The Principal's Newsletter
Last updated December '24
Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been a busy few weeks since my last newsletter. Some of the highlights have included the College’s Culture Day, the Autumn Music Concert and the many trips (to university conferences, art galleries, museums, a nature reserve and Keats’ house, amongst others!) Our Senior Maths Challenge teams did us proud in the Eastern region competition, finishing 6th and 11th and our highly successful cross-country, badminton and table-tennis teams have made it through to the AOC (Association of Colleges) National Finals.
Progress reviews and parents’ evenings
All students have been reviewing their academic progress, with the help of their teachers, and the progress reviews have now been published. If you have not yet accessed these reviews, you can do so via CEDAR (click the green tree icon>Curriculum and Achievement>Progress Reports). Parents of first year students will also have received an email inviting them to one of two parents’ evenings, the second of which has yet to take place, and it is not too late to book appointments. Please see below for further detail, relating to either first or second year students.
New College governors
I am pleased to announce that we have two new parent governors: Chibuzor Ezendiokwele and Paula Simmons. They were elected from a large, impressive field of 8 nominees, and voting was brisk, so I want to thank the many parents who engaged with the process. I am confident that Chibuzor and Paula will represent your perspective very effectively.
They will shortly be joined on the Local Governing Body by the two student governors who are elected as Chair and Vice Chair of the College Council. The hustings have taken place and voting is now underway. The College Council has done great work in recent years, representing and reflecting the views of fellow students, and effecting change. It’s a really valuable experience for the students involved, too, and just one of many ways students can engage with their community and develop important skills.
End of term events
The autumn term ends on Friday 20th December but, before then, we have a number of events to look forward to. We will be celebrating the achievements of our former students, who left us in the summer, at our Awards and Graduation Event, to be held at the University of Essex. Here at College, we have a series of creative and performing arts evening events taking place, starting with the Gold Arts Award Evening on Thursday 5th December, and the first of two Dance shows on Wednesday 11th December. The following evening, Thursday 12th December, we have the second of our Dance shows and also our Christmas Concert, which will feature a varied selection of sacred and secular festive music, with performances from our orchestra, choir and ensembles. The evening kicks off at 6pm with a festive market, offering handmade decorations, jewellery and gifts. If you’d like to join us for what promises to be a lovely event, tickets can be purchased via WisePay (under ticket and event bookings).
Next term
The spring term begins on Monday 6th January, with an altered timetable to accommodate second year mock exams. (Further detail below.) It is extremely rare for us to close the College due to adverse weather but, as the colder months approach, please be aware that you would be notified via the College website, should there be any need to. More generally, please do check the College website for additional information for parents, including term dates.
With best wishes,
Jo Cadman
Information Regarding First Year Students
Parents’ evening
The second parents’ evening for parents of first year students takes place on Tuesday 3rd December. Students are responsible for making appointments with their teachers. However, if you are concerned that your son or daughter has not managed to do this, you are welcome to contact the College (usually via their personal tutor), who will facilitate the process.
Exam stress
For students would like help dealing with exam stress, there will be an information session delivered by the Mental Health Support Team on Tuesday 10th December. Students can sign up using the link in the daily student bulletin.
Next term
When students return from the Christmas break, there will be an altered timetable for all students, to accommodate the second year mock exams. First year students will have longer lessons during the week beginning Monday 6th January, with morning sessions from 9.30-12.00 and afternoon sessions from 1.00 -3.30.
Information Regarding Second Year Students
Progression
Our internal deadlines for university applications have now passed, but we are still processing UCAS applications and it’s not too late to apply. The majority of students do make an application, even as a back-up plan, and we encourage them to do so. The Careers department, personal tutors and senior tutors can help.
Mock exams
Mock exams begin on the first day back from the Christmas break, Monday 6th January, and will continue for the whole week. Normal timetable is suspended for second years until Wednesday 15th January. Students have been briefed on their exam timetables and should be able to tell you when they have exams/assessments. Morning exams run from 9.05-12.05; afternoon exams run from 13.00-16.00.
They have also had advice about preparing for these mock exams. You can help by encouraging them to find a healthy balance between studying, resting and enjoying the festive season. (Which direction they need nudging in will of course depend on the individual!)
For students who would like help dealing with exam stress, there will be an information session delivered by the Mental Health Support Team on Tuesday 10th December. Students can sign up using the link in the daily student bulletin.
Please note: the parents’ evening for second year students will take place on 27th February, to coincide with the publication of full reports.