Updates from the Principal – Summer 2024/25

2024/25 – Summer Updates

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:

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:

• Lead Teacher of English
• Food and DT Technician – Fridays only
• School Administrator – 7 hours per week, flexible 
• Senior Attendance Officer – Family Outreach Worker
• Senior Cover Supervisor

Key Dates:

• Monday 9th June Visit of Lord Mayor
• Friday 13th June Year 11 Leavers’ Assembly
• Friday 20th June Year 11 Prom
• Wednesday 25th June Summer Concert Showcase

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

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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:

• Punctuality to school
• Punctuality to lessons
• Attendance
• Positive behaviours
• Attendance at enrichment activities
• Progress from your previous end-point assessments

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:

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

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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:

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

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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:

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:

• Monday 12th May Start of written GCSE examinations
• Year 10 Work Experience Week
• Friday 23rd May End of half term *Students are expected to attend on this day.

Thank you for all of your continued help and support.

Ms Mills
Principal

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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:

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

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Parent Update – Monday 28th April 2025