Dear Families
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the best of health. As our penultimate week of the term draws to a close, we have been in celebratory mood this. On Thursday evening we invited in students and families into the Academy for our annual Awards Evening to recognise their achievements and endeavour from the previous academic year.
Awards Evening
It was such a privilege to celebrate the success of our students with guests from our community, award winners and their families. We heard stories from our staff about resilience, determination and exceptionality which showcased the unique talents of our children. They really are a credit to the academy and their families. During the interval we shared food and listened to a live musical performance. Thank you for all the positive feedback so far, it makes the efforts our staff team and student leaders worthwhile.
Key Stage 3 Update
As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued commitment to your child’s education. Your support has been invaluable in helping our students thrive, and we truly appreciate the partnership we share with you.
The Importance of Attendance Regular attendance is one of the most significant factors in academic success. We encourage all students to aim for 97% attendance. Missing school—even occasionally—can have a real impact on grades, confidence, and progress. Research shows that strong attendance not only improves academic outcomes but also builds habits that are essential for future employment and success beyond school. Thank you for working with us to ensure your child attends every day possible. Together, we can give them the best chance to achieve their full potential.
Year 8 Parents’ Evening
A date for the diary of Year 8 families and an invitation to our parents’ evening on Wednesday 21st January 2026. You will receive a letter closer to the time detailing how to book appointments. This will be a great opportunity to meet class teachers, discuss your child’s progress and seek any further support in developing your child’s skills and knowledge required for the remainder of the academic year.
National STEM Big Bang Competition
Students have been invited to register their interest in this exciting project, full, further details will be available after the Christmas holidays in science lessons. This prestigious event is a fantastic platform for students to showcase their innovative projects, develop critical skills, and gain recognition for their talents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students should speak to their science teacher for more information.
Thrive students visit to local care home
During a recent visit to a local care home, students from Thrive demonstrated exceptional maturity, empathy, and enthusiasm. They actively participated in conversations with residents, listened attentively to their stories, and showed genuine interest in building connections across generations. This experience highlighted the importance of value of community. The students not only represented themselves and our provision positively but also created meaningful moments for the residents, fostering a sense of belonging and joy.
Sports Update
The Under 14’s girls football teams played at John Port this week. We fielded two teams of highly motivated players who are improving every week and played well throughout.
The Year 7 & 8’s played in a Futsal tournament at Noel Baker. This was their first time playing the sport, but they represented the academy well and tried their best. They came away from the tournament having won two and lost two, giving the team something positive to work on going forwards.
Year 11 Geography Trip
A one-day field trip for the Year 11 students studying Geography has been arranged for January 15th & 16th. This is an essential part of their course and will enable them to collect primary field data as the basis for their GCSE. Letters have been sent home for the students involved, please can you check and respond by 9th January 2026.
Online support for students
To ensure our students have access to support over the Christmas break, we’ve created a resource document including links and QR codes to a range of services. These include support with Mental health, Substance use (drugs and alcohol), LGBTQ+ support, Healthy lifestyles and Internet safety. We hope these resources will be helpful during the break away from school.
Student Leadership Update
This week, our Student Leadership team has been hard at work planning and delivering the Awards Evening. It was inspiring to see so many students recognized for their contributions across various fields. Many of our guest commented on what a wonderful evening they had enjoyed and called the event “exceptional”
Student Leadership Team – 5-Day Countdown to Christmas!
The Student Leadership Team have planned a fantastic last week of term with their Countdown to Christmas. Activities are planned for each day:
Day 1 – Monday 15th December: The Raffle Begins!
Kick off the week by grabbing your raffle tickets—just 50p each, available in the FLC and during Form time.
Day 2 – Tuesday 16th December: Fun Games Day
Join us in the FLC at lunchtime for a selection of festive challenges and games.
Day 4 – Thursday 18th December: Derby Moor Bake Off
Bring in your homemade gingerbread house or gingerbread man to enter our festive baking competition
Day 5 – Friday 19th December: Hot Chocolate & Prize Day
Join us at BREAK time for a festive hot chocolate to end the week on a warm and cosy note.
The Student Leadership Team hopes everyone gets involved and enjoys the celebrations. Let’s make this final week unforgettable as we head into the Christmas break!
Careers update
This week’s job of the week is a “restoration specialist”
Derby Moor Dispatch: The Derby Moor Dispatch goes out weekly to all students in Year 11, 12 and 13. The Dispatch contains a wide range of opportunities for work experience, summer schools, careers related webinars and so on. Please do have a look at the latest edition. The Dispatch is emailed to the students’ school email address, so it is important that they check this regularly on a Monday. You can also view the Dispatch via the Careers page of the Derby Moor website. Please take a look at the website as there is a wealth of useful information including a specific page for parents.
End of term arrangements
Families should have received a letter on email this week regarding the end of term arrangements. On Wednesday 17th Christmas dinner will be served in the school canteen. This year there will be a selection of festive options on offer at lunchtime, alongside some of the usual alternatives available at breaktime. Friday 19th December is the last day for all students. Lessons will continue as normal until 12:20, students will then move to their form groups with school finishing at an earlier time of 12:45pm. Please make sure collection times for any taxis and vans are amended accordingly. School will re-open to students on Tuesday 6th January 2026.
Final notes
Another busy week. The awards evening was clearly a huge highlight this week and a chance to celebrate exceptionality. My favourite part of the event is always the opportunity for our community to share food together during the interval. There is just something wholesome and unifying about this. Thanks again to everyone who attended and the staff and students who made it happen.
As we enter the final week of term, please encourage good habits in your children during their transit to and from school. We have some unsettled weather forecast and, with the darker mornings and evenings, basic road safety becomes even more important. Thank you in advance for your support with this.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend
Scott Doyle
Principal