On Tuesday night we held a brilliant Performing Arts Showcase with dance, music and drama from all year groups across the school. It was a fantastic evening, and made all the better by the support of so many families. Thank you all for turning out and joining us in a celebration of the performing arts.

Following the theme of performance, assemblies this week are being led by a large group of Sixth Form students. They have been explaining the origin of the Christmas story, and some of the imagery associated with it. The use of song and instruments also ran through this assembly, finishing with a joyful choir performance – it has been a great way to start our final assemblies of term.

Update on the Ten Day Attendance Challenge

This afternoon we did the first draw for our five winners of the Ten Day Attendance Challenge. The winners were Abi (Year 7), Anshi (Year 8), Christopher (Year 9), Muhammed (Year 10) and Billy (Year 11). Each will receive an electronic Amazon voucher to their school email account.

Next week we will do the same thing – a prize draw for all students in Years 7 to 11 who have completed a perfect week of attendance between Monday 16th December and Friday 20th December. Please ensure that all students are attending school until the last day of term. To be clear, when we choose to have a two-week half term in October that means that all lessons contain full learning until the end of next week. It is essential that attendance is complete until the very end of term. 

A couple of students have asked me if they have pre-existing off-site appointments (hospital, dental etc.) whether that would affect their entry into the draw. As long as the student shows their letter/appointment card to their form tutor that will be fine. Prearranged medical appointments will not count against a student's attendance next week, if it was 100% otherwise.

A huge thank you

On behalf of the entire school community, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the families and students who generously donated to a refuge in our local area run by the I Choose Freedom charity. Your contributions of essential items, such as toiletries, clothing, and toys, will make a significant difference in the lives of women and children seeking safety and support. Your kindness and compassion have truly touched our hearts. Thank you for helping to create a brighter future for those in need.

Students of the Week

Congratulations to each of our stars of the week listed below for their hard work, community endeavours and support of others. Well done all!

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	Sixth Form
Veronika	Manasri	Aksan	Ethan	Philbert	Praveen/ Sofia

Arrangements for the last day of school 

School continues until Friday 20th December, when we have a half day. The end of the day varies for different year groups – see below:

• 12:15 pm – Year 12 and 13 (or until last timetabled lesson before this time)
• 12:25 pm – Year 7 and 8
• 12:30 pm – Year 9, 10 and 11

Wishing you all a very happy weekend.

Mr N House, Headteacher