We are very excited for the imminent opening of our new social area to replace the amphitheatre area. With the final scan completed this week for the glass panelling we should have everything open in the next two weeks. Progress on our learner service area is good which will provide our learners with the best facilities - something they certainly deserve.  The picture below illustrates the progress made thanks to the support of our colleagues in Batley Multi Academy Trust who have provided invaluable support in managing the logistics of this work.

 

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.Curriculum & Learning Standards 

• SMSC & Discussion: Learners are exploring key social and economic topics, including equal pay, democracies, labor movements, and debates on equality versus equity.
• Literacy Standards: Expectations include underlining dates/titles, accurate capitalization, proper punctuation, clear writing, and using key vocabulary. Learners use purple pens to respond to teacher feedback and correct work.

Vocabulary Focus:

• Word of the Week: Aftermath (noun) — meaning the consequences or results following an event.
• Idiom of the Week: "In their wake" — meaning leaving a trail of consequences behind. Learners can earn positive ClassCharts points by using these in conversation.

 

2.  Enrichment, Rewards & Opportunities

PE Clubs: After-school sessions run from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Sports Hall (PE kit and water required):

• Monday: Netball & Taekwondo (All Years)
• Tuesday: Mixed Sports & Football (All Years)

Learner Leadership: 63 learners applied for Core Leadership roles. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by Achievement Leaders regarding strategies to improve attendance.

 

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. Specific Year Group Notices

Year 8:

Assembly focuses on online safety and photo sharing.

A quiet reading/writing space is hosted on Wednesday lunchtimes in Room 44.

Form group incentives ("Beat the Queue" passes) are available for top attendance.

Year 9:

Meeting for the Annual School Show in Room 74 on Monday lunchtime.

Performing Arts Society / Singing Club meets on Tuesday reflection times.

Achievement sessions focus on managing stress. A mentoring programme for targeted academic progress is launching soon