2nd December 2016

Dear Parents

As we approach the end of a very busy term there are three pieces of news I wanted to share with you.

Additional INSET Day: Wednesday 4th January 2017
The governors have agreed to my request for an additional INSET day on the above date. This means that the first day next term for students will be Thursday 5th January.  I am aware that school closures are unhelpful for families, but hope that by putting this one at the start of term it will minimise disruption. This was approved by governors in this week’s full governing body meeting, so I was unable to communicate this until now.

The additional INSET day has been granted to enable school staff to continue planning for the new exam specifications. Many of you will be aware that GCSE and A Level specifications are due to change for every subject over the coming years, and that some of these start for students sitting exams this academic year. These changes have been made with little additional time for staff to plan. In order to ensure that our students’ outcomes are not adversely affected by this, I would want to make sure every effort has been made to enable teachers to plan, write resources and design assessments that will support our youngsters in being successful.

Mufti Day: Wednesday, 7th December 2016
Parents have mentioned that it is helpful that ‘mufti days’ are communicated directly with home. Next week, on Wednesday, we will be having a mufti day to raise funds for research into Alzheimer’s disease and students who wish to take part in this non-uniform day should donate £1. This cause has been identified by the students of 9MNA. They have also produced educational materials for each tutor group, so the day will raise understanding as well as funding.

New Deputy Headteacher: Mr Mirtschin
I am delighted to announce that Mr Mirtschin has been appointed to the role of Deputy Headteacher at Greenshaw High School from January. This will be in addition to our current Deputy Head, Mrs Wallace.  Mr Mirtschin’s contributions to the school have been substantial, in the science department and with the Sixth Form, and I look forward to what he will bring to the whole school.

The building work continues to offer many benefits, such as the newly opened up wider access to the dining hall. Other areas, such as the staircase into science, are currently under way. When the entire site is completed there will be an opportunity for parents to view the changes, probably at the start of the summer term.

Yours sincerely

Nick House, Headteacher