Friday 14^th June 2024

Dear Parent/Carer,

As we come to the end of the first fortnight of this half term, I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you some key updates from this past week and upcoming events.

 White Water Writers’ Project

Congratulations to our ten writers who were recently celebrated at their book signing event after working collaboratively with Keele University to write and publish ‘The Roots of Paranormal’. Richard Seymour, Keele University’s White Water Writer’s project manager, stated: “I was especially impressed by this writing group. It normally takes writers a few days to really take responsibility for a book and the project as a whole. They planned so meticulously that the writing was almost taking care of themselves.”

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Last weekend, our Year 9 Bronze DofE group completed their Bronze Qualifying Expedition where they completed their qualifying walk and camped out in preparation for their summer expedition. All 14 pupils were a credit to BHA, the weather was good, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Year 10 Geography Field Trip

On Monday of this week, our Year 10 GCSE Geography pupils visited Castleton in the Peak District to complete their fieldwork data collection. In addition to their academic studies, pupils also enjoyed a short walk around Cavedale. A productive day and all pupils were engaged, positive and ambassadors for BHA.

Year 10 Mock Exams

A huge well done to our Year 10 pupils who have completed their first week of mock exams with exemplary behaviour and attitude. Keep up the amazing work for next week’s exams and please see the timetable below.

Matilda Jr the Musical

Last week our Performing Arts Department announced the musical to be performed in Spring 2025 at BHA!  We are very excited to announce that this will be Matilda Jr. The department wishes to invite all pupils who are interested in performing, helping backstage or being part of the technical team to come along to the get together on Wednesday 19^th June in the school hall from 3.10pm – 4.00pm. This will be an opportunity for the Performing Arts Department to announce the plan for auditions, which will take place in the next few weeks.

Year 8 Ambition Day

On Wednesday 12^th and Thursday 13^th June, our Year 8 pupils took part in an exciting Ambition Day involving the Army – ‘Army Youth Outreach Team.’ The Army STEM Youth Engagement Team are drawn from the technical branches of the British Army to promote and encourage Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics within schools and colleges, other educational centres, and youth organisations. They deliver engaging physical and virtual workshops across the UK to help inspire the next generation of STEM experts. The Year 8 pupils engaged in activities such as building tanks, building bridges for team building exercises and escape boxes. All the pupils conducted themselves in a fantastic manner and really enjoyed the experience.

Free School Meal vouchers for the Summer holidays

I am pleased to announce that The Household Support Fund has been extended to 30th September 2024, therefore Stoke-on-Trent City council are again working in partnership with Wonde to issue supermarket vouchers to support families with children who receive free school meals or have an educational health care plan.

An e-mail containing the link to download the voucher will be sent out to eligible parents/carers on or around 8th July. This is again funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and is to the value of £70 per eligible child. Please ensure that we have an up-to-date e-mail address to help with safe delivery of the voucher.

Parent Forum Meeting

Following my first Parent Forum Meeting, which was very positive and productive, we will be holding our final Parent Forum Meeting of this academic year on Thursday 11^th July, 9:30-11am. This will be an opportunity for parents/ carers to speak about the BHA vision, school improvement and to address any queries or misconceptions. If you are interested in attending the Parent Forum meeting, please contact Mrs J Bracegirdle on jbracegirdle@bircheshead.org.uk by Tuesday 9 July.

Dates to remember

• Friday 21^st June 2024:  Year 11 Leavers Assembly
• Thursday 27^th June 2024: Year 11 Prom
• Friday 28^th June 2024: Examination contingency day
• Thursday 11^th July: Awards Evening

Please contact us if you need this information in any other language or format if you have any questions. You can contact the office by email on info@bircheshead.org.uk.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr P Masher

Principal