Dear Families
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the best of health. As the end of term draws closer, we have been in celebratory mood this week. This was most notable on Thursday evening where we invited in students and families to our annual Awards Evening to recognise their endeavours 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. One parent came to me at the end of the evening and said “thank you. My boy has grown in confidence tonight. The recognition and experience of an event like this has made him so much more sure of himself.” I thought that was lovely.
Year 8 Parents’ Evening
A date for families of Year 8 students and an invitation to our parents’ evening on Wednesday 22nd January 2025. 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.
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.
Police and Crime Commissioner
The Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, has asked us to share a link to a survey about local policing. Click here to complete the survey.
Assembly On Knife Crime
Key Stage 3 students took part in an assembly on knife crime delivered by PC Johnson from Derbyshire Police this week. Students explored the impact of knife crime on the local community and everyone’s personal responsibility to call it out and tackle it. PC Johnson highlighted the complexity of the problem, the devastation that it causes to families and communities and, ultimately, that knife crime is preventable.
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, and we are extremely proud to have hosted this annual event as Head Boy and Head Girl.
Student Leaders Christmas Fayre: We are excited to host this festive event on Wednesday 18th and Friday 19th December during lunchtime. There will be Festive Food including Christmas decorated cakes and other festive goodies. Games like Hoop the Reindeer and Splat the Elf as well as the chance to win some fantastic prizes and on Christmas Raffle.
End of term arrangements
Families should have received a letter on email this week regarding the end of term arrangements. On Wednesday 18th 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 20th 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 7th January 2025.
Sports Update
On Wednesday, a group of Year 11 Btec Sport pupils attended Loughborough University for an overview of what life is like at the University as well as gaining an insight into sport specific courses. The day began with a tour of the campus with particular focus on the extensive sports facilities Loughborough has to offer. Students were able to see elite athletes, including Olympians, using the facilities as part of their training regime. The group then headed for a practical sports session, here they were able to analyse their own performance, using top of the range GPS technology at the home of Loughborough Lightning Netball. Students also had a go at alternative sports, such as Tchoukball and indoor Curling. Following lunch, the group took part in an ambassador-led Q&A session, giving them the opportunity to explore and ask about future sports courses and professions.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Scott Doyle
Principal