We were visited earlier this week by the Arts Council Assessor following our application to be awarded the prestigious Artsmark. I am pleased to report that we have been recommended for accreditation at Gold Level in acknowledgement of the excellence of our expressive and performing arts. We look forward to a favourable response. I thank all who have contributed to this success, in particular Miss Fox who has led us through the application process.
We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected as one of only 28 schools nationally to participate in the ‘Get Set’ Games Time in the Olympic Park during the Olympics and Paralympics events this summer. We have also received tickets to the Paralympics athletics events – more details will come out soon from Mr Box.
Prep School pupils ‘wowed’ an audience at the Etz Chaim Synagogue earlier this week when they performed songs from the ‘Curry Bean’. I wish good luck to all the pupils taking part in the Harrogate Music Festival this weekend; I look forward to hearing of their success.
Thank you for your support at the Lower 5 Parents’ Evening last week, I was sorry not to have been there; please do not hesitate to contact me if you would wish to discuss any matter further.
We welcomed 40 exhausted girls back to School on Monday following their ‘Cambodia in Wales’ weekend! The weather was kind and the girls worked very hard cooking and carrying rucksacks over the two days, bonding together as teams and embedding valuable friendships which will set them in good stead for their expedition in June. Mr Box commented that, if their packing for one night away was anything to go by, they will all have to reconsider what they take for three weeks.
Our LEAP Team is progressing well within the enterprise competition. Their company ‘Embrace’ is near to the close of the trading and financial year. ‘Embrace’ has recently entered for some of the LEAP Enterprise awards including best company business presentation and the best business report; on Saturday 3rd March, the company team members gave a formal presentation in the first round of judging for the presentation award. Well done girls ~ our best wishes for a successful conclusion.
Last Thursday, A Level module results were received and we applauded our students in assembly on Friday. Students were entered for A2 modules in six subjects, with 59% of all passes awarded either A or B grades. Upper Sixth girls took the opportunity to re-sit some of their AS modules, with 81% of all grades securing an improvement in grade and higher UMS. For our Lower Sixth students, who sat their first modules in Biology, Chemistry, History, Physics, Economics and Business Studies, 59% of all passes were at A and B grades – a most positive achievement at such an early stage in the course!
There was a great response to the Bags to School collection this week, clearly everyone has been busy spring cleaning their cupboards. My thanks go to you and the FOG Committee for the continued support.
Our netball teams in Prep and High School continue to secure victories and our ‘Stella’ runners have also been in ‘fine form’ ~ well done! Congratulations also go to Rachel Hilton and Lauren Turner who both competed in the women’s four piece Artistic Gymnastics National Development Grade 11 on Sunday 11th March. Both girls passed with Rachel achieving a distinction.
I would remind parents that the School’s ‘Ethos, Aims and Vision’ can be found on the School Website together with policies and arrangements on - Admissions, Misbehaviour, Exclusions, Education and Welfare Provision, Curriculum, Good Behaviour, Anti-Bullying, Health and Safety, Health and Safety on Educational Visits, Academic Performance, Complaints Procedure – including the number of formal complaints in the previous school year, Staff List – including temporary staff and qualifications. Hard copies of these policies are available upon request.
I am writing this letter ‘virtually’ as today I am accompanying Upper 3 on their Geography and History fieldwork visit to Skipton Castle and White Scar Cave – much colder than in School!
Enjoy the weekend.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Y Wilkinson
Headmistress