Year 10 End of Year Letter

Dear Parent/Guardian

As we approach the end of Year 10 and before we embrace the serious work of Year 11, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the many students who have worked so very hard over the past year
and also to ask for your support on issues concerning year 10.

Making us proud

Many Year 10 students have shown determination and dedication over the past year.  There have been great numbers achieving 40/40 in the Science Module exams.  Students across the board have been chosen as sport leaders.  Last week ten students were selected to lead and help year 6 in their ‘4 day experience’, all receiving high praise from the tutor to whom they were linked.  And of course, the dramatic talents of those involved in ‘The Sound of Music’ production have been much celebrated.  To all these students who have involved themselves so fully in school life – I would like to say thank you and
encourage you to continue in your efforts next year.

Uniform

Our school uniform which has now been adopted and adapted by our neighbouring schools is still something of which we are very proud.  Unfortunately many Year 10 students are not wearing their uniforms correctly.  The uniform list is attached. In addition to this, no make-up or nail polish should be worn in school at any time. Form tutors will be making daily checks and any student found to be wearing make up or nail polish will be sent to the office to remove the items.  Also black trousers are NOT part of our uniform, neither are trainers or plimsolls.  As such, we ask that you ensure that your child’s uniform adheres to our expectations, and in the case of our girls, ask you to remove their make-up bags from their school bags.

Behaviour

You selected BGN for your child as you believed that it was the best choice for your child, you will have been aware of our uniform and behaviour expectations and now is the time to ensure that you support the school in enforcing both so that valuable teaching/learning time is not taken up with the sanctioning of students.                                                                          

The behaviour of some students in Year 10 has been disappointing.  There is a general tendency to be disrespectful, to answer back, and to fail to accept responsibility for wrong doing.  This behaviour is unacceptable and it will not be tolerated at BGN.  There are a large number of Year 10 students who are regularly late to morning and afternoon registrations and a growing trend to arrive late to period 3 as a consequence of being on the “field” at break time.  I appreciate that as parents if your child is only guilty of one of these misdemeanours you may be inclined to excuse their behaviour, however we would ask that you would not do this and support the school in our rules.

Dates for your diary

‘Breakthrough’ Evening    - Thursday 17th September

Year 11 Parents’ Evening  - Thursday 3rd December

Year 11 Photographs        - Thursday 11th February

Learning

To enhance Year 10 learning in the final two weeks of school we have introduced coursework workshop days that have been arranged in 5 subject areas.  It is our hope that these days will help students in a number of ways; in ICT it will allow Mrs Thornton to ensure that their third project is completed prior to her leaving at the end of July.  The RE session will mean that all Year 10 students will have completed one full piece of coursework prior to starting Year 11.  Whereas the Product Design session will encourage meaningful thought and preparation for their Year 11 practical project.  It is important that over the course of the summer holiday your child continues to be active in learning.  This can be done simply by spending 1-2 hours a week revisiting work they have already done.                                                                                                                                                                                           

And finally

Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Morrison for all her work this year and wish her and her family all the very best as she starts her maternity leave. 

I wish you all a happy and safe summer holiday.

Yours sincerely

Miss Denise Durkan -Learning Leader KS4