Last week I updated you on the changes that we have made to our behaviour procedures to drive up the positive behaviour in our school. This is captured in a new Behaviour Policy which, once ratified by our Governors, I will share with you. In the meantime, let me give you an overview of some of those changes. 

Firstly, we have adopted a three-step system of behaviour expectations. In line with all of our Trust schools, we are now using a Warn - Consequence - Remove system. This is designed to allow for a calm and purposeful working environment for our students so that they can thrive and achieve their best. This reduces the number of chances that students must correct their behaviour. We expect that this will – in the first few weeks – lead potentially to more students being removed from classes but we know that this will soon settle down as students adapt to the high expectations. 

In addition to this, we have developed a more comprehensive recognition and rewards package for students allowing staff to recognise when students are doing their best and promote positive behaviours in and around the school. I am delighted that this has already resulted in over 17,000 House Points being awarded so far this year! You will see the evidence of this in your child's planner through teacher stamps and written warnings. As students accumulate House Points, they will then receive recognition in the form of certificates and letters home, whilst also being rewarded with small treats too. In time, these extrinsic rewards ensure that positive behaviour becomes habitual in all our students. 

We have also improved our communication with parents in this respect and we are notifying parents when their child receives a warning in class so that you can more closely monitor your child’s behaviour and support us with discussions at home. A warning is a low-level sanction which does not lead to a sanction in school yet we still expect students to heed these warnings and do their best not to get any more. Your help and support with this is greatly appreciated. 

We are delighted that our uniform standards remain very high and once again I thank you for this. Getting uniform right at the start of term is never easy and it takes a partnership between school and home to do that, so thank you. 

Next Wednesday is our Year 11 Information Evening for students, parents and carers of that year group, and I would urge you to do what you can to attend. The event starts at 4.45pm with a presentation at 5pm from a number of staff, including myself and Head of Year 11, Mr Leckenby. We will outline many of the key events on offer to support the students, there will be information from Mr Jarman about our outstanding Consortium Sixth Form College offer and Miss Lawes will also be on hand to offer any other careers support. We will also provide you with a calendar of key dates which include the first round of Mock Exams, starting on 23 October. It will wrap up at around 6pm and this is just one of several information events we will be having to support you to support your child. I look forward to seeing you there.  

This weekend is the final home game of the Super League season for Hull FC and I shall be at the MKM Stadium with my son, and some friends, tomorrow afternoon to watch them. Sadly, it has been another disappointing season for the team, and we are probably glad to see it come to an end. Nevertheless, it is no bad thing for my son to experience the highs and the lows of following a sports team. His chosen football team is Manchester City so I guess he relies on Hull FC for the lows! I have been supporting FC for 45 years now and there have been plenty of lows, which has made the successes all the sweeter. This is what sport, and life, is about and these are important lessons for young people to learn. That said, I shall still be cheering for the lads tomorrow afternoon from the East Stand. 

Whatever you are doing this weekend, I hope you enjoy some of the sunshine that is promised. 

Take care and thank you as ever for your support. 

Mr Groak 

Headteacher