Updates from the Principal – Spring 2024/25

2024/25 – Spring Updates

Parent Update – Friday 21st March 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

This week has been phenomenally busy at Vale. The final preparation for the school musical is well underway; we are all really excited to go and see the performances next week. We have continued to have a number of trips and activities taking place with Year 10 boys winning at Bootham, Year 7 Geography field trips, the Mathletes coming second at the local competition and attendance at both the York book awards and the Lego league challenge. 

We are continuing with the ‘Getting Your Ducks in a Row’ for Year 11 with ‘Beneduck Cumberhatch’’ being available to collect from Tuesday break next week for the students who have attended three revision sessions this week.

Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been ‘Protected Characteristics’. As part of the Modern British Values curriculum, students are expected to know about Protected Characteristics. These are identified by law in the Equality Act 2010. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of: age; gender reassignment; being married or in a civil partnership; being pregnant or on maternity leave; disability; race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation. These are called ‘protected characteristics’. If you would like to know more, please use the following link: Protected Characteristics

Weekly Focus
Our new focus is behaviour on the astroturf. We have recently had a few heavy tackles on the astro, and the warm weather means numbers coming to play outside at lunch inevitably increase. As such, we need to be mindful of conduct. 

Safeguarding
We have made an addition to the parent update from this term to provide you with additional safeguarding information. The focus for this half term will be on online and smartphone safety tips.

Attendance
Many of you have been asking for additional information regarding attendance. We are going to share the information for each year group on a weekly basis with you from this week as part of the parent update:

This week has seen a marked decrease in attendance, which is of great concern, especially for Year 11, with exams so near. Please reach out to school with any concerns you may have about your child’s attendance.

Votes for Schools 
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you. 

This week, voters explore the possibility of reducing anonymity online and the impact this would have on our digital world.

Question: Should anonymity online be protected?

Key Dates:
25 and 26 March School Musical
27 March Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

– 

Parent Update – Friday 14th March 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,
Another busy week at Vale. We had Year 7s going out to look at biomes, a trip to see Hamilton on stage and lots of sport taking place, including the Year 11 football team in their last competitive match for the school. We are continuing with the  ‘Getting Your Ducks in a Row’ for Year 11 with ‘Duck Norris’’ being available to collect from Tuesday break next week for the students who have attended three revision sessions this week.

Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been on British Science Week with the theme ‘change and adapt’. British Science Week, run by the British Science Association, is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, featuring entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for people of all ages. If you wish to know more, please see the following link: British Science Week

Weekly Focus
Our new focus is care for our environment, as we have recently noticed an increase in litter, chewing gum in classrooms and on carpets, and some damage to the toilets. We aim to provide a comfortable and clean environment for all students and staff to enjoy; it is very much ‘ours’ and something we hope all will enjoy and respect.

Safeguarding
We have made an addition to the parent update from this term to provide you with additional safeguarding information. The focus for this half term will be on online and smartphone safety tips.

Attendance
Many of you have been asking for additional information regarding attendance. We are going to share the information for each year group on a weekly basis with you from this week as part of the parent update:

Votes for Schools 
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you. 

This week, voters will be looking close to home, and considering their local provision for youth spaces. They consider the benefits of youth spaces and the reasons they may or may not be engaging with them.

Question: Would you use a local youth space?  Will there still be youth spaces in the future?

Key Dates:
25 and 26 March – School Musical
27 March – Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Vacancies at Vale
Assistant Vice Principal

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

–

Parent Update – Friday 7th March 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

Another busy week at Vale with students participating in the Shakespeare Festival and Year 11 mock exams in full swing. We are continuing with the  ‘Getting Your Ducks in a Row’ for Year 11 with ‘Jack Quack’ being available to collect from Tuesday break next week for the students who have attended three revision sessions this week.

You will have received the letter and link for the recent Ofsted inspection of the school. We are delighted that the report states we have taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.

This week, we have said goodbye to two members of staff, Trust Associate Principal, Heather Wright, and Assistant Vice Principal, Claire Hirst. We would like to extend our thanks to both of the staff members, who were instrumental in the Ofsted report, and we wish them all the best in their new ventures. Gill Mills, Principal, will be acting Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the academy.

Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been on World Book Day and the importance of reading. Additionally, we held an extra assembly to celebrate International Women’s Day (Saturday 8th March), to share the journey towards gender equality for women. The theme for 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’ because at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. If you would like more information on International Women’s Day, please use the link below:

International Women’s Day

Weekly Focus
It is always great to hear positive feedback about our students, who are a credit to this community. We have received reports of public acts of kindness and understanding, recently, which are further testament to their character. It is in light of this that we are focusing on the use of language around the academy, where we aim to encourage all to show kindness, compassion and to avoid poor language at all times. As such, profanity will not be tolerated, and is our focus area.

Safeguarding
We have made an addition to the parent update from this term to provide you with additional safeguarding information. The focus for this half term will be on online and smartphone safety tips.

Attendance
Many of you have been asking for additional information regarding attendance. We are going to share the information for each year group on a weekly basis with you from this week as part of the parent update:

Votes for Schools 
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you. 

It’s National Careers Week, so voters are turning their attention to a possible career pathway for the future and thinking about the pros and cons of starting their own business one day

Question: Would you like to start your own business?

Key Dates:
8 March International Women’s Day
25 and 26 March School Musical
27 March Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Vacancies at Vale
Assistant Vice Principal
SATA

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

– 

Parent Update – Friday 28th February 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

It has been an amazing start to the new half term. We have launched the ‘Getting Your Ducks in a Row’ for Year 11 at the start of their mock examination season. ‘James Pond’ will be available to collect from Tuesday next week for the students who have attended three revision sessions this week.

Rehearsals continue for the Academy’s upcoming production of The Addams Family. Thank you to all of the members of staff and parents/carers who are supporting our students to shine. The production will be Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th of March. 

Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been welcoming the students back to the academy, resetting the standards and supporting Year 11 students with their preparations for their upcoming mock examinations. 

Weekly Focus
When people visit Vale of York Academy, many comment on how clean and tidy the school is. Recently, however, we have seen an increase in litter. We want to see all of our students continuing to take pride in their surroundings and environment. 

Safeguarding
We have made an addition to the parent update from this term to provide you with additional safeguarding information. The focus for this half term will be on online and smartphone safety tips.

Votes for Schools 
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you. 

This week, voters are investigating the results of a recent poll sharing ideas about leadership in the UK. They will consider different viewpoints about both democracy and dictatorship before sharing their final thoughts.

Question: Should the UK be a dictatorship?

Key Dates:

• 6 March World Book Day – Events are planned in the school day
• 8 March International Women’s Day
• 27 March Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Vacancies at Vale
SATA – Senior Advanced Teaching Assistant

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

–

Parent Update – Friday 14th February 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are at the end of another half term and we continue to be very proud of everything that our students have achieved since Christmas. There has been much to celebrate, with many sporting, artistic and academic activities offered to all students. The school’s lego club, gaming club, LGBTQ+ club, debate club, art club and languages club are all continuing to grow in numbers and we encourage students to make the most of this brilliant offer. Well done to everyone who has participated and pushed themselves to aim higher. 

This week has been National Apprenticeships week and Mr Martin has organised events within the school to guide our students on potential future careers options. Year 10 students took part in an apprenticeship meet and greet event with five different employers showcasing their companies and the exciting opportunities available within them. All years took part in a form time based activity introducing them to apprenticeships to support them making more informed decisions in the future, and curriculum areas also advertised the many opportunities that their areas could lead to. If you would like to learn more about apprenticeships for students, more information can be found here: https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/zones/parent/

Year 9 students have been discussing their GCSE options choices with their teachers and tutors prior to the half term. Mrs Hardy has sent out the options letter with the link to the online options form, please can all Year 9 parents discuss with your child and complete and submit the form by Friday 28th February.

Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been on the Academy Core Value of Kindness. Assemblies have been focused on celebrating successes of the half term. Our Year 11s were introduced to their new revision support and reward strategy, ‘Getting Your Ducks in a Row.’ After half term, for 6 weeks, if a student attends three sessions in a week, they will receive a duck. If they attend 18 sessions over the 6 weeks, they can exchange their completed card for an Easter themed prize. 

Weekly Focus
We are seeing an increase in students wearing rings, bracelets, hooped earrings, necklaces and ankle bracelets. Students are reminded that jewellery is not permitted in school, except one pair of stud earrings and a watch, should students choose to wear them. 

Votes for Schools 
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you. 

This week, voters reflect on this year’s Safer Internet Day theme of “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online”. The lessons help voters navigate some of the most common online scams, and support them to build critical awareness of signs to look out for. 

Question: Are online scams always too good to be true?

Key Dates:
24 February Smmmile Assemblies
27 March Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

–

Parent Update – Friday 7th February 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

Thank you for all of your support during the Ofsted inspection this week. As soon as the report is available for publication, it will be shared with parents. 

Year 9 students have been discussing their GCSE options choices with their teachers and tutors this week. Mrs Hardy has sent out a letter to parents/carers following the recent information evening. These conversations can also continue during Year 9 parents’ evening on Thursday 13th February. 

Ms Brady and Mrs Mapplebeck also took a group of our talented music students out to York St. John Universitythis week to participate in a creative festival along with nine other schools. Students experienced workshops, performances and rehearsal time before performing themselves in the celebratory showcase. 

Assemblies – Core Value: Teamwork
This week, the theme of assemblies has been on the Academy Core Value of Teamwork. Assemblies for students have been focused on mental health and supporting themselves and one another through personal challenges. 

Weekly Focus
For the next week, students will be focusing on arriving at school on time. The school gates close at 08.40am and students should be in tutor time for 08.45am. Students are reminded to be as organised as possible, by packing their bag the night before and setting an alarm to wake up on time. Well done to all students who make it to school on time every single day. 

Votes for Schools 
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you. 

This week, voters mark Children’s Mental Health Week by reflecting on whether learning about their emotions makes a difference to them.

Question: Does learning about your emotions help you feel better?

Job Vacancies 
Cleaner
Senior Advanced Teaching Assistant
Careers Advisor

Key Dates:
10th-13th February – Year 7,8 & 9 Reports sent home         
13th February – Year 9 Parents’ Evening

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

–

Parent Update – Friday 31st January 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are now four weeks into the term.  This week we have had students involved in extra activities this week including the Maths Challenge and the Holocaust Memorial event.

Year 11 students are focussed on exam preparation and we welcomed some of our past students this week to collect their examination certificates. It was lovely to hear how they are getting on with their post 16 choices.

Assemblies – Core Value: Respect
This week, the theme of assemblies has been on the Academy Core Value of Respect. There have been topics about apprenticeships, colleges and post 16 options for our students during these assemblies.

Holocaust Memorial Day was on Monday 27 January 2025. We had a group of students working on a group project together to remember those who lost their lives.

Weekly Focus
For the next week, we will continue to focus on student movement around the academy. Students are expected to show respect and kindness to each other as they move around the site. We ask students to stay to the left on the corridors and follow the one way system on the stairs.

Votes for Schools
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you. 

This week, we’re talking about drones. Voters are thinking about the increasing use of drones in the UK and reflecting on how comfortable they feel with this. Meanwhile, the assembly investigates different types of surveillance in today’s world.

Question: Should we be more worried about drone use?

Job Vacancies 
Cleaner
Receptionist
Senior Advanced Teaching Assistant
Careers Advisor

Key Dates:
10th-13th February – Year 7, 8 & 9 Reports sent home
13th February – Year 9 Parents’ Evening

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

–

Parent Update – Friday 24th January 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are now three weeks into the term. The academy has welcomed a lot of external visitors this week and they have commented on how focused students have been in their lessons.

Thank you all for your kind donations to the food bank and Mr Orr’s uniform swap shop. In the current economic climate, we appreciate your generosity and kindness in line with the academy values.

Assemblies – Core Value: Kindness

This week, the theme of assemblies has been on the Academy Core Value of Kindness. There have been a number of different topics depending on the year groups with a focus on inclusivity and respect for all.

Holocaust Memorial Day is on Monday 27 January 2025. Year 7 students have had an additional assembly on this. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year is ‘For a Better Future’. If you would like to know more about this, please visit the site: https://hmd.org.uk/what-is-holocaust-memorial-day/this-years-theme

Weekly Focus
For the next two weeks, we will be focusing on student movement around the academy. Students are expected to show respect and kindness to each other as they move around the site. We ask students to stay to the left on the corridors and follow the one way system on the stairs.

Votes for Schools
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you.

This week, with an abundance of saving challenges launched this month, voters consider their confidence in talking about money.

Question: Do you want to be more confident talking about money?

Job Vacancies 

Receptionist

Curriculum Leader for English

Senior Advanced Teaching Assistant

Careers Advisor

Key Dates:
29th January – Intermediate Maths Challenge
13th February – Year 9 Parents’ Evening

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

–

Parent Update – Friday 17th January 2025

Dear Parent/Carer,

Yet again, it has been another busy week in the academy with Year 11 college taster days and sports fixtures.

Assemblies – Core Value: Teamwork
This week, the theme of assemblies has been on the Academy Core Value of Teamwork, led by Mrs Hirst. The students have had the opportunity to reflect on their part in their friendship group, tutor group, classes and wider school community and how we can all work together.

Weekly Focus
The focus for next week will be on planners again. Students will be expected to show their planners on the gate on entry to school in the morning and to have the planners on desks during all lessons, including tutor time. The planner is a valuable tool and forms part of our reward system for students.

Votes for Schools
Each week, the students are given an opportunity to participate in a democratic voting experience as part of their tutor time. We will share the responses of our students with you. 

This week,  voters will be exploring Bradford, the UK’s newest City of Culture, and how it might prompt us all to take up a new creative hobby or get more involved in our local communities. There is additional information which takes a closer look at the cities who have previously held this title.

Question: Could a year of culture improve where you live?

Job Vacancies 
Curriculum Leader for English
Senior Advanced Teaching Assistant
Careers Advisor

Key Dates:
23rd January Year 9 Options Information Evening 
29th January Intermediate Maths Challenge

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

–

Parent Update – Friday 10th January 2025