NewsletterMarch 2024

Preparations for the Year 11 Prom are well underway. In February, the Prom Committee visited the Goosedale venue to help plan how they are going to decorate the space for the prom in July. 

On the night on the prom, there will be opportunity for students have photos taken on the pagoda, as the sun sets. All students attending the prom will get one photo printed for free, which they will be able to collect on results day. 

Miss Harmer-Weston - Head of Year 11

We have seen an increase in Year 7 students using inappropriate language on social media apps.  We would like to ask that you please check your child's phone on a regular basis, so that you are monitoring their conversations.  

While school is closed over Easter, we understand that concerns may continue for you as parents/carers.  The following services are available: KOOTH (Online Mental Health Support - Kooth.com).  You are able to access KOOTH counselling over the phone.  BASE 51 (Base51.org) - this service provides a range of programmes to support young people. CAMHS crisis - if you require immediate support then please call 0808 1963779. 

As we approach the main exams, Year 11 students are increasingly becoming anxious.  Young Minds have a series of support pages aimed to help students and parents with exam stress and anxiety.  Please click on the link to access advice for parents - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/blog/how-to-help-your-child-manage-exam-stress

Mrs Gray - Deputy Headteacher

On Friday 22nd March, many of our KS3 and KS4 children attended Hogwarts instead of Nottingham Free School. They travelled to London’s West End to see the incredible performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The experience began with a matinee performance, a quick stop for pizza and return to the theatre for the final instalment of the show. Student behaviour was excellent and we are very proud at how they conducted themselves for the entirety of the trip.

Miss Furlong - Lead Teacher of English

A massive thank you to children and parents for supporting our fundraising for Comic Relief 2024. Donations of books and sweets by families and staff helped us raise over £86 .  A wonderful effort by our school community. 

Mr Tomasevic - Assistant Headteacher

A congratulations to Ewan and Samuel in Year 9 on their success in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge.  Both made it through to the 'Grey Kangaroo' round, which they have just completed and eagerly await the results.

Miss Wignall - Teacher of Maths

British Values, SMSC, RSHE Curriculum (PSHE) Next half term:

In order to support your conversations at home, the topics that will be covered in PSHE next half term will be:

Year 7

• Finance
• Healthy lifestyles
• Radicalisation & Extremism

Year 8

• Gaming & Gambling
• Discrimination- homophobia, disability & Sexist language 
• Self Esteem, body Image and body shaming include eating disorders

Year 9

• Finish British Citizenship unit
• Radicalisation recap
• Healthy lifestyles including self examination
• Vaping & Laughing gas

Year 10

• Year 10 will be completing their work on religion and relationships as part of their statutory RPE curriculum. Pupils in year 10 will also be going out for their work experience at the end of next half term.
• Misogyny
• Drugs & alcohol

Year 11

• Drugs and taking risks
• Revision and study until exams

As always if you have any concerns or would like to discuss the topics further then please contact the school.

Mrs Inglis and Mrs Wilken - Heads of Personal Development

As we witness the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, it's evident that many innocent lives are caught in the crossfire. In response, our forum has decided to channel our support through the Egyptian Red Cross. 

We selected this charity for its adherence to the fundamental principles of humanitarian aid: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. Moreover, Egypt's proximity to Gaza ensures swift and direct aid delivery, assuring us that our contributions reach those in need efficiently and safely.

As a team (Palestine-Israel Forum), we've chosen to organise a non-uniform day, granting students a break from their regular attire. A £1 donation is asked from students if they are not to wear their uniform. Alongside this, we're hosting a bake sale, encouraging students to contribute items like sweet and savoury treats. Please ensure all donations are clearly labelled for allergies, particularly nuts.

Furthermore, during tutor sessions, we'll be sharing insights about an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Additionally, a display board will provide detailed information about the historical context and current tensions surrounding the crisis.

Thank you for your support and solidarity in this critical endeavor.

Abdallah Abdallah - Vice President (Equality and Diversity) of Student Leadership Team

Our children started the month of March celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 7th March. For one day only, our children were taught by the Queen of Hearts, Little Miss Sunshine, Gandalf and many Greek Gods and Goddesses. There were plenty of smiles and the students voted Miss Payne (AKA Queen of Hearts) as the winner of the staff character fancy dress. Gandalf (Mr Wells), Little Miss Sunshine (Mrs Inglis) and Queen of Hearts (Mr Baines) were voted runners up.

The school corridors became energetic as our KS3 children completed a Scavenger Hunt to find hidden book recommendations around the school. Well done to our students for their excellent submissions. 

We held a Book Raffle for KS3 students who were gifted a free book as recommended by the Literacy Trust.  

Ms Dirrane - Head of English

Our Y12 and Y13 English Literature students, with Mr Cleveley and Mrs Gray, travelled to London in March to see Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello; a key text for their A level study. The students were captivated by excellent performances, a candle-lit theatre, and they even managed a very quick tour of London’s famous sights along the Thames. Our students (as always) were excellent ambassadors of our school.

Ms Dirrane - Head of English

Happy Easter - Sunday 31st March (Christian)

Eid Mubarak - 9th April (Islam)

Happy Vaisakhi - 13th April (Sikhism)

Mrs Inglis - Head of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics