Headteacher's Update

December - One term on...

It is hard to believe that the first term of the academic year 2019-2020 is nearly at an end.

Thank you to Year 12 parents who joined us at one of two Parents Consultation Evenings over the past two weeks. Attendance for both evenings was extremely high. We are appreciative of the opportunity to talk with parents and report on progress to date. We received lots of very positive feedback from you on both nights, again thank you for taking the time to share with us your thoughts and experiences.

The month of December brings our first mock examinations, which are scheduled to begin on Monday 16th December for our Year 13 students. Timetables have been distributed and sent home in good time. Year 12 timetables will follow soon. Their mock examinations start in the new year, week commencing Monday 20th January 2020.

Our award-winning Careers, Progression and Aspirations team has once again been working hard to offer a wide range of careers talks and sessions to students in both Year 12 and Year 13 this half term. This last month has seen a significant increase in our UCAS applications for Year 13 students wishing to progress to university. Students have been working closely with their teachers, academic mentors and the Careers, Progression and Aspirations team to ensure that personal statements are competitive and professional. Additional support for Oxbridge and medical/veterinary applications has and continues to be provided. Applications for apprenticeships are also very busy and underway, as we continue to offer extra sessions and guidance for students following this pathway, including a recent visit to the Apprenticeship Fair in Newcastle.