Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends
Coach Bennett, from the Nike Run Club app, defines a ‘starting line’ as more than a race marker; it is a metaphor for any moment of beginning, change or courage to move forward, regardless of readiness. He emphasises that everyone belongs on the starting line and that it is a place for hope and beginning. The last day of school could be a finishing line…’made it’ sort of thing…but actually it is the starting line of sitting GCSEs, enjoying a well-deserved long summer and embarking on new courses or training in September. Wednesday 5th May was the starting line for our Year 11 students, where they move forward and it is a place of excitement mixed with nerves and uncertainty but full of hope.
Mrs Connor, proud Head of Year 11, wrote
It was an emotional day for Year 11 as we celebrated our Leavers’ Day. Students arrived in their magnificently embellished shirts, and the day began with a memorable assembly during Period 1. The atmosphere was fantastic; filled with laughter, reflection, and a good sprinkling of tears.
Each tutor group delivered heartfelt speeches to thank their tutors for the support and guidance they have given over the years, and there were huge cheers as the Year 11 awards were announced, with every recipient thoroughly deserving of recognition. We reflected on the students’ journeys through KS3 and KS4, celebrated the invaluable support of the Student Support team, and looked back through photos capturing so many special memories from the past five years.
A huge thank you goes to all the students who presented during the assembly, and a special mention to Grace, who organised the assembly and created the presentation, including a wonderful video that perfectly captured the spirit of the entire year group.
Finally, thank you to my incredible Year 11 cohort, the Class of 2026. I have been truly humbled by your kind words, thoughtful gifts, and generous appreciation shown not only to me, but to all the staff who have supported you along the way. It has been an absolute privilege to be your Head of Year.
As you now begin your GCSE exams, I wish you every success and have every confidence that your hard work and determination will pay off. Good luck to you all!
Year 11 went out in style. Shirts were transformed into full-on works of art, think beading, collage, feathers, bows… nothing was off limits. Huge shoutout to Noddy from Maurice Ice Cream, who absolutely smashed it by serving around 260 ice creams in just one hour. Teachers kept it classic with a Mr Whippy and flake, while students went all in with crumbled Oreo taking the top spot, and sherbet not far behind!
They’ve completed language orals, 10-hour art exams, drama and PE practicals, and submitted NEAs and now, after a brief moment of well-earned celebration, the public exams are about to begin. Many students will be back on the starting line on Thursday for their drama exam all in full uniform! We wish all the Year 11s the very best of luck for this next six weeks of vital revision, practice and of course in sittting the exams – we are rooting for them all!
Regards
Anne Kennedy
Co-Headteacher