Year 9 Update - Autumn 1
As we come to the end up the first half-term of Year 9, we want to take a moment to celebrate the excellent progress so many students have made and to share some important information about the term ahead.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication Year 9 students have shown throughout the first half of the autumn term. They have embraced the challenges of this pivotal stage in their education with resilience and a strong commitment to their studies. The students are beginning to Step Up to the Plate, as we have been asking of them in assemblies and tutor time.
As always, we value the close partnership with parents and carers, working together to ensure every student has the support and opportunities they need to become the very best version of themselves.
Year 9 Curriculum and Assessment
Year 9 is a pivotal year in school and myself and Ms Foy have conducted an assembly on this, followed up by a letter to parents and carers. Year 9 targets are now showing on Go4Schools. These targets represent the stage we have reached in the educational journey as targets in RE, English, Maths and Science are all attuned to GCSE grades, where the other subjects have retained the familiar bandings.
More information on all aspects of our assessment and reporting practices can be found on our website.
Whole School Events
We were incredibly lucky with the weather for our annual Race for Life. It was fantastic to see so many students completing their laps, whilst being adorned in something pink for such a worthy event. An amazing £2702.29 was raised!
On Friday 9 October, we took the opportunity to support the Young Minds Hello Yellow day for World Mental Health Day. It was great to see Year 9 take part by wearing a yellow accessory alongside and thank you to those who baked or donated cakes for sale at break time. We very much hope we have been able to make sizable contribution to this very worthy charity. During 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 term we have continued to include our Core Communications, Literacy and Current Affairs Quiz within our tutor time curriculum and PSHE topics have centred around combating extremism and terrorism, conspiracy theories and fake news, as well as radicalisation. Students have also undertaken specific sessions as part of Black History Month where they have the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture on Britain.
Information regarding the Tutor Curriculum, along with the Tutor Time Learning Journey can be found on our website.
Next half term students will be further developing their Digital Literacy skills as well as having a spot light on anti-bullying. They will also be participating in the annual International School project. As part of their career-related learning students will look more closely at how subjects link into a range of different careers, and they will reflect on their learning through the student reflection review process.
Loudmouth
On Thursday 15 October, we were very pleased to welcome Loudmouth to school with their programme “Working for Marcus”. This is a safe and sensitively run programme using well researched drama plus discussion workshops to help young people spot the signs of grooming, raise empathy for victims and see the impact of child exploitation. It highlights how perpetrators target young people's vulnerabilities and use illegal substances and alcohol to groom and control, how victims and perpetrators can be anyone e.g. gender, ethnicity, age and the laws around coercive and controlling behaviour. Year 9’s engagement with the day was fantastic, they were a credit to themselves and will have taken a lot away about this vital topic.
Rewards
I’m thrilled that Year 9 students continue to consistently earn an impressive number of rewards for their hard work and dedication in class. This achievement truly reflects their commitment and effort both inside and outside the classroom.
A large portion of these rewards recognise students for showing outstanding COMMITMENT to their learning and genuine RESPECT towards others.
While I’m proud of all of our Year 9 students, I want to especially acknowledge those named below who have consistently excelled across most lessons, demonstrated strong leadership, and made remarkable progress. Well done to each of you.
| Student | Reward points |
|---|---|
| Karina B | 224 |
| Anvii B | 218 |
| Sara R | 202 |
| Miguel C-A | 200 |
| Joseph N | 192 |
| Chloe E | 191 |
| Tobi B | 189 |
| Molly T | 189 |
| Jayden L | 188 |
| Jack B | 184 |
Student Leadership
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the following Year 9 students have been selected by the Sixth Form leadership team to represent the school in Charity & Community.
We also want to recognise Lily G and Maya K who will be working with Deputy Headteacher Ms Jones as the Year 9 Equality and Diversity leaders.
Calendar
- 11 November - Remembrance
- 16-20 November Supporting Anti bullying week culminating in Odd Socks Day on 20 November
- 16-20 November - College Assemblies
- Christmas activities:
Wednesday December 2 Winter Music Concert
Friday December 11 Christmas Jumper Day
We’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued support in this crucial year in your child’s education journey. look forward to keeping you updated on your child’s progress and celebrating their achievements throughout the remainder of the term.
Wishing you and your families a restful half term break.
Joseph Piper
Assistant Headteacher – Year 9 Lead