To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week (16–20th February), Key Stage 3 pupils are taking part in a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge over half term, encouraging them to make kindness a daily habit and reflect on the impact it has on themselves and others.

Each day, pupils are set a simple but meaningful kindness task – from secretly helping someone at home, to writing a thank-you note, being kind to themselves, or doing something positive for the environment. Pupils are also encouraged to write about what they did and how it made them feel, helping them to reflect on the powerful link between kindness, wellbeing and positive mental health.

The challenge highlights an important message: kindness doesn’t just help others – it helps us too. Acts of kindness are proven to boost mood, reduce stress and support both physical and mental health. Even better, kindness spreads. Research shows that a single act of kindness can have a ripple effect, spreading to up to 125 people – making it truly contagious.

By taking part, pupils are learning that small actions can make a big difference, building empathy, self-worth and a sense of connection with those around them. We’re incredibly proud of the thoughtful and positive approach pupils are showing, and we look forward to seeing kindness continue to ripple through our school community and beyond.

On Tuesday 3 February, Attendance Leads from across the Trust came together for the annual Trust Attendance Conference, focused on improving attendance and supporting pupils to be in school every day.

The conference was joined by Alex Turner, DfE Assistant Director for School Attendance, and Helena Crow, DfE Policy Advisor for School Attendance, who shared clear national messages alongside practical advice for schools.

The day was built around three key sessions:

• The national picture on attendance, helping schools understand why attendance matters and how data can highlight priorities
• Understanding attendance improvement targets, and how these can help schools plan next steps
• Sharing good practice across the Trust, with examples of what is already working well in our schools

Sessions were clear, practical and focused on actions that Attendance Leads can take back to their schools. The conference also provided a valuable opportunity for colleagues to come together as a Trust team, share ideas and have open, honest conversations about our attendance strategy.

The clarity and consistency of messages throughout the day were particularly appreciated, reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting pupils to attend well and succeed.

Our weekly In to Win attendance incentive is helping pupils build excellent habits by aiming for 100% attendance and punctuality every week. Pupils who are in school and on time every day are entered into a live prize draw each Monday, streamed via Teams, creating real excitement and healthy competition across all forms.

The initiative encourages pupils to start the week strong—and there’s a clear message: if your name is drawn but you’re not in school on Monday, the prize is re-drawn and awarded to another pupil. With every form competing, In to Win is proving to be a fun, motivating way to celebrate commitment, consistency and great attendance.

All Year 11 pupils who attend school every day, on time, over the next two weeks - between Monday 2nd February & Friday 13th February - will be entered into a raffle on Monday 23rd February with a chance to win a free Prom ticket (£45) or a voucher. This does not depend on their current attendance % - ALL pupils with 0 days missed in the next 2 weeks will be eligible. 

All Year 7 pupils who attend school every day, on time, over the next two weeks - between Monday 2nd February and Friday 13th February - will be invited to attend a free film screening on Monday 23rd February during P5 - popcorn and sweets included! Film TBC. 

Roses are red, violets are blue, We love attendance, and you should too!

Years 7–11: Be in school every day, on time from 9–13th February and enjoy a Valentine’s treat on Friday 13th.
Plus, you’ll be entered into a prize draw — one voucher winner from each year group!

On 27 January, and throughout this week, our school has marked Holocaust Memorial Day, a nationally recognised day of remembrance. This forms part of our commitment to supporting pupils’ personal development, promoting respect and tolerance, and helping young people understand their responsibilities as citizens in modern Britain.

Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the victims of other genocides around the world. At an age-appropriate level, pupils have been encouraged to reflect on the consequences of prejudice, discrimination and hatred, and the importance of standing up for others.

Through assemblies and other activities, pupils have been able to:

• Develop historical understanding and empathy
• Reflect on the importance of respect, inclusion and equality
• Consider how language, attitudes and choices can affect others
• Strengthen their understanding of shared values such as tolerance and mutual respect

Sixth formers, studying A-level History, carefully planned and sensitively delivered our assemblies, with a focus on learning from history.

This work supports our wider curriculum and reinforces our school values by helping pupils to become thoughtful, informed and respectful members of society.

Year 9 - Anne Frank Trust webinar

Furthermore, six of our Y9 students had the opportunity to take in a webinar organised by the Anne Frank Trust to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

During the webinar, students listened to testimony from Max Snidjers. Max was born in North Holland in 1929 and, until the end of the Second World War, survived Nazi persecution by hiding in several different locations. One of these was a farm owned by the Schouten family in Westerblokker in Netherlands, with whom Max and his family remain in contact with to this day.

Hearing Max’s testimony was a powerful and moving experience for our students, and a meaningful way to help them 'Bridge Generations', echoing this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day. The students were phenomenal throughout and represented the school brilliantly, clearly demonstrating our STRIVE values through their engagement and respect.

The Envision team (Amelia H, Evie H, Ella M, Amelie S, Jabid S, Isaac K, Sabar A, Enoch S, Musa A and Leo W) recently showcased their project at St Andrew’s Stadium, delivering a confident and professional presentation in front of an audience of more than 80 people. The event brought together four schools in total, each presenting their own social action projects, making for an inspiring and competitive atmosphere.

The DEC team were a true credit to themselves and the school. From start to finish, they demonstrated outstanding commitment and maturity by writing and delivering their own script, clearly communicating both the purpose and impact of their project. Their presentation stood out not only for its clarity and structure, but also for the confidence and teamwork shown on stage.

The team received incredible feedback from judges and attendees alike, particularly praising the way they answered questions with thoughtfulness and assurance. Their ability to explain their ideas clearly, respond under pressure and highlight the real-world impact of their project left a lasting impression on everyone present.

Overall, the Envision team represented the school exceptionally well, showing the Envision essential skills of teamwork, creativity, communication and determination were shown by all students.