Punctuality at school has been great (despite the weather conditions), uniforms look excellent and children are learning brilliantly in lessons. Your support is very much appreciated.

This half term in PSHE, we are looking at healthy relationships and sex education. Today, Year 10 listened to a very informative talk from the NHS about sexual health; it covered consent, contraception and advice on where to receive and find support. Our students were mature and asked sensible questions and gained a lot from the information shared. Year 9 also received a talk from the NHS on the role vaccinations play in protecting ourselves and keeping healthy.

For Fun Friday this week, students celebrated 'static electricity day'. At lunchtime, the science department demonstrated how to bend water using balloons. Every Friday we offer enrichment opportunities for our students. Look out next week for Energy Saving Week.

Our Personal Development newsletters for the spring term will be available on the school website from next week. These will tell you about assemblies, extra-curricular opportunities, Character Clubs and the PSHE provision for your child across this term. Please have a look at it with your child. If you would like further information or support in talking about the topics covered, especially in PSHE, please contact your child’s Head of Year. We value their personal development as much as their academic progress and enjoy working with you on that.

Next Wednesday, 60 of our Year 10 students will have the opportunity to take part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge. The students will be involved in an expert-led, interactive workshop on how to speak publicly, with confidence, about issues that are important to them. By the end of the workshop, every student will deliver a speech they have written to their classmates and a small panel of judges.

Year 10 parents' evening takes place on Thursday 15 January at 4.00pm. Appointments must be booked through MCAS. Please do so as soon as you can and contact Ms Benham if you require assistance.

Ms C Moran, Headteacher