Dear Parents and Carers,
As we settle into the summer term, I am pleased to reflect on the positive return from the Easter holidays. It has been a pleasure to welcome everyone back to learning. Pupils in all years have been focussing on our core value of resilience this fortnight with assemblies and linked activities in lessons encouraging them to reflect on, celebrate and practice resilience in their daily lives and engagement with education.
I wrote to you last week to share the change to our uniform requirements for the remainder of the academic year. Pupils in Years 7-11 have made sensible choices regarding the Baylis blue jumper during this spell of warm weather. I would like to remind everyone that this uniform item will not be compulsory again until after the October half-term in the next academic year.
The Year 8 Consultation Evening this week proved to be a resounding success, with excellent attendance and engagement from both pupils and parents. These events are crucial in fostering a collaborative approach to our pupils' education, and I am grateful for the continued support of our school community.
In preparation for their upcoming end-of-year assessments, our Year 10 pupils have been actively participating in revision workshops led by Mrs Martin. These sessions have equipped our pupils with three essential revision strategies, which they are encouraged to implement regularly at home. This proactive approach to study skills will undoubtedly serve them well as they navigate their academic journey and prepare for their assessments which will take place after half-term.
I am delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of our Year 11 pupils, who have recently undertaken significant milestones in their GCSE examinations. The Spanish speaking exams have been completed, additionally, our Art pupils have demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication in their practical examinations. Mr Castro and Ms Bansal have expressed their admiration for the high standard of work produced and the unwavering commitment displayed by our pupils.
As we look ahead, I would like to remind you that school will be closed on Monday, 5 May, in observance of the Bank Holiday. Regular classes will resume on Tuesday, 6 May, with the school day beginning as usual at 8:30.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our school community.
Christine MacInnes
Principal
A Level Psychology Revision Booster Trip
Our A-level Psychology students attended a fantastic Revision Booster session designed to support their final exam preparation. The day was filled with engaging, interactive workshops led by expert speakers, focusing on key topics such as Research Methods, Issues and Debates and Approaches.
Students gained valuable insights into exam techniques and left feeling more confident and motivated for their exams in two weeks time
It was a productive and inspiring experience that will no doubt support their success this summer.
Well done to our students for displaying maturity and inquisitiveness at this event. I am particularly proud Mariam Khan and Zainab Bukhari for answering exam questions correctly asked by the speakers . They received prizes as well.
Diary Dates
- Monday 5 May- Bank Holiday (School closed for all)
- Tuesday 6 May- STEM Workshop at Legoland Windsor
- Thursday 8 May- External GCSE Exams begin
- Monday 12 May- Year 7 Assessments begin
- Wednesday 14 May- Athletics Competition- Years 7 & 8
- Wednesday 14 May- INSPIRE TO EMPOWER- Year 9
- Friday 16 May- External A Level Exams begin
Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in Art & Design?
Where will a GCSE Art and Design take me in the future?
You can continue your art and design studies at AS and A-level, where the same titles are available. You’ll also be able to choose areas of study to specialise in within a particular title. If you don’t want to take your art and design studies any further, the transferable skills you gain will still be valuable. You’ll develop problem solving, creative thinking, investigation, research, communication and teamwork skills, and gain the ability to develop, refine and present ideas. Employers and universities regard all of these highly.
How does art help me develop my skills in the wider world?
Art helps you develop creative skills and the ability to visualise new ideas which can be useful in many career pathways.
We are very proud of our Year 11 and 13 students who are working so hard to prepare for their exam season. Year 11 begin their formal examinations next Thursday, 8th May, with Year 13 joining them from Friday 16th. The exam timetable, JCQ documents and revision guidance can be found on the exams page of the school website.
To our exam students we say: “ We wish you all the very best of luck with your exams. You've put in the hard work and dedication, and now it's time to show it. Believe in yourselves and stay confident!”
To their parents and carers, we offer our thanks for the support being given at home; the quiet work spaces; the healthy meals, access to exercise; a limit to the screen time and a focus on a good night’s sleep.
As a reminder to all years, we move the school lunch time each year to support the afternoon examinations which begin at 13.00. This means lunch time will take place after period 3 for 5 weeks, from 12/05 to 20/06.
Resilience Fortnight
Pupils in all year groups took part in Resilience Fortnight over the past two weeks, hearing about resilient role models in each subject, and taking part in a thought provoking assembly with Miss Mathews. Each student was prompted to take part in the Resilience Challenge Calendar, below, and offered the opportunity to complete a 'resilient leader' award.
Teachers discussed people who had shown huge resilience, related to their subject area. Students learned about Lady Jane Franklin, Cynthia Erivo and Misbah Mogradia, amongst others, and learned about the difficult things all of these people had to overcome.
A huge thanks to Miss Mathews for organising this event and to all class teachers and form tutors for the activities on offer in lessons as well as at break and lunchtimes and after school during the past two weeks.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week - bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year, the week takes place from 12 to 18 May 2025 and the theme is 'community'.
We want to use this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community.
Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.
Please click the above link to the SEBDOS Spring Newsletter. There is information on the newsletter that parents might find interesting or useful.
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Please click the link above to view Slough's latest SEND Newsletter for your information and for circulation to your colleagues, parents, carers and young people.
Highlights from this edition include:
- SEND & Inclusion Strategy – The draft of which was shown at our SEND conference with Schools earlier in the year and attached for ease.
- Sports opportunities for young people with SEND
- Autistic Girl’s Network
- Items from Gems, Sendiass and much more.
- An exciting ‘Arts’ item – where we would love to have a glimpse into the world of our young people via their art!
Credits:
Created with an image by Markus Mainka - "Good luck success successful test wish wishing note paper"