Dear all
We have held year group assemblies this week (except Year 10, which will be next week), in which we have celebrated and reflected on the academic year that is approaching completion, and looked forward to next year. We spoke about four themes that have our particular focus as a school next year:
1. School Culture. Referencing our shared school values, we emphasised the value of mutual respect, good manners and the fact that our school community must have zero tolerance of discrimination. We set out to be clear about our expectations, to explain them, and to revisit them often. We are delighted to be able to return to assemblies as part of that.
2. Ready to Learn. A phrase that our students will hear often from September, this includes students being sufficiently equipped for the school day, being correctly attired and being prompt to all lessons. Support is available from Wellbeing Team for those that need extra assistance in these areas. In addition, we are very excited about developing new classroom techniques to support students even better in their learning. Techniques such as SLANT and Turn & Talk are supportive, inclusive techniques that take account of the different ways in which students learn and their particular needs. They also introduce a common language to our school community, which is a powerful way to improve progress in lessons.
3. Wellbeing. As well as referencing our substantially increased capacity within the Wellbeing Team, I spoke about the new Health and Wellbeing Curriculum that will be introduced in September. The product of a range of input from students, families, staff and national priorities, the new curriculum will also be responsive to student needs. There will be frequent opportunities for feedback and for requests to be made regarding particular topics. The Health and Wellbeing Curriculum will continue to be delivered by form tutors, and will be separated in the timetable from the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.
4. Student Voice. School Council elections will take place in the first half-term of next academic year. In addition, we are introducing Year Council for every year group, made up from form representatives who are elected by their peers. We are also expanding the range of student voice activities that take place across faculties and other areas of school life.
We held a Q&A session as part of the assembly, and students had some very thoughtful questions about the range of points above, and were especially interested in the new Health and Wellbeing Curriculum. We look forward to hearing their feedback on the first iteration of this.
In other news, many congratulations to everyone involved in the fabulous lower school production of Seussical Jr. - it was a remarkable event. Particular thanks to the Performing and Expressive Arts team, who have put in an extraordinary amount of effort and time into making the show the resounding success that it was. Diolch!
Finally, regarding Summer Learning next week: we have been working in close consultation with the Local Authority and like all Monmouthshire schools will be making reasonable adjustments to our plans. We will be open every day next week. I have sent a separate message via email regarding mitigation measures that we are taking, but the headlines are:
- PE kit all week (unless a specific trip letter requests other arrangements for that day)
- Please bring a refillable water bottle every day
- Please wear and bring sunscreen
I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher
Jack Sims (Y11) has become the overall Welsh National Topper Sailing Champion, and his brother, Harry (Y8), became Welsh National 4.2 Topper Sailing Champion.
