As we face so many different challenges nowadays, I often think how difficult it must be a teenager and start important IGCSE exam courses online. I am pleased to say that Year 10 have made a great start to their IGCSE courses and have showed excellent engagement in lessons. They have quickly adapted to the technical demands of online learning and are starting to understand and appreciate the increased workload that the IGCSE course brings. They have been well supported by their tutors who have focused on student well-being as a priority.
Morning registration is always engaging and the Year 10’s are currently piloting a scheme called ‘Freerice’. This scheme allows students to give something back to the community by entering a quiz and for every question the student answers correctly, ten grains of rice are donated to families in need around the world via the United Nation’s World Food Programme. A really positive action from our Year 10 students who have so far, donated over 5,000 grains of rice.
During their well-being lessons, Year 10 have been looking at their Mental Health and strategies to cope with virtual learning. During this time students that have required additional support have managed to speak to their tutors on a one-to-one basis for advice with their academics. During these lessons there is also time for some students to work independently developing good study skills for the future.
There have also been chances over the last couple of weeks to sign up to be part of the student council and very soon they will find out if they have been selected. I was also pleased to see a large number of students volunteer for the Duke of Edinburgh Award which is a fantastic course and one which will certainly help them develop important life skills. As a measure of the Year 10 success so far with virtual learning, I am pleased to share that Year 10 have received more praise points than any of the year groups above them.
Despite a slightly different start to the year, I was pleased to see that all our new students have settled in well. As a measure of their confidence, they attended an after school social event last week and had some fun finding out some of the interests they share with other students. We also discovered that students are so much smarter than the staff when it comes to online games! A great start to the two-year IGCSE programme. The Year 10’s have demonstrated fantastic adaptability, resilience and engagement so far and I hope these skills along with many others develop as they complete this journey. A huge well done Year 10 and please keep up the good work!
Rob Taylor
Head of Year 10