We had a very busy half term, with two off-site trips for our students. A large group of Year 9 students headed to north Wales to take part in a wide range of activities, including climbing, canoeing and exploring caves (pictured above and see more on our website here). In Year 13, we held our geography field trip, this time in south Wales where students collected data for their A Level coursework unit, while also appreciating the sights and scenery hundreds of miles from Sutton (pictured below and see more on our website here).

Back in school, some Year 12 students were resitting their GCSE English and Mathematics exams, trying to further improve their grades before making university offers next year. In Year 11, targeted students were also in school, preparing for the mock exams that have started this week.

So whether in or out of school, there has been lots going on over the break. The daytime off-site activities are very important, but so are the social times in the evenings beyond the structured activities. Neither of these could happen without the time given up by staff, so I want to extend my thanks to all colleagues who took part during their half term, whether off site or within the school buildings.

Ofsted Report

I am delighted, after several weeks, to be able to direct you to the Ofsted report for our school. It was published this week, and can be found here on our website as well as other public websites. I hope you take a minute to read it and see what the team of five Ofsted inspectors found at our school.

There is a lot to be proud of at Greenshaw. I always maintain that we are aiming for two things simultaneously: high academic standards, and high welfare for students and staff. And I am delighted that the Ofsted team saw both of these in action. Some of my personal highlights of the report include:

• “Pupils thrive. They receive an exceptional standard of education.”
• “Staff and pupils are proud of the part they play in this flourishing school.”
• “The school is a calm, safe and friendly place to be.”

So, although going through Ofsted is a demanding process, when you have a professional and respectful group of inspectors (which we did) that can make inspection less onerous. And when the team understands the school’s approach to education, and sees it working, it does make the opinions of informed outsiders all the more pleasing. Thank you to all of you for the support and care you bring, and what – as families – you add to our day-to-day work at Greenshaw. 

Anti-Bullying Week

As we returned from the half term break, our Year 9 students are delivering an assembly for Anti-Bullying week. The theme for this year's campaign is ‘Choose Respect’ and the focus has been, as a school, how we can choose to be respectful, kind and considerate to each other. It is also about how anyone should speak out against bullying behaviours. Fortunately, in the words of the Ofsted report pupils “report that bullying is very rare”, but it is important that all of our young people recognise it, and know what to do. That is true of their lives at school, college and university, as well as in the wider community and the world of work. Well done to our students in Year 9 for preparing and delivering this assembly so well (pictured).

Mental Health Champions

Seven Greenshaw students from Years 7 and 8 spent a day at Muschamp Primary School leading sessions on mental health. Each Greenshaw student worked with a group of younger children, leading discussions and talking about their own wellbeing. Normally the school uses an external provider, but this year it was led by their own staff, supported by Greenshaw students.

One of the Year 5 teachers at Muschamp, and the school’s Senior Mental Health Lead, told us that the students “...were such good role models and an inspiration to the children they worked with. All of them conducted themselves impeccably and engaged and interacted so well with the children.”

Thank you and congratulations to Althea, Amelie, Casey, Imogen, Layla, Max and Ty for giving up your half term time to give back to your primary school. We are very proud of your efforts.

Students of the week

Congratulations to our stars of the week who have demonstrated something special in their attitude to their peers, the community or their learning in our first week back. Well done to each one of them.

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	Sixth Form
Sofia	Fredrica	tbc	Kwaku	Bella	Juanita, Jayda, Mica, Jaliziah

So that was the first week. We were straight back into it, with Year 11 students starting their mock GCSE exams on Monday morning. Attendance across all years has been excellent, with all of our students clearly rested and fully fit after the half term break, so everything looks set fair for another successful half term. 

I wish you all a relaxing weekend.

Mr N House, Headteacher