HEADTEACHER S BULLETIN

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1 Term 2 Key Dates Monday 5 November Start of Term 2 Thursday 8 November Remembrance Day at Backwell School Thursday 15 November Sixth Form Open Evening Friday 16 November Non-uniform day Wednesday 21 November GCSE Certificate Evening Tuesday 27 November Winter Concert Wednesday 28 November INSET Day Thursday 29 November Yr 12 Parents Evening Friday 30 November BSA Winter Fayre 5-7 December Sixth Form Production Wednesday 19 December Ex Yr 13 Certificate Evening Friday 21 December End of Term HEADTEACHER S BULLETIN As ever Term 1 has been a busy and exciting term as students and staff return to the routines of school life. We have also been welcoming prospective new families to Backwell through our Open Evening and School Tours. I firmly believe that our students are fantastic ambassadors for our school and I am very grateful to the 120 Year 9 and Sixth Form students who have helped us by showing parents around our school. Already many events and activities have taken place and we are planning and preparing for the rest of the school year. You can read about some of the events from Term 1 and upcoming plans in this bulletin. GCSE Results: an update We have already celebrated the fantastic performance of last year s Year 11 students in their GCSE exams. Now the government has published its preferred measure of the progress made by all students. Progress 8 is calculated by measuring the progress of all students nationally from the end of primary school to the end of Year 11. The greater the Progress 8 score, the greater the progress made by the pupils compared to the average of pupils with similar prior attainment. I am extremely pleased to report that our Progress 8 score for 2018 is 0.32, a very high figure whether compared locally or nationally and more reason to congratulate the students who took those examinations. If you are interested in reading more about these figures, the Government has published performance tables for schools here: School Site I have mentioned in previous bulletins two major projects which are being undertaken on site. The schools heating system has been replaced and contractors are now in the final phase of this project. Testing is well underway and the new boilers are ready for the upcoming winter months. The windows in the science corridor are also being replaced. The current windows have been in place since the 1950s (!) so we are delighted by the new double glazing in this area of the school. Lighthouse Schools Partnership As parents are aware Backwell School joined the Lighthouse Schools Partnership in January. I am pleased to confirm Flax Bourton Primary have also joined, completing the Backwell hub of the LSP. Page 1

2 Treading the Boards On Thursday 25 October our Year 7 students took part in their first ever music concert The Year 7 Showcase. The whole year group, with support from GCSE students and the Music Department have been preparing throughout this term for this fantastic performance which was themed around new beginnings. With uplifting songs, mostly from musicals including the Lion King and Jungle Book, all those in the audience, and those singing, left with a spring in their step and smile on their face. Well done to all involved and I look forward to watching your musical skills and talents develop over the next few years. Legally Blonde Our Sixth Form students are currently rehearsing for their musical production of Legally Blonde which will take place in December. The play follows Elle Woods as she enrols at Harvard Law School in the hope to win back her ex-boyfriend. However, after successfully leading a high profile case and finding her confidence Elle decides that perhaps he might not be the best match for her after all. Directed, performed and choreographed by the students themselves these shows are always very enjoyable and this year will be no exception. Tickets will be on sale next term details will be placed on our website. Dressing correctly a reminder Please can I remind parents that, particularly as the weather is getting colder, hoodies are not allowed and they do not count as a coat. Students should not be wearing trousers that are rolled/folded at the bottom and facial piercings (including clear plastic/ nude studs) of any description are not allowed. Hoodies and jewellery (other than one pair of stud earrings in the ear) will be confiscated. In addition to the weather turning colder, the days are now getting shorter; Please can parents ensure that children who cycle (or walk) to school are wearing appropriate reflective clothing and have working lights on their bikes. Cyclists also should be wearing helmets when cycling to and from school.

3 Each year here at Backwell we hold a service of remembrance to mark Armistice Day on the 11 November. This year marks 100 years since the end of World War One and across the country events are being held to commemorate this historic occasion. On Thursday 8 November students will spend a large amount of the day taking part in activities and special lessons to learn about the impact World War One had and to remember those who were affected and those who sadly lost their lives. Students will also have the opportunity to share and honour relatives who fought in the war so you may wish to help your child by sharing family stories, talking to older relatives or researching at home. We will also, as always, have collection boxes and poppies for the students to purchase in aid of the British Legion in school form Monday 5 November. Local services and events A number of events are taking place in the local community with many being organised for Sunday 11 November. In Backwell village a procession will march from Lawnside to the War Memorial at the village church. This will begin at 10.15am and once the procession arrives at the memorial a short service will be held and wreaths will be laid. This will then be followed by a church service in St Andrews itself. Students of the school and their families are welcome to attend this event, and a representative for the school will place a wooden cross on behalf of the school. Poppies growing on the school site

4 Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition You may remember that the weekend of the 13 and 14 October was rather wet and windy, with amber weather warnings across Wales and the South West. Storm Callum certainly made his presence known, especially for the Backwell students who were braving the elements undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition. This consisted of two nights camping and three days walking approx. 60km carrying all their supplies and camping equipment not an easy task on the nicest of days. Due to the dangerous nature of the weather the students were checked on once an hour and their route was adjusted and brought to a lower altitude. However they spent the three days cold and damp, eating boil-in-the-bag meals and saving their only dry clothes for sleeping in. Caitlin Rees, Deputy Head Student, took part and admits she was nervous before they started because of the weather forecast. However at the end of the challenge we were so grateful that we were allowed to go ahead; This expedition was particularly rewarding and we all felt safe and secure throughout due to the amazing help and support we received. Three Backwell School staff (Miss Cook, Ms Griffiths and Mr Langford) also spent the weekend rather wet and windswept as the support team for the students. They praised their resilience as they worked through the particularly gruelling conditions. All those involved should be very proud of their accomplishments and I wish them luck with the rest of the Duke of Edinburgh award.

5 The Backwell School Association Needs YOU The BSA is a charitable organisation run by parents to fundraise money for Backwell School. We are forever grateful for the help, support and dedication they show the school and the money they raise helps improve the school for our students. For such a small group of people the BSA do a fantastic job. However the BSA needs your help and more volunteers to keep it running, especially as Term 2 is very busy for them. All parents are automatically members of the BSA and being involved does not mean having to attend every meeting or every school event or function but being willing to help out on occasions when you are available. Without the help and fundraising many school events and facilities would not exist. The money that they raise does not go on books or essentials but on opportunities and facilities which enrich every child s experience within the school. In the current climate of cuts to educational funding it is harder and harder for the school to find money for the extras that make life at Backwell so special for the students. The BSA are raising money this year to fund new gym equipment for PE lessons and a Baby Grand Piano for the Music Department How can you help? Sign up to be on the committee Assist with organising BSA events for example the Christmas Fair or the Year 7 BBQ Help by serving on the bar at concerts and productions Suggest and organise new ideas (quiz nights, beetle drives or dances for example) to raise money for the school. Donate money towards the BSA via Parent Pay To find out more or to offer your time please BSA@backwellschool.net The BSA have previously supported the school with many items. Most recently providing a new minibus and shelters and seating for students to use. Finally.I wish you all a relaxing half term holiday and I look forward to seeing the students on Monday 5 November (when it will be a Week 1).