Headteacher's update 8 November 2024

Thank you for supporting students to come back to school in the positive manner that they have this week. There has been a lot happening in school in the last couple of weeks. Year 11 students have returned from Barcelona and have had many great experiences there. We also took a theatre trip to see Run Rebel on the last day of term and the students spoke positively of this experience.

As ever, attendance continues to be our number one priority and in particular the pattern of attendance that we see across the week.  Next week is our second attendance week where we will be sharing information with young people and yourselves about their attendance to date. We welcome you contacting us if you are concerned about attendance so we can work together to support each young person.

Thank you to those of you who have shared feedback regarding homework systems with us recently. We have considered your feedback and reviewed how we communicate regarding homework. Next week, students will receive emails enabling them to create an access login for student portal of Arbor. The student App version is not yet available, but they will be able to access the Arbor portal.

What’s going on in school:

• Year 11 GCSE Spanish students spent 4 days in Barcelona this week, honing their language skills in advance of their mock speaking exams. With a slight delay on their outbound flight, the captain invited them to the cockpit to look around. They finally landed in Barcelona to blue skies and sunshine and spent the next few days sightseeing, with trips to Camp Nou, La Boqueria market, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Casa Milo and Casa Batllo, the Olympic stadium and a flamenco show.

• Congratulations to brothers Kaleb (Y8) and Logan (Y11), who took part in the World Kickboxing competition in Portugal over half term. 33 countries took part, with nearly 500 competitors representing England. Kaleb won bronze in his age/weight category, whilst Logan won silver in his height and weight category and bronze in the team event. Well done to both of them!

• We are delighted to share with you that Hope Valley College has been selected as one of the Lead Secondary Schools for Music in Derbyshire! Well done to Mrs Machan and all involved with this fantastic achievement.

• The Young Hope Leaders are looking for more people to join them and help make a difference to those in need. See Ms Reynolds for more information.