The message in assemblies this week has been Thinking of Others and has provided some good opportunities for reflection as we head towards Christmas. Assemblies have also been about rewards with STARS certificates being distributed – with the excitement of the ever-popular trip to Silverstone to follow – and the new rewards for WOW work also being presented; a reminder that Stars awards are for effort and commitment – and run from Year 7 to Year 13 – while the new WOW award is given to a student across each Key Stage who has produced an excellent piece of work in a subject which is felt to be worthy of particular recognition. Very well done to everyone who has received an award this week - and to everyone else, keep working and your time will come!

House events have continued with the House Code Breaking Competition this week and auditions for the House Talent Shows taking place in the Dance Studio at lunchtimes next week with the final on Friday. From next week we then roll on with House matches for boys in rugby and for girls in football – it will be wet, cold and muddy and fantastic.

With Christmas coming we will be having our traditional House Christmas tree and door decoration competitions starting from Monday and we also have a new award called the Xmas Cracker for a student in each tutor group which will be awarded in our final whole school assembly on the last day of term. We also very much look forward to our year group end of term trips and visits with a pantomime, bowling and ice skating all on the agenda.

Finally, well done to our Year 11 students on their first proper week of mock examinations – their approach has been absolutely first-class.