Year 9 students have now completed two weeks at Samuel Whitbread Academy and I’m immensely proud of how they have settled into their new routine, navigating their way around the school and meeting new students.

I have received positive reports from staff in relation to their conduct and manners, demonstrating awareness of the school’s values which has been reflected in the amount of praise points given to our students. This week we have celebrated those students who have achieved the most praise points to date by awarding them with an extended break time and a hot chocolate.

Some Year 9s also completed their GL assessments this week and it was reported that they did themselves and the school proud.

We continue to set high expectations and expect positive behaviour around the school and within the community. We expect the uniform to be smart and fall in line with our uniform policy; we ask for your support with this. We believe that both behaviour and uniform contribute to a positive school community and we will continue to have high expectations throughout the year.

As Head of Year, I’m really enjoying getting to know the Year 9 students and supporting them as they settle into life at SWA, and getting to know you, their parents/carers.

In October, the Year team are very much looking forward to welcoming our Year 9 Pastoral Support Officer, Mrs Pryor, who will be a great asset to the team.

Please congratulate your children on their successes and achievements so far, although it’s only two weeks since they started, they are making excellent progress which should be recognised.

It has been great to welcome back our Year 11s to what will be a very exciting year. It will have its challenges but will most certainly have its rewards. Students have returned to the routine of school and settled into their lessons in a positive manner.

We encourage our students to utilise their time in registration and be punctual, as we cover important topics which will prepare them for the year ahead. So far, we have discussed the importance of setting SMART goals and reviewing them on a regular basis. Other topics include stepping outside their comfort zone, revision strategies, ways in which we can deal with exam stress and the importance of time management.

As I’m sure you are aware, year 11 will fly by and exam season will be around the corner. Therefore, the sooner we can encourage our students to try different revision strategies, create a revision timetable and commit to a routine, the better prepared they will be.

There have been lots of positive conversations between staff and students regarding the year ahead and ways in which the school can support students in achieving the outcomes they desire.

We continue to set high expectations during lessons, around school and within the community. We believe that all of our students have the ability to make a positive contribution to society and our expectations in school help to compliment this. We expect all students to arrive to lessons on time, in the correct uniform, and with the correct equipment. We also expect disruption-free learning which contributes to a positive learning environment.

This week, we’ve celebrated those who have received the most praise points and form tutors have had conversations with their tutees regarding the praise points they have achieved in various lessons. It’s important we create a culture where we celebrate success amongst the year group and students are recognised for effort, attainment and their contribution outside of school.

Many of our Year 11 students have attended extra-curricular clubs and period 6 lessons, so far this term.

Although we will continue to reiterate the importance of this year, the challenge and the high expectations our students will meet, it’s important for them to understand balance in life. Your child must also find time for themselves (take part in a hobby), for rest and recovery, and for their friends and family. Switch-off times are very important. That is why we recommend producing a revision/homework timetable with your child as soon as possible.

Please use the following link to the academic support section of our website which shows the different interventions and subject-specific support.

As a year group, we’ll continue to build on the positive start that we have had and our staff will continue to challenge the students to exceed their potential.

Our Year 12 students have made a fantastic start to the term. The focus has been on the start of the A Levels and BTECs, and ensuring students are on the right courses for them. The deadline for any changes has now gone, and we are hopeful students feel confident in their choices.

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended the Information Evening, the slides should have been emailed out to you. You can also find these on the school website, see below. One message discussed that evening was the need for students to be in at 8:20am for registration every day. Please can we ask you to reiterate this with your sons and daughters.

We have been really pleased with the engagement the year group have exhibited in form activities, particularly the Taskmaster activities. The friendly competitive rivalry is one that will continue throughout Sixth Form and we hope to see this energy continue!

Year 13 have had a fantastic start to their last Autumn term. Reports are due on Thursday 28th September, and the next day (Friday 29th) is work from home day, where our students have a chance to reflect on their reports, review and revise. Instructions regarding the day will be sent out on Edulink and their Google classroom.

For the past few months, we have focused on goals and next steps. The UCAS and apprenticeship application season has started, and one Year 13 student has already applied for ten apprenticeship places, and many of our students are very well organised and far ahead in their research.

Oxbridge, veterinary, medicine and dentistry applications must be well underway by now. These are being overseen by Mr Huckle and Miss Corbishley.

Form tutors are mentoring students through the personal statement and application process, and many resources to support our students with both university and apprenticeship are available in the Year 13 Google Classroom. In order to complete the UCAS process, students must complete their application online, pay, and make an appointment with a member of the sixth form team by visiting Miss Collins in the Sixth Form office.

Finally, a reminder that it is OK to have doubts and questions about the next steps after Sixth Form. Careers appointments are available with an independent careers adviser. Please email lfreeman@bestacademies.org.uk