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Excellent GCSE Results

Once again, we have been celebrating in the secondary section this week with some fantastic GCSE results. Overall, 51% of grades were A*- A , or equivalent and 93% were A*-C equivalent; statistics that place Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ above the UK independent school average. Some highlights include another set of excellent science results, with 45% of grades an 8 or 9 (A* equivalent) and eight of our students achieving double grade 9s. In Chinese and drama, a third of grades were A* too. Most importantly, students have made excellent progress towards their own personal goals, with the majority exceeding expected grades based on prior attainment and CAT data.

The importance of reading

Reading and literacy is an important focus for the secondary section this year. To launch the initiative secondary students attended an assembly led by Head of Faculty Mr Jamieson focused on our reading and literacy programmes in school. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ has invested in a new software that allows teachers and students to see specific insights into their reading levels, reading skills and most importantly their areas for development.

Students now have access to Accelerated Reader – a vast online system designed to track and reward students for their engagement in reading. All students have completed a benchmark reading test which provides valuable insights into their individual reading competency. This will be repeated termly to monitor progress and to ensure students are reading regularly and addressing their areas for growth.

Reading is an incredibly important part in the holistic development of young people that has huge impacts academically, personally and socially. At Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ we want to encourage all of our students to read, not only to support academic learning but also for their own pleasure, self-improvement and general knowledge. Students have been challenged to read for 20 minutes each evening to expose themselves to 2 million words each year! We have also invested in upgrading our physical library space over the summer to support students in their reading. The library is open to students from 7.45 am each day and students are encouraged to use the library before school during break and lunch and after school as well as any timetabled lessons in the library.

For parents who would like to know more about this and to see our updated library space we will be hosting a Parent Information Session later this term.

Year 9 PAWSÌý (Performing Arts Workshop)

This term Year 9s are focussing on Orff rhythmic patterns, and they are learning different rhythms to the William Tell Overture, whilst keeping in time. This is a team effort and all 42 students are learning the routine at the same, on tables that are in a column formation. Not only are the students performing complex rhythmic patterns, but are also passing their drum sticks and running to different spots around the table. This requires a great deal of coordination, focus and discipline which the students find challenging but also a lot of fun. They hope to perform this routine for parents later in the term

Year 11 Spotlight

Year 11 have made an excellent start to the new academic year and it has been great to welcome them back and hear about what they all got up to over the summer holidays. However, after a well earned break they are back into their lessons and demonstrating excellent commitment to their GCSE courses. It has also been lovely to hear about how well they have been getting on in different subjects from their teachers and below you can see some of the great things their teachers have said and what they have been up to over the last few weeks.

Ms Wong has said: ‘Although it has been a whole summer, Y11 Mandarin have progressed in their Mandarin speaking as they are definitely trying to use as much Mandarin as possible in our class. Recently the class took part in an in-class oral presentation on how school uniforms in the world can look different from each other. They used a range of vocabulary to describe in detail the different types of clothing items and colours worn by students. The ‘Mandarin class lunch’ has also just kicked off every Wednesday, their aim is to speak 100% Mandarin to boost their speaking skills while in a friendlier setting enjoying lunch together.’

Ms Bishop has been super impressed with her Year 11 Business class as they took part in the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’ “Business Brains” delving into Marketing Strategies and Corporate Scandals!

‘During this week’s lessons, the Year 11 IGCSE Business students have been honing their professional presentation skills to an impressive standard. All students worked in small teams to deliver professional business pitches.

The assignment entailed comprehensive research into the promotional mix of a selected business (of the students choice), coupled with an exploration of the techniques businesses employ for effective promotion.

Furthermore, students ventured into the realm of business scandals, examining how public relations teams adeptly navigate and rectify corporate predicaments, thereby reinstating eroded consumer trust. The presentations themselves were marked by diligent rehearsal, proficient use of ICT, and an unwavering dedication to professionalism. Remarkably, certain students have elevated the occasion by adorning themselves in formal attire, attending lessons ‘suited and booted!’ underscoring the gravity of their professional business pitches.

It is with great pride that I applaud each and every student for their professional business presentations. To underline this achievement, I am pleased to award a substantial five house points to each participant. Congratulations to all!’

This week in geography, Year 11 students have been learning about global atmospheric circulation. They have been using their knowledge of air pressure, conventional rainfall and insolation to better understand the location of global ecosystems. Ms Hall was very impressed with the accurate diagrams the class were able to produce and use them in their explanations of global atmospheric circulation.

Year 11 Drama students are currently working towards their first two practical exams in GCSE Drama. The Monologues are on the 27th September from 4.30 – 5.30pm in the Drama Studio and their Scripted Examination is on the 29th November from 4.30 – 5.30 in the Drama Studio.

Ms Mountjoy would like to welcome peers and other students in KS4 and KS5 who want to attend to support those doing their examination performances to come to the Drama Studio at the following times above.

Finally to end, Mr Pennington has put his Year 11 Triple scientists practical skills to the test by setting them the challenge of identifying a range of gases using the common gas tests for oxygen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

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Thank you to those parents who have confirmed that their child/children will be leaving Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ at the end of the term, i.e. Friday, 13th October 2023. Adequate notice is a requirement and avoids financial penalties for parents.Ìý It also allows us to refund your security deposits on time and helps us to plan ahead for the new term.

The deadline for providing the formal notice of the withdrawal of your child/children is Friday, 15th September 2023. The notice of withdrawal can be provided either by email or written letter to Ms. Manisha Bajracharya at the admission office.

After submitting the notice of withdrawal, parents will receive a clearance form to complete the withdrawal procedure nearer the end of Term 4. Please let Ms. Bajracharya in the admissions office know should you require any school documents/references to provide to the new school.

Late notice of withdrawal (or providing no notice) and failure to submit the form or return the school’s resources may fully or partially affect refunding the security deposit.