Published September 23, 2022
This was a brief but busy week!
A minibus full of Yr10 ICT pupils attended the Army Cyber Challenge Day led by the Royal Signals at Blandford Camp. They had a great time rising to many different tasks and challenges – some of them like an advanced Escape Rooms! Thanks to Mr Ollivierre and Mrs Fenwick for making it happen!
Half of Year 8 had a great day at Corfe Castle today thanks to Ms Shuttleworth and the Humanities department.
Today, the Year 11 mock exams finished. Thank you to Miss Ryder for ensuring that these exams ran as smoothly and efficiently as always; it’s an incredibly valuable experience for the pupils. The exams will be marked within the next fortnight, and we will be holding our mock results session soon after.
The St Joseph’s Way
Last week, I referred to The St Joseph’s Way – the things we do, how we expect them to be done and why we do them to aid learning. Following discussions with pupils and staff we have created an acrostic which will take pride of place across classrooms and communal areas in school.
I’d like to draw your attention to the Y (YOLO – You Only Learn Once – is a myth!). Research shows that pupils who review and revisit their work strengthen their long-term memory and also perform better in exams. Don’t hesitate to direct your child to review their work if they claim they have no homework or claim they have finished it!
Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be holding assemblies referring to the St Joseph’s Way and also the Science of Learning to help the pupils understand the strategies we employ and how they impact on their learning.
Uniform Update
The pupils are looking very smart, and I must say Year 7-9 are particularly impressive! Thank you for your support in helping to ensure uniform is of the highest standards.
Homework
The updated Homework Timetables are available on our website here.
Please note that Homework is set via Satchel One and most homework will be submitted in class as it will be done in the pupils’ books / folders. There is no need for contact via Satchel One to indicate that HW has been completed as teachers will be monitoring this when they collect books and HW submissions.
We offer a tiered intervention approach for support if pupils are having difficulty completing Homework.
- Tier One: Form Tutor intervention – initial talk with the child to establish what the barriers are and how we can help. If there is no improvement, parents will then be informed.
- Tier Two: Director of Learning intervention – Director of Learning to discuss issues with pupil, if no improvement, parents contacted, and pupil placed on HW report to monitor completion.
- Tier Three: SLT intervention – Discussions with child and parent and if no improvement, compulsory attendance at HW Club.
Salisbury Foodbank and Harvest Collection
Our school and our students, in the past have and right now can continue to make a HUGE difference to peoples’ lives in Wiltshire, just by donating a tin or two each from our cupboards at home as a collection for Salisbury foodbank this Harvest. We’ll have our shopping trolley and hamper ready to be filled with donations for Salisbury Foodbank from Monday 26th September in the canteen area. Please, if you can, donate an item or two to help make a difference this autumn. Here is a list of items that the Salisbury Foodbank is particularly keen to receive.
Pupil Voice & Leadership
This year, our pupil leadership initiatives are going full steam ahead under the guidance of Mrs Barratt; the Pupil Parliament has held its first meeting and is due to gather again next week. We also have a number of committees and councils that we will establish to give pupils vital leadership experience. In addition, we will be conducting many surveys with pupils over the coming terms to gather their perspectives and also give pupils a voice on a range of issues in school.
Coming Up
- Tuesday 27th Sept: Inter School Cross Country Competition
- Tuesday 27th Sept: Open Evening 5:30-7:30
- Wednesday 28th Sept: Open Morning 9:30-12:00
- Friday 7th October: European Day of Languages and International Day – an opportunity for us to celebrate our diversity as a school and our many varied heritages! A separate communication will be sent next week.
STOP PRESS: The Year 9 Options will go live this evening on the Options page.
Achievement Points Race
- 1st Place: Margaret House with 4,483 points
- 2nd Place: Vincent House with 3,962 points
- 3rd Place: Teresa House with 3,717 points
- 4th Place: Francis House with 3,486 points
Have a lovely weekend!
Mr Rooney