Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
The last seven weeks have flown by, and my first half term
at Selby High School is drawing to a close. I have had such a warm welcome from
staff, students, governors and parents, carers and guardians, and have really appreciated
the positive and friendly atmosphere in the school. Selby High School is certainly a very special
place, and I look forward to working with all members of the school community
on the next phase of the school’s development.
As the school year comes to an end it is always a good
opportunity to reflect on the many successes of the year. The year 11 students conducted themselves
extremely well throughout the examination period, and I wish them all the very
best in their future choices. Similarly,
many of our local business providers contacted the school to say how well the
year 10s did on their work experience. Many
of our subjects were teaching new GCSE specifications this year, and in key
stage 3 a brand new life after levels curriculum was delivered. Staff have been working very hard over the
last few weeks to review, and improve even further, the curriculum on offer.
An impressive range of trips, visits, experiences and
projects were organised during our recent Activities Week. Students travelled to Barcelona, Paris,
Snowdonia and London, and year 7s enjoyed their camp in the new location of Silverwood
this year. In school, the activities included
the Segway experience, numerous arts and crafts activities and a historical
research project. I’m sure you will join
me in thanking all the staff who put so much time and effort into ensuring that
the week was a great success.
Other activities have enhanced our curriculum this half
term, including Prison Me No Way, in which year 9 learnt about the crime and
justice system. We have also continued our commitment to providing outstanding
advice and guidance, to help students make their choices about the future. The Careers Fair on 26th June was a
great success and very well attended, and year 10 visited Selby College last
week to experience the range of courses on offer to them when they leave
school. To top off an exciting and
varied year, we had a tremendous Sports Day.
In a closely fought contest, Palin emerged the ultimate winners, and as
Mr Block said, it was the extra points won by those who participated and
completed events that ultimately sealed victory. The year was topped off with two fantastic
trips to Flamingo Land for our 4 Keys students.
As always at this time of year we need to say farewell to
some of our colleagues. Cheryl Baxter, Dave Potts and Ginine Smith
are leaving our support team. Dave is
retiring after 10 years of service and we wish him all the best in the
future. Kelly Tomlinson from the English
department and Lola Brackenbury from the science team are also moving on. We are looking forward to welcoming three new
teachers in September. Mr Williams will
be joining the English team, and our science team welcomes Mr Gilbert and Mr Foster. In
September, Simon Cahill and Sarah Cooke will be joining our site team. Sarah will be shadowing Barbara Collinson,
who is retiring in September after many years of service to the school and the
authority. We also appointed our first
apprentice this week. Ex-Selby High
School student Amy Hurdle will be our Apprentice Science Technician. We hope to employ several more apprentices
over the coming year.
I’m really looking forward to an exciting year next
year. Our two main teaching and learning
priorities will focus on literacy, and developing independence and resilience
in our learners. We are also making some
changes to our behaviour policy, which I know will lead to an even better
learning environment for all our young people.
Thank you in advance for supporting the school by ensuring that students
are in full school uniform and fully equipped on their first day back in
September.
Could I finish by wishing you and your family a happy and
safe summer holidays. It is a great time
for students to relax and unwind; I’d like to emphasise the safety information
which was sent home to all families, and ask young people to take extra care
when on-line and when out and about on the roads and waterways this
summer. It’s also a good idea to keep
the brain active; some reading every day will make a big difference, alongside
regular discussions around the news and current affairs. I’d also recommend that our GCSE students put
some time aside for going over their notes and ensuring that all tasks set by
their teachers over the summer holidays are completed to the best of their
ability.
Have a great summer.
Best wishes,
Nick Hinchliffe
Principal
Forthcoming dates (for a full list of events and activities please see the school calendar)
Monday 4th September Training
Day – school closed to students
Tuesday 5th September School
re-opens – Year 7 students only
Wednesday 6th September School
re-opens – Year 7 & Year 11 students only
Thursday 7th September School
open to all students
Friday 15th September School
photographs
Monday 2nd October Training
Day – school closed to students
Open
Evening for prospective parents
Tuesday 3rd October School
re-opens to students
Shakespeare
Schools Festival Cast Workshop
Wednesday 11th October Governors’
Awards Evening at Selby Abbey
Monday 16th October Year
9 Re-start a Heart day
Friday 20th October School
closes for holidays (end of day)
