WEEK 8 - Friday 6 November 2026

Dear Parents and carers, 

We have had a good start to the half term. I wrote a little while ago about “The Hessle Way” which is where we go through our expectations with students and staff. A good time to remind students is after a break, so that is what we have been doing in assemblies this week. Most of it is basic but often worth reminding students and, in some cases, it is about introducing a variation or new initiatives. On Monday we made some adjustments to the way students' queue for their food in the canteen, and I am pleased to say that so far, it has sped up the flow during both break and lunch time. The structure of just one lesson after lunch continues to be popular. As we move into the winter months, more clubs, and activities will now be taking place including some of our most popular ones such as darts and table tennis.  

Year 11 have worked hard for their mock exams, so we now wait to see how they have fared. The initial impression has been a positive one when looking at attendance at intervention sessions and early morning revision alongside their whole approach to lessons. They know there is little time between now the first actual exam – with another set of Mocks in-between – so every second counts in lessons. Lesson 5 on Thursday was a relaxing time for them as a small way of us saying thank you. 

Period 4 yesterday, I did a walk around, which is a regular event for me and other leaders, and I was impressed with how engaged students were in their learning. Teaching is a complex task, and it gets more difficult every year. Many of you will have had your child or children at home during Covid, having to help them with their online learning in subjects which have changed considerably since you were at school. I say that having a class of thirty students is like having thirty apps open at once and some of those apps have apps in them as well – representing those with special needs or children who are having a challenging time. So, when I go into a classroom and see lessons going well, I am more than aware that it is a result of good relationships, hard work, and complex planning. It was also good to see year 10 settled into their guided choice subjects. 

Have an enjoyable weekend.

Mr Nixon

Headteacher