AUTUMN THEN BILLERICAYewsle SCHOOLtter 2012 Merry Christmas!

Dear Parents many students have excelled in a range of proj- A Message from ects and sporting activities. Our Open Evening As we approach the end of another year, I would and Open Mornings were well attended and we Mrs. Hammond like to take this opportunity to thank all members welcomed over 1000 visitors to the school. of our school community, staff, students, and par- ents for all their support and understanding during Students will finish for the Christmas holiday at the building work process. The work is progress- 12.10pm on Friday 21 December and will return ing well and we are still on schedule to start the to school on Monday 7 January at the normal new academic year in September 2013 with all time. our building work complete. Our plans for an offi- cial opening of the new block are moving for- May I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a wards and we hope to host this ceremony early in healthy and successful New Year 2013. the New Year. Mrs S Hammond We have had a wonderful start to the academic Headteacher year. Our Year 7 students have settled in well and

In our last newsletter we told you about the retire- I am delighted to be stepping up to the chair- my stewardship. ment of our chairman Robert Orr after 14 years man's role at this time. of service. The governing body has elected Mr The Governing Body's responsibility is to ensure Colin Breathwick as the new chairman: Under the direction of Head teacher Mrs that the school has a set of operating policies Hammond, the School has an enviable academ- and objectives, and has the resources to support ic record of continuous improvement over the the pursuit of the school's mission, and to moni- past ten years, culminating in an "Outstanding" tor progress and performance against these poli- rating by OFSTED in 2011. With the exception of cies and objectives. The economic climate pres- the July 2012 GCSE English examination results, ents additional challenges to everyone and the which continue to be the subject of nationwide school is not exempt from this. The Governing controversy, our examination results in 2012 Body will continue to ensure that best value is have been 'the best ever' and credit must go to obtained for all school expenditures with priority Mrs Hammond and all the staff for this new given to the quality of education, wellbeing and record level of achievement. safety of the students.

We live in exciting, changing and challenging The Governing Body is committed to supporting times and as a governing body we strive to capi- the school staff maintain our excellent standards talise on every opportunity. Academy status has and I would like to take this opportunity to ask recently brought us additional challenges as well parents to take an active role in supporting the as opportunities and we intend to make the most school, the staff and their children's education at of these for the best advantage of our students. this critical time in their formative years .

With a population of over 1700 students and 300 I look forward to the challenge ahead and to employees, The School is a substantial working with everyone connected with The entity in the town, and visible enough to make its Billericay School mark on the community. The School's aim is:-

A Message from "To ensure that each individual student is given Colin Breathwick every opportunity to reach his/her potential in a Chair The New Chair caring and supportive environment"

and this will remain uppermost in my mind during

School Road, Billericay, , CM12 9LH www.billericay.essex.sch.uk Tel: 01277 655191 Fax: 01277 314414 E-mail: [email protected] These students have all spent a lot of their lunch International Community and break times practising past exam papers and have had to work independently. They have shown Jubilee Celebration Languages a very mature attitude and keen work ethos in order to achieve such marvellous results. On Tuesday 19 June students from Personalised Results Learning took part in an International Diamond If you speak a language at home, other than those Jubilee Celebration for our staff and students who 2011-2012 already taught in school, and you can read and speak more than language. Mrs Bellers pro- write it a little, you may be able to sit an exam in that posed the idea and we made it a very British occa- language - please contact Mrs Bellers or Ms sion. We made a typical afternoon tea of sandwich- McDonald if you are interested. es, scones, Victoria sponge, strawberries and Once again big congratulations to our linguistically cream. A PowerPoint presentation including footage able students as they achieved brilliant results in of the coronation was prepared for guests to enjoy. the following languages last academic year: Eagle Heights Among the guests were speakers of Urdu, Dutch, Romanian, Spanish, Moldovan, Russian, Farsi, Display Mandarin, Flemish and of course English, reflecting IGCSE English: Hamed Omidi "C"; the wealth and breadth of language backgrounds As part of their level 2 Applied Science certificate, Andrei Vartic "C" across our school. It was good to see new friend- Year 10 students were given a talk by Mr Alan Ames IGCSE Spanish: Higher Level: ships being forged between students who had not from Eagle Heights in Eynesford, Kent. The stu- Andrei Vartic "A" ( he achieved 100%) met before. dents met a Harris Hawk, Lanner Falcon and a Bald ½ GCSE Urdu: Eagle and were treated to a flying display in the Ajab Durrani "B" sports hall. They learnt about their habitats, adapta- (this is his third language GCSE ) tions and conservation issues of British birds of Ajab previously gained B in German (Year 9) prey. The picture shows Jack Merrit holding Alaska and B in Dutch (Year 7) the Bald Eagle. AS + A2 Russian: George Gorobchenko A* AS Chinese: Lian Wilkinson "A"

International Day of The Girl

On 11 October 2012, Miss Miller and schools across London and beyond to Miss Gosling set their alarms bright and celebrate the power and potential of girls early in order to escort a group of Year 9 everywhere. The girls fortunate enough to & 10 students to the first ever be involved in this amazing event were: International ‘Day of the Girl’. The Brodie Bangs, Emma Franklin, Andie Southbank Centre and the charity ‘Plan Fuller, Sophie Huggins, Alice Davie, UK’ organised all sorts of activities and Rachel Hardy, Ella Brown, Mae Lake, workshops including a mentoring session Libby Wernham, Maddison Keeling, Katie on the London Eye. The girls were lucky Everett and Megan Palmer. All would enough to take part in speed mentoring agree that they had an amazing day, with many inspirational women including Sophie Huggins said "I'm actually a bit television presenters, radio DJs, authors, buzzing," and was enthusiastic to tweet journalists and airline pilots to mention a her new contact Radio 1 DJ Gemma few! There were over 300 girls from Cairney.

Jack Petchey Award Winners' Ceremony On 11 October the achievements of all the Jack The picture shows some of last year's winners at Petchey award winners in the district were the award ceremony, accompanied by Andy Barrow. celebrated at the Towngate Theatre. The guest of From left to right: Anna Laen-Gay, Ben Carr, honour was former captain of the paralympic wheel- Georgia Chandler, Mr Murnane, Joseph Breedon, chair rugby team, Andy Barrow. As ever, this was a Becky Leverett, Zach Pallier and Kristy Waker. well attended and uplifting event. This year one of We have also heard from the parent of Megan our teachers, Mr Murnane, received a leader award; Palmer in Year 9 who received a Jack Petchey he was nominated by students in recognition of the Award for her tremendous efforts and achieve- outstanding work he does in running the 'World ments at her swimming club, Basildon & Phoenix Challenge' programme and our gifted and talented Swimming Club. The photo shows Megan receiving provision. her award from ex-paralympian and tv commenta- tor, Danny Crates. Inspirational Women Conference 2012 It's not all about make-up and boyfriends - Girls' Guests at the event included Bridget Minamore, a Role Model Project inspires young girls to aim high- 20-year-old poet, journalist and student at Students were offered the opportunity to chat with er. University College London, who performed her writ- all the event's speakers and 60 other professional ing on body image and the treatment of celebrities real women role models over lunch in a speed-dat- Some 250 students from , by the media. ing style networking session with the professionals Essex, arrived at Queen Mary University of London before returning to the hall for further talks. on Friday 13 July for an event featuring inspirational Natasha Armstrong, community manager at "We speakers, discussions and a networking lunch with Are What We Do" also spoke at the event. The not- They were addressed by Ruth Amos, entrepreneur some of the UK's leading businesswomen and cam- for-profit behaviour change company kicked off the and MD of StairSteady Ltd, whose business started paigners. successful campaign against excess plastic bag as a result of her GCSE Technology coursework use in the UK with designer Anya Hindmarch's 'Not and Councillor Catherine West (Leader of Islington The Inspirational Women Conference 2012 was a Plastic Bag'. Natasha explained to the audience Council) who explained how the girls could give and organised by Year 9 members of Billericay's Role how small actions can make a big difference to the gain from their community and the world of politics. Model Group and took place in Queen Mary's new world. Mile End campus humanities building Arts Two. The final speaker was adventurer, business woman, She was followed by Naomi Williams, campaign author and presenter Debra Searle, MBE. The girls Hosted by 14-year-old students Andie Fuller, manager at charity Plan UK. The global charity are sat riveted as she told them about her solo row Sophie Huggins, Brodie Bangs, Estelle Kelly, Emma currently running the Because I Am A Girl cam- across the Atlantic (including battling sharks) and Franklin and Savannah Chittick, the event was the paign, supporting some 4m of the world's poorest promised them that success and ambition could culmination of a series of projects and events that children gain access to an education. both be achieved by 'choosing your attitude.' themed on self-esteem, ambition and the 'inner self', rather than outward appearances. Throughout Year 9 Billericay student Georgia Chandler then the year, the girls have been urged to end the cul- gave Jessie J a run for her money, closing the con- ture of celebrity worship and focus on 'real' role ference's first half with a rendition of the singer's models. number one hit 'Price Tag'.

Movember

Across the month of November, 14 members of The massive thank you to all the staff who have taken on Billericay School staff have agreed to grow mous- the challenge and everyone who has supported us taches for the 'Movember' charities. The moustach- so far." es are allowed to be groomed and styled but must not be removed until 1st December. The charity The staff involved are; Mr Pead, Mr Garley, Mr aims to raise awareness and funds in the fight Abbotts, Mr Fifield, Mr Berry, Mr Thorne, Mr against prostate and testicular cancer. Students Beckett, Mr Maguire, Mr Jones, Mr Miller, Mr Allen, have been informed about the fundraising efforts Mr Parkin and Mr Howells. through assemblies from Team Movember captain You can sponsor them by signing the sponsorship Mr Pead, who said, "Our aim is to inspire students form in the mathematics office or by visiting into fundraising, whilst raising awareness and funds www.mobro.co/billericay for this hugely important cause. I'd like to extend a Food Technology Year 9 Celebration Buffet

This term we decid- The food and drink disappeared like lightning, One member of staff ed to change the accompanied by suitably spooky pictures and fire- was even overheard way in which the work explosions! The feedback ranged from; saying that they year 9 classes thought this should approach food tech- "Liam's peas and bacon soup - please can I have be "A weekly event nology, bringing it the recipe? " please!" more in line with the Catering GCSE course many of them go on to study To; "I thought it was amazing that the students had Watch this space for further news of the Year 11 in years 10 and 11. put so much time and effort into organising the Hospitality class who will be staging their 'Come food… particularly loved the sausage rolls, soup, Dine with Me' in December!! To this end, they were given a team task of produc- barbecue chicken, toad in the hole, pizza…" (Think ing a celebration buffet. Bonfire night and this member of staff took away a doggy bag!!) Halloween were fast approaching, and these were the main themes. The classes divided into teams of "The decorations really set their food off well". Liam four, and worked together trialling many different was "Chef of the Week" - his food was outstanding!" recipes before deciding on their final buffet dishes. Each team was to invite three members of staff to "I felt really honoured to have been invited. I was come and sample their buffets. Invitations and impressed with the wide range of food on offer, menus were delivered, and come the day of the buf- especially the mini quiches and honeycomb cup- fet, staff were to be seen lining the corridor outside cakes" E10, drooling at the aromas escaping from the room.

Chris Diedo: Setting the scene A Life Without Boundaries

Suitably spooky food

The Autumn Term for our Year 10 students was one Christopher's father spoke warmly of the support of to remember when the RE Department invited family and friends, the Downs Syndrome Andrew Diedo and his 27 year old son Christopher Association and MENCAP, who all played important Liam's soup was a hit! to give a talk to our students. roles in supporting the whole family and helping them to move forward. Christopher Diedo, from Dartford Kent, was born with Downs Syndrome and, despite his learning dif- Many of our Year 10 students were emotionally ficulties, enjoys life to the full. Christopher began affected as Andrew described an incident that the talk telling our students about his many person- occurred to Christopher when a man attacked him al achievements and stressing, in particular, his love in Dartford because he has Downs Syndrome. The for photography. Christopher credited his father for aim of this talk was to present our students with an encouraging him to pursue his interest in photogra- alternative viewpoint on what quality of life can be phy and offering him advice on composition, for achieved by people with disabilities and their fami- example trying to capture people's reflections in lies. Through Christopher's and Andrew's words shop windows or to photograph boats on the they came to understand that Christopher has given seashore. Through Christopher's inspirational pho- his family and friends the chance to enjoy a family tos and speech, our students saw what people with life that wouldn't be as rich or complete without him. Downs Syndrome can achieve when others are pre- pared to believe in them. ...Some staff even had second helpings!!! Billericay School Students meet Turner Spelling Prize winning artist, Grenville Davey, Bee

at the Essex Schools' The French and German spelling bee competitions took place on 17 July and the participants compet- Showcase for the Arts 2012 ed enthusiastically. In the summer term The Billericay School art the sixth form students who spent a day supervising The winners for German were Nick Travers (1st), department was invited to join other schools across can confirm, the show received lots of positive com- Olivia Paton (2nd)and Sophie Hill (3rd) and for Essex in an exhibition celebrating students' ments from the public. A series of workshops were French, Lucy Day (1st), Olivia Paton (2nd) and Nick achievement in the arts in Essex schools. The organised in conjunction with the exhibition. Like (3rd). work was showcased in 's city centre, taking over walkways in the shopping centre and A presentation evening was organised where Well done to all the participants! empty retail spaces. The hardest decision, for the Turner Prize winning artist, Grenville Davey, art department, was deciding on what not to take as Councillor Ray Ride, students, parents, governors space was limited and there was such a wealth of and staff from the eleven participating schools came quality work which could have been part of the together to view the work. We were thrilled to learn show. that the visual art prize, selected and presented by Grenville Davey went to Billericay student Vicky The exhibition took place from 11-18 July and other Cracknell for her painting produced in Year 13. participating schools included Greensward Other students nominated for awards were Sam Academy, , , Heazel Year 13, Danielle Summerton Year 12, , KEGS, Boswells, Castleview, Bethany Freeman Year 11, Bethany Hall Year 11, Chelmsford County High and . Chloe Wilson Year 11, Shelby Thomas Year 8, Heather Wiles Year 8, Sofia Curtis Year 8 and Luke Max Dolding, a local artist who came up with the Becalick - Year 8 idea commented that "This showcase has certainly amazed me, with all the energy and enthusiasm Congratulations to Vicky and all the students whose that has gone into it …….. Congratulations, every- work made the exhibition such a success. It was one." great to see so many of our students and their fam- ilies at the presentation event and we look forward The display included work produced by students in to this event becoming a fixture in the school calen- Years 8, 9, 10, 11 and sixth form; it was a visual dar. feast of creativity for those who saw it and as two of

Lian Wilkinson Lewis Platt Year 7 Lian Wilkinson, who was one of our most academic and delightful sixth form students, was successfully We were pleased to hear that one of our new Year nominated for a Diana Champion Volunteer award. 7 students is a budding street dance star! Lewis The assessors were very impressed with her and Platt, 7NJNM recently took part in the IDO World considered Lian to be an excellent role model and HIP Hop Championships in Bochum in Germany the nomination really did have that 'Wow' factor they and was part of the only Under 12 group from were looking for. Lian received a lapel pin and cer- Britain. After competing in the British and European tificate and will be welcomed into their network of Championships they came 8th in the world - a fan- award holders across the UK. tastic achievement! Duke of Years 10 & 11 Edinburgh Visit To Award The Royal Festival Hall

On Monday 5 November, thirty three music students from The Billericay School attended a concert at the Big congratulations to the following students for Royal Festival Hall given by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, in partnership with Deutsche Bank and achieving Duke of Edinburgh Awards: specifically aimed at GCSE music students. 2,500 students from years 10 and 11 from over 60 schools attended the concert. Bronze Award Rebecca Asher & Nicola Wojcik - year 12 The concert was conducted and presented by Stuart Stratford who offered examples and extracts from each piece prior to performance. The South Bank's resident orchestra, the LPO, were joined by a 200-strong Silver Award choir to demonstrate to students in fully interactive detail, the five different musical eras. The opening piece Hannah Quinn - left July 2012. was an extract from Handel's baroque oratorio, Messiah, this was then followed by excerpts from Mozart's Symphony No 40, Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, Schoenberg's Peripetia, Riley's In C, a performance of an India Raga with Sitar and Tabla player and the concert finished with the Symphonic Suite from Shore's film During September 40 students took part in their score for Lord of the Rings. Bronze Expedition. This involved them planning their own route from Stock to Screen's Park in Chelmsford, camping overnight and then returning via a different route the next day. Despite the cold camping conditions, the expedition was hugely suc- cessful and means that many of our current Year 11s have achieved their Bronze Award, so watch this space for names.

If you are interested in taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Miss Merrick will be speaking in year 10 assemblies in December to tell you more about it. Well Done Brandon Exam Dates: 2012/2013

In April 2012 Brandon Wilkins, a Year 7 student, was selected for the W.I.K.F. squad DATE EXAM YEAR GROUP (Wado-ryu international federation) to compete at the16th European championship in Greece. On 28 2012 September he competed in his first overseas com- 6 November (am) GCSE Maths Modular (unit 1) Year 11 (re-sits) petition and after three tough fights he won the gold medal in the u12 individual category. 6 November (am) 8 November (pm) GCSE Maths Linear Year 12/13 (re-sits) He is also the National W.I.K.F. champion 2 years in 7 November (pm) GCSE English Language Year 12/13 (re-sits) a row and hopes to defend his title again next year. (extra re-sit opportunity) He is also looking forward to competing in the 8 November (pm) GCSE Maths Modular (unit 2) Year 11 (re-sits) W.I.K.F. World Championships in September 2013 13 December (am) Science internal SATS Year 9 in Crawley. 2013 7 January - 1 February GCE AS/A2 Modules Year 12/13 9 January (pm) GCSE English Lit. Modules Year 11 re-sits 9 January (am) 14 January (am) 17 January (pm) GCSE Science exams Year 11 resits 10 January (am) GCSE English Module Year 11 (selected students only) 22 January (am) 24 January (am) 25 January (pm) GCSE Science exams Year 11 (triple science students only) 23 January (am) GCSE History Module Year 11 (selected students only) 28 January (pm) GCSE PE Module Year 11 (selected students House Charities only) 29 January (pm) GCSE History Modules Year 11 (selected students This year each of our 5 school houses have made only) the decision to support a local charity. Each form 6 - 15 February GCSE Mock exam period Year 11 (plus some Year 10s) group will be organising a small fundraising event to 27 February GCSE Maths Modular (unit 1) Year 11 (re-sits) raise money for their chosen charity. We hope to 27 February start up a volunteer committee which will consist of 4 March GCSE Maths Linear Year 12/13 (re-sits) students who are willing to volunteer their time to 4 March GCSE Maths Modular (unit 2) Year 10 support these local charities. This year's charities are: Year 11 (re-sits) 6 March (am) GCSE Maths Modular (unit 3) Year 11 (tbc) Curie House : Barnardos Edison House : Hamelin Trust 7 May (tbc) Humanities internal exams day Year 10 Keller House: CHESS homeless charity 1 May - 25 June* GCE + GCSE exams Year 11 - 13 Newton House: Essex Air Ambulance 20 May (a.m.) GCSE English Literature Year 10 Scott House : Little Havens Hospice June (date tbc) Maths Internal SATS Year 9 17 June - 5 July French/German Asset Languages window (dates tba) Year 9 11 June (am) GCSE Maths Module (unit 1) Year 10 5 June (pm) Used Stamps 10 June (pm) Appeal 13 June (am) GCSE Science exams Year 10

Just a reminder that we are still collecting used (*some Year 10 students may be sitting other GCSE subjects during this time) stamps for the RNIB. Remember that every stamp that you send us will help to benefit blind and par- tially sighted children and adults with the sixty plus The exam dates can also be found on the school website and in the students' "Exams Handbooks". It is vital services that the Royal National Institute of Blind that your child receives their copy of this handbook before they take their first external exam this academic year, People provide. Stamps can be left at the main as it contains important and useful exams information together with regulations which they have to abide by dur- school reception. ing GCSE and GCE examinations. If your child is in Year 10-13 and has not received a copy by January, please ask him / her to come to the Exams Office to request one. You can also find a copy on the "Exams" section of the school website.

We would like to remind you we do not normally authorise holiday absence, other than in exceptional circum- stances, at any time of the year and it is vital that students in Years 9 - 13 are not absent during the exam peri- od. At present, with modular exams, this now stretches across much of the year. If you have any concerns, please contact the Exams Office in the first instance. Kirkland Rowell Parent & Student Uniform Change Surveys 2012 Feedback Advance Notice Firstly, I'd like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who took the time to complete and return the questionnaires. The Uniform Shop will close for the Christmas break We had over 1,500 come back in total-our biggest return yet! The results have been independently analysed at 9.30am on Friday 21 December and will re-open by Kirkland Rowell and action points have been fed back to the Senior Leadership Team and to all staff. 8.15am-9.30am on Monday 7 January 2013. Individual comments have all been collated and passed on to the relevant department or senior member of Please note that the Uniform Shop is no longer able staff. to accept payment by cheque. Payment can be made by cash or debit/credit card or items can be As the questionnaires are anonymous, we cannot respond to individual queries but are ensuring that purchased on-line at www.simmonds-ltd.com. any issues are appropriately dealt with. Please contact the relevant member of staff (e.g. form It has been decided by the Governing Body that tutor/subject teacher), or senior teacher if there is an outstanding matter with which you need help or from next academic year, girls' skirts will be limited wish to discuss. to one style of pleated skirt, which is available from the school shop priced at £7.95. If girls do not wish Parent Summary: to wear this skirt, trousers may continue to be worn & An overall score of 70% and above is considered good (for academic areas), and 65% and above as an alternative. In the Spring term we shall be for non-academic areas. You gave us an overall score of 84% i.e. outstanding. (82% in 2010, writing to parents to inform them in more detail, but 78% in 2008) are giving notice now, so parents may take the pol- & There were lots of positive comments - your children are happy and contented and you think that the icy change into consideration before purchasing fur- school has an excellent overall performance and is improving standards. You appreciate the hard work, ther skirts. dedication and support of staff. Very few comments were negative and any that were, were often qualified in light of overall satisfaction. Bad Weather & Some of you complained about the dining facilities and some of the toilets. As you are aware, in a popular and oversubscribed school, space is still at a premium. Our new building and refurbishment Procedure has temporarily restricted some of the dining areas but we hope this will change once all work is complete as there will be more indoor and outdoor social spaces for pupils to have their lunch. We In the event of a sudden school closure, students should know exactly what to do and where to go. If continue to introduce increasingly healthy food options and the choice is extensive. We are aware of the school is unable to open for any reason, or in on-going issues with toilets and are trying to ensure these are addressed. the event of needing to dismiss students early, mes- & In terms of academic areas you are most happy with: Media, Chemistry, Mathematics, PD and sages will be broadcast on BBC Essex and Heart Physics (but all subjects scored very highly so there is no significant dissatisfaction anywhere) FM. & In terms of non-academic areas, you are most happy with: control of bullying, careers advice, school discipline, community spirit and developing moral values (all Outstanding) BBC Essex (103.5 or 95.3 FM) & Although it scored highly, your top priority for improvement is School Communication. Handling Heart FM Essex (96.3 or 102.6FM) Information will also be available on our complaints, encouraging and listening to views, receiving information about your children's progress school website: www.billericay.essex.sch.uk were all rated as outstanding. We are in the process of increasing the number of communications sent by e-mail to parents but want to ensure that the technology works effectively, and that we The school switchboard is likely to be busy in the understand the consequences of such a change, before we proceed further. event of a sudden closure, so it is vital for you to & 77% of you say that your child can access a range of resources via the portal (No 9%, don't know have arrangements in place for your child/children 11%). Any problems with this please contact Mr Darley for advice. should this occur. & 95.1% said that you would recommend this school to another parent. & In terms of Ofsted grading, your comments and scoring confirm that The Billericay School is an Student Services 'Outstanding' school. To ensure the health and safety of students and Pupil summary: staff may we remind everyone of the following so & You were even more enthusiastic than your parents judging the school to be 'Outstanding' in nearly that we can all keep safe. all areas including: encouraging a healthy lifestyle, ensuring you stay safe, enjoyment and achievement, enabling you to make a positive contribution and ensuring you achieve economic well- Bicycles: Cycle helmets should be worn when being. You gave your school an overall performance score of 81% i.e. outstanding. 67% thought riding to and from school. Bikes should be the school had improved even more over the last year. mechanically sound. Cycle permits must be handed to student services with full details com- & You told us that you thought you were making good progress in all your subjects but especially in pleted. Students must not ride their bikes when PD, Child Development, German, French and RE. on the school site but must walk to and from the & In terms of non-academic areas, you are most happy with: availability of resources, school gates. These precautions are in place to safe- facilities and teaching quality (all Outstanding) guard your child. I am sure you are aware that at & Your top priority for improvement is: School Facilities (although this scored really highly). the end of the summer term one of our students Obviously when the building work is complete next year your school will be even better. You'd like was injured on the way home from school. Recent news headlines have shown that cycle improved toilets and some of you mention chewing gum on tables. As you know, you shouldn't be champion Bradley Wiggins and head coach of chewing in school and we ask you all to respect that rule. In the meantime we will make a concerted GB cycling team Shane Sutton were both badly effort to remove any gum that a minority of you leave behind. Some of you mention social spaces. Again hurt in separate crashes within 24 hours of each we hope once the refurbishment is complete there will be more areas for you to use at break and other so it is imperative students realise they risk lunchtime. serious injury by not wearing helmets. Sanctions & The vast majority of you make good use of learning conversations and most of you feel that they will apply if students cannot comply with these help you make good progress. simple safety requirements. This could result in your child being unable to ride their bicycle to & 72% access resources via the portal (please contact Mr Darley for advice if you're having school. difficulties) & 99.2% of you say that teachers encourage you to do your best. 90% of you have not been bullied Parents' cars: Please do not drive onto the recently, 93% feel you have not been treated unfairly by staff, 83% would still attend lessons school site to pick up or drop off your child in the given the choice, 95% of you would recommend your school to another pupil. We are very glad mornings or evenings, unless there is a valid rea- that the vast majority of you are happy at school. If you are not, please arrange to talk through son. the reasons with your form tutor or Head of House. NIBS buses: Students must sit in seats and on Remember you can continue to contribute views and ideas and be part of decision making in the no account should they stand upstairs. If there are no seats available they should stand down- school through Back Chat, Student Voice and the Sixth Form Committee. stairs