Dear Families
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the best of health. This will be the final update of the academic year and I’ve waited until school has ended to share it with you rather than sending on the final Friday.
As is always the case, it has been a busy run-in to the end of term, with visitors, activity days, rewards trips and sports days all on the calendar and, today, a chance to say farewell to members of our staff team who are moving on. There is always a little sadness as colleagues leave and this is compounded by the fact that our community will not come together again until September. I realise that we all look forward to time away from the academy, relaxing, connecting with family and friends, but, it is also odd to go so long without connecting to our community here in the building. There has been talk in the media about the length of the summer holidays recently and we will see if any proposed changes are announced in due course.
We will look forwards to our Post 16 and GCSE results days to look forward to when we will reconnect with our students in examination years and, hopefully, celebrate their successes.
Start and End of Term
You will be aware that school ended on Wednesday with a slightly earlier finish than normal. September starts with two staff training days and then a staggered introduction for students. Effectively, Years 7, 11, 12 and 13 will begin on Monday 8th September, followed by Years 8, 9 and 10 who start on the 9th. The day will begin as normal with doors opening at 8.30 and students in form time for 8.40. You can find the letter for families here. Students will use the entrances they have been using over the last few weeks of this term. For parents of new Year 7, is quite normal for them to be a little anxious in the final few days before they start with us. Please rest assured that the first few days are geared around settling them in and building up their confidence. They will be tired but I’m sure they will have a positive start to the next chapter in their personal development.
Derby Scholars
As part of the Derby Scholars programme, a group of our Year 9 students had the fantastic opportunity to visit the University of Derby for a special end-of-year celebration and enrichment day. This marked the culmination of a programme that students have been involved in over several months, designed to raise aspirations and support academic achievement through a series of workshops and mentoring sessions.
The students involved have shown exceptional commitment throughout the year, having applied and been selected for this competitive and prestigious programme. They’ve taken part in workshops focusing on academic skills, goal-setting, and what it means to aim higher in their future education. Their hard work and engagement have been truly impressive, and the visit to Derby University was a fitting reward for their dedication.
During the trip, students experienced a taste of university life — taking part in sessions about post-graduate study, going on a tour of the campus, and meeting current university staff and students. It was an inspiring and memorable day that gave them a deeper understanding of higher education and the exciting possibilities ahead.
ATHENA Residential Programme at Loughborough University
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of five of our Year 10 female students who took part in the prestigious ATHENA Residential Programme at Loughborough University last week. Designed to inspire and empower young women in STEM, the programme offered an exceptional opportunity to experience university life, engage in cutting-edge workshops, and network with leading researchers and industry professionals.
Our students not only embraced the academic challenges with enthusiasm and curiosity but also stood out for their leadership, teamwork, and thoughtful contributions throughout the programme. They proudly represented our school with maturity, confidence, and a genuine passion for learning—earning praise from staff and organisers alike. Their conduct and commitment were exemplary, and we are excited to see how this experience will inspire their continued journey in STEM and beyond. Well done to all involved!
Year 10 Art
On Friday, Year 10 Art students visited QUAD in Derby to view the photography work they produced with local professional photographer, Jon Legge. The work is being exhibited as part of the Schools in Residence Summer Exhibition, which opens to the public on 19th July. The event was attended by the three schools involved in the Schools in Residence Program, including Pear Tree Junior School and Horizons Sixth Form, as well as local artists and a representative from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, who provided funding for the program. During the trip, students engaged in a creative careers Q&A session hosted by five local professionals in the creative industry, including an Art and Design teacher from Loughborough College, the Format Festival curator and a DJ from the Nottingham based Hip Hop organisation, Baby People. Students also immersed themselves in a creative workshop, promoting the Summer Exhibition and got to view the exhibition for themselves. A special mention goes to ZL who gave an impromptu speech on stage in front of the attendees, confidently detailing how the Schools in Residence program had helped her to build her confidence and enabled her to partake in a range of creative activities and processes, whilst working with professionals in a creative capacity.
Food Technology
This week saw the final food practicals of the academic year come to a close. The Design and Technology team would like to say thank you to parents for generously providing ingredients for these practical lessons. Your support plays a vital role in making these hands-on learning experiences possible and enjoyable for the students. These contributions have enabled students to gain valuable life skills and build their confidence through practical learning. We appreciate your involvement and commitment to their education.
Speech for Employability
Last week, approximately 120 of our Year 7 students took part in ‘Speech for Employability’ speaking exams with external examiners. They did a fantastic job of putting into practice the speaking and presentation skills they’ve been developing in their English lessons. The experience appeared to be a real confidence boost for all involved, and it was wonderful to see them rise to the challenge. Our students should be incredibly proud of themselves for making such a strong impression at this early stage in their school journey.
Cooper Parry visit
Ten year 8 students and two year 12 students went on a visit to Cooper Parry accountancy firm last week. They learned about different career opportunities and partook in different tasks used during the interview process to give them experience of a workplace. They all had a great time and one of the sixth form students is now looking to do a summer placement there. Cooper Parry are one of the UK’s largest accountancy firms and have an excellent reputation as an employer.
Uniform
A reminder that you can find our uniform requirements on our website to help you prepare your child for a positive start in September. You can find details about our uniform suppliers here. I would encourage you to take a copy of our webpage with you to ensure that trousers, skirts and shoes fit the requirements stated on the website. These tend to be the items require the most attention when purchasing new, as we understand that students’ interpretation of what is acceptable and what is not may deviate somewhat from what is outlined on our website.
Sports Update
Sports Day 2025: What an incredible Sports Day we had! Over 1,200 students took part throughout the day, showcasing their talents, teamwork, and determination across a wide range of sports and events.
It was wonderful to see so many students actively participating and celebrating each other’s achievements. Despite the intermittent rain showers which interrupted the event during period 4, we managed to get outside for Period 5, completing all the relays with great energy and enthusiasm. The day finished on a high with the Staff vs. Sixth Form vs. Hefei No.8 relay, which was enjoyed by everyone and brought the community together in great spirit.
A huge well done to all students who took part, tried their best, and represented their houses and year groups so brilliantly. You made us all very proud.
Thank you to the PE department, all staff, and Sixth Form Sports Leaders for making the day run smoothly, and to everyone who came to support and cheer on our students.
It was an amazing collective effort and one of my most memorable days at the academy. We hope to repeat the event with a similar structure next summer.
Sister school Hefei No.8 visit from China
This week, we had the pleasure of hosting a delegation of students and staff from Hefei No.8 School, China — following our visit to their school with 30 students in April.
Day 1: The visit began with an opening ceremony that truly showcased the spirit of our school community. Our guests, including the Deputy Mayor of Derby, were blown away by the warmth and hospitality they received. From student performances to the friendly atmosphere, it was a moment of pride for all involved and a fitting start to the week.
Our visitors took part in excellent taster lessons in English, Maths, Science and Spanish. The students from both schools engaged enthusiastically, overcoming language barriers to enjoy learning. A traditional fish and chip lunch followed — a new experience for many, and one that was thoroughly enjoyed!
The day concluded with friendly competitions in Chess and Table Tennis, with laughter and sportsmanship on full display.
Day 2: Creativity, Curiosity, and Cricket. Even the wet weather couldn’t dampen day two of the China visit. The morning kicked off with the ever-popular Egg Drop Challenge, led by JCB. Everyone had a smashing time — and those who didn’t smash their eggs won the competition. Students then joined typical Derby Moor lessons during sessions 3 and 4, gaining a real taste of school life here in the UK. Lunchtime brought a magical surprise as students stepped into a Harry Potter-themed experience in PA1. The afternoon was filled with creativity, as session 5 saw our guests crafting stained glass windows and key rings — thoughtful keepsakes to take home to China. After school, the energy continued with cricket lessons for some and choir practice for others. Whether learning a new sport or singing in harmony, the joy of cultural exchange and friendship was clear to see.
Day 3: History, Heritage and Fresh Air. On day three, the group explored further afield with a visit to the stunning Chatsworth House and the Peak District countryside. Using Mandarin audio guides, students discovered the rich history of the house and its remarkable collection of art and artefacts. After exploring the interior, students ventured out into the vast gardens. Together, they navigated the famous maze before enjoying lunch in the café. The afternoon offered a change of pace with a visit to the Chatsworth Farmyard and some fun in the adventure playground — a perfect mix of education and relaxation in one of the UK’s most beautiful settings.
Final Day: Farewell, Fun, and Fond Memories. Our final day was a joyful celebration of everything the past four days had brought. The morning began with students baking scones before sitting down to enjoy a traditional cream tea during break — a truly British experience! Afterwards, the fun continued as students played on inflatables in the sports hall and then toured the school to see Derby Moor’s Sports Day in action. They later joined us for the grand Sports Day finale and even took part in the staff relay — much to everyone’s delight. After school, we brought the week to a close with a heartfelt farewell ceremony. Both schools shared performances, exchanged certificates, and reflected on the memories made. Students exchanged gifts and warm goodbyes before waving farewell as the Hefei group began their journey home.
It was an amazing four days. The friendships formed and experiences shared will be remembered by students from both schools for years to come. This visit has been a powerful reminder of the value of international connection, and we look forward to continuing this special partnership with Hefei No.8 in the future.
Rewards trip – Alton Towers
On Monday this week around a third of our school population headed out to Alton Towers for our summer reward day. After surveying students again with a range of options, the theme park once again came out as the number one choice for those who were eligible to attend. Students enjoyed the variety of experiences on offer in the park and, despite the unreliable weather, made the most of the chance to relax and enjoy the company of their friends in a different environment.
Brilliant.org access
We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for students to supercharge their learning with Brilliant.org – a world-class platform for mastering maths, science, logic, and problem-solving through interactive, hands-on lessons. We have managed to secure a license for students to sign up with their Derby Moor email account to access the range of courses on offer. They should follow this link and use their new school email to sign up, this will give them free access for one year, allowing them to dive into topics like algebra, physics, computer science, AI, coding during the summer to keep their minds active.
Inclusion Quality Mark – Centre of Excellence
Last week we hosted a visit from the Inclusion Quality Mark team as part of the assessment process for our Centre of Excellence status. I’m delighted to share with you that we have retained our status and received a glowing report about the provision we have in place to meet the needs of our students. Two of my favourite excerpts from the report are below:
“During the learning walk at Derby Moor Spencer Academy, a strong sense of consistency, clarity, and high expectations was evident across the school. The academy’s motto, ‘Together We Succeed,’ is not only visible in displays but deeply embedded in the culture, routines, and relationships observed throughout the visit. This ethos permeates every aspect of school life, creating a cohesive and inclusive environment where all pupils are supported to thrive.”
“The school’s culture of belonging is powerfully symbolised by a sign that I encountered as I arrived and is visible across the school; ‘Remember you are always a Derby Moor Student.’ This simple yet profound message encapsulates the academy’s ethos of lifelong connection, care, and community. It is a daily reminder to staff, pupils, and visitors that Derby Moor is more than a school; it is a place where every individual is valued, supported, and celebrated.”
It is lovely to hear an external audience recognise what our team here do, day in day out, to help our young people, your children, to develop into well-rounded, confident, successful young adults. I’m proud of everyone involved and grateful to the IQM team for taking the time to visit our provision again.
Final notes
We have enjoyed another successful year at the academy this year. Working in, and leading a large, secondary academy like ours is a privilege. It is demanding, we work hard, and sometimes things don’t always go to plan. But it is so rewarding. When you are connected to a community like this, you can’t help but feel humble and privileged. Each day I’m surrounded by incredible young people and an exceptionally dedicated team of staff. We have governors and families who help us by pulling in the same direction and the wider community and employers give up so much to enrich the experience of our youngsters during these formative years. In one of the recent student voice sessions with an external visitor a student was quoted as saying “Mr Doyle is always talking about our community, he never stops.” I hadn’t realised this, but perhaps they are right. I think this is because I have worked elsewhere, I’ve seen a number of other schools across the country and I’m objective enough to acknowledge what works well and what doesn’t – our community is like no other, there is something really special happening here.
Our IQM report that I’ve highlighted above captures some of this. When external professionals come to the academy and talk about what they see, it also brings a level of objectivity. This half term we’ve had positive feedback from the SSAT who interviewed students and staff and shared how positive his findings were with our staff team. I’ve showcased our approach to inclusion at the festival of education and received incredibly positive feedback from that. We’ve hosted visitors from our wider trust for tours and deeper looks into how learning works at the academy. My colleagues from trust secondary heads and primary heads have visited, and we’ve commissioned a student voice exercise to gather first hand, unfiltered feedback from our students. Just this week we welcomed a guest form the USA, Jesus Jara, who is the former superintendent of Clarke County schools in Las Vegas, the 5th largest district in the US. He walked this site with me, visiting classrooms and meeting students and staff. In much the same way as other visitors, he could feel the sense of community, noted the consistency of practice in classrooms and was clearly beaming about the positivity that existed in all corners of the academy. These visits have all been incredibly positive experiences where professionals, who do not work at our academy, are seeing the what we do, day-in day-out and are acknowledging the deliberate and considered moves we make to continually improve the experience our young people enjoy throughout their time here. I’ve shared this with our staff team today in our end of year farewell and couldn’t help but feel a little proud, proud to be part of this unique and special community. Together We Succeed.
Wishing you a relaxing summer break,
Scott Doyle
Principal
