News

April 2025

 

As another busy term draws to a close, hopefully the nice weather of the last few weeks will continue into the holidays so that we can all enjoy the start of summer. Thirty year 10 and 11 students are currently in Barcelona on the Spanish trip, so hopefully they are also enjoying some sunshine as they practice their Spanish and enjoy some local cuisine!

This term started with our amazing production of Rock of Ages. The talent of display was incredible, and I watched with pride as their confidence in their own ability grew through the process. A huge thank you and well done to everyone involved. I am already excited to hear what the next production will be.

It was lovely to meet so many year 7 parents when they attended Parents’ Evening at the start of March. Your support is appreciated and will make all the difference to the outcomes for your child in the future.

Science week was as busy as always with quizzes and competitions across the week. We also welcomed 90 year 6 students into the science department so they could experience hands on experiments in the labs. A huge thank you to Ms Davey and the other science teachers for making it a success.

World Book Day was once again a success. The variety of costumes on display by staff and students was impressive. A huge thank you to Mrs Rowe for organising the events and activities that helped make the day so much fun.

Year 11 have already started their examinations. Food, PE and Drama have completed their practical exam elements, and I was so proud of the effort the students put into the process. Every mark counts and the quality of performances and food produced was impressive. I know they will keep this effort going into their written exams.

Year 9 have now completed their GCSE Options process. Mr Hibbert started interviews with the students back in November so we could try our very best to produce a set of option blocks that worked for as many students as possible. The maturity year 9 have shown in making their choices and thinking about why these were best for them was significant.

We were delighted to welcome into school our local MP, Mr Adrian Ramsey to talk with year 10 and 11 about democracy, life as an MP, why education matters and how they can have an impact. Well done to the students who asked him really pertinent and challenging questions. He was impressed.

The current year 10 Duke of Edinburgh group have nearly completed their training sessions ahead of their practice expedition in May and qualifier expedition in June. The year 11 group are now nearly all complete and have been receiving their badges and certificates as their sections are completed – well done for all their hard work in completing their Bronze Award.

I am delighted to share that we will be getting a new MUGA (multi use games area) in the summer. The Trust is investing significant funds to replace and upgrade our current surface. The initial planning meetings have taken place, and we have a start date for works to commence in May half term. All going well we should return to school in September to a brand new surface which will enhance the students experience in PE lessons.

Year 11 are reminded to make good use of their time over Easter with revision. Using the 30hour challenge is a good way to help with your planning and revision. Past papers can be found online and are a good way of putting revision to the test. Also, remember to log into SENECA and ensure your revision is active, don’t just sit and read, do something with the information. There is guidance and subject specific help available on our website.

Year 10 should also be starting to think about revision for their summer mocks which start on 19th June. If they are unsure about topics or exam structure, please ask them to speak with or email their teachers who will be more than happy to issue advice and guidance.  Everything they revise now will also be needed for their final exams in 2026, so starting now is beneficial.

In a staffing update, Mr Suria has left Stradbroke. We have arranged a specialist maths supply teacher while we recruit a permanent replacement.

Next half term is quite short, but as always there is lots to squeeze in:

• MFL speaking exams for both French and Spanish kick off from 28^th April
• Year 9 have a PD morning on 29^th April
• Year 10 Parents’ Evening is Thursday 1^st May
• GCSE Examination begin with the first written exam on Thursday 8^th May, the last is Wednesday 18^th June
• Year 10 DofE practice Expedition is 9 – 10^th May

I hope everyone has an enjoyable Easter break and I look forward to welcoming the students back to school on Wednesday 23^rd April.

 

Mrs Millar