This week starts with some very positive news from our local MP Kim Leadbeater following the contribution of our learners at the recent Youth Parliament. BGHS learners were also mentioned as excellent spokes persons attending a careers event over the weekend. This reflects the importance placed upon oracy and debating skills within school, with one of our year 11 learners completing this week in the semi finals of the Historical Association Great Debate. We have an excellent track record in this with previous learners reaching the final. All wonderful key skills that will help our learners move onto successful careers after their time with us.
Gary Kibble
The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.
Key Events and Dates
- Pathways Day & Evening: This is a major event for Year 9 learners to make their course choices. Pathways sessions will run on Tuesday 3 February during periods 1, 3, and 4.
- Rewards Assemblies: The Year 8 rewards assembly is scheduled for next week.
- Year 7 "Show and Tell": Taking place this Tuesday.
- Anti Bullying Posters: Year 7 entries must be submitted before the holiday break.
Academic & Attendance Expectations
- Attendance Target: The school target is 98% attendance. Data shows a strong correlation between high attendance and exam achievement, please do not book non emergency appointments in school time and encourage resilience in your daughter to attend every day to maximise their progress.
- Punctuality: Year 7 has been noted for high numbers of "late to school" negatives; parents are encouraged to help learners set alarms 10 minutes earlier.
Rewards and Opportunities
- Brilliance Bucket: Learners are aiming for 300 points to qualify for the "Big Batley Day Out".
- Reading Awards: Teachers award "Reading Rewards" on Class Charts for excellent effort; five weekly winners across Years 7–11 can choose a book from the vending machine.
- Premium Points: Learners can visit the LRC on Mondays at break to have extra "Brilliant Activities" added to their totals.
- Job of the Week: This week’s focus is on becoming a Pet Behaviourist, requiring at least a Grade 4 in GCSE English, Maths, and Science.
Curriculum Themes
- SMSC & Personal Development: The bulletin highlights Groundhog Day and Candlemas (Monday 2 February), exploring their historical and religious origins.
- Financial Literacy: A "spot the difference" exercise focused on "shrinkflation," showing learners how a 5g reduction in chocolate bar weight represents an 11% price difference.
