HIGHLIGHTS

This week students in Year 13 who applied for places at The University of Oxford heard if they had been offered a place (subject to A-level Results). We would like to congratulate the students who have gained offers after a long application process including interviews. Some students are disappointed having not received an offer, we know that you did very well to get to the interview stage and it is difficult now to reflect on their natural disappointment but they would have learnt a great deal.

We also know that the overwhelming majority of students who have got their UCAS applications have been receiving offers giving them a clear target for the examinations coming up in June. 

Students are certainly back in school throwing themselves into the new year by getting involved in their learning and extracurricular activities.  Many of these activities only come about due to the support we receive from across the community either through personal donation or support through time.  The recent Wish Tree appeal has helped us to support departmental areas with additional resources not only for the classroom but also for extracurricular clubs

The government launched a national campaign on school attendance this week due to concerns regarding attendance across England.   Like many schools, our attendance has not returned to pre-pandemic levels which is impacting individuals' ability to understand the content of their subjects.  There is a strong correlation between attendance and success at school.   We do appreciate on occasions that people are just too unwell to come to school and that some students have long-term conditions that make this difficult as well.  Support can be put in place for these situations.

Students who have a day off a week over the school year will miss 38 days or 190 lessons which amounts to 20% of their teaching time.  You can certainly see how this can impact on students feelings about school and success in school.

NOTICES

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

We would like to remind all that as a school we will respond to communications within three working days.  Staff need time to respond as they are teaching, have duties, clubs, and meetings after school or their work patterns may not coincide with emails being sent in.  Our Communications Statement which can be found here, states that if after three working days, a member of staff has not replied then please do make contact with the school via the email address in the document.  Thank you.

CHARACTER PILLAR - CIVILITY
 

Next week assemblies and PDL will focus on our next ‘Taught’ Character Pillar – Civility. With so much happening around the world currently, civility is a trait we need to be instilling into our children.  Many companies and organisations are focussing on Civility (including the NHS) to build on kindness and understanding.

Please discuss with your child/children why civility matters and how we can display civility both in school and outside in the wider community.  Unfortunately, children may be learning that those who are uncivil seem to get ahead. Celebrity culture and political divisions almost encourage the opposite of civility. The ones who shout the loudest, the most disrespectful appear to get the most attention. Below are a few points you and your child/children may want to discuss and consider.

1. Manners Matter
   A major part of civility is politeness. Manners will help your child/children to engage effectively in discussion. The difference between a civilised debate and an uncivilised debate often comes down to manners. “Please” and “Thank you” go a long way in making others feel seen and heard.
    
2. Show Tolerance
   Our children need to understand that tolerance and acceptance are essential. By showing respect for other cultures and being sensitive to stereotypes, you can show tolerance.
    
3. Give Examples
   When you see examples of people modelling civil behaviour, point it out to your child/children and discuss these actions. It may seem easier to point out when people are uncivil, but your children will learn more from positive civil examples. Therefore, when you see an example of a civil debate or good sportsmanship, acknowledge it.
    
4. Listen
   You should hear what someone says before you judge or speak. In this way, you are showing you value their thoughts and opinions.. Children will learn to listen well from us, so modelling is key here.
    
5. Encourage Empathy
   When we consider the feelings of others, we are encouraging empathy. Give your child/children opportunities to consider the feelings of others. Talk about things you see happening and ask them how they think the individuals are feeling. Encourage your child/children to consider walking in someone else’s shoes.
    
6. We Need To Practice What We Preach
   
   For anyone who would like to delve into Character a little deeper Ted Talks have a playlist of 9 talks entitled ‘The art of finding common ground’ which can be found here.

UNIFROG AND APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Unifrog is hosting a fantastic FREE virtual Apprenticeship Fair on Wednesday 7 February 16.30 -19.00.  Your child will have been sent an email from Unifrog to enable them to register.

THE BIG AMBITION CAMPAIGN

The Big Ambition national campaign launched by The Children’s Commissioner for England will be closing on Friday 19 January.

The Big Ambition aims to hear from children across England on what they think is important! In the lead up to the next General Election, the Children’s Commissioner wanted to take children’s thoughts, opinions and ideas to decision-makers, to make sure that the Government hears young people’s voices on what they think needs to be done to make children’s lives better in England.

Over 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers have participated, making it one of the largest surveys of its kind!

If you haven't already done so and would like to, children and parents or carers can complete the survey here:  www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigambition

UPCOMING CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES

All students have Personal Development lessons, part of which includes careers advice. Please click the image above to take you to the Upcoming Opportunities page which is updated regularly with information and advice.

Some opportunities on this page involve a cost. Any student who feels that the cost of a course on this page is prohibitive, please do consider asking your parents/carers to apply for support through our Unity Fund or if you are in the 6th Form the Bursary Fund. 

NEWS ROUND-UP

Take a look through our social media using the buttons above and check out this week's news stories below.

The Sunninghill Trust Sponsor Strategies For Success Day

 

ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE FROM RBWM

The RBWM Road Safety Education Officer shares this message with us:

With the start of a brand-new year, it feels like a perfect time to reflect on old habits and make new resolutions, not only of how to keep healthy but also how to keep ourselves and others safe.

With this in mind, the Road Safety Officers at RBWM have created a New year, New you, New parking resolution checklist to remind drivers of how to park safely and considerately and the laws regarding parking especially near schools.

Please click here to read their flyer.

GET FREE MEAL PLANS WITH FIVEDINNERS.COM – LIMITED TIME OFFER!

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Sign up today to get FREE lifetime membership – no catch, just free, to help families around the UK save money on food shopping and make dinnertimes a bit easier. You may remember TV chef Theo and his kids when they did 36 live cookalongs during lockdown with thousands of families around the UK joining in. So he’s very committed to helping families and kids eat well!

Simply head to https://FiveDinners.com and click the green Join Now button now to get free membership!

 

USEFUL LINKS

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PARENT CURRICULUM/SUPPORT INFORMATION

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