Following an extended holiday period we are delighted to have returned to school this week ready for the start of a busy term. This is a particularly pressured time for our year 13 and 11 learners as their exam period starts in earnest. On this note we were fortunate to secure the services of a local ‘lifecoach’ who has worked this week with some of our year 11 learners. The focus on recognising that certain aspects of our life can be stressful and how we can develop mechanisms to manage this. Important future life skills, but certainly something to help our learners about to sit external exams. 

 

Of course for our younger year group high attendance (above 95%) is crucial for their success and we continue to be dismayed when families take extended breaks.  Please avoid disadvantaging your daughter by taking holidays, visits or appointments in school time. We know that learners double their chances of securing at least a grade 5 or higher in English and Maths if their  attendance is above 95%. Please support us and them by encouraging your daughter to be in school every day.  

 

This summary highlights key information for parents from the Batley Girls' High School bulletin for the week of April 13, 2026:

 

Attendance and Achievement

• The Importance of Attendance: There is a direct link between high attendance and academic success. Data indicates that learners who are in school consistently achieve better exam results and have more future career and earning opportunities.
• Support Available: If any issues are affecting a learner's attendance, parents and learners are encouraged to speak with a group tutor, achievement leader, or teacher for support.
• Attendance Incentives: * Learners earn 20 "Brilliance Bucket" points for 100% weekly attendance.
  • Year 10 learners can receive double points this week for 100% attendance, with a potential 60-point total if their year group shows the most improvement.
  • The "98 Club" rewards learners with 98% attendance or higher and fewer than two negatives with weekly rewards.

 

Rewards and Recognition

• VIP Status: By earning premium points, learners can reach "VIP" status. This is awarded to those in the top 25% (Bronze), 15% (Silver), 10% (Gold), and 5% (Platinum).
• Positive Top 5: Each term, the top five learners in categories such as Character, Creativity, and Collaboration are entered into a prize draw.
• Reading Awards: Teachers nominate learners who show excellent effort in reading or vocabulary on Class Charts. Every week, five winners from Years 7-11 are selected to choose a book from the school's vending machine.

 

Learning and Personal Development

• Homework and Literacy: Homework is set via Class Charts, where deadlines and tasks are clearly visible. High-quality work is expected, and late or poor-quality submissions may result in a "Study and Support" (SAS) detention.
• The 5 Cs: The school's reward system is built on five core values: Character, Creativity, Collaboration, Community, and being Connected.
• Career Focus: This week's "Job of the Week" is a Criminologist, highlighting the GCSE grades (at least five at grade 4+) and subjects like Sociology or Psychology needed for this path.
• Extracurricular Activities: Various clubs are available after school, including Art Club for Years 7-9 (Mondays, 3-4 pm) and PE clubs such as Volleyball, Taekwondo, and Darts.

 

Upcoming Events and Reminders

• Year 8 Parents' Evening: This crucial meeting takes place this Thursday 16 April. All Year 8 learners are expected to attend with their parents to discuss academic progress.
• Safeguarding: A recurring school message for all learners is to "be kind to yourself and others".