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A High Performing Specialist Academy for Technology & Applied Learning

8 February 2023

Celebration Event 

I was delighted to attend the Celebration Evening last month that was hosted superbly by our Sixth Form prefect team to finally recognise the cohort of 21-22.  It was a magnificent event, where I was particularly delighted that Councillor Helen Whitcroft along with Mr and Mrs Hempson were able to support our awards ceremony once again and who helped contribute to making it such a special evening.  We celebrated over one hundred students for their outstanding achievements and excellent contributions to College life. A truly wonderful evening!  

PPE Examinations and Booster Breakfasts 

We are just coming to the end of our second round of PPEs (mocks) and I would like to congratulate our students on again applying themselves brilliantly and persevering through the two weeks.  Our exams and invigilator team have commented to me again about how well our students have conducted themselves and enthused about their exemplary behaviour.  This all bodes well for the summer exams! 

Once again, the booster breakfast programme has been well received where students have appreciated the quick revision tips before their examinations whilst eating a croissant or two!  I am delighted to see that a number of students have already signed up for the February Power Up Days to support their revision programme and close any gaps in their learning.  If you would like your son or daughter to join the Power Up Days, please contact Miss Robinson. 

INSET Day 

A reminder that on Monday 20 February the College is closed to students due to a staff INSET day and that students should return to College on Tuesday 21 February. 

Year 9 Parents’ Evening  

Due to the planned industrial action on Thursday 2 March, the date for the remote Year 9 Parents’ evening has been changed to Tuesday 28 February.  

Strike Days 

A reminder to you that the NEU have further planned strikes in March on the following dates: 

  • Thursday 2 March 
  • Wednesday 15 March 
  • Thursday 16 March.

We are currently working closely with our staff union representatives, where we have carried out an initial risk assessment which includes modelling the anticipated staff absence for Thursday 2 March.  This is obviously difficult to predict, but we do have a large majority of staff in the NEU.  I therefore anticipate that I am likely to decide that we need another partial College closure and would ask that you make the necessary arrangements for these dates.  I will of course confirm our plans after half term once we have finalised our risk assessments and I can only emphasise that it remains my priority to keep the College open to as many students as is safely possible to do so. 

Happy half term to you all! 

Miss Watling - Senior Vice Principal

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