Message from Mr Whiteley
Despite the weather, 2024 has got off to a busy start. I apologise for the late notice given last Tuesday when we had snow, but my intention was to open the school up to the point where it became clear that all other Wallasey schools had closed. At this point, I was left with no option other than to close, which is why our notice came out so late.
I would like to congratulate those 6th Form students who have been involved in the January examinations. They have set an exemplary standard in their attitude to a set of exams scheduled earlier than ever before in the new year and I am sure that their grades will reflect their excellent work ethic.
Year 7 students have been involved in a number of externally provided STEM activities, including an aircraft flight project day with the Smallpeice Trust. These engagement days open the doors to a range of opportunities for higher and further education and employment as the boys get older and we place enormous value on giving our students insight into the world of work from the very start of their education here.
I would like to congratulate all the students who took part in this year's Spelling Bee. Well over 100 pupils entered the first round, which is our biggest number in many years. It is great to see so many pupils actively involved. This year's Readathon has been successful in raising funds for local charities, but more importantly, it is great to see so many students engaging with books. Reading is a skill that adds much value to a child's life, developing imagination and vocabulary, and greatly improving life chances. After a break originally due to COVID, it is great to see the Debate Mate teams up and running and we wish them all the success in the upcoming competitions.
Following the national trend, we are in the process of installing barriers to the main toilet blocks on the A block corridor, which will allow the toilets to be closed and cleaned during lesson times. These toilets will be open before school and at break and lunch times to allow children to use the toilets as normal. During lesson time, although the main school toilets will be locked, teachers will be able to provide toilet passes for children to use accessible toilets at their discretion. Any child with additional toileting requirements or currently with a toilet pass will continue to use the toilets by the SEN Department or by the main office as normal.
All Year 10 students are in the process of organising work experience placements with a deadline that is fast approaching. The boys will be out of school on their work experience for 2 weeks from 11th - 22nd March, and we appreciate all the support that parents have given and would welcome any further offers of help.
For Year 9 students, the options process is underway. There is a support evening tonight for parents who have already booked.
Parents' evening for Y9 is next week on Thursday 1st February and I would urge you to attend with your son to discuss his progress so far and the choices he may want to make. You will receive an email with the details of how to book on to this in the near future. If your son is interested in construction, food tech or DT he can speak to his DT teacher. Similarly, anyone interested in IT can speak to their current computer science teacher. There will also be staff available to discuss business studies.
Y9 reports will be emailed home by the end of this week.
I look forward to a happy and successful year.