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 studentsâ 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 âThe 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 Ethelburgaâs, 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 Aidanâs proved a closely matched game with both sides having chances in front of goal. As the prospect of a penalty shootout loomed, St Aidanâs 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.â Congratulations to the team!
We had a very successful fundraising Friday last week for Children in Need raising ÂŁ448.60 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. Thereâll be opportunities to get involved in activities and events and, if youâd like to like to join the group, please e-mail schooladmin@boroughbridgehigh.com We also discussed raising the profile of BHS on social media. Iâm always really pleased when parents and carers get in touch to share our studentsâ achievements outside of school. If there is something that your child has achieved that deserves recognition then please send it in and weâll 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, Iâll 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 weâve got a Professional Development Day on Wednesday 29th November when students do not attend school. Looking ahead thereâs a couple of festive dates for your calendar. On Wednesday 6th December, the schoolâs Pop Choir have been invited to sing at the annual Christmas Tree Lights âSwitch-On late-night shopping. Theyâll be singing around the Christmas tree in Hall Square from 5.50-7p.m. Weâve then got our Music concert on Tuesday 12th December at 6p.m. Weâll look forward to seeing you at these events.
Have a lovely weekend!
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, âThe 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!â
If youâve 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 âWaiting for Murderâ by Fleur Hitchcock with the Book Club discussion taking place on Monday 20th November at 1p.m. in the Library. For students in Years 8 and above the recommendation is âI Must Betray Youâ by Ruta Sepetys with the Book Club taking place at 1p.m. in the Library on Monday 6th of November.
