Good afternoon and welcome to the penultimate edition of the parent / carer newsletter for this half-term.  As always, I am mystified as to where the term has gone. The time in school just seems to go so quickly! 

This week we have had the privilege of watching the school's production of Macbeth as part of our Festival of Performing Arts Events, which continues into next week with our production of Matilda (further information below).  Last night's performance of Macbeth was some of the most skilled acting I have ever seen.  It really was breathtaking to watch and I had to keep reminding myself that this performance was being delivered by young people who were aged 11–16.  For those of you who saw it, I am sure you would agree that the ambition, resilience and diligence shown by every young person who was on that stage and supporting in the background was wonderful to see.  Congratulations to everyone who was involved. 

Next week Year Twelve are off site on their work experience week.  I hope that they have a useful week developing the skills required for whatever their next steps may be beyond our Sixth Form.  Just while I am on the point of Sixth Form we are currently working through the applications we have received for next academic year. There will be further information about the admissions process for next year over the coming half-term, but if you are still intending to apply for a place, please do complete the application form on the school's website as soon as possible.  We have so far received over 300 applications internally and externally and are meeting with every learner to check options before we begin the process of creating the timetable for next year. 

The week has also seen the annual Charity Week. This is an event which is organised and led by the Sixth Form.  There have been a whole host of activities throughout the week, concluding today with "sponge the teacher" (not me!) and the annual own clothes day.  We will update you on the money raised as soon as we have a final total, but it is looking very healthy so far.  It is always a great week for learners and staff to come together and raise money for great causes. 

This week I do need to raise with you some concerns about the behaviour of a very small number of learners who are travelling via the Chester Bus Exchange.  I have received some information that suggests a very small number of learners are not behaving in a manner that would make us or themselves proud.  I would appreciate you reminding your child of all our expectations in terms of their conduct on the way to and from school.  They are amazing young people, and they need to make sure that their behaviour reflects this. 

Next week you will see that we have one of our regular Career Breakfasts.  Ella Johnson, who is an ex-learner from the school, will be coming in and talking to any interested learners about her role as a Graduate Surveyor.  This is a great opportunity for learners to hear about the journey of a former learner from the school who has made her way into a career she loves.  To sign up, learners just need to go to the Hub and put their name on the list.  

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank Year 11 and Year 9 parents / carers who have recently completed the survey that was sent to you following the recent Learner Progress Evenings.  These surveys always provide us with a wealth of information about the things we are doing well and the things that we need to improve.  The leadership team and I are working through both surveys and I will update you in the new term on the actions we intend to take in response.  We are absolutely committed to continual improvement as a school to make sure every young person is able to flourish and grow.   

Finally, as you will see below, the school has been awarded the Computing Quality Mark. This is all credit to the work of the Computer Science team who have been working hard to ensure that the quality of the work we deliver in this important aspect of the curriculum is as good as it can be.    

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend and look forward to seeing the learners on Monday. 

Mr L Cummins