Friday 27 March 2015

Headteacher’s Blog - March 2015

HEADTEACHER’S BLOG - MARCH 2015

As you will be aware from our daily news feed our successes have continued at a pace and the achievements of our young people have been simply spectacular and never cease to impress me. These on-going achievements, together with our track record of success mean that once again, we will be welcoming a maximum intake of Year 7 students in September 2015, as more and more people want to take advantage of the exciting opportunities and excellent education that Selby High School provides.

Our target for 65% of Year 11 students achieving 5 A*-C GCSE grades including English and mathematics, whilst challenging, is achievable.  It is essential, however, that students realise the level of commitment that is now required from them at this stage of their school career. This commitment should also be extended to ensure that they turn up for scheduled booster and intervention sessions that are taking place both after school and during the supported study programme during May and June. Some of these sessions will take place at weekends and during holidays, including over the Easter vacation.

The Easter holidays will provide all those students who are preparing for public examinations with the perfect opportunity to undertake some quality revision. Also remember the impact that SAM Learning, BBC Bitesize and other e-learning sites can have on your child’s results. I am sure you will join me in wishing all our students the very best with both their preparation and their actual tests and examinations. We will be waiting for the results every bit as anxiously as they will as we look to set more new records for ourselves.

Once again, I am seeking your continued and much appreciated co-operation in ensuring that your child is wearing the correct uniform, including their House tie, when the weather is not too hot. If we experience a heat wave we will of course issue separate daily instructions in respect of wearing blazers and ties. It is also important that they bring the right equipment to all lessons. It is vital, as you will appreciate, that students approach their studies with the correct focus, attitude and determination to achieve at the highest level and aim for excellence in all that they do.

As you know there is no substitute for hard work and putting the maximum effort and application into everything we do in life and on this note we have contacted all those students who are either on track or close to securing enough ‘keys’ to be able to go on the Selby Keys Trip to the Flamingo Land Resort on Thursday 16th July. Equally, those students who are currently on track or close to being on track to be treated to a film morning or afternoon have also received an email. Fingers crossed that everyone achieves their goal!

Thank you for all that you do in ensuring your child(ren) puts the maximum effort into their studies!

We are currently firming up the plans for new sports changing rooms, changes to the sports hall and additional classrooms. We have secured the required funding so watch this space for an update in May.

Since my last Blog the following members of staff have left Selby High School to take on new challenges, Mr Robert Sellers (mathematics teacher) and Ms Noelle Burston (GSSM). In addition, Mrs Lynda Kiddy retired after 29 years dedicated and loyal service to Selby High School in an administrative capacity. We wish her a long, healthy and happy retirement!!

Miss Demi Wright (General Student Support Mentor), is leaving the school on 17th April 2015 to take up a similar position at the Batley PRS.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a peaceful and happy Easter

Important Dates
Monday 13th April             School re-opens
Tuesday 14th April             Year 9 More Able trip to York St John’s University
Tuesday 14th April             Year 10 Parent/Carer/Guardian Consultation Evening
Thursday 16th April           Year 11 House photographs
Tuesday 21st April             Team maths challenge
Thursday 30th April           Junior maths challenge
Monday 4th May                School closed for early May Bank Holiday
Tuesday 5th May                School re-opens
Friday 8th May                  Year 11 final assembly
Tuesday 19th May              Year 8 Enterprise Day
Wednesday 20th May         Year 10 More Able trip to Leeds University
Friday 22nd May                School closes for holidays


Yours sincerely

Paul Eckersley
Headteacher