Wednesday saw the first of our Challenge Day experiences of the new term. Year 7 headed off into Boroughbridge for their Humanities field trip investigating all things historical and geographical before visiting the church. Looking at familiar sights from a different perspective is an illuminating experience. All studies were completed in time for students to return to school for lunch. Meanwhile, back at school, Year 8 and 10 had been investigating money matters and Year 9 the plight of refugees.

Year 11 had travelled further afield, visiting the Skills Yorkshire Event at Leeds FC Stadium.  Surrounded by a plethora of representatives from employers, training providers, colleges and universities, students had the opportunity to try out practical work skills or sample activities such as taking part in performance, resuscitation, boxing or applying body art. Students left loaded quite literally with bags of information to support them in making informative choices for their individual Post-16 options. This two-day event is attended by hundreds of students from across the region and supported by more than 40 organisations, such as Health Education England, the Army, KPMG, RICS, the Maritime Sector, White Rose Beauty College, CAPA Performing Arts College and locally York and Askham Bryan Colleges.

Thursday brought its own excitement, when it was a great privilege to welcome a group of ten Headteachers from Australia, Romania and Denmark to see the research science projects that our Key Stage 3 and 5 students have been carrying out under the enthusiastic supervision of

Mr Inglis. Alongside them were students from Richard Taylor Primary School. Students not only did a presentation about their projects but also engaged the visitors in a number of experiments. Mr Inglis is hoping to spread this innovative research approach across more schools in Yorkshire. We’re grateful to the Institute for Research in Schools for their funding which enables Mr Inglis to work on this for one day a week.

We’re pleased to announce that our Coffee Morning last week raised £138.52 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

As a follow up to our Parent Information Evening on internet safety, we’ve given each student a copy of ‘Digital Parenting’ which includes articles from building resilience to help your child stay safe and happy online to setting privacy and parental controls on apps and online services. If you haven’t yet received your copy, check your child’s bag!

Have a lovely weekend.