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 26

  Mon 18 May 2026

  As we approach the end of our penultimate half term we wish our exam year groups (year 13 and 11) well as they start their study leave at the end of this week. This is always a poignant point in time with learners now seeking to study independently prior to each exam. Of course support remains in school at all times and if you are worried for any reasons please reach out to us. 

   

  Attendance continues to be our key area of focus in particular for our year 10 cohort. As parents and careers will recall, we have recently undertaken some learner voice and found that learners who have good attendance (above 98%) commented that they were frustrated at times in lessons where teachers are having to spend time explaining items that others had missed because they had been absent. We know that attendance below 95% means that learners are twice as likely not to achieve a grade 5 in their core subjects of Maths and English. These comments highlight the negative impact on others of poor attendance. Vitally important for our learners in year 10 as they start their final push for those GCSE exams. Please support us and your daughter by encouraging attendance to school every day. 

   

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

   

  Gary Kibble

   

  1.  Personal Development & Awareness Initiatives

  • Pentecost: Learners explored the cultural and historical meaning behind Pentecost, often described as the "birthday of the Church," looking at how different communities celebrate.
  • Biological Diversity (May 22): In line with the United Nations observance theme "Acting locally for global impact," learners are generating ideas through the learner leadership team to support habitat restoration and combat local biodiversity loss.
  • Sustainability: We are encouraging all learners to switch to reusable bottles and bags to protect the planet and eliminate single-use plastics from landfill.
  • Career Focus: This week's "Job of the Week" is a Clinical Coder. To access this pathway, learners require strong GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science.

   

  2.  Wellbeing & Safeguarding

  We encourage learners to practice the 5 Ways to Wellbeing daily to stay kind to themselves and others:

  1. Connect: Talk to those around you, listen, and build supportive networks.
  2. Be Active: Enjoy physical movement and activities that boost self-esteem.
  3. Take Notice: Reflect on thoughts and feelings; discover what brings joy.
  4. Keep Learning: Embrace new skills, opportunities, or interests.
  5. Give: Practice random acts of kindness, offering time and words to others.

   

  3. Key Year Group Notices

  • Year 7: Reward assemblies are taking place at the end of this term. Information regarding letters for Alton Towers and the "Big Day In" has been distributed.
  • Year 8: Reward assemblies this week focus closely on celebrated improvements in attendance.
  • Year 9: The upcoming Learner Graduation is our major focal point. Final progress grades and Attitude to Learning (ATL) marks will be locked in by June 18th to determine graduation criteria.
  • Year 10: Important mock exams are only one month away. Learners must ensure they have comprehensively revised their year-long curricula by 15 June . Additionally, learners with over 750 reward points can apply to join the Brilliance Bucket Student Board.
  • Year 11: As GCSE examinations continue, learners are actively working hard.

• Headteacher's Blog - Edition 25

  Mon 11 May 2026

  Late April and May becomes marathon running weather and we have had a number of staff taking part in both the Leeds and London Marathon and half marathon. Locally the Run for Jo (Jo referring to Jo Cox) will be organised for the tenth and final time. Historically Batley Multi Academy Trust has had a ‘team’ of staff who have participated and this year will be no different. It would be great if for this final event parents from across our school with learners could also be there, to either take part or just cheer people on providing a fitting end to this popular event. 

   

  Of course the event is to celebrate Jo’s legacy, someone who worked tirelessly to bring people together with her firm belief that ‘we have more in common that divides us.’ Words that continue to resonate locally and nationally. The event takes place at Oakwell Hall, Sunday 21 June 2026. The day will have a series of stalls and activities for everyone to enjoy with all proceeds going to the More in Common Batley and Spen to support local projects.

   

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

   

  Rewards and Attendance

  The "Batley Girls’ Brilliance Bucket" program encourages learners to attend school and develop their skills through a tiered reward system:

  • Attendance Points: Learners earn 20 points for each week of 100% attendance.
  • Brilliance Activities: 10 points are awarded for participating in weekly "Brilliance Activities".
  • VIP Tiers: Based on their points, learners can achieve Bronze (Top 25%), Silver (Top 15%), Gold (Top 10%), or Platinum (Top 5%) VIP status, making them eligible for bonus rewards.

   

  Personal Development and Curriculum

  • Personal Development: This week's focus is on International Nurses Day (12 May), highlighting the contributions of nurses like Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.
  • Literacy: To maintain high standards, learners are expected to underline dates and titles with a ruler, use correct punctuation, and make corrections in purple pen. Teachers award "Reading Awards" on Class Charts for excellent effort in reading or vocabulary.
  • Careers: The "Job of the Week" is Health Visitor. Key requirements include strong grades in English, Maths, and Science.

   

  Homework and Support

  • Class Charts: All homework is set via Class Charts, where parents and learners can track tasks and deadlines.
  • SAS Detentions: Please note that failure to submit high-quality homework on time results in a "Study and Support" (SAS) detention.
  • ICT Support: If your child has trouble accessing ICT for homework, please contact Mrs. Hendry at mhendry@batleygirls.co.uk.

   

  Year 11 Exam Reminders

  • Routine: For morning exams, learners must report to their tutor base for updates before heading to the exam hall via the bag drop.
  • Requirements: Learners must ensure they are "exam-ready" and use only black ink pens.
  • Boosters: Subject booster sessions (e.g., RE, Biology, Geography, and Maths) are scheduled throughout the week to support exam preparation.

   

  Extracurricular Activities

  • PE Clubs: Various clubs including Volleyball, Taekwondo, and Darts are available for all year groups from 3pm–4pm in the Sports Hall.
  • Art Club: Held on Mondays from 3pm–4pm in Room 45 for Key Stage 3 learners (Years 7–9). Consent must be provided via ParentPay.

   

• Headteacher's Blog - Edition 24

  Tue 05 May 2026

  Following the success of our Batley Brilliance event our year 9 learners went on to finish third in the final of the King’s Trust event, displaying real maturity and eloquence in presenting their business idea. All these opportunities enhance the experience of school for everyone and highlight the importance of good attendance to help develop these skills in order to participate effectively. Please continue to support us in school by encouraging your daughter to attend every day.

   

  We look forward to our penultimate Stronger Together Parents Forum this week. These meetings allow us to work in partnership with our wider school community and enable us to respond to requests and shape our school policies collaboratively. This sort of feedback is invaluable and in line with this we would very much appreciate it if you could take the time to complete a short online survey which can be accessed through this link. 

   

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

   

  Attendance and Rewards

   

  • Attendance and Success: strong link between regular attendance and higher exam results and future earning potential.

   

  Literacy and Learning

  • Word of the Week: This week’s focus word is "Meticulous," meaning showing extreme care and precision.

   

  Homework and Support

  • Class Charts: All homework tasks and deadlines are now set via Class Charts.
  • Study and Support (SAS): Failure to submit homework on time or to a high standard will result in a "Study and Support" detention.
  • ICT Support: If learners have trouble accessing technology for homework, they should contact Mrs. Hendry.

   

  Wellbeing and Values

  • The 5 Cs: The school’s culture is built on five core values: Character, Creativity, Collaboration, Community, and Connection. Learners earn positive points for demonstrating these traits.
  • Safeguarding: A reminder for all learners to "be kind to yourself and others".

   

  Extracurricular Activities

  • PE Clubs: Various clubs are available, including Volleyball, Taekwondo, and Mixed Sports.
  • Art Club: Available for Key Stage 3 learners (Years 7-9) on Mondays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Parents can provide consent via ParentPay.