17 December 2020

Dear Parents/Carers

Year 10 – End of Autumn Term 

We have reached the end of a very successful first term for our Year 10 students which is reflected in the ClassCharts data for Year 10.  Since starting school in September, students have been awarded over 14017 positive points and on average the cohort is achieving an 87% positive to a negative ratio for their behaviour.  This is a fantastic achievement and one I am very keen to continue into the New Year.

After a lengthy period of distance learning, I am incredibly proud of how quickly our Year 10 students have settled into school life. They have shown adaptability and resilience throughout this whole process.  The feedback from subject teachers has been extremely complimentary since September and it is clear that this cohort are determined to be successful at GCSE through their positive behaviour and their attitudes towards learning.  This has certainly been reflected in the increase of positive points from subject teachers as well as the number of students accessing homework and live lessons during the isolation period.  I have always believed that this cohort was incredibly capable and it has been wonderful to see what they can all achieve when they set their minds to it.

I have continued to feel a sense of pride when working with each child on an individual basis. I have been able to see many individuals as well as collective acts of kindness since our return in September 2020.  It is a pleasure to be surrounded by individuals with good manners and who are aware of those around them through their kind actions.  Year 10 students have continued to be a charitable year group donating very generously to good causes such as the poppy appeal, the Kerith Centre (food bank) and our recent christmas jumper charity.

After a great return to school, we have much to look forward to in January 2021.  Students will receive their subject assessments feedback and will see the launch of many apps to support their academic progress.  Students will be granted access to GCSE Pod and PiXL, so that they can continue to develop their understanding of key topics in all subject areas.  Subject teachers will be setting tasks through these apps to help embed key learning in preparation for their exams in 2022.  All apps will be accessible through mobile devices meaning that all students will be able to access them.

We know that students benefit from regular attendance at school and that it is key to an individual’s social, emotional, educational progress and attainment.  As you may realise, good attendance and punctuality are vital to your child’s academic success.

At Easthampstead Park Community School, we aim that every student should strive for 100% but achieve at least 96% attendance in a school year in line with the national average.  As a parent/carer you have responsibility for your child’s attendance and punctuality and we value your support in what are difficult times.

 

The table below shows how an absence can very quickly make an impact.

 

If your attendance over the school year is…	..this is how many school days you have missed,	which is approximately this many school weeks,	which is this number of lessons missed
95% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50%	10 19 39 58 78 97	2 4 8 12 16 19	50 100 200 300 400 500

The school uniform rules must be adhered to by all students and these are detailed in the student planner and on the school website. Ensuring that your child has the correct uniform, equipment and attends school on a regular basis ensures that your child can be as successful as possible at school and in support of our school ethos.

If any shoes or equipment need replacing then please take the opportunity to replenish stocks over the break in preparation for the new term.  Student handbooks can be purchased for £1 and ties for £7.15 via ParentPay, students can then collect them from Raising Standards.  Students will need to remember their mask on their return to school. This expectation will continue until we are given further guidance from the government.

We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday 5 January 2021 at 9.10 am and it will be Week B.  New handbook and student timetables will be issued in January and the expectation is that students will write their timetable in their handbook.  Multiple copies will not be printed for students who lose their paper copy.

I would like to thank you for all your support during this unique and challenging term.  Your continued support and flexibility with the adaptations to school life this term, has been much appreciated.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year, I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2021.

Yours faithfully

Mrs J Fear

Head of Year 10