It’s been great to be back in school this week after the Easter holiday with everyone feeling refreshed and focused on a busy term ahead.

Assemblies this week have been led by our Year 13 student leaders who have talked about how feedback from each year group’s student council has been considered and actioned during the year. This aspect of student voice has been really important in informing changes within the school such as developing the quality and variety of food on offer (and more to come on this), moving away from the one-way system, reviewing the relevance of PSHE resources and instigating a range of charity events and activities during the year.

The assemblies have demonstrated to students that their views and feedback are important and it is fantastic that our student leaders are part of this process and role model effective discussion and debate with them. I have also been giving out Stars certificates in the assemblies and very well done to all of those who have received an award in this cycle.

Work on the new teaching block continues at pace and it has been great to have the new classroom – K16 – in action. At the moment we are using the room as a general classroom space but from September it will be utilised as a Music Technology room for Key Stage 4 and 5 students and is a significant addition to our expressive arts facilities.

As ever, the life of the school is vibrant and busy with trips and visits going out, extra-curricular activities thriving and students wholly engaged with their learning. In short, it’s great to be back!