I was fortunate enough to be invited to present at the Pixl National Conference this week, where Amy Wilby and I were able to outline the range of strategies in school to promote our sense of belonging, improve attendance and of course progress. Of course whilst we may have been sharing this information, the work and imperative for this is shared across the school and I am very grateful for the constant dedication of our school leaders at all levels and of course the support of our associate staff to communicate and facilitate these initiatives.

 

It is this sense of a shared common goal that brings people together to create the sense of community we are constantly striving to have and reinforce. This week was an important week in the ‘More in Common’ calendar with a range of community events planned. Following the Run for Jo on Sunday we have the ‘Batley Bake Off’ held at UBHS and the ‘Step into the Future’ event, which I am delighted BGHS is able to host. BBEST schools will join together to reinforce that central message that “We have more in common than which divides us.” A fantastic way for us to finish this week.

 

The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.

 

1.  Attendance & The "Brilliance Bucket" Reward Scheme

• Attendance Matters: 

Please remember that there is a strong link between high attendance and exam achievement. Appointments during school time must be avoided to limit any negative impact on your daughter's progress.  Learners earn 20 premium reward points for achieving 100% weekly attendance.

• Brilliance Activities:

Learners receive 10 points for completing weekly extra-curricular "Brilliance Activities". To log completed tasks and claim bonus rewards (such as chocolates or stickers), learners should visit Mr Scurr in the LRC on Mondays at breaktime.

• VIP Status:

Reward points accumulate over the school term. Learners who perform in the top 25% are designated as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum VIPs and become eligible for special prize draws and bonus rewards.

 

2. School Standards & Expectations

• Uniform & Weather:  

As the weather warms up, form tutors will notify learners when blazers may be removed. However, shirts must remain tucked in at all times. Please ensure your child brings a refillable water bottle to school daily.

 

 3. Extracurricular Opportunities & Reading Awards

• Reading Rewards Vending Machine: 

To promote literacy across the curriculum, teachers are handing out "Reading Awards" on Class Charts to learners showing exceptional effort toward reading or vocabulary. Each week, five nominated learners (across Years 7–11) are drawn from a reward wheel to win a free book from the school's book vending machine.

• After-School PE Clubs: Active clubs run from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in the Sports Hall for all year groups. Learners are welcome to attend and must bring their PE kit and water. 
  • Monday: Volleyball & Taekwondo (Martial Arts)
  • Tuesday: Mixed Sports & Darts 
  • Questions: For any club enquiries or suggestions, contact Mrs Ramsden. 
• Key Stage 3 Art Club (Years 7–9): Held on Mondays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in Room 45 with Miss Halson and Miss Parfitt. Parents must provide digital consent through ParentPay. A late school bus is available at 4:00pm for £1.50.

 

4. Personal Development, Character & Wellbeing

• The 5 Cs Values:

Our reward culture is built around cultivating five core values: Character, Creativity, Collaboration, Community, and Connection. Learners are awarded positive points on Class Charts when they demonstrate these traits in class or around school grounds.

• SMSC Focus:

This week's curriculum focus celebrates Helen Keller Day (commemorating her birth on June 27, 1880), encouraging learners to reflect on determination, courage, and overcoming educational barriers.