Congratulations to Year 13 students for finishing their exams this week, I look forward to seeing you at the Prom next Thursday.  There is a slight change to Exams results day, it will be held in the Lower Common room rather than the Hall. One thing that hasn’t changed is that you will need ID to pick up your results. If someone else is picking them up, we need a letter from you before we break up (22/07/22) stating that you give permission for the named person to pick up the results on your behalf (they will need their own ID as well).

Year 12, your Trial exams start on Monday 27th June and run for a week and a day. During the exams you are on study leave unless you do a vocational subject (you should have spoken to your teachers about expectations / attendance).  Normal lessons resume on Tuesday 5th July. Best of luck, I’m sure all of your revision and preparation will pay off.

Renovations and redecoration are still continuing, thank you for cooperation. The Hall is getting new lighting, fire doors and a new floor (in the summer holidays) to go along with the new roof put on last summer.  From September students will not be able to gain access to the building via the Hall, this is because of site security and the safety of students and staff. The student entrance with your student lanyard, will be your only point of access to the building.

Seating and paper display boards are going to be removed from corridors over the coming weeks, this is because in the event of a fire they would provide fuel for a fire to spread from one area to another. We are looking at alternatives to replace the removed items and I thank you for your understanding.

We launched UCAS 2023 on Thursday 9th June with Year 12 students this week. If you have any questions, please take a look at the online support and watch the briefing (links below). 

Online support: https://www.ucas.com/file/603521/download?token=v-CjPu_c

Briefing: https://www.iwef.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/UCAS-briefing.mp4

Key points:

• Sunflower is the keyword to link your application to the Island VI Form
• Internal deadline is December 9th (Don’t wait)
• Offers are received normally within a few days of application being submitted (Hence don’t wait)
• You are allowed 5 choices only
• Researching courses is the current priority
• Writing your personal statement is the next step
• Student service run a help session every Tuesday lunch time

If you are not planning to go to University, you need to be doing very similar things – your personal statement is the same as your letter of application, what skills and experiences do you have to offer a future employer?

If you are worried or confused about your next step, please ask for help. There is nothing wrong with applying for work and University if you are not sure – but doing nothing is a problem.

We are deep into the examination season now – remember to pace yourselves, rest and take time to relax and do enjoyable things as well as revision and preparation.  

Finally, congratulations to Josh Sunnucks who took part in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London. Details of his wonderful experience can be found below.

Have a safe weekend. 

Have a great break, remember to get the balance right between revision, exercise and sleep.  I know it is a challenging time, but it will soon be over and you can enjoy the summer knowing you have done everything you could to get results that reflect your talents and hard work.

Thank you for attending the UCAS Discover events this week, I will be launching an introduction to UCAS, Apprenticeships or Work in a presentation to Year 12 on Thursday 9th June.  We have attached some of the UCAS discover videos to the website if you were unable to attend the live event. You can access these here. 

I have returned to work part time for two days this week and will hopefully be full time after half term. I look forward to seeing you in lessons and around the VI Form before the summer holidays.

Congratulations to all award winners at our Year 13 celebration assembly this week, it was lovely to see you all in person and share in your celebrations.  Best wishes to Year 13 as they embark on their final stage of their VI Form life by completing their exams. Remember that staff are still available during lesson times whilst you are on study leave if you need or want to speak to them.

Year 13, you will have received a farewell letter from me by email today. If you have not received this, you can view it here. 

Knife crime is an issue I would like to think will not affect members of our community, but this week is the National week of action to tackle knife crime. Knife crime is a societal problem which cannot be tackled by police, schools or single agencies alone, highlighting the need to work together both reactively and proactively. The responsibility must be that of us all  – police, councils, education providers, health care, youth services, welfare services, housing services, local communities, parents, social media providers etc. – we must all work together to effectively protect children and young people from the threat of county lines, gangs, knives, drugs, media/peer perceptions and adults who pose the risk of exploiting them. For more information visit: https://www.safe4me.co.uk/ portfolio/knife-crime/