Tutor Time

This half-term’s tutor-time curriculum has been rich and varied, offering students meaningful opportunities to develop both personally and academically. Digital Literacy sessions supported students in learning about the safe use of computers and gaining an initial understanding of AI, while Anti-Bullying Week—concluding with our vibrant Odd Socks Day—encouraged students to celebrate individuality, acceptance, and tolerance. Numeracy and Finance sessions focused on money habits and distinguishing between ‘Needs and Wants’. Through the International School's Project , students explored the UN Sustainable Development Goals and reflected on the importance of peace in the world.

Our Careers Curriculum sessions introduced students to the purpose of a CV and gave them the chance to draft their own. In addition, Student Self-Reflection sessions allowed students to review their first set of data and set personalised targets related to attendance, behaviour, punctuality, attitude to learning, and wider personal development, including leadership.

Finally, through a Student Voice activity, students were able to share feedback on a range of school-related matters, ensuring their perspectives help shape future provision.

Alongside this, students attended an assembly, led by our International School Student Leaders, who delivered an informative session on FairTrade. Year 7 students also observed an online assembly exploring Christmas Traditions at local, global, and school-community levels, which helped deepen their cultural understanding at this festive time of year. They also took part in a College Assembly that highlighted the wide range of events taking place including our Christmas activities.

Looking ahead, next half-term’s tutor-time curriculum will focus on the topic of Gaming, with sessions exploring themes such as “What Are the Risks?”, “Probability and Luck,” and “E-Sports.” Additionally, sessions in February will also be based around National Apprenticeship Week, and Children’s Mental Health Week.

Our annual Christmas Jumper Day took place on Friday 12 December 2025, with students wearing their most festive jumpers in place of their blazers to raise money for the Save the Children charity.

  

In addition, each tutor group worked together to create a Christmas Hamper for a member of our local community who would benefit from our support.

These hampers, filled with items such as biscuits, jams, cheese, tea, coffee, long-life juices, and other non-perishable treats, were delivered to local care homes, elderly neighbours, and families in need.

Reward Points

Reward points continue to play an important role in students’ school experience, recognising positive learning behaviours and contributions to school life. Each week, we celebrate the achievements of the whole year group, as well as those who have gone above and beyond to earn additional points. It has been wonderful to see the routines developing within tutor groups to help students acknowledge and celebrate their successes—and it is clear just how much the students value their points! A huge congratulations to all our Year 7 students; they should feel incredibly proud of themselves.

We concluded the term with a couple of reward and celebration events. The 30 students with the most rewards points within the year group were invited to a Rewards Celebration Event where they enjoyed festive treats and crackers in the canteen.

In our end of term Celebration Assembly, a number of Year 7 students received certificates to acknowledge their achievements and successes from the Autumn Term. These are termly rewards events and so there will be a fresh opportunity during the Spring Term for those who just missed out.

Certificates were awarded across three categories to the top two students in each college:

• Most Reward Points
• Highest Attitude to Learning
• Tutor Time Contribution

The tables below show which students received certificates. All recipients should be extremely proud of their excellent efforts and high levels of engagement across this past term!

Rewards Top 10 Students

Top Two Students in each College reward points for each College

Outstanding Contribution to Tutor Group

Attitude to Learning

Online Safety

Our December online safety newsletter has been added to the website and includes information on AI chatbots, online grooming, and smartphone safety. December Online Newsletter

Year 7 Residential Trip – Whitemoor Lakes

I am pleased to confirm that we have secured places for all students who have signed up for the Year 7 Whitemoor Lakes trip and able to join us.  can be made on ParentPay.

A reminder there are two remaining instalments due via ParentPay.

• £50 Instalment 2: 6 February 2026
• £40 Instalment 3: 6 March 2026

I will write to you again in the new year with further details about the trip, including information about a Parents’ Information Evening where we will share the finer points of the visit prior to our departure.

As the first term comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support so far this academic year. Like you, I want the very best for your children, and working together is key to achieving this. I would be grateful for your continued support in maintaining high standards of uniform, attendance, and punctuality throughout the year, as these World Class Basics have a real impact on student achievement. Finally, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you enjoy a safe, restful break and some quality time with your families.

Mr. B Butler
Assistant Headteacher – Head of Year 7