Dear Families
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the very best of health. This week may have been a four day week for students but it has been eventful. We have welcomed 27 trainee teachers into the Academy to look at our routines and structures and the importance of this in creating a calm and orderly environment for learning. We hosted Huws-Gray on Monday morning as they talked to Year 11 about apprenticeships and, our annual Open Evening took place on Thursday evening.
Year 12 Settling in Evening
Our Year 12 Settling in Evening takes place on Wednesday 8th October, 5.30-7.00. This is an opportunity for parents and families of our new Year 12 cohort to meet with the form tutor who will have an overview of the students progress so far. You will be able to book appointments via School Cloud.
Year 6 Open Evening
Our Year 6 Open Evening took place this week and what an event it was. Thank you to all families that came to visit us and shared their feedback. Our staff and students did a wonderful job showcasing what our academy is all about and created such a unique atmosphere that visitors were astounded by. For parents of Year 6, applications are now open and must be completed via the Derby City Portal.
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair starts on Tuesday 7th October and will run through until Tuesday 14th October. Students will be able to buy reading books and other small items, for cash. The Fair is located in the Learning Hub and can be accessed at lunchtimes. This year there will be a spooky writing competition with the chance to win a book from the fair. Students should see Ms Jones in the Library for more information.
Year 7 & 8 Update
This week has been a great week for our year 7 and 8 students who have really delivered on our focus of being resilient in different situations in and out of school. This is not just about dealing with situations at school but in their lives also, how to manage change, how to ‘get back up’ after something gets them down but also just the daily challenges of being in secondary school. It’s been another great week with some amazing young people.
Next week we are focusing on positivity. We have several different events throughout the school week including a magician, fire breathers and positive cards for progress in lessons.
Celebrating students being positive and having a positive outlook on school life is important but also recognising the students that ‘get it right’ each and every day. Rewards are something that are valued by our younger students but also as they get older. Being able to reward someone but also yourself is very important and, as a school, we wanted to highlight the amazing students we work with each day.
A date for your diary – the Year 7 “settling in “evening will be on Wednesday 26th November 2025.
Year 7 Science Club
Starting on Wednesday November 5th we will be starting our Year 7 Science Club again for this academic year. Letters will be given to prospective members in the next few weeks. It runs on a first-come first-served basis.
Recently, after a successful application, we have received the Bronze award from the STEM Club Quality Mark run by STEM Learning. This demonstrates our commitment to delivering high quality STEM opportunities to our students within our school and efforts in cultivating a positive culture around STEM.
The club focuses on science experiments with a ‘WOW factor’ where the central theme is ‘witchcraft and wizardry’. From potion making to creating fireflies, it will be magical.
Year 10 Update
We are now well into the first term of Year 10 and I wanted to share some important updates about how the year group is settling into Key Stage 4. The start of GCSE and BTEC study can feel like a big step, but we are pleased to say that students have approached the challenge with energy, maturity and enthusiasm.
At this stage, all option choices are now fixed. No further changes can be made. This is to ensure that students are fully settled into their timetables and can build momentum in their chosen subjects without disruption.
To support learning outside of lessons, Homework Club runs every lunchtime in HO27 and is staffed by our Progress Leaders. This is a calm and supportive space where students can complete homework, coursework or revision. It is open to everyone and we encourage students to make the most of this valuable resource.
A polite reminder that wearing the correct uniform is an important part of our school standards. Uniform helps maintain a sense of pride, belonging and focus. We ask for your continued support in ensuring that your child arrives each day smartly dressed and ready to learn.
Our BTEC subjects are now moving into the exciting stage of coursework. This gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in practical, creative and applied ways alongside their theory learning. Staff are really pleased with the positive start students have made, and we are confident this will continue.
As Year 10 begin to deepen their studies, it is vital that they balance their effort in lessons with good routines at home. Establishing habits of homework completion, revision and organisation now will make a huge difference as they progress towards their GCSE and BTEC assessments.
Thank you, as always, for your support in helping Year 10 have such a positive start to this crucial year.
Year 11 Update
This week, Year 11 students attended their final Next Steps assembly, delivered by Huws Gray, which focused on the opportunities available through Apprenticeships Post-16. We would like to remind parents and carers that the Year 11 Raising Achievement Evening will be held on Wednesday 8th October from 5:00–6:30pm. Please respond to an email from Mrs A Hrncic confirming your attendance. This important event will provide both students and parents with key information on effective revision strategies and the range of supportive measures available.
In addition, all Year 11 students have been provided with information during Tutor Time regarding upcoming Sixth Form and College Open Evenings across the Derby area. This information will also be sent directly to students via their school email accounts and communicated to parents via email. We also draw your attention to the Derby Moor Spencer Academy Sixth Form Open Evening, which will take place on Wednesday 15th October.
English Scholar of the Week
In recognition of students’ excellence in English during the week beginning 22nd September, the following students will receive a positive postcard home:
Key Stage 3 – YM (Year 9) For analysis of tension in the novel Noughts and Crosses (nominated by Mrs Spalton)
Key Stage 4 – ZUA (Year 10) For articulating that Scrooge is a construct used to convey a moral message (nominated by Ms Prince)
Key Stage 5 – RM (Year 12) For passionately delivering a presentation about the importance of EcoCriticism in A Level Literature (nominated by Mrs Wright)
Congratulations to all three students.
Maths update
To support students in their maths learning this year, we are encouraging all pupils to have access to a Casio Scientific Calculator (model fx-83GTCW). These are the exact calculators used in lessons and are highly recommended for their reliability and excellent functionality, helping students build confidence and reinforce their understanding both in class and at home.
We are pleased to offer these calculators at a discounted price through the Maths Department. Purchasing through school ensures your child has the correct model required for lessons and future exams
How to purchase:
- Calculators can be bought via Parent Pay.
- Once payment has been made, your child will either receive their calculator in class or can collect it directly from Mr Blakemore’s office.
Positivity Week
Next week we are delighted to be holding Positivity Week at Derby Moor Spencer Academy. This will be a week of activities designed to engage our students, celebrate our community spirit and encourage positive attitudes across the school.
Across the week, students will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of events, including:
- Samosa Sale – tasty snacks available for 50p each.
- Magical Mayhem Performance – an entertaining magic show.
- Tug of War – a fun competition between groups.
- Positivity Pebbles – decorating pebbles with uplifting messages and designs.
- Positivity Postcards and Vouchers – a chance to recognise and celebrate others.
- Firebreather Show and DJ – an exciting performance for students to enjoy.
We hope this week provides students with enjoyable experiences alongside their learning and helps to create an even greater positive atmosphere throughout the Academy.
PE & Expressive Arts
A reminder that we offer Peri music lessons here at Derby Moor. Further information can be found here, or speak to Mr Bevan in the Music department.
We are delighted to announce the launch of this year’s school production: Matilda the Musical. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their talent, teamwork and creativity. Preparations are now underway, as we held the first stage of auditions this week. Over 35 students from all year groups attended after school to have a go at the ‘Revolting Children’ song and dance. The next stage is the individual auditions for named acting roles which will take place next Tuesday after school, after which a full cast list will be released and rehearsals will begin in full swing! Principal auditions will take place next week, and we encourage all interested students to get involved. For further information, students can speak to any member of the Expressive Arts team.
ParentPay
A reminder that our school operates primarily on a cashless basis, with ParentPay as our main platform for transactions. Items such as ties, lanyards, planners, and other school-related purchases should be made via ParentPay. If you do not yet have an account set up, please contact the Finance Office for assistance. Kindly note that payments may not be processed immediately.
We ask that you allow sufficient time for transactions to be completed before your child collects any purchased items. We do have a number of items in Student Services awaiting collection, so please check if you have ordered something and your child has not yet received it.
Student Leadership Update – A Message from Your Student Principals
It’s been another exciting and busy week at Derby Moor, and we’re proud to share some of the ways we’ve been involved in supporting key events and initiatives across the school.
Open Evening – Thursday 2nd October: We had the pleasure of welcoming prospective Year 7 students and their families to our school on Thursday evening. As Student Leaders, we were proud to guide parents and pupils around the site, answer their questions, and share what makes Derby Moor such a special place to learn. It was great to see so many enthusiastic faces, and we hope we helped everyone feel as welcome as we did when we joined the school.
Black History Month Launch: This week also marked the start of Black History Month. Over the next week, we’ll be exploring key figures who have made a lasting impact on literature and storytelling. As part of this, we’re inviting all students to take part in our poetry competition. If students have been inspired by any of the authors we’re learning about, this is a chance to write your own poem in their style.
Student Voice: This week, we held our first Form Rep meeting of the year, giving students across the school the opportunity to have their voices heard. The main focus of the meeting was to review student opinions on our current school rewards system. Form Reps brought forward ideas from their tutor groups and engaged in thoughtful discussion about how rewards could be improved. After a productive debate, Reps took a vote on the best way to move forward. The outcomes of this meeting will be shared with all students during Form Time next week, so everyone can stay informed about the changes being considered.
Our next Student Voice meeting will take place on Thursday, Week B, and we look forward to hearing even more student feedback then.
Positivity Week: Next week, we’ll be supporting the celebration of Positivity Week. To help celebrate, we’ll be opening the Samosa Shack at lunchtime on Monday 6th October. Samosas will be sold for 50p each and can be bought via ParentPay only. Make sure you don’t miss out!
Year 11 Raising Achievement Evening – Wednesday: On Wednesday, we’ll be supporting the Year 11 Raising Achievement Evening by sharing revision tips and demonstrating some of the techniques that can help students get the best out of their study time. We know this is a crucial year, and we’re here to help support our peers every step of the way.
Careers update
This week’s job of the week is a “Paramedic”
Unifrog: Year 10 are now starting to use Unifrog, our online careers and destinations platform. Through Unifrog, students can record achievements, log skills and explore future pathways. They are being introduced to this in school but can also access and develop their profiles at home. This will become an important part of their journey towards post-16 applications and beyond.
Luminate Careers: Our independent and impartial Careers Advisers from Luminate Careers have an excellent website with a wealth of useful information Please have a look at these links designed for parents/carers about careers conversation starters and Post 16 Options. All Year 11 students will be receiving a helpful booklet produced by Luminate Careers about Post 16 Options shortly.
Final thoughts
We have been notified by Derby City Council that resurfacing works are planned for Moorway Lane from w/c 3rd November for 2 weeks. Further details can be found here. Please bear this in mind when dropping off and collecting students and leave additional time for your journey.
Next week we look forward to the Year 12 settling in evening on Wednesday and the Year 11 Raising Achievement Event – opportunities for you to check in with staff and ensure you are fully in the picture with your child’s academic progress. I’m also really excited about positivity week and seeing how our students respond to the range of activities we have on offer.
Scott Doyle
Principal