Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends
With the lighter evenings and good weather student participation in extra-curricular activities is more noticeable around the school…..my office is literally on the edge of the netball courts and I am in awe of the intensity and fast Pace of the game.
Slightly more sedentary…..in the sixth form centre we have an outdoor patio space available for students and it has been lovely to see the students making the most of this as a great collaborative study space and as a place to catch up with friends during breaks and lunchtimes.
The sixth form student leadership team are currently planning for some new clubs for Year 12 and Year 13. They are working with different groups of students and Miss Harris to put together a varied programme which includes a debate club, sports clubs, a medical society and even a geocaching club. These clubs will be a great way for students to engage in new experiences…that they have had to put on hold during lockdown, expand their knowledge, meet new people and most importantly to have fun!
Over 60 Year 12 students have put themselves forward to take on the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in addition to their A level/BTEC studies. These students have decided to take on this additional qualification where they will research, report and present on an area of interest outside of their A-level or BTEC subjects. Mrs Wragg who leads the EPQ, and I have been listening to their pitches on why they want to study a particular topics or answer a controversial questions. The topics range from the print revolution and how it has changed access to knowledge, the use of non-coding DNA to the use of behavioural economics in daily life. I know that we have certainly learnt a lot already and have been so impressed with the diverse range of topics that have been presented to us in a punchy and curious style. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm, insight and desire to learn through these initial ideas pitches and we are already excited for when the project will complete in September and we can watch the presentations at the end of the project.
The summer term for the sixth form always has a jam packed schedule, and we are looking forward to welcoming Year 11 for their induction day in June as well as Year 10 for their taster day in July just so they can sense the vibe of the sixth form and see first-hand all the great opportunities which are available.
Following the PPEs (mocks) for Year 11 and 13 the next steps towards their teacher assessed grades has begun with students completing their in class mini tests. All KS3 students will also have now received their assessment timetable from Mr Adams to help them effectively plan their revision, along with ‘what to revise lists’. We are wishing all of these students the best during this upcoming half term. Year 10 and Year 12 have their end of term exams after half term.
Finally congratulations to Amabel in Year 11 who achieved a merit in the ‘Pink Kangaroo’ problem solving challenge. This is an invitation only follow on round based on exceptional performance in the Intermediate Maths Challenge. Amabel is the first ever student in The Holt to have achieved this award. Well done Amabel!
I hope you all enjoy the long weekend, and weather holds out for us all.
Emma Ward
Assistant Headteacher
Head of Sixth Form