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On Thursday we observed the national one minute silence that was held across the UK on Thursday, 25 May at 11.15am, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack in Manchester on Monday evening. The silence was observed beautifully.
Year 11
Well done also to the Year 11 students who have made an excellent start to the GCSE season. It has been a challenging week with a pretty full schedule for many, including Geography and Science and the whole cohort exams of English Literature and Maths. We have mentioned self-belief as the key over the last few months but clearly stamina is going to be crucial as well. Students need to use half term to gather their collective breath, take stock and re-energise! We are also offering a few revision sessions for students over half-term, details below in the Dates section.
Assemblies
This week we are gearing up for the general election. Miss Lowing held assemblies all week to talk about why young people should be engaged in politics and to introduce the main parties and what they stand for. On Thursday 8th June students will be voting in the Harrow Way General Election. Students have been encouraged to talk to everyone about politics. Please do continue these conversations at home but we want students to make up their own minds!
The Learning Resource Centre is also running a poll to find out whether students think 16 year olds should be allowed to vote and is also asking students which policy they would introduce. There have been many mature and insightful comments made. This is running right up to polling day itself on the 8th June.
We as a school pride ourselves in creating a supportive environment for all students, and celebrating diversity, we recognise that we are all different in different ways. It has come to our attention that in last week's e-news, we described our attitude toward the LBGTQ+ community as one of tolerance. We do not merely tolerate the LBGTQ+ community, we accept them. We at Harrow Way celebrate individuality and diversity and allow people to be what they want to be, without prejudice.
Tutor Standstill
Students have been involved in a Tutor Standstill today to develop independent revision skills. Parents will be sent an e-mail link to the PowerPoint Presentations for their child's Year Group so they can see the different techniques we have used. We have asked the children to go home and try at least one of these and we would really appreciate support from parents in this.
Examination Weeks
As we approach the end of another academic year it is a good point to assess the progress students have made and to practice the exams skills all students will require in Year 11. The students have today taken part in a revision skills lesson with their tutors and the materials will be sent to parents to support in preparation for exams. It is important that students build the skills of planning for and preparing for exams where a wide body of knowledge is tested as the new style GCSEs will rely more heavily on exams as the assessment method. It is also important that students seek support from their tutor if they are unsure how best to prepare. Students have also been given their June exam timetable today and parents will be also be sent a link to the appropriate timetable today.
Sport
The Rounders Teams have had mixed success so far this term, but should be praised for their effort and commitment. Students have also participated in an Aegon tennis tournament and the Year 9 and 10 District Athletics are taking place as I write this e-news. Summer term after-school clubs continue after half-term and details can be found here.
Visitors
This week I welcomed Anne Truman (a District Manager for the Local Authority) to the school. Anne worked with me 5 years' ago when I started. It has been some years since she last visited the School and as she walked around with me she was very complimentary of the purposeful, calm working atmosphere and spoke about the family feel to the school. We also have Fae Dean completing an 8 day placement with us. Fae is completing her NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) and as part of that a placement in another school has to be completed as a trainee Headteacher. Fae is working alongside me and undertaking some leadership projects. She is currently senior deputy at Westgate School in Winchester.
Have a restful half-term.
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