Continuing with the theme of last week's blog we were delighted to see so many exhibitors at our careers fair, with over 33 stands from a range of industries. It really did provide our learners with a comprehensive experience. A number of new firms attending represented the creative industries, which is an area our learners excel in. Anyone who visits school is always extremely impressed with the standard of artwork on display on our walls and of course the recent success of the school production Matilda really showcased the talents our learners have. Studying these subjects provides learners with the ability to creatively problem solve, enhances confidence when engaged in presenting facts or interacting with others and ultimately leads to higher levels of resilience and academic success. They perfectly complement the so-called academic subjects and help provide a firm bedrock of success for all.
If you want to read about the other brilliant things that are happening in Batley, please read the Trust's CEO blog here: https://www.batleymat.co.uk/stream/news/full/1/-//
Gary Kibble
The points below summarise the information shared with learners this week.
1. Upcoming Events & Key Dates:
SMSC & Global Media Week: Learners are discussing topics centered around equity, pay equality, and the media's responsibility when reporting sensitive news.
2. Literacy & Oracy Challenges:
- Word of the Week: Skeptical (examining evidence and evaluating critical claims).
- Idiom of the Week: "To take it with a pinch of salt". Learners can earn positive ClassCharts points by using these terms correctly in conversation.
- Vending Machine Book Rewards: Teachers are awarding "Reading Reward" points on ClassCharts. Five learners from Years 7–11 will be drawn each week to win a book from the school vending machine.
- Community Book Club: Learners in Years 10–13 are invited to join staff and community members to read and discuss this term's featured book (The Prison Healer). A session with lunch provided will take place on Thursday 26 November.
2. Enrichment, Rewards & Opportunities
- Mondays: Netball & Taekwondo
- Tuesdays: Mixed Sports & Football
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 Notices
- Year 7: Focus on everyday readiness, building self-respect, and taking on new opportunities.
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Year 8:
- Attendance Highlights: Form 8HSH won a 100% attendance reward cafe session. Form MHN led attendance charts
- Key Events: Awards Assembly held on Wednesday to celebrate first-half-term achievements. "Brilliance Bucket" tasks are underway.
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Year 9:
- Careers Fair Praise: Visitors commended Year 9 learners for asking thoughtful, mature questions during the fair.
- Attainment & Conduct: 104 learners are currently in the "98 Club" for attendance. 250 Brilliance points and target attendance are required to attend the end-of-term reward event.
- Year 10: Form Champions competition pauses this week and will resume after the break with an end-of-term reward for the winning form.
- High standards for uniform, punctuality, and classroom focus are required through the final week.
- Year 11 (Class of 2027) Subject Coaching Schedule:
Mondays: Maths (including Walking-Talking Mocks in the Lecture Theatre), Photography, Art/Craft/Design.
Tuesdays: Computing, History (Week A), Geography (Week B).
Thursdays: Sport Studies, Fine Art, English (invited cohort).
Fridays: MFL (French, Spanish, Urdu).
Science Coaching: Suspended until Wednesday, 4 November
