This week in our school community: 28 March 2025

It was inspiring to see sixth formers stand up in front of the rest of the school and speak with as much confidence and ease as members of staff.  

 

Our brand new 1719 Society led collective worship assemblies this week on one of our House saints, Oscar Romero.  It was inspiring to see sixth formers stand up in front of the rest of the school and speak with as much confidence and ease as members of staff.  The New Sixth provides our students with vital skills needed for the 21st century workplace, not least building their public speaking and teamwork skills which are vital in all careers.

The 1719 Society reminded us of the powerful story of Saint Oscar Romero who stood up for the poor, marginalised and oppressed in 1970s El Salvador.  He teaches us to see every human with dignity and treat everyone with respect, which are core principles of our Lasallian charism and our school community.  I reminded students of the importance of treating all members of society with dignity and respect, not only when in school but also outside school because there has been some poor behaviour on our school and public buses recently which falls short of our high expectations.  It is important to be an upstander and call out poor behaviour if you witness it and speak to a trusted adult if you or someone you know has got something wrong.  Our approach is to listen and help you learn from your mistakes so that you choose virtue and the right path in the future.

In other news, Mrs Richards and Mr Barford took some of their Film Club students on a reward trip to see the new Pharrell Williams film, Piece by Piece, an autobiography told through Lego!  Staff and students alike enjoyed the experience and thank you to Mrs Richards and Mr Barford for sharing your love of films and media with our students.  The star of the trip was Joel C in Year 8 for being so positive, engaged and incredibly polite.

The English department took Year 11 all the way to The Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, London, for an incredible, contemporary version of one of their set texts, Macbeth.  The star of the trip was Nora K who was brave enough to get up on stage as an 'extra' in the banquet scene - bravo Nora!

Mr Robinson made an exciting announcement this week when he launched the Krakow pilgrimage trip to current Year 9 and Year 11 students. The trip will run in May 2026 and will be an incredible experience for our students to visit the beautiful Polish city and make the once-in-a-lifetime visit to Auschwitz.  Students should see Mr Robinson for more details.

In national news, Prof Becky Francis' Curriculum Review Interim report is now available and makes for interesting reading.  You may wish to read this for yourself but, as you can imagine, we are keeping a close eye on developments and are discussing the report and its findings to ensure our curriculum remains broad, balanced, knowledge rich and engaging for all.  Curriculum and Assessment Review: interim report

At the mid-way point of Lent, let us take some time to pause and reflect on our Lenten promises. Ahead of Sunday's Gospel where we hear the parable of the Prodigal Son, let us remember that no matter how far we have strayed from the path, God is always there to welcome us back with open arms.  It is an invitation to allow hope, love and repentance into our hearts so that we discover joy and renewal in this season of Lent.

Bless our Lenten journey, Lord,

that in prayer, fasting and giving

we may grow in love for You and one another.

Amen.

Mrs Melissa George (BA Hons, MA, PGCE) 

Headteacher