I have been really impressed with the way in which students have settled back into classes this week. In many ways it is as if there has been no break between the end of last term and the start of this. Year 10 are cracking on with Creative Media coursework, Year 11 are initiating intervention, Year 12 are focused on their futures and Year 13 are energised for exams.

During our training day on Monday I spoke to staff about the need for us to continue to set the highest expectations with our students as they deserve to be expected to perform at their best at all times. Though I have mentioned this before, it is important to me that we all understand that we are here to push your child to achieve more than they ever thought possible. It has been lovely to sit today and review the nominations for ‘Employee of the week’ reading about students that ‘demonstrate initiative and responsibility’, ‘volunteered with confidence’ and ‘are always supporting other students’.

Part of growing up is learning how to get things right; inevitably there have been times where our expectations have had to be reinforced. This is always approached professionally and it is pleasing to see students responding to this. Punctuality amongst a minority of our students is a focus for development. Getting to work on time is a habit and one that should be strongly established from an early age. We thank you, as parents, for all you do to support this. 

Do wrap up again this weekend, it looks like it is going to be a wild one!