Principals Weekly Update
Year 9 Literature, Year 10 Work Experience Reflections and Preparing for a Successful End to Term
This week’s blog comes from a Year 9 English classroom, where students are hard at work identifying and analysing nouns as part of their current unit of learning. Visits like this are always a pleasure, offering a chance to see our routines in action and to celebrate the focus and effort demonstrated by our students every day.
Books That Change the World: This Week’s Assembly Theme
The assembly theme for this week is Books That Change the World, a topic designed to inspire young people to read widely and think deeply. Reading enables students to explore different perspectives, challenge singular narratives and develop critical thinking skills, especially important in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and targeted content.
Year 9 student Lammar spoke powerfully in assembly about the role of empathy in literature, drawing on her study of The Merchant of Venice. She highlighted how themes such as discrimination, prejudice and inequality in Shakespeare’s play still resonate today, reminding us why reading remains such a vital tool for understanding both history and modern society.
Year 10 Return From Work Experience
Last week Year 10 students completed their work experience placements and the school has been buzzing with their stories and reflections. Students have spoken confidently about the skills they developed, independence, teamwork, communication and leadership—and it has been wonderful to see the boost in maturity and self-belief that comes from real-world experience.
Parents are warmly invited to share any feedback about the programme. As Year 9 students begin looking ahead to GCSE choices and their own future opportunities, your reflections help us continue shaping a high-quality careers provision for all year groups.
A few of our Year 10 students shared their experiences:
Lewis completed his placement at Shop Mobility, where he strengthened his independence, trust and communication skills.
Subhan spent the week at the SES/HS2 construction site, gaining insight into leadership, teamwork and collaboration in a professional environment.
Looking Ahead: A Busy and Exciting December
As we approach December and the winter term draws to a close, preparations are well underway for one of the busiest and most enjoyable periods of the school year. Upcoming events include our Winter Showcase, Christmas lunches and a number of rewards celebrations recognising the hard work and achievements of students this term.
Families will have received a letter from Mr Churchill outlining key dates and reminders to ensure communication remains clear and consistent. Your support in helping maintain strong routines, attendance and focus across the final weeks of term makes an enormous difference to students’ success.