We were very fortunate this week to receive a visit from Harrison Gration well known Bass - baritone opera singer who has performed roles such as il Frate in Don Carlo at Grange Park Opera, Fasolt in Das Rheingold with Tundi Productions, and the title role in Gianni Schicchi.  Harrison has links to our Trust through More in Common Foundation and was very generous in giving up his time to visit our school. 

 

During his visit Harrison was treated to a performance from our learners from the recent Matilda production and was then able to outline his journey to becoming a professional performer. We certainly value the benefits that creative subjects provide our learners with, enabling them to develop transferable analytical skills, identify patterns, enhance confidence when speaking within a group and of course developing those all important team work skills. All this equips our learners for the next steps in their careers, even if these are outside the creative industries.

 

Gary Kibble 

 

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

 

1. Upcoming Events & Key Dates:

• Building Updates: Amphitheatre works are on track to finish by the October half-term, with the space available for use shortly after. Construction on the new "Glass Corridor" will continue until February 2027
• Word of the Week: Accomplishment (noun: Something achieved successfully through effort or skill)
• Idiom of the Week: "Start as you mean to go on" (establishing high standards and good habits from the beginning).

 

2. Enrichment, Rewards & Opportunities

• Job of the Week: Illustrator (focusing on freelance structure, degree requirements, client briefs, and portfolios).
• P.E. Clubs (2026–2027):
• Monday (3pm–4pm): Netball & Taekwondo / Martial Arts (Sports Hall).
• Tuesday (3pm–4pm): Mixed Sports & Football (Sports Hall).
• Performing Arts: Annual School Show meeting (Room 74, Mondays at lunch) and Performing Arts Society (Tuesdays during reflection time).

 

3. Attendance & Safeguarding

• Attendance Target (98%+): High attendance directly correlates with academic success and future opportunities. Missing just 15 minutes per day equates to 8 full days of lost learning per year.
• Attendance Bands: 100% (Perfection), 98% (Impressive), 96% (Good), 95% (Nearly There), 94% (Needs Improvement), 90% (Concern), 85% (Serious Concern - support plans provided).
• Safeguarding Contacts: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Jenny Fox (Y10/11 link), Deputy Headteacher Aejaz Laher, and Safeguarding Officers Kylie Hadaway (Y7–9), Salma Ilyas (Y11/BG6), and Saira Farooq (Attendance).

 

4. Year Group Highlights & Upcoming Assessments 

 

Year 8:

• Achievement sessions on online safety and sharing photos.
• Lunchtime quiet reading/writing session in Room 44 on Wednesdays.
• Overall attendance reached 96.1% last week. 207 out of 231 learners currently have 100% attendance.

 

Year 9:

• Attendance was 94.71% last week (up 3% from prior week); overall year-to-date attendance is 93.6%. Form 9FSH/HPA was the week's attendance champion.
• Achievement sessions focus on managing stress.
• Launching a mentoring programme based on Year 8 academic progress and effort levels.

 

Year 10:

• Reminders on school uniform standards (tucking in shirts).
• Form champions meeting in Room 41 to reveal new challenge results.