A Smooth Transition into GCSE Options

This term also saw the start of the students' GCSE option subjects, and I’m thrilled to report that the transition has been incredibly smooth. The step-up to GCSEs can be daunting but our Year 10 students have embraced their new courses with great enthusiasm. Whether it’s in social sciences, humanities, or the arts, the focus and dedication they’ve shown is impressive. Teachers have commented on the positive attitude and commitment displayed in lessons, and we’re excited to see how this early momentum continues to build over the coming months. Their hard work and engagement are the foundation for what I am sure will be a very successful Year 10.

Assemblies Focused on Revision Strategies and Careers

We have also been focusing on providing our students with essential skills to support their learning and future planning. Assemblies this term have centred on revision strategies and careers, underpinned by our CORE values. We want to ensure that our students are not only learning the content for their exams but are also equipped with the tools to revise effectively. Techniques such as time management, active revision, and using practice papers have been highlighted. In addition, we have started discussions about work experience and future careers, helping students to consider what area of employment they would like to experience and how to organise this.  These assemblies have been well-received, and we hope they will encourage our students to start thinking seriously about their goals and how to achieve them.

Attendance

I am pleased we have seen a significant improvement in attendance across Year 10. Regular attendance has a direct impact on learning and overall success and is crucial for students to keep up with their coursework, participate fully in lessons, and ensure there are no gaps in learning. We appreciate the efforts of both students and parents/carers in making attendance a priority and we will continue to work together to encourage and support this.

Whole School Events

Race for Life

On Friday 25 September, we held our Race for Life event around the school fields, and Year 10s showed fantastic spirit and determination throughout the event. Some chose to run, while others walked, but everyone played their part in raising a wonderful amount of money for this all-important charity. The atmosphere was full of encouragement and teamwork, with students supporting one another every step of the way. It was truly inspiring to see such brilliant attitude, commitment, and community spirit from our Year 10s — a day that highlighted both their generosity and their dedication to making a difference.

On Friday October 9, we supported Hello Yellow - World Mental Health Day, and participated in supporting the YoungMinds Hello Yellow day.  It was fantastic to see Year 10 take part by wearing a yellow accessory alongside their uniform and thank you to those who baked or donated cakes for sale at break time.  From the cake sale and donations we raised £478 for Young Minds. In tutor time students received guidance on how to support their own mental wellbeing and were reminded of the resources and support available to them within the school including support from our Mental Health Team, Lulu our school dog, and the wider Individual Educational Needs (IEN) team. 

Tutor Curriculum

This half term students have been Exploring British Values within the Tutor Time curriculum. This has offered them an excellent opportunity to develop their student leadership and knowledge of these areas. We have also been celebrating Black History Month, Honouring Our Communities, with sessions focusing on it being a celebration and a time to spread awareness, learn more, while continuing to support the Black community's histories, traditions, and culture.

Rewards 

I am thrilled to announce that Year 10 has once again secured a fantastic number of rewards. Collectively, the year group has achieved over 24,500 reward points, which is a record number when comparing this time to the previous period in Years 9, 8, and 7. This incredible achievement highlights the positive behaviour, effort, and dedication of our students across all areas of school life. Rewards points are earned for a wide range of positive behaviours, from academic excellence and participation in extracurricular activities to demonstrating respect and kindness towards others. This shows that Year 10 continues to set a fantastic example for the rest of the school. I am also so happy to acknowledge the achievement of those students in each College as well as 10BD01, who have managed to achieve over 3092 points collectively.

A special congratulations goes to the students who have earned the highest number of reward points so far this year:

Our Year 10 students who have achieved the most reward points this half term. These students have consistently demonstrated exceptional behaviour, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude. Congratulations to all of you!

Student Leadership

Well done to the students who,have been selected as our Year 10  Careers and Sports Leaders

 Calendar

Next half term opportunities for Year 10 students continue with events including.

• 11 November Remembrance Day
• 12 November Bronze DofE Celebration Evening
• 16-20 College Fortnight
• 16-20 Anti-Bullying week, culminating in Odd Sock Day on Friday 20 November
• Community and Charity Christmas activities 
  Wednesday 2 December Winter Music Concert
  Friday 11 December Christmas Jumper Day

Let’s continue to build on this fantastic start to the academic year and make the rest of the term just as successful. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to seeing what else we can achieve together this year.

Kind regards,
Carl Royle
Year 10 Lead