Read all about the latest news and activities happening, and reasons to celebrate our school in the below Headteacher's blog.

• Headteacher's Blog - Edition 9

  Mon 15 Dec 2025

  As we approach the end of a very busy half term we can all look forward to a range of rewards and experiences to finish the half term on a high. As noted below we are rewarding specific forms for each year group with a film event to recognise their collective efforts to maintain their attendance. Good attendance to school remains the single most effective method to achieve the highest grades. Learners with more than two days' absence this term will already be below the magical figure of 98%  that statistically supports achievement in line with their targets. 

  The end of term will also finish with our traditional staff pantomime that all learners enjoy. Staff have been rehearsing for a number of weeks to maintain standards and we are delighted to see the  return of a previous member of staff to support the production.  Please make a note of the slightly earlier finish of 13:30 on Friday to allow us to support this event. 

   

  Gary Kibble 

   

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

   

  School Events & Learner Rewards

   

  • Attendance Reward: Festive Cinema Experience The form in each year group with the best attendance will be rewarded with a festive cinema experience on Thursday during Period 5 and 6 in the lecture theatre. Snacks will be provided for all to enjoy. Well done to all the forms who qualify.
  • Festive Extravaganza A 'Festive Extravaganza' event will take place on Wednesday 17 December in the LRC during P4a/P4b. Winners of a prize draw will be announced during form time on Wednesday.
  • Brilliant Activities Points Learners who have completed extra Brilliant Activities can visit Mr. Scurr to add their Premium Points at the LRC on Monday at breaktime. Bonus chocolates and stickers are being offered this week.
  • Reading Culture Committee Meeting A meeting for the ‘Reading Culture Committee’ is scheduled for Today (Monday 15 December) at 8.30 am in the LRC.

   

  Academic & Curriculum Notices

  • Year 11 Post-16 Next Steps Year 11 learners who attended the bg6 Taster Day are asked to complete the online feedback form. Learners should also see Mrs. Sawyer for information on subject entry requirements for post-16 study.
  • Careers Focus: Wind Turbine Engineer The Job of the Week is Wind Turbine Engineer. Essential requirements include English, Maths, and Science at grade 6 and above to access Level 3 courses, followed by a related degree (such as mechanical engineering) or an apprenticeship.

   

  Safeguarding and Holiday Reminders

  As the holidays approach, learners and parents are reminded of important safety information:

  • Online Safety Learners should be aware of strangers, should not share personal information or location with people they do not know well, and should use privacy settings on new devices.
  • Personal & Social Safety Learners are advised to stick with friends when out at events, keep their phone charged to stay connected, and use trusted methods of travel, wearing bright or reflective clothing when out in the dark.
  • Mental Health & Support There are always places to go for support. Learners are encouraged to speak to parents or use helplines such as Kooth, Childline, or ChatHealth.

• Headteacher's Blog - Edition 8

  Mon 08 Dec 2025

  Year 11 have successfully navigated their Pre Public Exams and can now look forward to Thursday where they will have the chance to sample life in our sixth form. Staff have organised the day so everyone has the chance of tasting some lessons in areas they are interested in, plus enrichment activities. Applications for BG6 will also close at the end of this term so it is important for all our learners who want to apply that they complete this application before we finish next week. We guarantee every BGHS learner a place if they meet the criteria of their chosen courses. 

   

  Gary Kibble 

   

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

   

  Key Notices and Logistics

  • Environmental Policy Update (Starting January 2026): To reduce waste, the school is phasing out single-use cups at water fountains. All learners are now required to bring a water bottle to school that can be refilled during break and lunch times.
  • Attendance: There is a strong link between Attendance and Achievement. Learners are expected to attend every day, as it is vital for their progress and counts towards school awards. If your child is experiencing any issues affecting their attendance, they should discuss it with their Form Tutor or their Achievement Leader.

   

  Academic and Key Dates

  Year Group	Announcement	Action Required
  Year 8	Learner Reports were sent home.	Reports were sent out on Friday (w/c 01.12.25)6.
  Year 10	Parents and Carers Evening is scheduled for this week (w/c 08.12.25).	Please attend to get important feedback.
  Year 11	BG6 College Taster Day is on Thursday 11 December 2025.	Learners must complete the Google Form to select their pathways, subjects, and enrichment sessions immediately.

   

   

  • Year 9 Report Reflection: Following the recent reports, learners are spending time with tutors to reflect on their progress and create SMART action plans for future improvement. Please discuss this with them at home.
  • Year 7 Visit Reminder: The pantomime visit consent form must be submitted urgently on ParentPay or via paper form. Learners cannot attend without this.

   

  Literacy and Personal Development

  Personal Development & Careers

  • PD Topics: Learners have focused on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (learning about modern slavery and the importance of buying Fairtrade products) , Nobel Prize Day , and the Christian Season of Advent (a time of preparation, hope, and reflection).
  • Job of the Week: Translator and Artist. Note that to study Art at Level 3+, English and Maths at Grade 4+ are essential.

   

  Community and Awards

  • Learners are actively competing in form-based groups to earn 'Community Points'. There are prizes for the winning community each term. The weekly community challenge was a Word Chain game.

• Headteacher's Blog - Edition 7

  Mon 01 Dec 2025

  November has come and gone in what seems like incredible speed as we enter the last month of this half term. Traditionally December is very busy with year 11 and 13 both sitting their Pre Public Exams, both important for UCAS and college application forms. Applications for BG6 will also close at the end of this term so it is important for all our learners who want to apply. We guarantee every BGHS learner a place if they meet the criteria of their chosen courses. 

   

  Gary Kibble 

   

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

   

  1. Academic and Curriculum Focus

   

  • Homework & Support:
    • Homework is set on Class Charts.
    • Failure to submit homework on time or to a high standard will result in a 'Study and Support' (SAS) detention.
    • If your child experiences problems with ICT access for homework, they should contact Mrs. Hendry at mhendry@batleygirls.co.uk.
    • Year 8 learners can attend a Homework/Academic Support Drop-in on Tuesday and Friday lunchtimes in Room 36.

   

  2. Reading, Vocabulary, and Rewards

   

  • Book Vending Machine: Learners can earn a 'Reading Reward' via Class Charts for demonstrating excellent attitude and effort towards reading and/or vocabulary in RFL and all lessons.
    • Each week, 5 learners (Years 7-11) are randomly selected from the nominations to win a book from the vending machine.
    • Winners for the week of 01.12.25 were announced.
  • Library Transformation: has once again begun as Mrs Din Manning creates a winter wonderland theme ready for some special festive guests and of course the all important escape room challenge that learners can sign up to undertake during lunch time.

   

  3. Personal Development: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

  We will be highlighting this important day, encouraging learners to develop an understanding of modern slavery.

  • Actionable Support: Learners are encouraged to:
    • Buy Fairtrade products when possible.
    • Choose brands that treat workers fairly and check if they have a modern slavery policy.
    • Be aware that extremely cheap items may be linked to unfair worker pay.

   

  4. Attendance is Key

  • There is a strong link between Attendance and Achievement. Currently our attendance is below that of similar schools nationally and that puts our learners at a disadvantage. Please support us as much as possible by ensuring your child attends school every day. 
  • If your child is experiencing a problem affecting their attendance, they should discuss it with their group tutor, Achievement leader, or a teacher.
  • The school target for attendance is 98%.