Principal's Weekly Update

Welcome Back for the Summer Term!

I'm thrilled to welcome everyone back for the summer term! I hope you all had a chance to relax and recharge over the break and perhaps spend some quality time with your families. To those who celebrated Easter or Eid over the holidays, I hope you had a fun and festive time!

Today, I want to talk to you about three main themes for the term ahead: maths, golden firsts, and what you can expect in the coming weeks.

 

Maths: More Than Equations

I'm standing here in the Maths Department today for a reason. Maths is a crucial part of our curriculum, and I firmly believe in its value for our young people. Yes, it can be challenging, but that doesn't make it any less worthwhile.

Think about it: strong math skills equip students with the ability to solve problems, think critically, and make logical decisions. These are vital skills, not just in the classroom, but throughout life, especially in 2024 with all the challenges and problems we face.

The message I want our students to hear is that maths is a life skill. It builds resilience and determination, preparing them to tackle future challenges. Please reinforce this message at home, and don't hesitate to share any feedback on how we can improve the maths experience for your children.

We've also made some exciting changes in the Maths Department! We've installed some fantastic new murals, which we hope will create a more positive and inspiring environment for learning mathematics.

 

Golden Firsts: Building a Foundation for Success

Moving on, let's talk about "Golden Firsts." This was the theme of our recent staff training session held the morning the students returned. It focuses on the routines students need to establish in their very first lesson back to set them up for success throughout the term.

Remember that long break? We need to bring them back into the swing of things gently. Clear routines in the first lesson, whether it's tutor time, maths, or English, are key. Teachers will be explicitly teaching these routines, and I wanted to share some examples with you so you can reinforce them at home.

Here are some key aspects of Golden Firsts:

• Active Listening: When the teacher is explaining something, students need to sit up, pay attention, and ask questions by raising their hands (no interrupting!).

• Independent Practice: After guided practice, students will be expected to work silently and independently. We'll provide the resources they need to succeed.

This is a partnership between teachers and students. By consistently reinforcing these routines in every lesson, we create a positive learning environment where everyone thrives. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the school.

 

The Term Ahead: Exams, Events, and Celebration

With the sun hopefully shining on this new term, I feel a wave of optimism. We know Year 11 and Year 13 students are preparing for their exams. Special assemblies starting tomorrow will help keep them motivated and engaged as they approach exam season. Year 13 will also benefit from dedicated morning revision sessions with specialist teachers.

Beyond exams, there's a whole lot to look forward to this term! We've got exciting events like sports day, culture day, and various trips planned. The summer term always culminates in a fantastic school-wide celebration, and we'll keep you updated on all the details. Please encourage your children to participate—the more, the merrier!

Of course, parental involvement is crucial. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events, parent evenings and year-group option evenings.

Thank you, as always, for your incredible support. Have a wonderful weekend, and let's hope the sunshine continues! I look forward to speaking to you all again next week, same time, same place.