I hope that you and your families remain safe and well.
As we head to the Summer break we look back on a very busy term. The extended exam period seemed to literally go on for months but I am very proud to say that our students took it all in their stride and we now look forward to their results days in August. I know that our Year 11 & 13 students have been making the most of their downtime and deservedly so after such a demanding and gruelling exam season. The Year 13 prom was a lovely affair and I am sure the Year 11 evening will be similarly so. For Year 13 students A-level results will be available for collection from 8.30am on 18th August and for Year 11 GCSE results will be ready for collection from 9.00am on 25th August. On both days there will be many staff available to support students who need any information, advice and guidance.
On a similar note it was pleasing to see so many of our Year 11 students come back for their Leavers’ Assembly and also join us for the sixth form transition days recently. It was so good to welcome them back into the building and it is encouraging to know that our sixth form numbers continue to grow with not only Plantsbrook students but with interested parties from other local schools too.
Last week we also had the pleasure of welcoming our new intake for September’s Year 7 into the building. We held a parent’s transition information evening on Tuesday evening and then hosted the year 6 students on Wednesday to give them an experience of secondary school life in advance of the new academic year. Both events were very well attended and it was a delight to see so many of our Plantsbrook students participating in the organisation and operation on both days.
This term we have seen many of the experiences lost during the pandemic making a welcome return. Sports day was a particular highlight with many of our students throwing themselves into the track and field events with great enthusiasm and commitment. I look forward to seeing the photos in the school newsletter. We have also had the pleasure of attending the Summer Concert last Thursday, where a whole range of students with differing musical backgrounds and talents put on a wonderful performance for a packed hall of staff, parents and students. It was a resounding success, which brought back a richness to our school building that has sadly been missing. There has also been a flurry of school trips recently with the Duke of Edinburgh Award trips taking place over a couple of weekends and the humanities department taking students to Aston Hall and on geography field trips and a Year 10 food visit to Cadbury’s to name but a few. It is so encouraging to see how grateful our students are for getting these experiences and how much they add to the life of our school community. It is therefore very exciting to be reintroducing our annual Boreatton Park visit for Year 7 next year as well as offering the missed opportunity to both Years 8 & 9 who were unable to go in Year 7.
This evening also sees the return of our Presentation Evening. This is a highlight of the school calendar, which we have not been able to stage for the last two years. It is a great opportunity to celebrate and reward the achievements of our students. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend but I do look forward to hearing the reports from staff and students when I return to school.
As we move into the last couple of weeks we must acknowledge the heatwave that has emerged in recent days and looks set to stay until we break for summer. Students will not be required to wear blazers during this period of time and we would encourage you to ensure they have a bottle of water they can fill up in school to stay hydrated throughout the day. We would also be grateful if you would remind your children that it is not acceptable to bring water pistols or alike to school as these will be confiscated and students will be sanctioned with detention and/ or isolation if they are found using them on school grounds.
Later this week we will be publishing our Summer Newsletter with additional information about the events that have taken place this term. It will also include some timings and dates for the end of this year and for the start of the next academic year, so please do keep an eye out for this.
Finally, if you do get a spare 5 minutes at any point we would really appreciate it if you could offer some feedback using the parent view Ofsted questionnaire. I have provided the link for you below.
https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/login?destination=give-your-views
Stay safe, take care and thank you for your continued support. It is most appreciated
Kind regards,
Mr Farr
Headteacher
