17 May 2023

Examination Season

This week marks the start of the summer programme of GCSE and A level public examinations.  I would like to wish all our students the very best for their forthcoming examinations and to remember to embrace the College motto: ‘Believe Succeed’.

Booster Breakfasts have started this week which have been well received by targeted students.  Please encourage your son or daughter to take advantage of the excellent revision opportunities available to support them and if they are unsure about the provision to speak to Miss Robinson, Miss Evans or their class teacher for further guidance.

Mental Health Awareness Week

It is timely with the examinations commencing that it is Mental Health Awareness week with the theme being anxiety.   Anxiety affects us all to varying degrees, and it is important for us all to have coping strategies to manage those pinch points we experience at certain points in the year. 

We have, therefore, included at the end of the newsletter some information around the topic of Anxiety from Mind Works and webinars to provide you with some additional information on Anxiety if required.  This week serves as a reminder that we should be looking after our mental wellbeing and encouraging one another to find time for ourselves in what ever small way to relax even if we are revising!

Collingwood Charter

I am delighted to inform you that 52 Year 7 students have completed the Bronze Award for the Collingwood Charter this week led by Mr Chauhan.  The Charter incorporates our Collingwood values and the students have had to display these values consistently in order to receive this award.  Some examples below:

Achievement	Great outcomes in lessons and/or sporting activities
Perseverance	Regular attendance to a range of clubs
Aspiration	Being a Form representative
Integrity	For taking responsibility for their actions without blaming others
Inclusiveness	As a Form representative the students have taken everyone's opinions on board and shown that they value other points of view.

It is great to see how the students have embraced our Core Values and have taken part in a wide range of College activities.  Mrs Wright, joint Head of Lower College enjoyed presenting the students with their badges for the award in their assembly and she refers to this in her article on perseverance further in the newsletter.

Silver D of E Presentations 

I attended an absolutely fabulous evening with 30 of our students and their parents last Wednesday.  Our students spoke with confidence, humour and gave super informative accounts and tips about their wonderful experience.  All students demonstrated our Collingwood values and had learnt to be reflective throughout this award...from remembering to put corn plasters on in preparation for the pain to planning easy cook meals on the return from a tough day.  I hope they feel inspired to go on to tackle the challenge of the Gold award. 

Performing Arts Workshop

Year 8 students attended a Romeo and Juliet workshop after College on Monday and the facilitator from West End in Schools spoke extremely highly of our students and the way they behaved.  The students engaged incredibly well with the text and Mr Green has no doubt the workshop will increase their confidence in Shakespeare for English and their performance skills for Drama and Performing Arts.  A fantastic afternoon, students really embodying our College Values!

Look after yourselves and take care.

Miss Watling - Acting Principal