Dear Parent/Carer

We are now entering our third week of the new school year and I would just like to thank you for all your help and support with uniform; I really do appreciate it. The students are looking super smart. We know there have been a small number of supply issues and we are working with you on this. Just a reminder that socks have to be black, and jewellery is limited to studs in the ears and a watch.

Other important priorities for our school, are the quality of teaching and learning and attendance. We are working hard with our teachers on a project called Embedding Formative Assessment, the aim of which is for teachers to further develop effective formative assessment strategies and for them to adapt their teaching based on these assessments. The educational research tell us that this approach will drive academic progress and outcomes for all students. The research also shows a direct link between attendance and student outcomes at GCSE. We are currently working with our teaching staff to develop strategies in the classroom that mitigate the impact of missed learning as well as working with our pastoral staff to support students in getting into school. Please support us with our attendance drive by sending your child to school everyday unless they are poorly. Making routine medical appointments outside of school hours will also really help.

We will continue to embed our school values of Ready, Respect and Safe during the year and with your continued support I am sure we will have a great year of learning!

If you have any worries or concerns or would like to talk to someone about your child's experience at school, please do not hesitate to contact the school office and we will put you in touch with the most appropriate member of staff. Alternatively, we now have a Parents' Forum led by Miss Copley and one of our parents, Mrs Grant. If you would like to get involved, please email: parentforum@buxton.derbyshire.sch.uk

Kind regards

Mrs Sam Jones - Headteacher