Welcome to the penultimate newsletter of this half term.
I am pleased to start this week by letting you know that we have successfully appointed a new Head of School. This new role will mean Medina College has a dedicated Head of School focussed purely on improving outcomes for the students who attend this site. However, please be assured that I will be remaining as Executive Headteacher when the new postholder starts. By having a dedicated Head of School, it will enable me to have more time to monitor our progress as a Federation and ensure that we are doing all we can to maximise the life chances for all of our young people. Until then, I will remain as Head of School at Medina, as well as my role as Executive Headteacher. Further details will be shared in the Summer term.
Year 11 had their trial results assembly this morning. This created some mixed emotions. For students who are pleased with their trial results, this is an indication that what they are doing is working, and to keep up the pace and dedication. For those students who are disappointed with their trial results, there is still time to make a difference. It is not a time to feel despondent or to lose faith, it is a time to talk to teachers about where the gaps in their learning are. Look at whether they need to refine a technique, for example structuring the high mark long essay style questions better. It could be that they need to talk through anxieties they have about the logistics of the exam venue. Students will start meeting senior leaders after half term to look at all of these types of questions. The most important thing is to see these results as an opportunity. Progress can still be made. Parents/carers have an opportunity to discuss any worries with the subject teachers next week, so please ensure that you do book appointments using the link that was shared in the letter last week. A letter is also going to be sent on Monday regarding revision sessions that are being offered over half term. Please encourage your child to attend as many of these as possible.
Year 9 parents/carers will be receiving a letter on Monday about the Keystage 4 Pathways process. Please ensure that you look out for this as it contains important information and dates.
We will be holding celebration assemblies next week for all year groups, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the students successes from this half term. We very much enjoy this, and we know they do too.
Have a good weekend.