Category : Headteacher’s Blog

With the completion of a full cycle of the timetable, we’re now fully back into routine. A continued focus for us this term is to embed our three phases of learning which, as we’ve reported, is having a positive impact on focus in lessons along with the quality of responses to questions. If you want to know what it looks like in practice then this week I’ll focus on the Group and Pair work which has been taking place in classrooms across the school over the past week. As you can see, the important factor is that students ensure that their talk is about the activity being carried out.  In English, Year 7 students talked in pairs about the best way to sequence a series of pictures into a non-fiction story about a camping trip to the woods whilst in Music they have recalled and discussed in groups the main points to a story connected to a piece of music. In Geography they discussed the impacts, positive and negative, that different weather conditions can have. Up in Science Club, students worked effectively in teams to create lava lamps!

 

 

 

 

In Biology Year 9 students worked in small groups to find out how the conditions in greenhouses are manipulated to increase the profit of commercial plan growers.

 

 

In PE, due to the weather conditions and plummeting temperatures, students have been focusing on muscular strength and endurance as well as cardiovascular endurance by competing in sport related fitness circuits, working in pairs, leading and motivating one another.

In Year 11 Maths, students competed in teams to find and use the n^th  term in different sequences. In GCSE RE, students have been discussing the most moral way to respond to the humanitarian crises caused by war which allowed some interesting solutions to issues being discussed in parliament this week.

In the Library on Thursday, 30 Year 10 students took part in a public speaking workshop delivered by the Speakers’ Trust charity. During the day, students were given the skills and the confidence to develop and deliver a speech on a topic they felt passionate about. The aim of the day was to increase students’ confidence and amplify their voices. The day ended with a group vote for the four best speeches.

This week has also seen the start of our work with the DfE Behaviour Hubs programme which is a national programme to improve behaviour in schools. As part of this we have been paired with an exemplary school who will guide us through a year of support. We’re looking forward to maximising the opportunities that this programme offers in continuing to develop and deepen our behaviour culture at pace.

In assemblies this week, Mr. Grierson has been exploring positive peer pressure, talking about how students can choose to make a positive choice in different situations along with a range of techniques which can be used to be assertive if they’re asked to do something that does not fit with their moral code.

In sporting news, the Year 10/11 boys’ football team had a 4-0 victory on Thursday evening with goals scored by Ted (2), Henry and Ed. Congratulations also go to Callum who saved a penalty.

Today you will have received the Consultation document regarding the proposal to change the age range at Boroughbridge High School, by ceasing the Sixth Form Provision with effect from 31^st August.

Finally, a date for your diary. Our newly formed Friends of Boroughbridge High School parent/carer group are planning to hold a Curry and Quiz Night on Friday 8^th March. We’re hoping to have as many teams as possible. Further details will follow.

Have a lovely weekend!

I hope that you had a great Christmas break. It’s been a pleasure to welcome back students who have arrived well prepared in approach and attitude, along with high standards of uniform. Thank you for your support in making this an excellent start to the Spring Term.  In assemblies this week, Mrs. Godsell-Wright has been talking about purpose and how a new year can give us the opportunity to think about what we want to achieve and how to ensure that we make this happen.  Whilst each of the year groups have a different focus related to their differing points in their secondary school experience, what is common for all is the need to have a positive attitude, maximise opportunities and believe you can achieve.

It was Careers Parent Information evening last night where Mrs. Morgan, our Careers Adviser, was pleased to be able to share our CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) programme and how we prepare our students for life beyond school. This led to further questions about other aspects of school. If you weren’t able to attend, you’ll be able to find the presentation used in the Careers section of the website. We’ll send out a link to you when it’s been uploaded. The topic of the next event is 7th March, 6-7p.m., when we’ll be looking at ‘Wellbeing and supporting students with exams’. Please let us know if there are any other topics that you would like us to cover in future events.

Advance notice that we have a Professional Development Day on Thursday 14th March when students do not attend school.

Have a lovely weekend!

Well, what an excellent finish to the Autumn Term! During this week, students have demonstrated everything that is important to the Boroughbridge High School community to ensure we are safe, happy and successful.

 

Taking on the challenge of Snozone after school on Monday, Mr. Field reports ‘Monday proved to be an early white Christmas for 47 pupils as they developed their skiing skills at Snozone, Xscape.  The lucky pupils wrapped up in their snow gear and some donned skis and ski boots for the very first time.  There were a few slips and spills and they came to grasp the prospect of sliding down a snowy slope on skis but all revelled in the pure enjoyment of learning and playing on the snow.  It is hoped that future trips will provide pupils with more experience to develop their snow sports prowess and hopefully provide more Boroughbridge High School pupils with this great experience.’

 

 

Tuesday saw Boroughbridge High School’s first ever Tug of War competition. It’s quite hard to capture in words how fantastic the event was in terms of teamwork, inclusivity, competition and sheer joy. Each year group took their turn and form classes were cheered on and victors applauded whilst cheering tunes were played by our student technical team. Our thanks go to Mr. Field for organising the event and, as you can see, set the festive tone for the day!

 

 

On Thursday lunchtime, whilst Mr. Grierson was leading a very successful karaoke session with superb student participation in the Dining Hall, Miss Camy was presenting  Science Club with their challenge to make the tallest tower. She reports, ‘Most pupils concentrated on height, not giving enough thought to stability and their towers crumbled under the pressure! Mati and James however concentrated on giving their tower a strong base and were the winners!’

 

 

There has been lots of football focus over the last couple of weeks. Year 7 played, as you can see, on the night of the torrential storm. Mr. Field reports, ‘Despite the biblical rain the boys played some fantastic football, losing only one game, whilst winning and drawing two games.  The storm did not dampen the boys’ spirit and they showed great determination in their first outing in representing the school.  It is hoped that the Year 7 team will have more opportunities to demonstrate their football abilities as the year progresses and hopefully encounter success along the way.’

 

 

Meanwhile, the Year 9 football team have also been in action. Here they are after playing against King James’s School in the District Cup. Mr Field commented, ‘It was great to have lots of boys volunteer to be part of the team and we were able to take a full squad of 16 for the game.  The boys lost 5-1 but showed great resilience in their gameplay.’ 

 

 

On Thursday evening, we were delighted to welcome back the class of 2023 for Awards Evening. It was great to be able to celebrate all that is great about Boroughbridge High School before acknowledging all that was achieved by the class of 2023. 

Thinking of others in our community, with your support, last week we raised £91 from the cake and sweet sale. This has funded a Crisis at Christmas place, a Salvation Army Christmas donation and the remaining was donated to Harrogate Homeless Project. Alongside this, students across the school have written Christmas cards for our local care home and we’ve also collected a boot full of donations for the local food bank. 

And so to our whole school assembly this morning. As you’re aware, this has become a Boroughbridge High School tradition where we gather to celebrate our achievements, sharing many photos, awarding many certificate and enjoying performances and communal singing. We also announced the winners of the annual Christmas Door competition which has grown to new competitive heights particularly this year between Mr. Woodward’s form (10SW – right photo) and Dr. Lefley’s (7CL – left photo) who made it to the final two. Applause was used to determine the winner, with the final decision that it was a draw!

 

 

An excellent end to a successful term!

I hope that you and your family have a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2024.

As advent calendars mark the countdown to Christmas, Tuesday evening saw a festive delight of music and drama with the annual Christmas concert. Parents, carers and students gathered to enjoy the performances of students from Years 7 to 11 including singing, piano, violin, keyboard, guitar, including a couple of performances of the Pop Choir. The drama group performed the hilarious Pantomania where there was an eclectic mix of pantomime characters…..oh

yes there was! All ran smoothly due to the student technical team. It was an absolutely excellent evening all round!

As you’ll be aware, it was Christmas dinner day on Wednesday and  it was a great event as students ate heartily, pulled crackers, read out  the usual jokes (groaning in response!), before wearing their party hats, some for the rest of the day. Year 9 students James, Stan and Charlie made sure that the Christmas songs kept playing throughout lunchtime and a good time was had by all. Our thanks go to the catering team who served 213 Christmas dinners in total which was no mean feat!

In assemblies this week, Mr. Grierson has been focusing on risk taking, talking with our young people about how teenage brain development means that they are more likely to take risks than older people and how to ensure that they consider their actions to keep themselves safe.

Much has been happening outside of school too. On Monday evening, I was delighted to be invited to speak to the 1322 Club about Boroughbridge High School. It was a privilege to be able to share what happens in school, the curriculum that is taught, how we prepare our students for the future and the contribution that we make to our community before answering questions on a wide range of school and education related topics.

With our commitment to ensure that our students develop the skills and confidence to make an active contribution to the communities to which they belong, we’re always interested to hear of our students’ achievements outside of school. This week, our congratulations go to Amy in Year 11 and her family who were awarded with the Thirsk Auction Christmas Cattle Primestock Show Overall Champion. An amazing achievement!

We had a visit from our Local Authority adviser on Thursday with a focus on Climate for Learning. We visited classrooms, observed assembly and walked around all areas of school. We’re making measurable progress and I’ll share further detail with you in my Headteacher’s Update next week.

Thinking of others, this week, we’ve had a bake sale today and collected food donations to support our local homeless charities. Thank you for your kind donations.

Tutor group competition is at the fore next week as we’re limbering up for the Tug of War next Tuesday and the annual Christmas Door competition which will be judged at the end of the week.

On Thursday evening, we’ll be welcoming back the class of 2023 as Year 11 and Year 13 students will return to collect certificates and receive rewards at our Awards Evening and then, on Friday, we’ll be having our usual whole school assembly to celebrate our achievements and to end the term with festive fun. Students can wear non-uniform with a Christmas theme on Friday and we’ll be raising money for Save the Children. Donations on Parent Mail will be gratefully received. A reminder that school closes for the Christmas break at 1.30p.m. on Friday.

Have a lovely weekend!

If you passed Boroughbridge High School on Monday, you may have wondered what was happening, well let us reveal all. Mr. Woodward reports, 

‘Arriving at school to torrential rain on Monday didn’t dampen the spirits of over 130 pupils as we embarked on the challenge of planting more than 200 saplings as part of the Woodland Trust Green Tree School Award. Students from all year groups took part, planting a mix of native hedgerow species such as blackthorn, hawthorn and dog rose alongside some wild-fruiting trees including elder, crab apple, rowan and hazel. Our hope is that these saplings will absorb CO2 as they grow to help have a positive impact in relation to climate change as well as create a rich habitat for local wildlife in our school grounds. We’ll be having another tree planting event in the spring, so if your child missed out this time there’ll be another opportunity to make a positive difference in just a few months!’

I’ve been able to mention this event in assemblies this week, when I’ve talked to students about ‘community’ and the contribution that they’ve been making to ensure that everyone within our school is safe, happy and successful before exploring how our students have been making contributions to our wider community. This includes activities such as our Sports Leaders working with primary school children from around the area and our fundraising for Children-in-Need. It’s also been good to talk to our young people about how the Town Council are working hard to secure funding from developers in our community to provide funding for a Multi Use Games Area ( MUGA ) in our recreation ground  which will be available to them. Students are filling in questionnaires with a deadline of Monday 4th December 2023 to give their feedback on the proposals. You can find out more about the proposal here.

If you’re visiting the St. James’ Christmas Tree festival this weekend, look out for our BHS tree. Mrs. Hunter has been using her artistic skills to design decorations with students adding messages of hope. 

Coming up next week is our second Fundraising Group meeting on Monday 4th at 6p.m. You’re very welcome to join us. On Wednesday 6th, the school’s Pop Choir will be singing at the annual Christmas lights switch on in Boroughbridge. They’ll be around the tree in Hall Square. On Thursday 7th at from 6p.m.-7p.m., we’ll be holding our Parent Information Evening on Attendance. At this we’ll discuss attendance for the first part of the meeting then you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions that you have about any aspect of school life. We’ve then got our Music concert on Tuesday 12th December at 6p.m. We look forward to seeing you at these events. 

We have a busy few weeks ahead!

Have a lovely weekend!

After weeks of preparation, Progress Exams for Years 10 and 11 started on Thursday. Our students have made an excellent start, very quickly getting into the routines and protocols of the exam hall. The timing of these exams enables both students and teachers to measure progress and is used by teachers to develop their planning to ensure that students’ knowledge gaps are filled and skills developed.

Supporting students through this time, Year 10 and 11 assemblies at the beginning of the week were delivered by the Wellbeing in Mind team focusing on strategies to support positive mental health during the exam period. There was also a further drop in session in the Dining Hall on Wednesday for students to have individual conversations with one of the Wellbeing in Mind team. Approaching  the same theme with Years 7, 8 and 9, Mrs Bloomfield explored anxiety, looking at how a certain amount of stress can help us to perform, along with helpful strategies and understanding when and how to seek support.

Year 7 Science Club on Thursdays is now well underway with students creating methane bubbles last week and fire writing this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In sporting news, Mr. Field reports ‘The Year 9/10 boys football team made it to the final of the Harrogate & Craven Yr10 7- a -side football tournament yesterday evening.  They progressed through the group stages with a draw against Queen Ethelburga’s, a 2-0 victory of the hosts St. John Fisher, a draw against Nidderdale and rounded the group matches off with a hard fought 1-0 win against Rossett.  The final, against St Aidan’s proved a closely matched game with both sides having chances in front of goal.  As the prospect of a penalty shootout loomed, St Aidan’s scored in the last minute of play to take the spoils.  This proved to be the only goal the team conceded in the whole tournament which is testament to their resilience and efforts in attack.’ Congratulations to the team!

We had a very successful fundraising Friday last week for Children in Need raising £448.60 in total from your kind donations, the fidget toy sales, cake and sweet sales and other donations. Speaking of which, we had a productive first parent fundraising group meeting last week with lots of ideas to take forward. There’ll be opportunities to get involved in activities and events and, if you’d like to like to join the group, please e-mail schooladmin@boroughbridgehigh.com We also discussed raising the profile of BHS on social media. I’m always really pleased when parents and carers get in touch to share our students’ achievements outside of school. If there is something that your child has achieved that deserves recognition then please send it in and we’ll make sure that people know about it!

We had a further visit from our county adviser this week and received positive feedback. As we move towards the end of the month, I’ll be sending out my regular letter to update you on our progress towards our Ofsted priorities and beyond and will include further feedback from the visit.

A reminder that next week we’ve got a Professional Development Day on Wednesday 29^th November when students do not attend school. Looking ahead there’s a couple of festive dates for your calendar. On Wednesday 6^th December, the school’s Pop Choir have been invited to sing at the annual Christmas Tree Lights ‘Switch-On late-night shopping. They’ll be singing around the Christmas tree in Hall Square from 5.50-7p.m. We’ve then got our Music concert on Tuesday 12^th December at 6p.m. We’ll look forward to seeing you at these events.

Have a lovely weekend!

The power of trees was the focus of assemblies this week with Mr. Woodward animatedly explaining to all year groups, in turn, the impact of climate change and where we, as a country, sit within those who have a good environmental record. Developing the theme that we can all make a difference, he then asked for volunteers to help to plant trees that he’s secured from The Woodland Trust as part of their ‘Plant trees with your school’ campaign. Needless to say, there were many volunteers so we’ll look forward to seeing the site becoming even greener in the weeks, months and years ahead.

Thinking of others has been at the fore today with our non-uniform day to raise funds for Children in Need. With their usual enthusiasm, our students have been ‘spotacular’, some taking the opportunity to come to school with Pudsey ears or dressed as a banana or Batman. We’ve also had a range of other fundraising activities including a bake sale and selling fidget rings. Mrs. Mannion and her student team have been making these over in S6 at lunchtime, preparing well in advance for this day. Thank you for your generous contributions. We’ll let you know the total raised next week.

It’s Anti-Bullying week so, with that in mind, the NHS Wellbeing in Mind team have prepared some resources for parents and carers which you’ll find by clicking this link NHS Wellbeing in Mind. Students also had the opportunity to speak with the team in the Dining Hall on Thursday.

The Catering Team were visited by an Environmental Health Officer this week who, we’re delighted to say, confirmed that we continue to have 5-star status for Food Hygiene and Quality. Our congratulations go to Mrs. Chittock and her team.

Year 8 students were using their powers of deduction last week when, in ICT, they were visited by PC Dan Fawkes who ran escape room activities. Mrs. Knock reports, ‘The students had to find clues to work out passwords and complete challenges. Through these activities they were learning the importance of strong passwords. They’ve loved it and asked if we can do this every lesson!’

We’ve now had both Year 10 and Year 11 Parent/Carer evenings with students in those years working hard as they approach their Progress exams which start on Thursday.

If you’re interested in supporting the school with fundraising, our first meeting for parents and carers is on Monday 20^th November at 6p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.

A reminder that we have one of our Professional Development Days on Wednesday 29^th November when students do not attend school.

Have a lovely weekend!

We returned from half term to a beautiful autumnal school site. On the final day before the half term break, Mrs. Macadam and her Year 7 class had been getting creative. Mrs. Macadam reports, ‘In addition to reading “Clockwork” and “Treasure Island”, Year 7 students studied an extract from the epic poem Beowulf (the poem that gave birth to Literature as we know it); students were invited to design and make a Beowulf battle shield as an extra homework project.  The response was fantastic and the quality of shields was so good Mr Grierson couldn’t pick a winner.’

 

On a similar theme, in Art over the last few weeks, Year 9 students have been developing their skills by transforming toilet rolls, fabric and yarn into impressive dog sculptures as you can see. Mrs. Hunter has been very impressed with their approach and the results.

Two lunch clubs have started this week, Science Club for Year 7 on Thursday with Miss Camy and Code Club on Wednesday for students in Years 7 and 8. Mr. Errington reports,

‘On Wednesday I started a code club for years 8 and 9. I loved programming as a kid and want to give our current students the opportunity to write some code that will be sent up to the international space station and run up there for the astronauts to enjoy.  Indeed their code will be “out of this world”.  The current competition is open to students aged up to 19 based in specific countries and organised by the Raspberry Pi foundation. The students are going to start with “Mission Zero” which offers young people the chance to have their code run in space. They will write a simple program to take a reading from the colour and luminosity sensor on an Astro Pi computer on board the International Space Station, and use it to set the background colour in a personalised image for the astronauts to see as they go about their daily tasks. If any more students wish to join in, then Wednesday lunchtimes in room B2 is the place to be.  More information can be found at astro-pi.org’

As part of our ongoing quality assurance processes, this week we’ve had two external visitors; our North Yorkshire Principal Adviser and a member of our Governing Board. During Wednesday morning they visited classrooms across the school, observed Year 9 assembly and spoke with members of staff. I’ll share their feedback in my next Headteacher Update letter.

With Remembrance Day on Sunday, Mrs. Ennis has led assemblies this week looking at the importance of Remembrance Day by exploring the meaning of service and reminding us of the sacrifices which have and continue to be made. In each assembly we’ve observed a two-minute silence. Our prefects have been selling poppies, raising funds the Royal British Legion who provide a lifeline for serving personnel, veterans and their families. This afternoon, a group of our Service students have attended the North Yorkshire Service Children – Festival of Remembrance at Ripon Cathedral and, on Sunday, we’ll be attending the service at St. James’ before laying a wreath at the war memorial. It’s a privilege to participate in such an important event in our community.

Upcoming events include the Year 11 Parent/Carer Evening on Wednesday 15^th November which is an online event. We’re also looking forward to our first meeting with parents and carers who are interested in supporting the school with fundraising. This will be on Monday 20^th November at 6p.m. All are welcome to attend. Finally, we’ll be raising money for Children in Need next Friday with a non-uniform day. You can make donations through Parent Mail.

Have a lovely weekend!

 

As we approach the half term break, we’ve been reflecting on a productive half term.

The Woodland Trust Group have been active with Mr. Woodward reporting, ‘Having achieved Gold level in the Woodland Trust Green Tree Schools Award last year, students have been working on the next challenge this half-term as we try to work our way to achieving the platinum award. Our focus has been the new “Green in 15” Challenge which asks schools to do at least 5 out of 15 activities designed to connect young people with nature and make the school a more eco-friendly place. Students have been involved in delivering presentations about natural objects they find inspiring, identifying different species of trees on the school site (we have 20+ different species, it turns out…not bad for a small school!) and creating natural artwork, inspired by artists such as Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Shilling. Next half-term we’ll see the arrival of almost 200 saplings which we’ll be planting around the school site to help increase biodiversity, improve habitats and help improve the air quality for our students.’

 

 

If you’ve got time for a half term read then you may be interested in the next two books that will be discussed at our Book Club after half term which is shadowing the Yoto Carnegie Medal Shortlist 2023. For students in Year 7, the recommendation is ‘Waiting for Murder’ by Fleur Hitchcock with the Book Club discussion taking place on Monday 20^th November at 1p.m. in the Library. For students in Years 8 and above the recommendation is ‘I Must Betray You’ by Ruta Sepetys with the Book Club taking place at 1p.m. in the Library on Monday 6^th of November.

 

 

 

Year 7 also have the opportunity of a Science lunchtime club after half term on Thursday lunchtimes. If they’re interested, then they should speak to Ms Camy.

 

 

 

 

To support students with their English Literature studies, on Tuesday night, Mrs. Macadam and Year 11 enjoyed a viewing of Macbeth showing the play as it was originally intended by Shakespeare.

In assemblies this week, Mrs. Godsell-Wright has been exploring personal characteristics that are valued in all aspects of life. Many students shared their ideas showing that our young people have a good understanding of how to make an active and positive contribution to their communities. The assembly ended with students being given Rewards certificates to recognise those who have consistently achieved Excellent or Good for their Behaviour for Learning, Attitude to Learning and Homework in their tracking at our first Progress Review Point. Many students were invited to the front of the Hall to collect their certificates. Well done to them all.

The Year 7 Geographers have shown remarkable resilience this week as they’ve battled with the elements to carry out their fieldwork in Boroughbridge. On Thursday rain caused an early return but Mr. Atkinson remarked on the positive attitude of students on their visit. Mrs. Gomersal and I are hoping for drier conditions for our groups today!

You will have received the letter earlier in the week with an update on the measurable progress that we’ve made including how Ofsted priorities are being addressed. We thank you for your support with this and we will be returning refreshed after half term to continue to drive forward on our identified priorities.

Upcoming events include the Year 10 Parent/Carer Evening on Wednesday 8^th November with Year 11 Parent/Carer Evening on Wednesday 15^th November. Please book your appointments online. Both events are virtual. We’re also looking forward to our first meeting with parents and carers who are interested in supporting the school with fundraising. This will be on Monday 20^th November at 6p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Have a lovely weekend and half term!