Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

What a windy week! I hope everyone has kept roof tiles, fences, trampolines where they should be, and blue bins have remained upright for collections. We have been very proud of the year group at the start of each day as so many of them have picked up bits of rubbish that has been blown onto the Tennis Courts, and lots of them offering to hold the gate which kept swinging closed as the tutor groups were leaving to start they day.  Our value of Kindness is clearly evident. 

Last week in assembly I went over some basic expectation reminders. Whilst the year group are doing well and have settled into their new routine there are some students who are forgetting basic equipment, PE kits, and house keys; I understand when this happens you are receiving calls or texts from them or that we are asking you to bring things in.  All of which is inconvenient and unnecessary.  We have reminded them of the need to be organised and take responsibility for their things. Please can you encourage them to have all their equipment, planners, uniform and shoes ready before bed to avoid a manic start to each day. 

In tutor time this week students have been told about Bikeability - a chance for them to learn how to ride bikes safely, which is in school in the final week of the half term; they were told the booking deadline was 24th January and hopefully some of them will have signed up for this and be looking forward to gaining experience to stay safe. We have also looked at future careers- something that starts in Year 7 and builds more as they move through the school.  This week they have learned about T-Levels (vocational qualifications that are an alternative to A-Levels). The week ended with our assembly in which Mr Chapman spoke to them about lateness and awareness, as we work hard to reduce students arriving late to lessons and missing content. We also continue to maintain high standards and regularly check planners, equipment, and uniform daily.  

Next week is a shorter week in school for your year group. You will have seen notifications that on Friday 2nd February, we are closed to Year 7-10 as our Year 11s have their Mock Interview and Target Setting Day, ahead of their GCSEs. Our year group will experience this awesome day when they reach Year 11.   Work will be placed online for students to complete at home and this is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their independence and responsibility to complete this.  Please ensure your child is aware of this and can access Microsoft with ease; if there are any forgotten passwords, please tell them to see us at the start of the week. 

As we now near a brighter, sunnier weekend, please remember we are here to support your child and if you need to speak to us, please call the school and choose option 7, option 1; alternatively, email us at HOY7@hessleacademy.com  

Stay safe and take care, 

Mrs Todd

Head of Year 7

Mrs Davies 

Assistant Head of Year 7