Whole School Events 

This term has offered a wide range of exciting opportunities for students to come together and take part in meaningful whole-school experiences. One highlight was our Red Nose Day celebrations, where a fantastic bake sale brought in money for important charitable causes—there was an impressive array of cakes to enjoy, and we thank everyone who contributed.

World Book Day was another standout moment, with staff embracing the occasion wholeheartedly by bringing much-loved stories to life. From adventures inspired by Treasure Island to the excitement of The Hunger Games, the day was filled with creativity and enthusiasm, making it a truly enjoyable experience for students.

We also hosted an informative and well-supported ‘Chat and Learn’ session to mark World Epilepsy Day which provided students with valuable knowledge and insight. The school recognised Autism Awareness, encouraging thoughtful discussions around neurodiversity and helping students appreciate the uniqueness of how individuals think and experience the world. Events such as these play an important role in developing a supportive and inclusive environment across the school.

This term saw the second Attendance Streak challenge. This challenge encourages students to keep their streak of attendance by attending school every day and on this occasion, it was Binswood who claimed the title of Attendance Champions, with Park a close second.

To recognise outstanding achievement, our top 30 Year 9 students were celebrated at the termly rewards event, where they enjoyed freshly baked cupcakes—well done to each and every one of them for their fantastic efforts. We also celebrated key aspects of student success detailed below through our much anticipated Celebration Assembly where students will have the opportunity to win Amazon vouchers.

Tutor Curriculum

The first week of half term was headed up by the College Assemblies. Students reflected on rewards and last term’s whole school college events as well as looking forward to those planned for the coming terms.

During tutor time, students further developed their Digital Literacy skills and spent time revisiting the International School Project. Careers-related learning sessions also provided opportunities for students to explore the labour market in more detail and to discuss issues surrounding prejudice and discrimination in different contexts.

With the RE mock exam only a couple of months away, tutors supported students in strengthening their revision techniques and preparing effectively for the assessment.

Next term, following the publication of Data 2, students will be spending time reviewing their progress and attitude to learning. They will be evaluating whether the targets and actions they set after Data 1 had supported an improvement in their progress and, where necessary, identify new goals to support their continued development.

Students will continue their exploration of prejudice and discrimination including looking at the law on hate crimes, challenging islamophobia, celebrating differences, racism in sport and women’s rights.

Options and Subject Evening

It was lovely to see so many parents and carers at the option/subject evening on Monday 16 March, particularly those taking the opportunity to explore subjects they haven’t studied at Key Stage 3. This has been subsidised by taster sessions. Hopefully, this will have made for informative discussions to support their final decisions on GCSE choices for Year 10. 

Rewards and Celebration

Recognising and celebrating student achievement is always a real highlight. Congratulations to those students who have shown outstanding dedication to their learning and have earned the highest number of rewards. Collectively, the year group has achieved an impressive total of 49,116 rewards so far this term, which is a wonderful reflection of their positive attitude and determination to give their best.

Top 10 Students for Reward Points for the Term

Top two in each College for Reward Points for the Term

Highest Achievement - this recognises the students who are mostly working above their target grades in the highest number of subjects

Outstanding Students in each Tutor Group

Online Safety

A reminder our website contains a variety of online safety information within the Safeguarding tab, we added the March Online Safety Newsletter which contains information on mobile phones, VPNs and social media algorithms – it is linked here also March Online Safety Newsletter

As we reach the end of what has been a very full but rewarding term, the Year 9 team would like to take a moment to express our genuine appreciation to parents and carers for the important role you continue to play in school life. Your support, encouragement, and engagement make a real difference, and we are grateful to have such a strong partnership in place.

By working together, we are able to provide the guidance and opportunities our students need to flourish, both academically and personally. It is this shared commitment that helps them develop the skills, confidence, and character required to make a positive impact in the wider world. We are delighted with their progress so far and look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and succeed in the future.

We hope you have a lovely Easter and look forward to welcoming Year 9 back for their final term in KS4 before they embark on their GCSE journey.

With my warmest regards
Mrs Barley-Morey
Year 9 Lead