Weekly Update - 4th February 2022

Our penultimate week of the Spring half-term has been another busy and productive one, with many successes to celebrate.

We were delighted to learn this week that our students have been successful in two categories at the OAT Annual Awards – “Budding Linguist” for Emily Welton in Year 13, and “The Eco Award” for our amazing student Environmental Group.  These are fantastic achievements, as they were up against nominations from the entire OAT family of 40+ schools. 

Emily was nominated as a result of her significant achievements and dedication to languages.  She began to independently study Korean in Year 8 and quickly developed a real passion for the language.  She is also currently studying French at A Level, and has received university offers to continue her study of Korean, alongside non-specialist Japanese.

The student Environmental Group were nominated because of their relentless drive and determination to raise awareness and effect real change in terms of all things “environmental”.  They have successfully installed planters throughout the school grounds, have created a rain garden, cleared the kitchen garden in preparation for growing produce to share with the local community, and are currently designing a wellbeing garden and an outside quiet reading area.

Very well done to all concerned; we look forward to celebrating their success at the OAT Awards Ceremony in March.

The Key Stage 3 Elite Scholars group delivered their final presentations during mentor time this morning, on the subject of “Freedom of Speech”.  These were observed by myself, Ms. Piralic (Vice-Principal) and Mr Madajczyk (Assistant Principal and Elite Scholars lead).  All of the students should be extremely proud of the quality and diversity of their presentations, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Our Year 10 and 11 students undertook the Intermediate Maths Challenge this week.  This is a national competition organised by the University of Leeds, which encourages students to use mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency to solve interesting mathematical problems.  Students who achieve the highest scores progress on to the International Maths challenge going forwards.  We are eagerly anticipating the results.

Many Year 11 students also received examination results in Engineering and Business Studies this week, and their level of success was very pleasing, and very well deserved.

I would like to remind you that the academy will close at 1.50 p.m. on Monday 7^th February for Year 10 Parents’ Evening.  Buses have been arranged to pick up at the earlier time.  We will be reviewing how parents’ evenings will be run for the next academic year, but in the meantime would like to thank you for your patience and support.

I wish you all an enjoyable weekend, and look forward to seeing what the final week of half-term brings.