Message from the Head
Dear Parents,
On Monday, we talked about Emotional Intelligence. I referred to the work of David Goleman. I also discussed some of Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future: the ethical, synthesising, respectful, creative, and disciplined minds. All food for thought.
Year 10 and 11 parents will soon receive an invite to a Revision Strategies session which is aimed at giving you some strategies to support the hard work of Year 11 (and useful for Year 10 too) as they approach exams. Our new Head of Sixth Form will also be at this evening to talk to you and answer any questions. Heads up for the date is Wednesday 15th March from 5.00-6.00pm. I will make the announcement about who is joining us to be Head of Sixth Form next week and repeat the invitation then.
Year 11 had a wonderful time at Poetry Live this week; an event which helps them to prepare for their English Literature GCSE. Brilliant former and current poet laureates – Simon Armitage and Carol Ann Duffy were there alongside the unforgettable John Agard (challenging racism) and Imtiaz Dharker. Thanks to all staff who accompanied the trip. Behaviour was exemplary!
Year 9 reports are coming home today and there should be a personal message from me on there along with the Options Booklet. Looking forward to seeing you next Tuesday when we can talk more fully about the options for next year. We do try and accommodate and because we are small, self-study in certain GCSEs can be an option – we do try to get the very best provision on the table to prepare our lovely Hollygirt students for the future.
External interest in our Sixth Form is increasing – please do recommend us. We know that the step up to A level is a tough one – some feel it is harder than the one to higher education / future lives – and to be supported with small class sizes and teachers who will support you is essential at this stage of education.
I managed a quick visit to the Prep School this week to discuss cognitive science and how we were using this with their weekly spelling tests – when the learning is harder, it’s stronger and lasts longer……I did ask if any of them thought they were robots – you’d be amazed!
Have a good weekend!
Helen Barsham
Head
Message from the Head of Juniors
Dear Parents
It has been fantastic to see so many parents at Someone Special afternoons this week. The children and teachers have loved having you in and it was great to see you getting involved playing games, making board games and creating your own soaps.
We look forward to welcoming more parents in next week. Kindergarten, Reception and Year 4 parents are invited in on Tuesday 7th February and Year 3 and 6 parents, on Wednesday 8th. Kindergarten and Reception parents, please arrive at Main Reception (Senior School building) just before 2.00pm to sign in. For parents of Years 3, 4 and 6 children, please go straight to the Year 5 and 6 building (9 Villa Road) to sign in.
Next Tuesday is Internet Safety Day and Mrs Wand will deliver an assembly on this on Monday and this will also be covered in other lessons throughout the week. Mrs Wand will be sending out some additional information to parents.
The children in Years 1 to 6 are all very excited about the trip to the National Videogame Museum on Thursday. Children must be at school for 8:30am in order for us to leave on time. They should all come to the Prep School building.
The tea towels which the children created have been selling really well. If you would still like to purchase one, the link is here.
From next week, the new summer dress, which will be available to purchase towards the end of the Spring Term, will be in Reception if you wish to have a look at it. A link will be emailed to you soon so that you can book appointments on Tuesday 28th March when our uniform suppliers will be in school.
You should have received a letter about Parents’ Evenings later this term. Please return the form to Form Teachers so that we can make appointments. If you cannot make this date, Form Teachers will happily arrange an appointment on a different day for you.
Have a lovely weekend,
Victoria Wright
Head of Prep