Dear Families,
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the very best of health. As we move deeper into the summer term, the temperatures have begun to increase as has the pace of life for Years 11 and 13, with examination season now very much upon us. A number of students have already completed speaking examinations or practical assessments, and preparation for public exams is well underway across the school. Alongside this we welcomed the families of Year 10 to the academy for Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, visitors from Balfour Beatty on Tuesday and saw a group of students go to London to see Matilda the musical. As previously communicated, our move from Parent Pay to Arbor Pay is now complete, so if you have not yet logged on, can you please do so and let us know if there are any issues.
Key Stage 3 Update
At our school, we place great importance on encouraging high aspirations for every KS3 student. Having high aspirations means believing that success is possible, setting ambitious goals, and being prepared to work consistently to achieve them. We want all students to aim high—academically, socially, and personally—regardless of where they start.
Research shows that students with strong aspirations are more likely to stay motivated, demonstrate resilience, and achieve better outcomes over time (Duckworth et al., 2007). When students believe they can succeed, they are more willing to engage in challenge, respond positively to feedback, and take pride in their progress. High expectations also support the development of a growth mindset, where effort and perseverance are understood as key to improvement (Dweck, 2006).
For Year 8, they are beginning their Derby Moor Award. The Derby Moor Award recognises students’ personal development both in and beyond school. Students earn points by demonstrating positive behaviours such as responsibility, resilience, contribution, and independence. This includes attitudes to learning in school as well as activities like volunteering, supporting others, and developing new skills outside of school. The award encourages students to build strong character, take ownership of their development, and actively contribute to their community. They will be given a passport to carry around with them where they get this signed by adults, which in turn contribute to them receiving an award.
Furthermore, Year 7 and 8 girls recently took part in an inspiring STEM activity workshop with Balfour Beatty, gaining hands‑on insight into careers in engineering and construction. Opportunities like this are vital in raising aspirations, challenging stereotypes, and showing girls the wide range of exciting pathways available in STEM. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm, teamwork, and confidence on display.
Year 11 Update
With one week to go until the start of our live examination series, we would like to remind parents that we are holding a celebration/good luck assembly on Friday 9th May. Some parents were able to write a post card during our previous Parents’ Evening to share at this assembly, but if you were unable to do so and you would like us to share a message with your child on this day, please do send this in an email to Miss A Hill at ahill@derbymoorspencer.org.uk.
We have a number of Year 11 After School Revision sessions taking place over the next couple of weeks, including English Walking Talking Mock on Tuesday 28th April, Science Walking Talking Mock on Thursday 30th April, Maths Targeted Intervention on Tuesday 5th May, PE Targeted Intervention on Wednesday 6th May and History/Geography Targeted Intervention on Thursday 7th May. Students will receive a letter during Tutor Time if they have been invited, but we will also send an email home to confirm.
In our most recent exam assembly, we have shared with students that they are able to hire a locker for £2 to keep their belongings in during the Exam Season. These are on a first come first served basis, and the £2 is refundable when the key is returned at the end of the exams. For students who do not wish to use a locker, we will have the storage cages available as we did during the Mocks, to allow them to lock their belongings away including their phones and all notes.
Students have also been informed that during their exams, they will receive a revision session the day before they have an exam, this requires students moving to different lessons at different times to their timetables. We will have a copy of the revision session timetable printed as a booklet and given to students during tutor time next week.
Sixth Form Update
We would like to congratulate students on their hard work towards their coursework as they meet their final deadlines. Year 13 students have received their latest data point this week. This is an important opportunity to reflect on progress ahead of final examinations. Students are encouraged to use their planners to create effective revision timetables for both independent study and home learning.
Mock interviews for Year 12 have now been scheduled. Students should check their school email for their allocated time slot and ensure they attend fully prepared with their CV, ready to engage professionally with employers.
Year 11 Textiles
On Thursday 23rd April. Year 11 Textiles were invited to the Exhibition ‘Field to Fashion’ at the Museum of Making in Derby. The students have been taking part in a project collaborating with John Smedley and The Museum of Making creating a new school jumper, made from 100% British wool. They have worked with the Head Designer at John Smedley to create 4 unique new school jumpers that are versatile, hard-wearing and are made to last.
In the exhibition we saw a range of artists work that have helped collaborate with the Museum to promote the use of British Wool and Sustainability.
A really big well done to all of the year 11 textiles girls that took part in the project, they were extremely excited and proud to see their hard work showcased in a Museum. Their parents, family and friends were all extremely proud of their achievements.
Student Leadership Team Update
Earth Day: This week, our school community has come together to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful and inspiring way. Students have been signing up for the Great Global Clean Up, and it has been fantastic to see such a strong response. A large number of students have committed their time and energy to making a positive difference, showing real dedication to creating a more sustainable world.
Looking ahead to next week, the group will meet to coordinate plans for cleaning up both our school site and the local community. There will be prizes on offer for the best initiative that reflects the Earth Day theme, encouraging creativity and teamwork. As an added incentive, students will also have the opportunity to adopt an endangered animal—another powerful way to contribute to global conservation efforts.
New Student Principals: This week has also been a significant one for the Student Leadership Team. Our Year 13 students have been interviewing Year 12 applicants to appoint the new Student Principals for the 2026–27 academic year. This process has been a valuable and rewarding experience for everyone involved. We are delighted to announce that two Student Principals and two Deputy Principals have now been appointed. The new team will begin selecting their wider leadership roles in the coming week, and we look forward to seeing their ideas and vision come to life.
Thank you to Year 13 Student Principals: Finally, this marks an important moment to extend our sincere thanks to our current Year 13 Student Principals. They have done an outstanding job leading the Student Leadership Team, introducing new initiatives, hosting a range of events, and, of course, delivering a truly memorable Awards Evening. Their commitment, leadership, and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact on our school community, and they will undoubtedly leave behind a strong legacy. Now they turn their attention to revising for their upcoming exams and we as a school community we wish them well.
A special thank you to them from Mr. Hall, and from all of us who have benefited from their hard work and dedication.
Library Update
Last week, our Librarian, Miss Jones visited Longfield Academy to connect with other librarians across our Trust. They were able to share ideas for future events and how to support reading for pleasure with our students.
PE & Expressive Arts
Matilda: We are delighted to share that our recent trip to the West End to watch Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre in London was a great success. Students from across the whole school took part, and it was wonderful to see them come together to enjoy such a vibrant and engaging performance. The show was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and the experience provided a memorable opportunity to inspire creativity and a love of theatre among our all pupils.
Appointments/Absences
If your child has an upcoming appointment, please can you:
Let the school know 48 hours prior to your child’s appointment, by either emailing attendance@derbymoorspencer.org.uk or calling on 01332 772706.
Inform your child about the appointment.
Ask your child to collect a green permission slip from reception, it is your child’s responsibility to present to reception at the required time.
Careers Update
This week’s job of the week is a “security guard”.
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
As we move further into the summer term, it has been encouraging to see students across all year groups engaging positively with the opportunities and challenges ahead — from the focus shown by those preparing for examinations, to the leadership and community spirit evident through events such as Earth Day and our ongoing student leadership work. Next week, our Year 10 and 12 mock interviews will take place, providing another valuable opportunity for students to apply their skills in a real‑world context and continue building confidence for their future pathways.
A reminder that Monday 4th May is a Bank Holiday, and therefore school will be closed on that day. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday the 5th.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Scott Doyle
Principal