We are delighted to share that our Year 9 students have made an excellent start to the year at Samuel Whitbread Academy. The level of engagement in lessons has been outstanding, and students have shown a real commitment to both their academic progress and personal development. It's particularly pleasing to note the fantastic attendance at clubs and extracurricular activities, where students are embracing every opportunity to get involved.

Our Year 9 cohort has already accumulated an impressive 4,000 praise points, a testament to their hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to living out our school values every day. Whether it’s through kindness, respect, or responsibility, these students are showing us what it means to be true ambassadors of our school.

Teachers have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students, and it's clear that positive relationships are forming across the year group. The atmosphere around the school is incredibly encouraging, and it’s been great to see such a positive environment develop in and out of the classroom.

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind students that if they ever encounter any issues, the first port of call should always be their form tutor. Additionally, the Year 9 team is always here to offer support and guidance when needed.

It has been a pleasure to see how the Year 9 students have responded to the new phone pouch system. It is great to see the students socialise and talk to one another during social times. Thank you for your support at home in this too. It really is a partnership and we appreciate your support. 

Finally, it has been particularly pleasing to see the resilience so many of our students have displayed. Both in their lessons and in extracurricular activities, they’ve shown a great deal of perseverance, which will no doubt serve them well throughout the year.

We look forward to continuing this fantastic journey with Year 9 and celebrating even more of their successes as the year progresses.

To make a first impression, is to decide how we wish to be perceived. To make a second impression, takes time in understanding who we are. To come back for a third year, with such a wonderful attitude to learning, engagement with everything extra-curricular, and a determination to succeed? THAT is why I am so proud to be Head of Year 11.

This year is short and important, but it is clear already that Year 11 are up to the challenge, and making all the right decisions. Please continue this hard work as our afterschool-opportunities open up, and the winter sets in. The days may be getting shorter, but the success you are seeing will only continue to grow. Keep at it Year 11!

Year 12 has had a fantastic start and everyone has settled into their subject choices and getting to know their form tutors.  They are also learning how to use the ‘free’ periods on their timetable for study and getting used to having greater independence.  With that greater independence comes great responsibility and students are working on study and planning skills in registration time with tutors. 

 The transition between Year 11 and Year 12 is one of the biggest changes in education – many of our students find it more challenging than the change from sixth form to university – and it is vital that they start their Year 12 experience well organised and well resourced.  Those students studying BTECs may already have had some first submission deadlines for assessed coursework – so good use of study time is vital.  If you were unable to attend the Year 12 Information Evening on the 12th September the presentation was sent out, so please do have a read through to see how you can support your son/daughter at home.  By the time you read this newsletter all students should have received their lanyards and ID cards, and really feel like Sixth Formers at SWA.