Dear Families,
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the very best of health. The new term has begun at pace, with examination season now firmly on the horizon. A number of our students have already completed speaking examinations or practical assessments, with preparation for public exams well underway across the school. As we enter the final stages for Years 11 and 13, there are also key coursework deadlines approaching. It is a focused and important period, and our students have returned with a sense of purpose and determination.
Key Stage 3 Update
We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable Easter break. It has been great to welcome students back as we begin the final term of the academic year. This is always an important time, and we are encouraging all students to push on with strong attendance, consistency, and positive routines in school to ensure they finish the year well.
End-of-Term and End-of-Year Assessments: As we move through this term, students will be completing their end-of-term and end-of-year examinations. These assessments are particularly important as they help inform setting decisions for next year, whether students are preparing to move into Year 8 or Year 9. We encourage students to take these exams seriously and give their best effort, so they are fully prepared for the next stage of their learning.
Positivity Week Celebrations: It was fantastic to see such a positive atmosphere during Positivity Week at the end of last term. A huge congratulations to the following students who were selected as winners of the £10 Amazon voucher in the positive postcard draw:
NM (7JYO) AK (8RCH) AB (9CME) MN (10PRA) MB (11EBO)
We would also like to give a special congratulations to NM (7JYO), who won the whole-school £50 Amazon voucher draw, having already won the Year 7 draw as well!
Year 10 Update
Mock Interviews: Year 10 students will be taking part in Mock Interviews on Tuesday 28th April and Thursday 30th April. Around 30 delegates from local companies will be in school to interview our students.
Students should ensure they have finalised their CVs in preparation for this experience. This is the third year we have offered mock interviews to Year 10, as part of our ongoing work to develop students’ 4Rs employability skills and give them meaningful opportunities to apply these in a real-world context.
During the interviews, students will be asked a series of competency-based questions, such as: “Can you give an example of when you have demonstrated strong leadership skills?” Students will be encouraged to draw on real experiences from both school and beyond, including extracurricular activities, responsibilities at home, or opportunities such as Duke of Edinburgh.
The aim of this experience is to ensure Derby Moor students are well prepared for future interviews for college, sixth form, apprenticeships, and part-time employment, and that they can speak confidently about their skills and experiences.
Feedback from last year’s cohort was overwhelmingly positive, with many students reporting a significant boost in confidence following their interview.
Parents’ Evening – Careers Focus (Wednesday 22nd April): As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting students with their next steps, this year’s Year 10 Parents’ Evening will have a strong careers focus. We recognise that making informed decisions about post-16 and post-18 pathways is a key stage in every student’s journey, and that these decisions are most successful when school and families work together. This event provides a valuable opportunity for parents/carers to engage in meaningful conversations about future options alongside their child.
In addition to meeting subject teachers, a range of external providers will be available in the Learning Hub to offer guidance and answer questions. These include representatives from universities, further education colleges, apprenticeship providers, employers and the armed forces, as well as our independent careers advisers from Luminate Careers. Each organisation will be able to provide insight into qualifications, entry routes and the wide variety of pathways available after Year 11.
We strongly encourage all families to take advantage of this opportunity to explore different options and ask questions. Engaging with these providers will help students to better understand their future choices and begin to make informed decisions with confidence as they move closer to the next stage of their education.
Unlock Oxford residential: This week, a group of our Year 10 students had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Unlock Oxford residential at the University of Oxford. Across two days, students were fully immersed in university life, staying in college accommodation and experiencing a range of academic and enrichment sessions designed to raise aspirations and broaden horizons.
Students explored what it means to study at a world-class university, taking part in sessions on university life, college systems, and future pathways. Highlights included experiencing Oxford-style tutorials, engaging in a subject taster session, and taking part in the Oxplore programme—encouraging students to think critically and ask big questions. A guided tour of the city and colleges gave students a real insight into the history and culture of Oxford, helping to make higher education feel both tangible and achievable.
Experiences like this play a vital role in helping students to see what is possible for their futures, and we are incredibly proud of how they embraced every opportunity.
Year 11 Update
We are pleased to welcome Year 11 back for their final half term prior to the start of their live GCSE examinations on 1st May. We would like to thank those students who attended intervention sessions over the Easter holidays and hope this has provided valuable additional support in key subjects. All students have now received their individual exam timetables, and we will be holding an Exams Assembly on Monday 20th April to confirm the specific routines and expectations for exam days.
In addition to this, we will be hosting our final celebration and good luck assembly with Year 11 on Friday 1st May. During Parents’ Evening, we invited parents and carers to write a postcard with a message of encouragement for their child, which will be shared on this day. If you were unable to do this but would still like a message passed on, please email Miss Hill at ahill@derbymoorspencer.org.uk.
Finally, all students have been asked to complete the Compass+ Future Skills Questionnaire, which has been sent to their school email addresses. You should also have received an email explaining the purpose of this survey. We would greatly appreciate your support in encouraging your child to log into their email and complete the questionnaire. It should take no more than 15 minutes and plays an important role in shaping the future of our careers programme, as well as identifying any students who may benefit from additional support.
Sixth Form Update
Year 13: It is exciting to see our Year 13 students receiving a wide range of offers for their next steps, including universities, degree apprenticeships, and employment. We encourage conversations at home to help them decide on the best pathway to pursue. If all decisions have been received from universities via UCAS, a firm and insurance choice must be selected by Monday 27th April. We encourage students to use the mock results they will receive next week to help guide them in making their choices. Those applying to university should also ensure they apply for student finance as soon as possible, details of how to do this can be found here. For further support, students can speak to their tutor, the Sixth Form team, or book an appointment with our specialist careers advisor.
Year 12: Mock interviews are coming up for our year 12 students. Employers will be coming into school to provide coaching on applications and have discussions around next steps. Ahead of this, we are encouraging students to update their CV and think carefully about their future plans so they can make the most of the opportunity. Support through conversations at home can be particularly valuable in helping students prepare. Students are currently in the process of securing a work experience placement for 6th –10th July, they need to have their placement confirmed by Mon 8th June – it is great to see an exciting range of placements already confirmed.
Student Leadership Update
Celebrating Vaisakhi: This week, student leaders have been proud to support and share in the celebration of Vaisakhi across Derby Moor School. Following a series of informative assemblies, students have developed their understanding of the significance of this important Sikh festival. A range of activities throughout the week has helped to engage the wider school community in meaningful and enjoyable ways. On Sunday, the Sikh community in the City will be celebrating with a Nagar Kirtan – a Sikh religious procession.
Creative and Cultural Activities: The week began on Monday 13th April with students designing and creating Vaisakhi greeting cards in the Learning Hub. This provided an opportunity for creative expression while reflecting on themes of celebration and community.
On Tuesday 14th April, students enjoyed a cultural food experience, with samosas and Indian sweet treats available at the Food Hut. This gave students the chance to explore and appreciate traditional foods linked to the festival.
Midweek, on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April, students participated in turban tying workshops in the Learning Hub. These sessions were particularly impactful, helping students to understand the cultural and religious importance of the turban within Sikhism.
To conclude the celebrations, students explored traditional art forms on Friday 17th April by creating Phulkari designs in the Learning Hub, celebrating the rich heritage and craftsmanship associated with Punjabi culture.
Promoting Inclusion and Understanding: Overall, the week has been a meaningful and engaging way for students to learn about and celebrate Vaisakhi. These activities have promoted cultural awareness, respect, and inclusion across the school.
Looking Ahead…..
Earth Day: Student leaders are now looking ahead to upcoming events, with a strong focus on sustainability and student voice. On 22nd April, Derby Moor will celebrate Earth Day, raising awareness about the importance of caring for our planet.
Students will be encouraged to consider how small, local actions can contribute to a global impact. As part of this initiative, we will be launching litter picking teams across the school, giving students the opportunity to take an active role in improving their environment. Those who participate will also have the chance to win the adoption of an endangered animal of their choice, highlighting the importance of protecting wildlife and ecosystems worldwide.
Student Leadership Update: This week has also marked an important step in shaping the future Student Leadership Team. Student Principal interviews have taken place as we begin to prepare for the final half term. This transition allows our Year 13 student leaders to focus fully on their revision and upcoming exams, while ensuring a smooth handover to the new team.
Announcement Coming Soon: We are excited to announce that our newly elected Student Principals will be revealed next week. We look forward to introducing the new team and continuing to build on the strong leadership and positive impact of our students across the school.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Update
Please see below an outline of Duke of Edinburgh session for Bronze and Silver over the next two half term. In order to plan for the expedition, students need to attend these sessions. This is on class charts and has been handed to your child in person by form tutors on Friday 16th April.
All sessions will be held after school on Thursdays in HO1, with Miss Lancaster and the DofE team. Any questions please email Miss Lancaster or see her in PA16
| 30-Apr | Expedition kit will be handed out, food planning will be discussed |
| 07-May | No DofE Session |
| 14-May | Expedition letters will be handed out incl. Consent forms. Will also discuss aims of the expedition in walking groups |
| 21-May | No DofE Session |
| 28-May | Half term |
| 04-Jun | No DofE Session |
| 11-Jun | Session before practice expedition – check last minute kit queries, route planning |
| 18-Jun | Reflections from practise and planning for assessment weekend |
| 25-Jun | No DofE Session |
| 02-Jul | Session before assessment – check last minute kit queries, aim of expedition and food planning |
| 09-Jul | Return kit/reflections from assessment |
| 16-Jul | Return kit |
PE & Expressive Arts
You can find the latest PE extra curricular timetable here.
Arbor Pay
As per our previous communications, we have now completed the move from Parent Pay to Arbor Pay. If you have not yet logged in, please do so as soon as possible and reach out if there are any issues with this.
Vaccinations
HPV Vaccinations for Year 8 students will take place on 21st May. There will also be a follow-up session on 16th June for any students who may have missed their Teenage Booster/MenACY and HPV vaccinations.
Careers Update
This week’s job of the week is a hydrologist.
Derby Moor Dispatch: The Dispatch is emailed to the students’ school email address, so it is important that they check this regularly. 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.
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.
Final notes
It has been really positive to reconnect with all of our students this week through the Recognising Success assemblies. These moments provide a valuable opportunity to celebrate effort, reflect on progress, and reinforce the employability focus that underpins our reward and behaviour systems. I would like to take this opportunity to remind families that ClassCharts remains our main platform for communication about day‑to‑day achievements, behaviour and engagement. Regularly checking ClassCharts — and using it as a starting point for conversations at home — helps students see that their efforts in school are noticed and valued.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. As we move deeper into the exam term, that partnership between school and home becomes more important than ever.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Scott Doyle
Principal