Llongyfarchiadau to our Seren Yr Wythnos Cayden Macey and Dylan Fernandez, awarded to both for their outstanding teamwork and example to others. Congratulations to the Year 7 pupils who have been selected to join our Health Eco Action Team and to those chosen to play a leading part in our Whole School Remembrance Service on Tuesday 12th November 2024.
Blwyddyn 8/Year 8
Da iawn to this week’s Seren Yr Wythnos, Naomi Gomedza and Amelia Edwards. This has been awarded for their fantastic contribution to the girls’ basketball team and their sportsmanship, which has seen the team qualify for the Welsh finals! Da iawn merched. This week has also seen Year 8 launch the annual Mr X Christmas Appeal to all year groups across the school. The charity ensures disadvantaged children in the local community receive gifts on Christmas Day! This is always well supported by the YBB School Community and their families.
Huge congratulations to our year 7&8 girls’ basketball team; Neath and Port Talbot Regional Champions.
This Week
Remembrance Service – 12th November 2024
Sports Fixtures
Fixtures/training week beginning 11th -15th Nov
Mon 11th – Year 7/8 Netball training/matches 3-4pm
Tues 12th – Year 7 Boys rugby development festival (9.30-12pm) at St Josephs Comp.
Year 9 and 11 Netball fixture v Maesteg (Home)
Year 8 boys football v St.Joseph’s (away)
Year 10 boys football v St Josephs (home)
Year 9/10 Girls Basketball Tournament (Sports Hall 1-3pm)
Year 8/9 Hockey training (after school)
Weds 13th – Year 7 Hockey training (lunchtime)
Year 7 boys rugby v Llangatwg (home)
Thurs 14th – Year 7 girls’ rugby festival (Brynteg Comp, Bridgend – 9.30-12pm)
Children In Need
Friday 15th November
Non Uniform Day – £1 donation
Lunchtime fundraising—face painting, stalls, games and activities, raffles (please bring in loose change.)
Achievement Tree at YBB
A big well done to the pupils who have been nominated for September & October for an impressive start to the school year. Focus for November & December now turns to setting a good example to others. Thank you to Mr John (Art) who co-ordinates this initiative. It is an impressive art display and pupils really do enjoy seeing their names up on the wall!!
Charity Fundraising
A big thank you to all who supported our last fund raiser – The Megan Mai Foundation. Megan’s dad, came into school and we presented him with a cheque for £150 for the amazing charity he runs to support seriously ill children and their families, in many ways through their difficult times.
As we approach a well-earned half-term break, I would like to thank all pupils, staff and parents/carers for their continued support since September. There are a couple of things I would like to draw to your attention in readiness for pupils returning to school on Tuesday 5th November (Monday 4th November is an INSET Day).
Attendance
Whilst attendance levels in the primary and secondary phase have increased on this time last year, we are like many schools, still below pre-COVID levels. We have a variety of provisions within school to support attendance and regularly reinforce the importance of good attendance with pupils. If for any reason, a pupil is going to be absent, please contact the school reception so that an appropriate absence code can be applied. The Welsh Government now class a pupil as being a persistent absentee if their attendance is below 90%.
Punctuality
Various changes to protocols for recording and improving punctuality to school introduced in the summer term has seen a reduction in numbers of children arriving late to school. Can I remind pupils in the secondary phase and parents that registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Please make every effort to be there on time.
Uniform
Thank you again to those parents who are ensuring pupils arrive in school in full school uniform. We hope our flexible approach to having fewer branded items mean that it is more affordable for parents. Please ensure that when we return to school after the holiday, pupils are in uniform as described on our website. It is not acceptable to arrive in school wearing sporting attire unless it is for a legitimate sporting activity – in which case the PE Department will have communicated this.
Secondary Breakfast Club
We have manged to secure funding to provide free toast and a hot chocolate from 7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. This will be available in the small canteen area every day and there will be staff supervision. We are hoping to secure additional funding in order to be able to continue this initiative in the Spring Term.
Safeguarding
Keeping everybody safe on the school site is a priority. I kindly ask that parents/carers avoid parking their cars on the double yellow lines by main reception. If you are dropping pupils off for breakfast club, nursery etc please park in one of the designated parking bays. Similarly, I would ask that parents remain in their cars with the engine off after school if you are parked in the front car park. The gates are closed between 2:40 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. to minimise the amount of traffic moving on site. This way I can continue to allow people to park on site and ensure pupils leave in a safe manner.
School Production
We are delighted to announce that this year’s school production will be The Wizard of OZ. It will take place 18th-20th February 2025. It is fair to say that excitement levels are rising already!!
I hope everybody has a lovely half-term and we look forward to welcoming the pupils back on Tuesday 5th November.
BINGO! Our Year 7’s have been completing their kindness bingo cards this week, displaying a number of random acts of kindness. We have used our lovely manners, we have offered each other help, positive praise and shown a respectful attitude. Kindness spreads kindness and it is scientifically proven to be good for us.
Llongyfarchiadau to our Seren yr Wythnos this week, Jaxon Malyn for his incredible kindness and Callan Boxall for a consistently excellent effort and attitude. Equally, llongyfarchiadau to our winners for Gwobr Cymreictod, Abdullah Nazirov and Erin Jones for their positive attitude towards Wales, Welsh, its culture and heritage.
Blwyddyn 8/Year 8
Well done to this week’s Year 8 Seren Yr Wythnos which went to Michael Owen and Casey Button for achieving such a high number of positive perxs in one week and being a remarkable friend and role model respectively. Well done and congratulations both!
This week 8GDA planned and presented a fantastic assembly to Years 7 and 8 on Diwrnod Shwmae and the importance of keeping the Welsh language alive. Thank you to Mr Davies and the pupils in his form. Finally, several pupils from 8ACH and 8JLE have been busy rehearsing this week for Monday’s ‘BANG’ project which will be performed to Year 6 on Monday to highlight the dangers of Bonfire Night and how pupils and their families can enjoy the event safely.
Eisteddfod Y Cymoedd Ysgol Cwm Rhymni 18 Hydref 2024
Ar nos Wener, aeth 35 o’n disgyblion i Ysgol Cwm Rhymni er mwyn cystadlu yn Eisteddfod Y Cymoedd 2024. Mi roedd yn noson hyfryd a llwyddiannus iawn iddynt, diolch yn fawr iawn i Mrs Murphy-Harries am baratoi’r grŵp i berfformio a mynd â nhw am brofiad gwerthfawr iawn,
On Friday night, 35 of our pupils visited Ysgol Cwm Rhymney to take part in Eisteddfod Y Rhondda 2024. It was a lovely and very successful evening for them, huge thanks to Mrs Murphy-Harries for preparing the group to perform and taking them on a very valuable learning experience.
2il Chloe Evans Ysgol Bae Baglan 3ydd Grace Smith Ysgol Bae Baglan
Art Department
A selection of our pupils are currently exhibiting their work at the Queen Street Gallery during the Neath Arts Festival. Mr John and Mrs Noonan also have their own artwork on display.
Over 40 pupils have entered the Hoop Education ‘create a pumpkin’ competition. Many thanks to all that contributed. We’ve had some amazing entries and winners will be announced over the next few weeks.
Upper School
Year 10 Personal Development classes have been working with MorganStone Construction as part of their Careers and Work Related Education. Pupils have enjoyed learning about a wide range of careers in construction. They have been matching skills to Project Managers, Health and Safety Officers, Quantity Surveyors along with Marketing and Digital Services.
Pupils had the opportunity to create their own bluprints of homes and public buildings when learning about maths in construction. Past pupil Dylan Samuel is working for the company, he is in the process of completing a higher apprenticeship. Dylan has been very engaging and he has been excellent at building relationships with pupils.
Year 11 have had a busy week starting with parents’ evening on Monday. Pupils have also had end of topic tests in Science and English assessments.
The Rugby Leaders spent the day in Llandarcy working with primary pupils using rugby skills to build confidence.
Year 11 Leaders met to plan Children in Need activities, Year 11 are looking to oversee the events for November 15th.
Neath Port Talbot College came into year 11 assembly to discuss further education options.
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Year 11 Leaders. As well as takaing the opportunity to award the pupils with their certificates for their successful applications, it was a nice opportunity to listen to their views and opinions about a range of issues and their plans for the year ahead.
PE Department
Summary of results for this week (14th-18th Oct)
Rugby
Weds 16th – Our Year 11 Rugby leaders assisted with Primary festival at Llandarcy Academy of Sport
Thurs 17th – Year 7 boys rugby v Cwm Brombil – Lost
Netball
Thurs 17th – Year 7A v St Josephs – Won
Year 7B v St Josephs – Won
Year 7C v St Josephs – Lost
Year 8A v St Josephs – Lost
Year 8B v St Josephs – Lost
Football
Weds 16th Year 7 boys football v Cwm Brombil – Won
Year 9 boys football v Cwm Brombil – Won
Thurs 17th – Year 11 boys football v Cwm Brombil – Lost
Fixtures/training for next week (14th – 18th Oct)
Monday 21st
Year 7 boys rugby training (lunch)
Year 8 netball training (3-3.45)
Tuesday 22nd
Cross Country Relay races (Cwmtawe school -12pm until 4.30pm)
Year 8/9 Girls rugby – “Road to the principality” competition (Ysgol Bae Baglan 9am -2.30pm)
Year 9 boys rugby development festival at Cenfig School
Year 8/9 Hockey training (after school)
Year 7 netball v Cwm Brombil (away)
Wednesday 23rd
Year 8/9 boys rugby training (lunch)
Year 7 hockey training (lunch)
Year 10 football match v Cwm Brombil (home- after school)
Year 9/10/11 netball training (after school)
Our Year 11 Rugby leaders will once again be assisting with a Primary festival at Llandarcy Academy of Sport
Thursday 24th
Year 10/11 girls rugby – “Road to the principality” competition (Aberavon Green Stars- 9am -2.30pm)
Year 11 Geography pupils visited Mumbles as part of their GCSE Fieldwork studying change over time in the local area. They had a hugely successful day, which included asking the public questionnaires, filling in land use maps and re-photographing the area.
YBB HEAT (Health Eco Action Team)
The team held their first full meeting this week, lots of great discussions including plans for a second-hand toy stall to help the community with the cost of Christmas and reduce the amount of toys that get thrown away. They decided to spend some of the £102 they raised in the Welsh Festival in July on brand new uniform items for our female sanitary product cupboard to support both pupils and visitors to the school site. Applications from year 7 pupils to join the team will also be open next week – pupils can see their registration teacher for details.
Year 11 leaders delivered an assembly on Leadership and Role Models to the rest of the year groups this week.
KS3 Drama Club are busy rehearsing for the BANG project transition event.
Taith Ffotograffiaeth/Photography Trip
A letter has gone regarding an overnight Photography trip to London and Bristol. I have sent it to year 9’s and they have until Friday 18th October to express an interest in the trip.
Yr Ysgol Ganol/Middle School
Blwyddyn 7
We have launched an NSPCC related kindness challenge for the month of October. We will be completing a range of thoughtful tasks to promote kindness and “make it the norm”. We have started creating a display with our handprints, each containing positive comments from other pupils, recognising our unique qualities and what each of us has to offer. We will be completing a kindness bingo card and creating targets on what attributes are important to us, how we maintain our kind and respectful reputation as a year group, and how we can be good role models to others in our school.
Our role models and Seren yr Wythnos this week are Lilly Rae Davies and Phebee Stachera. We would also like to recognise Brandon Doyle and Harri Purchase Davies for winning our Gwobr Cymreictod.
Special mention this week to our amazing Head of Art, Mr John, and his form class 7AJH, for creating the wonderful Welsh mural as part of our Wal Gymru in school.
Blwyddyn 8
Congratulations to our Seren yr Wythnos winners this week, Elena Roberts and Jake Bailey, recognised for their consistently excellent attitudes to learning and cheerfulness to all aspects of school life.
Year 8 were joined in assembly this week by our new Year 11 pupil leaders. We were delighted to listen to their plans and congratulate them on their recent appointments. The assembly certainly inspired year 8 and provided role models for their own aspirations in the future.
Year 8 have also been busy as part of our Eisteddfod group and will be competing at Eisteddfod Y Cymoedd in Ysgol Cwm Rhymni on Friday 18th October 2024.
As part of Neath Libraries ‘Children’s Literature Festival’, the oral storyteller, Ceri Phillips, worked with our Seren pupils in year 8 on the tradition of oral storytelling in Wales linked to their work in English on the concept of Fear. Pupils have given themselves Bardic names, heard an urban myth about a traveller and contributed creatively to complete the end of the story.
Yr Adran AG/PE Department
Crynodeb o ganylniadau yr wythnos hon/Summary of results for this week (7-11 Oct)
Rygbi/Rugby
Tues 8th – Year 9 boys Ospreys Cup v Cefn Saeson (a) – Won
Year 8 boys v Dwr Y Felin (h) – lost
Thurs 9th – Year 7 boys v Bro Dur (h) – Won
Pêl-rwyd/Netball
Thurs 10th – Year 7A v Birchgrove (a) – Won
Year 7B v Birchgrove (a) – Won
Congratulations to the Year 11 netball team who retained their crown as County Champions in thrilling matches v Olchfa and Bishopston.
Pêl-droed/Football
Mon 7TH – Year 7 football festival V Bro Dur held at YBB. Over 50 pupils involved!
Weds 9th – Year 6 played Carreg Hir (a) – Drew
Profion fitrwydd/Fitness testing
On Thursday 10th October, 38 GCSE PE pupils attended Neath Port Talbot College, Llandarcy campus to carry out fitness testing as part of their ‘Personal Fitness Programme’ evaluation. The pupils enjoyed using state of the art equipment and it was lovely to see past pupils who had chosen to follow a sport course at the college running the tests. The visit also gave them an insight into the type of courses available at Llandarcy.
Y Corff Llywodraethu/Governing Body
During the annual AGM held on Wednesday we said farewell to a number of longstanding governors who are either retiring or whose terms of office have come to an end. Four of the retiring governors had served on the Governing Body for ten years, initially on the interim Governing Body and then on the Full Governing Body when the school opened in September 2016. We would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment to the school and wish them all the best in the future.
Linda Roberts receiving a commemorative slate from Councillor Ted Latham (Chair of Governors) which were kindly produced by Mrs Jayne Lewis from our Technology Department
YR WYTHNOS HON/THIS WEEK
Cyfnod Cynradd/Primary Phase
Flu vaccinations on Tuesday 15th.
Parents Evening on Wednesday 16th and 17th. Parents have been encouraged to book an appointment and to pop along for a cup of tea/coffee and a chat with Mr Davies and Governors. A film will be on in one of the classrooms for parents to leave children whilst they meet with class teachers (supervised by staff).
Cyfnod Uwchradd/Secondary Phase
Year 11 Parents’ Evening is being held on Monday 14th October
Yr Ysgol Gyfan/Whole School
Tuesday, 15th October, is Diwrnod Shwmae across Wales. Diolch yn fawr to our Welsh and Art staff, along with our Criw Cymraeg for organising some fun activities on the day. Diolch yn fawr in advance also to Mr Davies’ form class 8GDA who will be delivering assemblies on the event to year 7&8 on Monday and Tuesday respectively. All pupils and staff are kindly requested to wear a red, white or green top on the day to celebrate our Cymreictod (Welshness). Letters have been sent on satchel one and the website for pupils regarding this, please note the expectation is full uniform on the bottom half; trousers/skirts/tights and shoes.
Gemau/sesiynau ymarfer am wythnos nesaf/Fixtures/training for next week (14th – 18th Oct)
Dydd Llun/Monday 14h
Year 7 boys rugby training (lunch)
Year 8 netball training (3-3.45)
Dry Slope skiing session at Pembrey Ski Centre
Dydd Mawrth/Tuesday 15th
Year 7 girls rugby training (lunch)
Year 9 boys rugby development festival at Cenfig School
Year 8/9 Hockey training (after school)
Year 7/8 netball v St Josephs (h)
Cross Country race at Elba, Gorseinon for selected boys and girls in Years 7-11.
Dydd Mercher/Wednesday 16th
Year 5/6 Netball primary tournament (Ysgol Bro-Dur – 9.30am-2pm)
Year 8/9 boys rugby training (lunch)
Year 7 hockey training (lunch)
Year 7 and 9 football match v Cwm Brombil (away- after school)
Year 9/10/11 netball training (after school)
Year 10 boys rugby – Ospreys cup v Cefn Saeson (a)
Dydd Iau/Thursday 17th
Year 7 boys rugby v Cwm Brombil (a)
Year 11 boys football v Cwm Brombil (a)
Cefnogaeth Cwricwlwm Blwyddyn 11 Ysgol Bae Baglan – Ar ôl yr Ysgol
Ysgol Bae Baglan Year 11 Curriculum Support – After School
Mae cefnogaeth cwricwlwm ychwanegol ar gael yn ôl yr amserlen isod:
The following timetable of additional curriculum support is available:
Dydd Mawrth/Tuesday 3pm – 4pm
History Revision Germany and exam technique – HU11
On the 25th September Mrs Summerfield took 39 pupils and 5 staff to Poland to visit Auschwitz concentration camp. They flew from Luton and had a three night stay in Krakow city centre. Day 1 pupils travelled to Luton airport and arrived for a well earned rest in their hotel. Day2 they had a tour of Krakow and visited many memorials linked to the Holocaust. They were given some shopping time and then visited a traditional folklore evening where the children were able to get up and dance. Day 3 the pupils visited Auschwitz which was a harrowing experience but they learnt so much from it. During the evening they had some well needed fun in the local bowling alley. Day 4 pupils were given some time to buy some last minute souvenirs in Krakow old town before heading back to the airport to make the journey home. All pupils thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic experience.
Last week, the school hosted its annual Year 6 Open Evening between 4:00-7:00 p.m. It was a very succesful event and I would like to thank those secondary pupils who gave up their time to assist pupils and parents. They were all a credit to the school.
Music at Ysgol Bae Baglan
Our Year 6, 7 & 8 pupils also enjoyed the Peripatetic Roadshow on Tuesday 1st October which was organised by Cerdd Music. Again, Year 10 GCSE Music pupils helped Mr Lewis run a really enjoyable event. Any students wishing to take up instrumental / vocal lessons, there are several spaces available for new learners in the following areas:
Brass
Woodwind
String
Percussion
Guitar
Piano
Singing
A new school choir will be starting on Tuesday 8th October 3pm until 3:45pm. This will occur every Tuesday, and we will be starting to prepare some songs/performances for Christmas.
Middle School News
Pontio/Transition
It was lovely to welcome so many year 6 pupils and parents to their new school on Monday 30th November 2024. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the amazing breadth of academic and extra-curricular opportunities available at Ysgol Bae Baglan, a very successful evening. The next day we welcomed year 5&6 pupils from across the cluster to enjoy a very entertaining music concert with us, provided by the Neath Port Talbot Peripatetic Service. We look forward to seeing all of year 6 again on 21st October, this time our own pupils will be putting on a drama show based around Halloween and Fireworks Night. Exciting developments to our transition programme this year include the additions of a new sports competition – The Bae Baglan Shield and a Cluster Eisteddfod at Ysgol Bae Baglan in February 2025.
Blwyddyn 7/Year 7
Huge congratulations to our pupils of the week Ayna Reezman and Brody Howells and to our winners of the Gwobr Cymreictod (Welsh Award) Ethan Weaver and Brooklyn Fielding East. Blwyddyn 7 enjoyed a fabulous concert laid on by the Neath Port Talbot peripatetic service on Tuesday. Pupils in the year group have been very busy this week, playing sports fixtures after school, starting rehearsals for taking part on stage in Eisteddfod y Cymoedd in October and providing photographic and art entries for the off-stage competitions. 7MLA have begun preparing their Middle School Assembly on Aberfan and all classes are starting a kindness/wellbeing project under the guidance of the year 7 Wellbeing Director Miss Holland.
Blwyddyn 8/Year 8
Huge congratulations to our pupils of the week Adam Lloyd and Connie Burgum and our Gwobr Cymreictod winner Logan Locke. Some of our year 8 pupils enjoyed an interactive concert with the Neath Port Talbot peripatetic service on Tuesday. Our year 8 Criw Cymraeg pupils have been busily preparing for the visit of Rhys Locke the County Welsh Language Officer and pupils have also been involved in rehearsals for individual and group recitation performances at Eisteddfod y Cymoedd on the 18th October 2024. Form class 8GDA have been working on preparing their Middle School Diwrnod Shwmae assembly.
Upper School News
Year 9, 10 & 11 had live assemblies last week from the Sennedd, explaining what happens in the Chambers and encouraging our pupils to consider standing for the Welsh Youth Parliament.
Year 9, 10 & 11 have all taken part in the Upstream Cymru questionnaire to help identify anyone who may need some extra support and in what area allowing us to put in place the relevant programme/referral.
A number of pupils in Y9 have signed up to the Mullany e-Mentoring service and are in regular contact with mentors. The aim is to develop their understanding of possible STEM careers.
I was delighted to meet with our Year 11 Leaders during assembly on Friday 4th October. They will meet the different year groups in assemblies over the next few weeks. Their role includes:-
Act as an ambassador for the School.
Work on School Charity Events
Assist with Year 6 Transition days
Be a tour guide at Open Evening and attend to visitors.
Assist at Parents’ Evenings/School events
Help to organise some Year 11 events.
Meet with Mrs Jenkins weekly.
Create/contribute to assemblies to pupils in middle school.
Sports Results(30th Sept -4th Oct)
Rugby
Tues 1st – Year 9 boys Ospreys Cup v Dwr Y Felin (a) – Lost
Weds 2nd – Year 10 boys Ospreys Cup v Dwr Y Felin (a) – Won
Thurs 3rd – Year 7 boys v Brynteg (a) – Lost
Year 8/9 girls v Llangatwg (h) – Won
Netball
Weds 2nd – Year 7 A v Dyffryn Amman (h) – lost
Year 7 B v Dyffryn Amman (h) – Won
Year 8 A v Dyffryn Amman (h) – Won
Year 8 B v Dyffryn Amman (h) – lost
Thurs 3rd – Year 10 v Ystalyfera (a) – Won
Year 11 v Ystalyfera (a) – Won
The Year 9 netball squad competed in the County Netball Finals at the end of September after winning their group stages. Year 9 won against Cwm Brombil in a tense extra time game and lost to Bishopston coming runners-up in the County. Da iawn!!
Hockey
Thurs 3rd – A hockey festival was held at YBB (astroturf) for Year 8/9 pupils against Bro Dur.
Football
Weds 2nd – Football festival for Year 9 boys v Bro Dur held at YBB (3G)
Fixtures/training for next week (7th– 11th Oct)
Monday 7th
Year 7 boys rugby training (lunch)
Year 7 football festival v Bro Dur (after school)
Year 8 netball training (after school)
Tuesday 8th
Year 7 girls rugby training (lunch)
Year 8 boys rugby v Dwr Y Felin (after school)
Year 8/9 Hockey training (after school)
Year 7 netball training (after school)
Year 9 boys rugby – Ospreys Cup v Cefn Saeson (a)
Wednesday 9th
Year 8/9 boys rugby training (lunch)
Year 7 hockey training (lunch)
Year 6 football match v Carreg Hir (a) 1.45 -2.45pm
Year 9/10/11 netball training (after school)
Year 10 boys rugby – Ospreys cup v Cefn Saeson (a)
Thursday 10th
Year 10/11 girls rugby festival (Bridgend College) 9.30-12.30
Year 7 and 8 boys rugby v Bro Dur (h)
Year 7 netball v Birchgrove (h)
Year 11 GCSE pupils fitness testing at Llandarcy Academy with NPTC College (9-11am)
Friday 11th
Year 11 Basketball v LLangatwg/Bro Dur -1.30-3pm (Sports Hall)
Looking Ahead
Year 11 Parents evening will be held on Monday 14th October. Parents/Carers are reminded to make appointments with the relevant member of staff via the SchoolCloud booking system.
It is hard to beleive that we have been back in school a fortnight already!! I want to say a huge well done to all the pupils who have made a really positive start to the new academic year. We appreciate that getting back into routines after the summer holiday can be difficult, but I have been impressed with the attendance, punctuality and adherence to uniform so far. Assemblies have focussed on the school’s expectations and importance of mutual respect in the school community. I have been particularly impressed with how well our new pupils have settled. Our Nursery and Reception pupils have settled in well and it was a pleasure to attend the primary phase celebration assembly this morning and take an active part in a rendition of “The Grand Old Duke of York” led by Mr Davies (Head of Lower School) on the piano!! Likewise, Year 7 have made an excellent start to their secondary journey. They have acquainted themselves quickly with the school and impressed staff with their maturity and positive attitude. Da iawn all!!
I know that a number of clubs have started again including the numerous sports clubs which we run. I would encourage as many pupils as possible to make use of the opportunities on offer. Excitement is already building for expressive arts activities planned for this term as well as plans for a whole school production in the Spring Term but more about that in a future update.
I will keep it relatively brief this week but please remember to check our website, social media channels and Satchel One for regular communication updates. Let’s hope we all get to enjoy some September sunshine this weekend – the weather has certainly not been kind to us recently that’s for sure.
The Summer Term is dominated by GCSE Exam season and both Year 10 and Year 11 conducted themselves extremely well during the exams. We await the results in August and hope that Year 11 have a relaxing summer and get the results that allow them to access whatever route they have planned from September. On that note, GCSE Results Day is on Thursday 22nd August. Arrangements for collection have been issued by Mr Williams and can be found on the school website. It was also nice to see so many Year 11 pupils join us for the Leavers Assembly recently and Celebration Evening in The Manor Park. We have also held a Nursery Graduation as well as a Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly in recent weeks. Pupils across all phases have enjoyed a variety of school trips in recent weeks as well as wellbeing events. Many people from within the community and further afield have commented positively on how well behaved and respectful the pupils have been, which is really nice to hear. This was also the case with our Year 10 pupils who recently undertook a week of work experience. Pupils did themselves and the school proud with some pupils even securing part-time jobs!!
I would like to highlight a few things in readiness for September:
Return to School
Autumn Term begins on Monday 2nd September. This will be an INSET Day as usual.
All pupils will return to school on Tuesday 3rd September (except for Nursery pupils)
School Timings
Foundation Phase
7:50 -8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Club (No entry after 8:10 a.m.)
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Registration
8:50-10:20 a.m.
Session 1
10:20-10:40 a.m.
Break
10:40-12:00 p.m.
Session 2
12:00-12:50 p.m.
Lunch
12:50-3:00 p.m.
Session 3
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Enrichment
Key Stage 2
7:50 -8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Club (No entry after 8:10 a.m.)
8:30-8:50 a.m.
Registration
8:50-10:40 a.m.
Session 1
10:40-11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00-12:30 p.m.
Session 2
12:30-1:20 p.m.
Lunch
1:20-3:00 p.m.
Session 3
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Enrichment
Secondary Phase (Year 7-11)
8:00 -8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Club
8:30-8:55 a.m.
Registration
8:55-9:55 a.m.
Lesson 1
9:555-10:55 a.m.
Lesson 2
10:55-11:10 a.m.
Break
11:10-12:10 p.m.
Lesson 3
12:10-1:10 p.m.
Lesson 4
1:10-1:55 p.m.
Lunchtime
1:55-2:55 p.m.
Lesson 5
2:55-3:55 p.m.
Enrichment
Attendance & Punctuality
It is really important that pupils attend school as much as possible. If for any reason, they are unable to attend school please contact school to report absence. As highlighted above, the school day in secondary phase starts at 8:30 with registration. This is an important part of the day and I would urge pupils to be on time.
Uniform
I have communicated several times throughout the year the importance of school uniform. Pupils will be expected to wear uniform in line with the school’s Uniform Policy in September. PE kit should not be worn unless instructed by the Headteacher.
Mobile Phones
We recognise that mobile phones are an important tool for parents to help safeguard their children. However, we have a very clear message to pupils that mobile phones must not be used during the school day in classrooms or corridors, and nowhere in school during lesson times. At breaktime and lunchtime pupils may use their mobile phones in the yard or atrium. Please do not call your children during lesson times as our “Not Seen, Not Heard, Not Taken” message will be confused if they are expected to take or make calls to parents during learning time. We will continue to confiscate mobile phones until the end of the school day if pupils use them at restricted times or places.
Safeguarding:
The Local Authority will be erecting a fence around the school’s playing fields adjacent to Western Avenue over the summer holiday. This will ensure that pupils continue to have a safe and healthy environment when undertaking PE lessons and matches etc.
Staff Leaving
It is that time of the year when we say farewell to some members of staff. After long and distinguished careers, the following staff members are retiring:
Mrs Kath Palmer (Head of Lower School)
Mr Anthony Marchant (Head of Middle School)
Mrs Madeline Richards (Nursery)
Mr David Clarke (English)
Mrs Jodie Jones (English)
Mrs Julie Peachey (Science)
Mrs Debra Clarke (MFL)
Mrs Jaqueline Dorr (RE)
I am sure you will join me in wishing them all the best in their retirement. In addition, Miss Josie Perkins (Art Department) is leaving to take up a Head of Art post. Again, we wish her all the best in her new venture. Mr Michael Larkman will be returning to the Art Department from September. I would also like to wish Mr Robert Hayward (Science) all the best having done cover for us for some time as well as the following support staff who are leaving:
Mr Caleb Watkins
Ms Abbie Gough
Ms Beth Kennedy
Ms Emma Freeman
Ms Megan Masters
Mrs Donna Jones
I would like to thank parents and carers again for their continued support of the school and to wish you all a relaxing summer holiday. We look forward to welcoming all our pupils back in September.
