A lot has happened in school this week and it has been lovely to see our young people be successful in their different endeavours. Lots of students work hard outside of the classroom, especially in their extra-curricular activities and they are an important part of being involved in school and developing a wider range of skills outside of the classroom. We have also run several trips this week to Bubnell Farm, a production of Teechers and the climbing competition. We are only able to run these trips with your support. The CRY screening is also an important part of our school and a commitment we have made to our young people. The team that visited us on Wednesday were so complimentary about our young people and how welcoming the school felt.  We have more events coming up over the following weeks that we extend an invitation to, and information is included below.

Attendance Week 

This week is ‘attendance week’ where we have a whole school focus on the importance of attending school and making the most of everything we have to offer – ‘turn up and take part’.  This week we have shared attendance certificates with students to review their attendance to date, including any potential barriers to good attendance.   

Our ‘3 week-streaks’, for students who attend for 3 weeks in a row within a term, continues to be successful and well-received by students. We will adapt this for students who cannot achieve this due to extenuating circumstances or have alternative timetables. We will also communicate every 2 weeks when student attendance is starting to fall; this is to make parents aware and to ensure that support is in place where necessary. 

What’s going on in school?

• The CRY screening team were in school on Wednesday this week. 101 students in Years 10 and 11 were screened on the day. The CRY team commented on how polite and respectful our students were. Money raised from our Sponsored Walk, non-uniform days and donations goes towards supporting the screenings each year. Donations can be made via ParentPay at any time throughout the year.

• PCSO Brockett delivered assemblies to students in Y7-10 this week, focusing on our British values. The assemblies highlighted the importance of respectful and tolerant language and reminded students of what they can do if they have any concerns.

• On Thursday this week, 6 students from KS3 took part in the final of the Interschools Bouldering competition at the Mini-works in Sheffield. Competing against other secondary schools, they had to complete 12 bouldering problems, some of which were really challenging! They all showed really determination and resilience. Sam Y9 and Jem Y7 took first and second place overall for the boys, whilst Paulina Y9 came first in the girl’s category. The Team also won first place overall and brought home another trophy to add to our collection! Well done to Sam, Jem, Gil, Paulina, Jack and Jem.

• We try to maximise our extra-curricular offer for students by providing lunchtime clubs and activities. A new addition to this is Just Dance club, which take place on a Friday lunchtime in the gym. This is a great way to get some exercise and make new friends.

• March 14 is a special day for mathematicians. Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant (π)—the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159. Celebrated on March 14 (3.14) since 1988, it honours the infinite, non-repeating number used in geometry. In 2019, it was named the International Day of Mathematics. To celebrate Pi day at Hope Valley College, Year 7 students have been set a homework to interpret Pi in their way. It could be a poster, a picture, music, beads, Lego or baking to name a few suggestions. We will share the best creations in the coming weeks.

 

• GCSE drama students have been working hard these last couple of weeks towards their final grade. Y10 students have been working on their devised performances, ready to be performed in a couple of weeks! This will be part of the coursework worth 40% of their overall grade. Y11 drama students performed in their practical exam last week, worth 20%, which included performances and designs from 15 different plays. Yesterday, Y11 students went on a theatre trip to CAST in Doncaster in preparation for the theatre review in their final written exam. The students watched 'Teechers' by John Godber and wrote notes during the show. Mrs Starbuck-Ahmed is very proud of all the GCSE drama students for their dedication to drama these last couple of weeks. 

 

Road closure in Bradwell – Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March

Bridge Street in Bradwell will be closed on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March – this will affect the school bus service. On these 2 days, the bus will operate to the junction of Main Road and Gore Lane and will turn around at this point. All students from Bradwell will need to walk to this point to meet the bus.

Non-uniform day – Friday 27 March

The last day of term will be a non-uniform day for students. Please remind students that clothing should be appropriate for the school environment. Pyjamas should not be worn. A voluntary suggested donation of £1 can be made via ParentPay or cash can be given to tutors on the day. Monies raised will be donated to the Book Trust. This also coincides with our celebration of World Book Day.

Easter Showcase – Wednesday 25 March

Our Easter Showcase Egg-stravaganza takes place on Wednesday 25 March in the hall from 6pm. If your young person is performing, a letter will be emailed next week with all the details. 

Hope Valley Adventure Film Festival – Saturday 25 April

Our PTFA are running the fabulous Hope Valley Adventure Film Festival on Saturday 25 April. There will be a whole day of activities, films and food plus guest speakers and presentations in the evening. Tickets are available here: https://hvaff.co.uk/

We would love as many people to come as possible so please spread the word amongst friends, family and any social / sporting groups you may be a part of.

We are also looking for student films to be shown on the day and volunteers to help us in the day and evening. 

 

Dates for Your Diary

Monday 23 March – Y7 Subject Evening

Wednesday 25 March – Easter Showcase

Friday 27 March – Non-uniform day, Break for Easter

Monday 13 April – Back to school

Monday 4 May – Bank holiday – school closed

Monday 7 May – Y10 Information Evening

 

Thank you for reading our communication. Here are some helpful email addresses, should you need to contact us:

• attendance@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report a child’s absence
• enquiries@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for general enquiries
• pastoral@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for any issue with a child’s wellbeing
• headteacher@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to contact the Headteacher
• safeguarding@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report safeguarding concerns. If a child or any young person is in imminent danger, then please report this to the police.
• ptfahv@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to contact the PTFA

Kind regards

 

Debbie Petts

Headteacher