Over the last two weeks it has been super to connect with our student and parental body in a range of events. Last week it was super to see Year 9 parents and carers with their children for our Options Evening. With over 30 subjects to chose from in Year 10 and 11, there really is something for everyone. It was wonderful to host families in the building, allowing deep conversations with subject leaders about what different subject choices offer.

Also last week, we welcomed business leaders into the school once more for our Sixth Form BEST event. A programme of careers talks was created around students’ interests, bringing in a range of speakers from law, events management, engineering, healthcare, photography and much more. Thanks to all our guest speakers for giving up their time to inspire our students with their next steps.

We were thrilled with the engagement and interest from students on World Book Day a couple of weeks ago. We continue to engage students in reading for both purpose and pleasure. This week in assemblies I am sharing with students two books that have struck a chord with me, with regard to the courage of human endeavour they display, both in terms of physical, but also emotional resilience. We can learn so much about the world and people outside our doors through reading.

Thank you to our parents and carers for your forbearance as we are managing significant staff absence related to COVID. We know that we are not alone in these challenges locally, talking to both other local high schools, our primary feeder schools and the local authority. We continue to manage the situation to ensure the continuity of education for all, alongside the safeguarding of the school site.