Parent Update 13th June 2025
Dear Parent/Carer,
Summer seems to have started in earnest this week and we have now moved to our summer uniform for the remainder of the term (no slipovers required). With the sun, came success at the city wide semi-finals of athletics and the Year 11 leavers’ assembly. There are a few exams left next week to complete their final GCSE examinations. Year 10 mock exams and Key Stage 3 end-points are continuing. Rehearsals are in full swing for the summer showcase and the KS3 drama performances.
Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been positive noticing and preparation for the last few weeks of term. Positive noticing rewards are linked to all of our core values of kindness, respect and teamwork. Students will receive a wristband when they are seen living these values in the academy.
Teaching and Learning Update from Mrs Cripps, Trust Vice Principal
Across the Academy, students in years 7-10 have been completing endpoint assessments and mock examinations. Students have shown resilience in completing these assessments and it has been great to see such a calm and purposeful learning environment in lessons throughout the week, with students focused on their assessments and revision. The assessments are designed to give students the opportunity to bring all their learning from previous terms together and give a chance to showcase their learning to themselves and their teachers. We are incredibly proud of how students have conducted themselves during this time and we hope that they are proud of themselves too.
Continuing with the theme of showing pride in ourselves, next week we will be launching our first ‘positive noticing’ week at the academy. During the course of next week staff will be looking for opportunities to notice students who are consistently displaying our values of kindness, respect and teamwork through their behaviours and actions. Students will be given a ‘positive noticing’ wristband when they display such behaviours, and we hope that they wear these wristbands with pride throughout the week and also discuss them at home with parents/carers so we can celebrate the positive actions that our students display on a daily basis.
Weekly Focus from Mr Donaldson
Across all ages students are working hard to follow our school expectations – to contribute positively to classroom and wider school life. We are particularly impressed by the way many students are stepping up as role models for their peers—demonstrating leadership, showing empathy, and being willing to grow from challenges. This is particularly important at a transitional time of year, as Y11 leave us for pastures new and Y6 students arrive to join our community, so it’s especially nice to see students maturing as they reach the next step of their journey.
Of course, learning to make positive choices is a journey, and we continue to support all our students in developing the skills they need to thrive both academically and socially. Our focus remains on promoting a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, and where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to be their best.
Safeguarding from Mrs Cook, Designated Safeguarding Lead
Helping Our Students Say No to Racism
As our children grow into their teen years, they’re becoming more aware of the world around them—and how their words and actions matter. At Vale of York, we’re committed to helping students learn the value of respect, fairness, and standing up for what’s right. Racism, in any form, is not okay. We encourage open conversations at home about how to treat others with kindness, speak up against unfairness, and build a community where everyone feels welcome. Together, we can guide our kids to become thoughtful, inclusive, and courageous young people.
Attendance from Mr Donaldson
Weekly attendance update:
|
Year 7 |
86.30% |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 8 |
87.84% |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 9 |
86.96% |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 10 |
85.34% |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 11 |
85.14% |
National Average: 91.3% |
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 impact of “ghosting”, and consider the scenarios in which it could benefit everyone.
Question: Is ghosting easier for everyone?
Wellbeing from Wellbeing in Mind, Mrs Cook, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Mrs Goodwin, Education and Welfare Support Officer
We proudly celebrated our Young Carers with sweet treats and hot chocolate as part of Young Carers Week. A young carer is someone aged 18 and under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness,disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.Please let us know if you feel your child would benefit from young carer support.
Vacancies:
Key Dates:
Thank you for all of your continued help and support.
Ms Mills
Principal
–
Parent Update 6th June 2025
Dear Parent/Carer,
We welcomed the students back to school this week, and, despite some inclement weather, the half term has got off to a flying start.
We continue with the exam season – it is week 4 of the GCSEs and week 1 of Year 10 trial examinations and Key Stage 3 end-point assessments. The attitude towards the examinations has been exemplary across all year groups and we thank the students for their respectful behaviour to the formal examinations of the older students.
We have had some success in both art and athletics this week. One of our students has won a prestigious award and I hope to share more information with you as we progress through the term. 20 Vale students smashed it at the athletics meet for Years 7 and 8 this week with 10 students qualifying for the semi-final next week.
We have launched Proud Thursdays with Year 8 this week for the quality of their work in lessons. Students were able to select prizes from the Proud Thursday box and received a postcard which can be shared at home. We are looking forward to seeing more excellent work next week.
Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been resetting of standards and expectations linked to all of our core values of kindness, respect and teamwork.
Weekly Focus from Mr Donaldson
All students have received updates on behaviour expectations and standards this week in assemblies. Overall a hugely positive return to the final term- uniform was excellent and behaviour was very good overall. Our theme, as I have discussed throughout the year, is reciprocation. ‘You get back the energy you give out.’
Safeguarding from Mrs Cook, Designated Safeguarding Lead
We have received reports of unpleasant behaviour over social media during the half term break, this has had an impact on a minority of students on their return into school. We have invited some guest speakers in to give advice on staying more secure online. We are asking for your support with this at home too please. I have included the following advice from NSPCC-
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/free-online-safety-group-workshops/
Safeguarding Update – Key Theme
Vale of York are excited to be taking part in this year’s York Pride Festival on Saturday 7th June, as part of Pride Month.
Attendance from Mr Donaldson
Weekly attendance update:
|
Year 7 |
86.03% |
National Average: 90.8% |
|
Year 8 |
85.25% |
National Average: 90.8% |
|
Year 9 |
85.43% |
National Average: 90.8% |
|
Year 10 |
85.40% |
National Average: 90.8% |
|
Year 11 |
88.25% |
National Average: 90.8% |
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, to mark World Environment Day on Thursday 5th June, voters are reflecting on the impact that the AI boom is having upon the environment, and whether more education is needed about the resources being used by AI globally.
Question: Should people be aware of the environmental impact of AI use?
Wellbeing from Wellbeing in Mind, Mrs Cook, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Mrs Goodwin, Education and Welfare Support Officer
We welcome Mrs Goodwin as our new Education and Welfare Support Officer this week. Many students and families will know Mrs Goodwin as part of her previous role in attendance. We are excited to have her as part of the pastoral team, and look forward to the work she will be able to do with our young people.
We know Father’s Day can be difficult for those students who have suffered a bereavement, the following link I have attached a further link for support for those children who may need further support. Please do not hesitate to contact us though, with any worries or concerns.
https://mailchi.mp/winstonswish.org/support-your-pupils-around-fathers-day?e=34e5cb8ddf
Vacancies:
Key Dates:
Thank you for all of your continued help and support.
Ms Mills
Principal
–
Parent Update 25.05.2025
Dear Parent/Carer,
It has been another brilliant week at Vale. We have seen some incredible engagement from Year 11 with some of the longer examinations this week.
We have also launched an initiative with Year 9 students for the summer term. On the last day of term, we will hold the first Year 9 graduation ceremony as part of the celebration events. Students will graduate at bronze, silver and gold levels depending on the following criteria in the last half term:
The criteria will be for the last half term only so all students have a chance of achieving the top level. Furthermore, the top 14 students in the year group will have a big prize in the final week of the term as a reward. This is part of the stepping up programme for Year 9s as they move from KS3 to KS4.
Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been equality and diversity linked to all of our core values of kindness, respect and teamwork. The Equality Act came into force in 2010 to protect everyone, including children and young people, from discrimination and to advance equality and opportunity for all. It protects people against discrimination, harassment and victimisation. If you would like to know more about this, please use the following link: Equality Act 2010
Weekly Focus from Mr Donaldson
As we approach the final weeks of the year, it is more important than ever to maintain high standards. This period is not just a time to reflect on the progress we’ve made, but also a crucial opportunity to demonstrate perseverance as everyone is looking toward the finish line. Finishing strong sets the tone for the future reinforces good habits and runs us into next year nicely. By upholding high expectations for behavior, effort, and achievement, we support a culture of excellence that we are all striving for as a community.
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 mobile phone 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:
|
Year 7 |
87.10 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 8 |
85.34 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 9 |
88.36 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 10 |
85.58 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 11 |
87.38 |
National Average: 91.3% |
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, for our Voters’ Choice topic, our voters took part in a survey to decide on the issue they most want to discuss: knife crime. They will explore the laws around knife possession and the way lives are impacted by it.
Question: Do young people understand the consequences of knife possession?
Wellbeing
Key Dates:
Monday 2nd June All staff and students return to the academy
Wednesday 25th June Summer Concert Showcase
Thank you for all of your continued help and support.
Ms Mills
Principal
–
Parent Update
Dear Parent/Carer,
What a week! We started last weekend with Rawcliffe Carnival. The academy was well presented with stalls, charity work and some outstanding musical performances. Thank you to Mrs Brady and Mr Orr for their work to ensure that this was a successful event.
Year 10 students were on Work Experience this week. We have had some incredible feedback from employers regarding the conduct and work ethic of the students who participated. Well done all.
Year 11 examinations continue to take place. Students are attending interventions and revision sessions in droves. It has been lovely to see so many students helping each other out with their revision – true living of the core values of kindness and teamwork.
Finally, I would like to thank all of the students who performed in the VE Day celebrations. The feedback from the community was really positive.
Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been linked to the theme of respect and kindness in preparation for Pride Month that takes place in June. Pride Month is a month-long celebration that recognizes the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. It is a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by this community and to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance, and human rights. This forms part of the academy’s work on equality and diversity.
Weekly Focus from Mr Donaldson
Clearing the astro at lunch remains an issue for Y7 in particular. All of Y7 have been issued instructions in assembly, today, regarding both clearing the astro and canteen expectations.
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 mobile phone 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:
|
Year 7 |
86.96 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 8 |
85.66 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 9 |
87.96 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 10 |
89.00 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 11 |
92.94 |
National Average: 91.3% |
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, our voters are talking about the rising popularity of nicotine pouches and the potential risks that they pose to users.
Question: Are nicotine pouches a cause for concern?
Key Dates:
Friday 23rd May End of half term *Students are expected to attend on this day
Monday 2nd June All staff and students return to the academy
Thank you for all of your continued help and support.
Ms Mills
Principal
–
Parent Update
Dear Parent/Carer,
I hope that you are all well.
It has been a pleasure to see so many Year 11s engaging with the revision sessions this week in the last preparations for their exams. The rest of the school have been very supportive and respectful of this time for the examining students. They have the support of the staff too with many staff giving their time to run additional sessions and with quizzing on the gate too.
Well done to all of the students who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh silver trial expedition. This was excellent practice for the assessed expedition on a gloomy weekend. Year 7 girls also went out this week on their first rugby tournament, winning their first game. Congratulations on participating as part of the team.
Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been standards, expectations and careers. There have been guest speakers from the local community taking part and the Year 10 students have had some additional preparation time for their week of work experience, which starts next week. If you would like to know more about supporting your child(ren) with careers, this website will be a starting point: Careers Advice for Parents
Weekly Focus from Mr Donaldson
Slipover update: Ms Mills will be deciding daily if we are going without slipovers on a hot day. Please bring them every day (even if just carrying them, and you can pop them on at the gates).
Hoop earrings remain a problem, so please remember they are not allowed due to Health and Safety regulations.
Clearing the astro at lunch needs to be speedy when I am giving all students extra time on it. If we slow down (as we have a bit this week) we will have to start clearing it earlier as we used to. Believe me, astro is a great part of the day for everyone, so I don’t want to have to do that!
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 mobile phone 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:
|
Year 7 |
90.43 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 8 |
89.17 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 9 |
89.03 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 10 |
88.90 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 11 |
89.63 |
National Average: 91.3% |
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, the vote topic asks voters to reflect on the significance of VE Day and whether learning about it should continue for future generations. Students explored the celebrations taking place for this year’s special anniversary.
Question: Is it important for future generations to learn about VE Day?
Wellbeing In Mind Team resources
Key Dates:
Thank you for all of your continued help and support.
Ms Mills
Principal
–
Parent Update
Dear Parent/Carer,
I hope that you have been able to enjoy the warm weather this week.
It has been another busy week. The Year 11 exam season is now in full swing with the completion of the GCSE Art exam and GCSE PE moderation. We welcomed Year 10 parents/carers for the parents’ evening and provided exam revision books for the first formal set of Year 10 exams too.
Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been getting exam/end point ready. Mrs Hardy led the assembly and shared some of the techniques to support students with this time of year. If you would like to know more about how to support the students in this period, you can access the following website: Exam Stress Help
Weekly Focus from Mr Donaldson
Unfortunately, we have witnessed a significant deterioration in uniform standards this week (this is not a reference to the exceptions offered regarding blazers and slipovers throughout the week). Instead, the wearing of jewellery, false eyelashes, fake nails and hoop earrings has noticeably increased.
Please support us by ensuring your young people are wearing the correct uniform. Challenges regarding uniform generate unnecessary conflict with students, and can set days off to a negative start when a highlight of our day is greeting our young people each morning.
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 mobile phone 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:
|
Year 7 |
85.76 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 8 |
86.70 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 9 |
89.86 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 10 |
83.72 |
National Average: 91.3% |
|
Year 11 |
87.98 |
National Average: 91.3% |
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 are very fortunate to have teamed up with Barnardo’s once again for this week’s VoteTopic. Barnardo’s have been working with UK Government on its upcoming Child Poverty Strategy and have been highlighting the experiences of children & families today. They will make sure that voters’ voices are heard on this crucial issue.
Question: Should ending child poverty be a top priority for the UK Government?
Wellbeing and coping with stress from the Wellbeing in Mind Team
Key Dates:
Monday 12th May Start of written GCSE examinations
Year 10 Work Experience Week
Thank you for all of your continued help and support.
Ms Mills
Principal
–
Parent Update – Monday 28th April 2025
Dear Parent/Carer,
We welcomed the students back for the start of the summer term. The Year 11 students have now started their formal examination period with the first part of the Art examination taking place this week. It was brilliant to see so many of the students participating in revision sessions over Easter and during the P0 and P6 revision sessions.
We also welcomed our new staff this week: Miss Jackson, Curriculum Leader of English, Mr Meade, Lead Teacher of Maths, and Mrs Cripps, Trust Vice Principal.
Assemblies
This week, the theme of assemblies has been standards and expectations. Students were reminded about the core values of the school (Kindness, Respect and Teamwork) and the key issues that were highlighted to you before Easter as follows:
Weekly Focus from Mr Donaldson
Great to see everyone back. Uniform was good overall (please continue to prevent the wearing of hoop earrings, purely for Health and Safety purposes). A reminder to Y11 that shirts and ties must still be worn under leavers hoodies.
Detention attendance has been good- parents, please remember to check your Edulink messages/SMS for any detention updates. These are sent each night and will have the following message:
Good evening,
We are sorry to inform you (forename) will be in detention tomorrow night. Thank you for your ongoing support.
If the message is a regular detention update, that is from our old Edulink system which is no longer in use but cannot be deactivated until the end of the school year. For this I can only apologise. Detentions run Monday-Wednesday for Behaviour Detentions and Friday for Late to School Detentions.
Message from Mrs Cripps
Dear Parent/Carer,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Trust Vice Principal at Vale of York Academy. I am delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to working with you to ensure we provide your child with the best possible experience during their time with us.
Although I have only been in post here for a few days, I have been warmly welcomed by both students and staff and can see the huge potential of our children, both academically and from a wider curriculum perspective. We are fortunate to have such a considerate student body that is keen to achieve and develop as well rounded citizens.
As part of my role, I will be leading on the quality of education and one of the areas I will focus on this term in homework. I will be collating staff and student voice on this topic and would welcome the views of parents and carers to help shape the future policy. Please keep a look out for a homework survey over the coming weeks to gain perspectives of all stakeholders.
In the meantime, I look forward to working with the students and staff at Vale of York Academy and to meeting parents and carers at any upcoming events.
Emails
Following the announcement regarding the Trust name change at the end of term, pupil email addresses will change from Monday 28th April 2025. Pupils currently log in with their student ID (this will not be changed) followed by @voy.hslt.academy. Once the change is implemented this will become their student ID followed by @voy.hlt.academy
Within schools, Chromebooks that have this prepopulated will also be changed to ease this change taking place within schools.
For pupils / parents – If you experience any difficulties, please contact hello@voy.hlt.academy with subject ‘Email Changeover’.
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 mobile phone 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:
|
Year 7 |
89.25 |
National Average: 91.5% |
|
Year 8 |
88.00 |
National Average: 91.5% |
|
Year 9 |
91.10 |
National Average: 91.5% |
|
Year 10 |
86.43 |
National Average: 91.5% |
|
Year 11 |
89.53 |
National Average: 91.5% |
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, to celebrate longer daylight hours and in anticipation of Earth Day on 22nd April, we are bringing an optimistic twist to your climate classroom conversations by asking voters to consider whether positive headlines about the environment inspire them to take action, or whether they feel more motivated by the cautionary tales they see in the news.
Question: Does positive news inspire you to take climate action?
Key Dates:
– Tuesday 29th April Year 11 Art Exam
– Thursday 1st May Junior Maths Challenge
– Monday 5th May School Closed (May Day)
– Monday 12th May Start of written GCSE examinations
Current Vacancies:
Advanced Teaching Assistant
Thank you for all of your continued help and support.
Ms Mills
Principal