Dear Parent/Carer,
We have had a very positive week across our Academy and this started on Monday with our new staff induction day, where colleagues who are joining us in September attended for their induction. The most positive part was receiving feedback throughout from colleagues about our pupils – I was delighted when they spoke passionately about our pupils, when they described the fantastic work they had observed them doing in lessons and how they felt that our pupils were polite and respectful to them in conversation. Fantastic feedback and we look forward to these colleagues taking up role from September.
Following the above, I wanted to share the information below to support you in supporting your child to ensure we end the academic year positively.
Consistency Across The Academy – CATA
Mrs Toach, Vice Principal, Mr Baxendale, Vice Principal, and I led assemblies on Wednesday to all year groups focusing on our high standards and expectations and CATA. This has been in addition to the work we have undertaken in Academic Review with pupils, so they are supported to follow our rules and meet our high standards and expectations every lesson, every day.
Staff and pupils have been focusing on this positively and the feedback from both staff and pupils is that they are seeing / feeling calmer transitions around our Academy, that pupils are implementing STEPS & SLANT more and that it is supporting a calm and purposeful learning environment.
Mrs Toach and Mr Ashman, Assistant Principal, led a follow up assembly on Thursday and communicated directly to the parents of the small percentage of pupils who refused to support our positive drive following our assemblies. I am pleased to share that the overwhelming majority of those pupils then demonstrated positive progress at the end of last week.
Aerosols / Deodorant Sprays – Reminder
As we have seen an increase in the temperature last week, I would like to remind parents of our policy regarding aerosol spray deodorants and that they are not allowed in school. Many of our pupils and staff have breathing difficulties or allergies and can become very ill when aerosols are sprayed in their vicinity. For those with acute sensitivities, these products pose a serious health hazard. We therefore adopt a zero tolerance on the use of aerosol sprays in school.
Pupils have been reminded to use alternative products (roll-on deodorants or pump sprays for example) and to leave aerosol sprays at home. If a banned product is found, whether it is used on site or not, it will be confiscated and disposed of. Could all parents help ensure this rule is followed and that aerosols are not purchased for use in school.
As always, I thank you for your continued support in upholding our high standards and expectations with your child and for supporting our positive culture shift.
Year 10 Mock Examinations
Year 10 continue to show great courage and resilience in their summer examinations, which are continuing to take place into next week. We are all looking forward to seeing the results and supporting their development over the next 12 months. Please find the timetable for the next week below:
Monday 1 July 08:30 3:00 Design & Technology Practical
Tuesday 2 July 08:30 3:00 Photography X & Z
Wednesday 3 July 08:30 3:00 Art X & W
Thursday 4 July 08:30 3:00 Art Z
Year 10 Castleton Trip
On Friday 21st June, Year 10 Geography pupils spent a fascinating day in and around the Peak District village of Castleton on field trip focusing on the impact of tourism on the landscape and the economy of the area. Pupils were tasked with finding out the advantages and disadvantages of tourism on such a small village, via the means of resident questionnaires, footpath surveys, pedestrian surveys, and car park surveys. Pupils from BHA demonstrated their LORIC skills when talking to local residents and upheld our value of respect when carrying out their field work activities.
Year 11 Prom
On Thursday 27th June, we gathered at the Wychwood Park Hotel in Cheshire for our Year 11 Prom. It was an amazing evening; our boys and girls looked incredible in their outfits! They have worked so hard over the past five years and they truly deserved their moment in the limelight. They arrived in a wide variety of ways, ate some lovely food and then danced the night away. I look forward to seeing them for their results day in August.
School Meal Price Increase
Please be advised that from September 2024 there will be a price increase to school meals. Our Catering Team have been working hard over recent months to absorb these costs through menu changes and negotiating with our suppliers. We have tried to keep the prices as low as possible for as long as possible, however they cannot continue to absorb the rising cost of food and the rise of staffing costs due to the national minimum wage increases. At BHA the cost of a school meal has been £2.30 for a number of years. With effect from September (after the Summer break) the price of a school meal will be £2.50 per child.
Last Day of Term Arrangements
We will break up for summer on Friday 19th July. It will be a half-day for pupils, they will have periods 1,2 and 3 in lessons and will be dismissed at 12.10pm, before lunch. The canteen will not be serving lunch on that day, however any child requiring a free school meal will be able to collect a ‘grab and go’ bag containing a cold meal deal.
Parent Forum
Our next Parent Forum meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday 11 July at 9.30am until 11am. Parent Forums are where a small number of parents / carers can meet the Principal and members of the school Leadership Team for an opportunity 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 J Bracegirdle on jbracegirdle@bircheshead.org.uk by Tuesday 9 July.
Dates to remember
Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th July: Y6 Transition Day
Thursday 11th July: Awards Evening
Friday 19th July: Pupils finish at 12.10pm
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