an exciting development in the school’s careers programme. Following the success of last year’s trial day, the school has expanded the opportunity so every Year 10 student experiences a meaningful placement linked to future skills and interests.
Work experience plays a key role in helping young people understand how classroom learning connects to the world beyond school. By completing placements early in Year 10, students can begin thinking about their ambitions and feel more motivated to work hard and keep future pathways open.
Next week’s blog will feature reflections from Year 10 students about what they gained from the experience.
Adapting to the Weather and Supporting Learning Routines
As temperatures drop and we begin to see winter weather – including this week’s first snowfall, students are reminded to come prepared for the conditions. Maintaining strong routines, even during cold weather, helps ensure learning continues smoothly throughout the day.
Being prepared also extends to equipment. With Year 11 and Year 13 students sitting exams this week, it is especially important that all students arrive with the correct materials, including a stocked pencil case, ruler, maths equipment and a green pen. Having the right resources supports effective learning and helps the day run smoothly.
Parents are encouraged to check equipment regularly, and if there are any barriers to accessing what is needed, the school is always happy to help.
UHS wishes our Year 10 students the best of luck as they complete the remainder of their work experience placements. We look forward to sharing their insights in next week’s update.