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Head of Year 7 Blog

 

MRS J TODD

I am very proud to be the Head of Year 7.

If you wish to contact me, please email HOY7@hessleacademy.com

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  • WEEK 24 - Friday 15 March 2024

    Published 18/03/24

    Hello to all our Year 7 students and their families, 

    Over the past couple of weeks, I have been working on developing routines and expectations within lessons; whilst outside the lessons, we have been working on developing Kindness and Resilience with our year group. 

    We are incredibly lucky to have a wide range of fabulous teachers who all enjoy imparting their knowledge and help our students to learn. However, we have been looking at how students feel in lessons and found that sometime the way we do things differs slightly- such as counting down for silence or raising our hand to signal the need to be silent. For some students these differences can be confusing, so I have been working to develop a more consistent approach, with small subtle changes and the benefits of this have been seen by teachers and the students. As this is proving beneficial, I am now rolling this out with more groups in the coming weeks. As I wrote last time, developing good routines and having high expectations can make significant differences to the learning environment and the positive culture that I am working to instil for the year group. 

    Beyond the classroom, we continue to see our students changing friendship groups, having points where they are happy and sad, and trying to navigate the world of which a ‘pre-teen’ belongs. I don’t envy this and have had a number of conversations with parents who all agree that ‘It wasn’t like that when we were at school!’  

    Last week, you should have received an email regarding the use of social media making clear that none of the students in our year group are old enough to be accessing these platforms; and, when they still do, it can often lead to unpleasantness for them. This is because they are too young to be able to deal with the multiple issues that can arise through online communication on shared platforms. It takes a great deal of work from us – as pastoral leaders – to repair relationships and to encourage kindness amongst the year group. Your support in ensuring that your child in Year 7 is not using these platforms is appreciated. 

    This week the focus of my Year 7 Assembly was ‘Kindness’ and reflecting on the importance of the power of the words that we use; kindness, not only towards others but also on ourselves. Hopefully by the end of the assembly students could recognise that even the smallest amount of kindness can go a long way! I was bought a wonderful book by a colleague called ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ and within its pages are some of the most wonderful quotes about life and particularly 'kindness' - two of which stood out the most. "Nothing beats kindness," said the horse. It sits quietly beyond all things and "The funny thing is" said the Mole..."The tiniest act of kindness can save a life".  

    When watching the daily news or reading the papers, it is very easy to become downhearted and feel overwhelmed by the levels of negativity and unhappiness across the globe, and now more than ever it seems appropriate that we take every opportunity possible to make another person smile. A simple act of kindness can have such an effect. And the best bit...Being kind is for everyone! That feeling you get when you see the impact of kindness can improve your whole day and hopefully inspire others to ‘pay it forward’ and do the same for others- The ripple effect.  

    So, what are random acts of kindness? Listed below are a handful of examples of acts of kindness that could make a difference to someone: Pay someone a compliment, Smile at someone, Send a message to a friend you know is struggling, Do something nice for someone you may not know very well (hold a door open, get in touch, ask how they are), Help someone with their work/revision, Tell someone who you admire, why you admire them, Thank someone. Whilst being kind to others is important, so is remembering to be kind to yourself as well. With social media playing such a large part in our lives understanding what self-kindness means is imperative. Don't judge yourself harshly, don't hold yourself to impossibly high standards and stop comparing yourself to others for making a mistake, or not being good enough.  

    I will leave on wishes for a wonderful, relaxing, and hopefully sunny Easter Holidays. Whatever you get up to when the holidays start, please enjoy and find time to make more precious memories. 

    Take care and stay safe, 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of Year 7

    Mrs Davies 

    Assistant Head of Year 7

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  • WEEK 22 - Friday 1 March 2024

    Published 01/03/24

    Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

    We have reached, and hopped over, the halfway point of the school year. Thinking back, it must feel like only yesterday you learned your child had secured their place at Hessle High; it wasn’t until the end of last June that I learned I was to be their Head of Year, yet here we are entering the spring- with longer days and hopefully better weather preparing to greet us as we step outside. 

    Since returning last week, I have had the pleasure of visiting many Year 7 lessons and seeing how they are engaging in their learning; developing many new skills; and hearing how proud their teachers are of what they do in their classroom.  

    We are also working hard on developing, and maintaining, high expectations and embedding consistent routines for the year group. Getting these secured in place now will allow us to have a positive culture within the year group and build upon skills that have lifelong value and importance. 

    Research and experience show how it is more effective to build positive behaviours than control negative student behaviour. As staff, we demonstrate positive behaviours and relationships as a way of modelling to our students. Within the year group, we understand that ‘one size’ doesn’t fit all, and changes do happen. The routines seen in classrooms can positively affect students’ academic performance as well as their behaviour; therefore, one proactive strategy is for us to adopt a consistent classroom routine and give your child the best experience. 

    Each morning, we have stringent routines which are simply a set of procedures for handling both daily occurrences, and minor interruptions of instruction. Routines that require interaction between teacher and student (or among students) also serve to positively reinforce communication and social skills and are one way for teachers to judge the quantity and quality of students’ skills in these areas. Essentially, once taught, routines are daily activities that students can complete with little or no teacher assistance, we accomplish the positive culture that we strive to create.  

    As our students know, I often remind the year group that my expectations are ‘as high as the heels I wear’ (These are usually high, unless I am injured or my outfit suits something flat.) and we are continually reminding students about the basic expectations; these include developing and embedding our 6 core values: Kindness, Integrity, Aspiration, Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. I have had a push on increasing the use of these phrases during conversations with students- letting them know when I see them demonstrating one, or the importance of developing one.  

    With the focus on routines and expectations being key for me this half term, there are a couple of areas that we are working on with the year group. 

    The first one is the routine of being prepared: Each day starts with checks of uniform, planners, and equipment. Please can I remind you that we expect all students to have their planner every day and their stationery: 2 pens, pencil, ruler, rubber, purple/ red/ green biro; passing these checks each day give students extra house points each week- and this week we have distributed Haribos, Fizzy Haribos, Biscuits, Freddos, and so many ‘Queue jump’ passes that I have suggested they save them to avoid them jumping the queue with 80+ other students.  

    The other focus is the use of Social Media. Before Christmas I delivered an assembly about the age restrictions that are set for various apps. Whilst age restrictions are in place, I am not naive in thinking that students don’t engage in using these apps and have spoken to them about using them responsibly and being kind. We have expressed how being part of group chats is not advised and that they should not post things which will lead to conflicts or hurting the feelings of others. Since Christmas, there appears to be a lot more social media activity in the year group. Please can you be vigilant of how they are using this and encourage them to stay off group chats and report/ block people if needed. 

    Finally, I would like to say an enormous thank you for attending our first Progress Evening. We had a splendid turn out over the two evenings and teachers have been pleased about how our year group are supported at home. Again, this reiterates the importance of us all working collaboratively to give the students the best we have to offer. 

    As always, if you need to contact us, please do so by calling the school and using option 7, option 1; alternatively, please email HOY7@hessleacademy.com  

    Take care and stay safe,

    Mrs Todd 

    Head of Year 7 

    Mrs Davies

    Assistant Head of Year 7 

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  • WEEK 20 - Friday 9 February 2024

    Published 19/02/24

    Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

    I am not sure how we are already at the end of the first half term; how we are already in February; or how quick the days and weeks pass, yet here we are! 

    The variation in weather has certainly being confusing for students as coats and hats one day, then happily wearing just a jumper and a blazer the next; what is good though is seeing how their resilience is developing as even on the wettest of days many of them want to be outside at break and having fun with their friends. 

    We have had a busy couple of weeks with students using time in tutor to learn about Holocaust Memorial Day last week and discuss points in History. They worked from home successfully last Friday whilst our year 11s took part in their Mock Interview Day- something that I am looking forward to our year group experiencing in the future; it is one of my favourite days and such an invaluable experience. Thank you for the support you gave them and for contacting us to trouble shoot any issues: working as a team between home and school is fantastic. This week we have focused on ‘Children’s Mental Health Week’ and talked about all the ways we can support in school; where they can look when not here; and how asking for help and support is a strength. Some students have also taken part in the ‘Bikeability course’; a few had theirs cancelled due to Thursday's miserable weather and this will be re-scheduled to ensure they don’t miss learning bike skills to help keep them safe on the roads. 

    I was able to have an additional assembly with this year group, allowing me a chance to remind them of our high expectations and the hope they can all develop our values and become the best version of themselves. I also shared a ripple effect video about Kindness and how we can all benefit from living lives like this; please have a look if you’d like to  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT-HBl2TVtI  

    As we move into the Half-term break, who knows what we have instore with the weather, I hope everybody finds time to relax and enjoy being together. I reminded students, today, that they need to be responsible and organised- Uniform in the wash, bags cleared, and homework done, knowing where ties, shoes and planners are, being fully prepared to return after the break. 

    Remember we are here to support and either use option 7, option 1 when calling or emails HOY7@hessleacademy.com 

    Take care and stay safe 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of Year 7

    Mrs Davies

    Asisstant Head of Year 7

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  • WEEK 18 - Friday 26 January 2024

    Published 26/01/24

    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

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  • WEEK 16 - Friday 12 January 2024

    Published 12/01/24

    Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

    May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2024; I hope the festivities of the past few weeks have allowed you all to create some fabulous memories; take great photos to look back on in the future; and enjoy plenty of time to relax together- or on your own if you found that golden gap in the day. 

    My first piece of news is that from next Monday, Mrs Kay Davies joins the year 7 team as our Assistant Head of Year; it was an early Christmas present when we successfully appointed her just before we ended the term, and I am excited to have her join the team and be an integral part of the day for our students. Her years within the education sector will be invaluable. Like myself, she is an ex- Hessle student and has worked at other local secondary schools within the area. Over the festive break we met up for a chat about the year group and our priorities; the hour or so we planned suddenly turned into three and a half hours, by which time we both realised we should move our cars before overstaying the limit.  I think that bodes well for us working in tune and ensuring together, with the tutors, your child has regular norms, routines and support. 

    Returning to the start of the new term, the students returned this week sharing lovely stories about what they received, where they went, who they caught up with- including box sets and sleep. Listening to them speak it is clear memories were made and I hope they treasure them for years to come.  There were more students wearing coats and outdoor wear, plus school bags bulging with other items that they were keen to show their friends. Please can I remind you that beyond a pair of earrings and a watch, no other jewellery is permitted; make-up is not to be worn; and electronic devices that are brought into the school are the responsibility of the child.  I have talked about this in our assembly and appreciate your support. 

    In tutor time this week, tutors have completed welfare checks, and been revisiting our basic routines and expectations; this was also the focus of our Friday assembly where Mr Sinclair and I went through the areas that we need students to focus on and what we are hoping to see from them in the coming weeks. Next week we will be holding our Celebration assembly for the past half term- Which tutor group has the highest attendance? Who has the highest house points? Whose behaviour is impressing us? The spinning wheel will be whirling round as we identify randomly generated rewards and building suspense and tension as students await the wheel stopping. The final awards will be based around the school values and I will identify, not easily, 6 students who have demonstrated a value in a particular moment. Tutors are also giving their awards so keep your eyes on correspondence as we will notify you when your child is rewarded.  

    Our school values are a great place to start for anybody wanting to generate a new year resolution or set a personal target. Respect, Resilience, Responsibility, Kindness, Aspiration, and Integrity are all worth encouraging your child to develop within themselves. These values underpin each day and embedding these within students is the building upon their characteristics and develop themself ready for exploring the wider world in the future. 

    My final point this week is a request to parents and carers, please can you check your information on the Arbor App. I have attempted to contact some families this week and mobile numbers no longer work; when talking to students' new phones at Christmas, or general contract updates, mean we may not have the correct contact information for you. 

    As I leave for the time being, please remember you can contact us via phone or email if there is anything we need to know or if your child needs support. The year 7 email address is HOY7@hessleacademy.com and is monitored by me and our assistant HOY. If calling the school, the year 7 office is option 7 followed by option 1- This will bring you to the phones on the desks on Mrs Davies and myself.  If we are not available, please leave us a message and we will call you at the first opportunity. 

     

    For now, stay safe and take care. 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of Year 7

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  • WEEK 14 - Friday 15 December 2023

    Published 15/12/23

    Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

    I start again with a positive comment of how wonderful it is to lead such a fantastic year group. They are rapidly adopting our core values and understanding our expectations and norms. 

    This week I met with representatives from each tutor group and heard how they are all feeling as we approach the end of our first term; the comments were wonderful and have once again left me smiling from ear to ear. Students said they find the routines at the start of the day prepare them for what lies ahead. They enjoy the weekly current affairs quiz, like hearing the news and learning about what is going on beyond our community.  When learning about global conflict and wars, this is teaching them empathy, resilience, and appreciation for what they have. 

    In tutor rooms their small community is established, and they are holding raffles, doing ‘Secret Santa’, decorating their bases and sharing traditions that are shared. We have also had conversations about Diwali and Hanukkah.  

    Christmas is a magical time of year. It's a special time to show others you care. Families come together and show one another love and how they value each other. Coming from a large family, I recall the words ‘can you play a game with me?’, ‘can you help me build this?’ or the one which made my dad’s heart stop; ’Do we have the right batteries for this?’. I then recall the mayhem of trying to fit the turkey in the oven, screams when someone stood on Lego, and calls to get the cat off the Christmas tree (I now have dogs who are not remotely interested.) These memories are built upon family relationships, friendships, and finding time to value those around us and make more memories to treasure in our hearts. This Christmas I will be mostly hibernating at home with my husband, my parents, and using various methods of Facetime to connect with family who live too far away to share a hug; I will also be eating, drinking, and watching movies. Why? Because this is the time of year when I make sure I can. So - from me to you - please do the same, spend time with your children talking, playing games, watching movies. Enjoy every moment; enjoy opening your gifts and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.  

    Poem About Christmas With Family  

    That cheerful feeling  

    In the air  

    With a bit of love  

    All around  

     

    The food is on the table  

    And the presents under the tree Dinner is ready  

    So come on, let's eat  

     

    Everyone is at the table  

    Eating their Christmas meals  

    Because it's the most  

    Wonderful time of the year  

     

    Look out your window  

    Thank God for letting it snow  

    It's the best time of the year  

    To spend with family  

     

    The night has passed  

    And the day has come  

    There are presents to open  

    And more fun to come  

     

    But it's not about presents  

    It's not about food  

    It's about family time  

    That's Christmas time 

     

    Stay safe and take care, 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of Year 7

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  • WEEK 12 - Friday 1 December 2023

    Published 04/12/23

    Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

    I hope everyone is staying warm as the cold sets in. 

    The frosty mornings have arrived, and thankfully I am seeing more coats, bobble hats, scarves and gloves; however, bags are not as present as when the year started and more students are forgetting things in a morning.  Please can you encourage them to pack the night before and check what they need; this helps them start their day and stops us interrupting your day and asking for something to be dropped off. 

    Last week the Year 7s had a wonderful assembly about diversity. Mr Chapman, one of our Deputy Head teachers, opened with a brave confession that he ‘Loved Jellybeans!’ The faces of the year group showed total and utter confusion; they were baffled as to why they were being told this ‘Weird’ fact. The assembly went on to introduce the year group to ‘Jellybean families’, again bewilderment filled the air, and then came the moment where the connection to the topic of tolerance and diversity became clear.  We are like jellybeans- each one different, liked by some and not others, but ultimately this doesn’t matter. Students have since been talking about accepting others, checking on isolated students, and showing awareness that each one is fine to be who they are and that they will find their family. I have been so proud of how they have taken on board such an important message. The uniqueness has also been a focus of our school Christmas tree, which has two tops- as one student added ‘We could have an angel and a star’. 

    It then becomes clear that the buzz now is the build up towards Christmas; worryingly, some students have told me it is Christmas from today (1st December) and I can assure you that we are not ready for that just yet. There are some end of term assessments looming; our Carol Concert to be held; Competitions to take part in and a charity collection. The competition is running between tutor groups; they have been asked to create a festive display in their tutor rooms, showing their group traits and characteristics: please follow us on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to see these as I intend to share them. The charity collection is for P.A.U.L for Brain- we are collecting tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and biscuits for them to use when they host activity mornings and group support mornings.  Donations can be brought in and given to myself or their tutors. 

    In the past week or two, I have been overwhelmed with the support from families when I am speaking about the year group. The parental backing is such an imperative relationship when supporting learners. I have had several students come and open-up to me about various issues, all adding that somebody at home told them to come and talk to me. For all we are less than a term in, the trust in me to support them, and you, is greatly appreciated. Tutors are also now fully understanding of students in their groups and our team ethos is gaining strength week on week. 

    To support students, I am also reminding them about staying safe as they travel to and from school. Please encourage them to have location apps and trackers on devices, that they come to and from groups with friends, and the route travelled is known by family at home. There have also been conversations about being sensible in slippery conditions.  Nobody needs a trip to A&E at any time, let alone in the run up to Christmas. 

    I close my blog with a message of thanks to Mr Fielden. This week he has left us to venture on to pastures new. We all wish him good luck and success in his new role and thank him for the support he has given the Year 7s since they arrived in September. 

    Whilst we appoint a replacement, please be aware that the wider student service team are supporting me with the year group. If you cannot get hold of the year 7 office, please email us at HOY7@hessleacademy.com and we will contact you at the first availability. 

    Whatever you do this weekend: have fun, take care, and stay safe. 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of year

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  • WEEK 10 - Friday 17 November 2023

    Published 20/11/23

    Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

    Each morning I gaze towards the Humber bridge, as our site sits just beyond the North Tower and I feel proud to know the bridge means so much to the local community. I say this because this is where our Personal Development programme for students took its name, ‘The Bridge’ and I am excited to share with you how students are already accessing this curriculum alongside their subject based lessons. 

    As discussed, before half term the students had the ‘One Punch’ presentation from P.A.U.L and this was the start. Last Friday students had a presentation from ’RIOT ACT’ who came in to talk to them about the importance of road safety. This week then saw them have their first drop-down day and spend Wednesday in the ‘All about me’ sessions; the sessions were delivered by staff and external visitors and covered topics such as: Healthy Lifestyles, identity, Breasticles and Testicles, Cyber Bullying, aspiring to be part of the 6th form in the future, and Carers. Please speak to your children about these events as they will share some great information with you. ‘The Bridge’ is there to promote the personal development for our learners, and there will be more happening in the future. 

    Last Friday also saw us hold our first celebration assembly for the year group. In the assembly I praised the students for demonstrating our values; some received Tutor awards for impressing their tutor daily; we recognised 100% attendance, achieved by an astonishing 187 students; and students who had all taken part in the Attendance and behaviour 3-week challenge (210 students).  

    The competition then hotted up as we discussed the students and tutor group with the highest house points. There was a lot of excitement generated by using ‘Spinning wheels’ to select winners and for lucky draws done, with all students being reminded that they all stand a chance of being in the draws for next half term. It was fabulous to see their faces as they realised, we are a school where positive praise is the norm. 

    Students have also had a message in this week's assembly about valuing themselves and not letting other people bring them down. I read a poem, which is also displayed in all tutor bases: 

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  • WEEK 8 - Thursday 26 October 2023

    Published 26/10/23

    Hello to all my year 7 Students and their families, 

    Whoosh... End of term 1A: The longest of the half terms! 

    Whilst I am not an avid follower of sport, I do look forward to watching Rugby Union. Under the leadership of Steve Borthwick, I have thoroughly ridden the emotional journey of the England Rugby team in their World Cup campaign and saw the team demonstrate many of the values that we as a school hope to instil in our learners. Their determination, reflection of behaviours and performance and resilience have been tremendous- and I have also seen this in the year group over the past 8 weeks too. 

    I will be looking to expand my sport spectatorship in the coming years, as whenever I can, I plan on being out to support our year 7 teams: They are on fire! The various teams are made up by such a diverse range of students and I am seeing friendships change, bonding develop and the camaraderie between then is inspiring: 

    Our year 7 girls football team have got through the first two rounds of the National Cup; they played Ormiston Academy (5-2 win) and Humberston Academy (2-1 win) and progressed to the third round that will be played after half-term.  

    Some of our Year 7 girls were also represented in a 5-a-side Tigers Trust Tournament on Wednesday and did amazingly well.  Two teams (of girls in Years 7 to 9) were entered and both teams managed to qualify from their groups comfortably.  In the next round, the A Team beat Sirius West 3-0, whilst the B Team triumphed 3-2 over Cottingham; both sides progressing to the semi-finals, where Hessle A won 4-1 against Driffield and Hessle B beat Wolfreton 1-0. 

    And so it was an all-Hessle final, with Hessle A victorious but all the girls showed fantastic skill and sportsmanship and are an absolute credit to the school. 

    Our Year 7 boys football team also recently won their first fixture at home to Driffield 5-3 in the first round of the East Riding Cup and will face South Holderness School in the next round.   

    Our Cross-Country team had their first outing this week and again came home with smiles in abundance. Some of the students will also have the chance to take part in the next event over in Scunthorpe once all the positions have been confirmed. 

    Finally, the girls’ Netball team played matches at South Hunsley and were deserving winners of their matches too. 

    A huge round of applause to all involved (especially as the temperatures are dropping!) 

    Beyond the great outdoors, many Year 7s are now fully immersed in Music lessons: Singing, Piano, Violin, Drum, Guitar, Clarinet... the list continues. Students have joined the choir and will be practicing for our annual Christmas concert and the Hessle Lights’ Switch on. Then, there are the aspiring ‘West End’ actors that have secured roles in the eagerly anticipated school production of Oliver Twist. 

    The Dungeons and Dragon club is filling the corridors with laughter and giggles on a Friday when the staff are vacating for the weekend, and many more clubs are starting up as well. 

    On the homework front, please keep your eyes on ‘X’ (Formerly Twitter) as staff are starting to share photos of work done by the students. In Geography, I have been around the world in various shoeboxes- looking at the Pyramids, Australian Islands, key landmarks in London and various miniature football stadiums. 

    Last week, the year group took part in the NHS’s ‘Restart a Heart’ workshop. Paramedics came in to show students how to give CPR if they ever find themselves in a situation that requires it. They looked at how to check for risks first, check breathing, and how to count- singing along to ‘Baby Shark’ which apparently has the necessary rhythm! 

    With regards to testing and assessing students, we have completed CATs and Screening now, whilst baseline assessments are happening in subjects this week and just beyond the half term. Again, I am proud of how students are conducting themselves in these lessons. 

    After the half term I will be rewarding students for attendance and positive behaviours. Please keep your eye out for messages when your child is congratulated and check their bags for postcards from teachers. 

    It has been a busy and tiring half-term and I know so many of the students and staff are ready to take a breather and recharge their batteries next week. Please remember the clocks go back and that dark nights will be drawing in.  

    Please encourage your child to bring a coat, gloves, and a school bag (lots are not using them and filling pockets with their items). They need to be warm and keep dry in the cold and damp climate. Again, I ask that you discuss their trips to and from school to ensure you know which routes they will take and that they do so with others.  

    We return on Monday 6th November, and it will be Week A on the timetable. 

    Have a wonderful week off; enjoy any Halloween or Bonfire events and stay safe. 

    Take Care, 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of Year 7

    Mr Fielden 

    Assistant Head of Year 7

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  • WEEK 6 - Friday 13 October 2023

    Published 13/10/23

    Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

    The mornings are starting to feel damper, mist hovers across the school fields, and the leaves are starting to turn colour; it is my favourite season and a time of year where diaries are filling up for everybody. This week the promise of a trip to Hull Fair, if behaviour is good at school, has been hot on the lips of our 7s; with tales of visits to Hull Fair being heard each morning- along with how much sugar has been consumed! It has reminded me how important tradition is for our students and how much time with their friends and family is treasured. It has also set me up to track memories over the coming years that we can all reflect on in the future. 

    One of these early moments, future memories, is how well the students have listened to some very moving life experiences in the past 2 weeks; how they show sympathy and empathy towards others and discuss what they have heard with maturity. Last Friday the students listened to one of Humberside Police’s PCSOs, Dan, talk about how much the families on her patch become part of her life and how she supports them; the difficult tale was then of ‘The Left Behind’ as she opened about one young man making a poor choice that led to a tragic accident. Her bravery to talk about it and encourage the students to not give in to pressure was a powerful message.  

    On Wednesday of this week students then got to meet Paul Spence (From the charity P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery) Like Dawn, Paul spoke about how a single, unprovoked, punch destroyed the life he had built and how he has had to rebuild it- his physical/ mental self, relationships with family and friends, and work; Paul’s story is inspirational and the message to students was to make sure they were not putting themselves in situations where one punch from them could destroy the life of somebody else. Both speakers evoke our core values and I hope your child has learned that resilience, respect, responsibility, and kindness have helped these speakers and how they can develop these values within themselves. 

    We have also been celebrating successes with the year group this week. I started off adding 181 names to a spinning wheel for students who had had 100% attendance in the first 4 weeks. From this, 10 names were drawn, and spot prizes given. I then had a delivery of treats for students who are already hitting the first 3 levels of House Point Milestones. As a year group we have over 27,000 already: AM-AZ-ING! (Channelling my inner Craig Revel- Horwood). As I continue to work on positive rewards and praise, students are now in a 3-week window to embrace my latest challenge; I have three categories for the students to work towards: 100% Attendance and zero negative behaviour points, 100% Attendance, or zero negative points. The challenge started on Monday 9th October and runs until we finish for half-term on Thursday 26th October. 

    As I walk between classrooms each day, teachers are talking positively about how the students are developing confidence in subjects, how marking books reveals their individual characters, and some of the entertaining moments from lessons. One of my favourites was hearing a student read a description of a teacher- ‘Wears high heels and has high standards, without heels she is tiny. She loves a Shein dress and has a great fashion style; her nails are pretty; she is a little crazy; and her dark brown hair, has a silver sparkle near the roots...’, I went home and coloured my hair! They are certainly getting to know me well and understand that their staff care. I hope they continue to enjoy their lessons and develop relationships with so many teachers. 

    Attendance to clubs continues to increase and the latest to be added to the ever-increasing choices is our School Choir; This runs on a Monday lunchtime each week. The choir is a great part of the school and our extended community. They perform at The Hessle Christmas Lights Switch on; Christmas Carol Service; entertain staff at meetings and celebratory events; and any other opportunity that we can find. Beyond this, more clubs happen weekly, and new ones appear at various times throughout the year, so please encourage your child to give them a go; it is a great way to make friends with similar interests. 

    My last note is a safety note. As the days get shorter and darker, please encourage your child to ensure they are walking to and from school with others, use well-lit routes, and that they keep their location turned on on their phones. It is also getting colder, so please encourage them to wear a coat and stay warm when they are outside. 

    As I now end, please remember we are here to support you and your child. You can contact us via the phone, using option 7 and then option 1, or email us at hoy7@hessleacademy.com

    Take care and stay safe. 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of Year 7

    Mr Fielden

    Assistant Head of Year 7

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  • WEEK 4 - Friday 29 September 2023

    Published 02/10/23

    Hello to all our year 7 students and your families, 

    Blink once, blink twice, and we are halfway through our first half term; 4 weeks of secondary school for the year group... and I already love being their Head of Year and getting to know them each as individuals. It makes me so excited for what is ahead and so proud to write these blogs letting you know what is happening. 

    It was lovely to meet those of you able to attend our Parent’s Information evening this week. People are asking how I am getting on with my new year 7s and I say things are going well, but I am also getting to know 250 families (Thankfully some old familiar faces from years gone by, so not quite 250.) The relationship between home and school is imperative; this is the greatest way to ensure we support our students through their journey at school and beyond. Additionally, I am developing these relationships through meetings, phone calls, and emails, so thank you for having the trust in me to work together; buckle up as the next five years will be quite a ride. 

    One of the first peaks we are climbing is navigating Microsoft and the various platforms we use for home learning. Hopefully you have received the PowerPoint which was emailed recently, explaining how to find access to our Microsoft Hub and then on to Teams, alongside others. The main cause of worry is passwords; I spent time this week speaking to our Head of Department and think we may have finally made it simple. On Educake, Sparks, and Seneca there are boxes for login details; however, there is also an option to ‘Log in with Microsoft’- Click there and students should then reach the site for their homework. I am forever an optimist and hopefully it will be this simple; on the other hand, I understand glitches may occur, so please let us know if there is an issue. (It is sometime worth trying on a different device if all else fails.) We are going through this with students again next week in tutor. 

    The second of our three peaks are ‘After School clubs’. There were lots of questions on Tuesday, and in the last week over phone/ emails about what is on when. Firstly, all clubs run between 3 and 4pm. The range of clubs available has something for everyone, with new clubs starting all the time. Each week students are shown a PowerPoint slide that lists any clubs that week. Please encourage them to note any of interest in their planners, so that you know their after-school movements. We are looking to build our year 7 Rugby team (Monday night training) and the Arts department are buzzing with excitement as they begin to set up auditions for our school production, ‘Oliver Twist’, which is also the text being studied in our year 7 English Lessons. 

    We must then prepare to climb our last peak; Preparing for what is yet to happen this half term. Next week’s year 7 assembly is with our local PCSOs and our School Nurse; the relationship we have in the local community means we work closely with the Police, and they are often in and around school to give our students the confidence to speak to them and get help, support and advice. It is for this same reason our school nurse, Jacki Scott, will introduce herself to the year group; she is with us once a week and students can see her for a full range of help and advice. On Wednesday 11th October, I have arranged for the year group to meet Paul Spence, from P.A.U.L 4 Brain Recovery; he will be in to deliver his ‘One Punch’ seminar, where he openly talks about brain injury and the implications following an assault.  This helps our students to appreciate risk and the fact that one decision can have lifelong consequences. 

    As we settle back into our daily routines: 

    • Biometric images for use in the canteen- I will be finishing these with students next week. If your child is yet to have theirs done, can you please ensure that you have consented to GDPR Biometric consent on our Arbor app. 

    • The weather- It is starting to become colder, darker and wetter. This week a few children have asked why they cannot bring coats to school which shocked me. Coats are allowed and encouraged. If they won’t fit in their bags, they can carry them and place them on chair backs. Additionally, please encourage your child to walk home with people or plan a route and have a location tacker on their phones as their safety is important for all of us. 

    As I now reach the end, remove my hiking heels, and look towards the weekend, please remember we are always here if you need anything (apart from the winning lottery numbers - I am not that good.) 

    Take care and stay safe. 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of Year 7

    Mr Fielden

    Assistant Head of Year 7

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  • WEEK 2 - Friday 15 September 2023

    Published 15/09/23

    Hello to all our year 7 students and their families, 

    Welcome to my first blog as Head of Year 7. The year leader blog is a place where I can share news about what our year group is up to and any necessary information and published fortnightly (Week B) on a Friday.  

    I want to start with an enormous ‘Thank you’ for ensuring your child was ready to join us on Tuesday 5 September. The students arrived and we were blown away by their smiling faces, wonderful manners, and how smart they all looked. Their first week was filled with so many positives. The staff across the school frequently stopped me to tell me how great their first lessons had been, how polite and respectful students were, and the high hopes they have for their classes. Students have since embraced the behaviour curriculum and the rewards system and this second week has also had several highs, including: the kindness students are showing towards others, the quest to get to know myself and their year 7 team, ways to increase their house points and their commitment to learning both in and outside the classroom. I am an immensely proud Head of Year. 

    At this point I would now like to introduce myself; I am Mrs Jenn Todd and have just begun my 14th year at Hessle High School. I am a former Hessle student and grew up in the local area. I teach English and Personal, Social and Health Education, and began developing a pastoral pathway in the second year of my career. When the house system was reintroduced, I became the Assistant Head of Ariel House, before being seconded to Head of House when my colleague went on Maternity leave. I continued in the roll until we changed to the year group system following the pandemic. After leading our 2018 intake through Years 9, 10, and 11, I was lucky enough to move back to the very start and to welcome your children into our 2023 intake.  

    As the Head of Year 7, I will wear many hats and ride the rollercoaster of life with them in the coming years. I take a broad, holistic approach to supporting students and their families, seeing that a close relationship between home and school reaps enormous benefits as your child moves through the school. I am supported by Mr Stuart Fielden, Assistant Head of Year 7, who has a number of years' experience supporting children in a range of educational settings; we are both available on phone, email HOY7@hessleacademy.com or face to face, to help in any way we can. Alongside this we have 14 fabulous tutors working as part of the team; my tutors teach a range of subjects, have a many years' experience, and see your child every day. Together we will strive to help your child settle at Hessle High School and enjoy the coming years, building key values and great memories. 

    Beyond the timetabled lessons, your child will have some fabulous opportunities to meet new teachers and make new friends in our school clubs. In the coming weeks we will start sharing the after-school club timetable with our students; accessing the extracurricular studies is a wonderful way for our students to build new and transferable skills. The girls football team is already sounding a popular choice, as are the other sporting activities, with Rugby and Netball trials taking place already.  There is already a buzz for joining the ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ club, and plenty of students excited about our Reading Room being available at the end of the day. The range of clubs at the school is vast and varied and has something for everyone, be they sporting, dramatic, or a critical thinker. 

    As I near the end of this blog I would like to highlight a few things:  

    • On Wednesday 13 September, students should have brought home their first high school photograph proof (please check their bags and under beds if they haven’t passed it on). The photography company, Tempest, have a website which is easy to navigate if you wish to view the photo online or place any orders. Their customer service team are on hand if you need support when ordering. You have a 14-day window in which to order photos of your child, this means the photos are delivered to the school and will come home with your child (if you order before 27 September). Any orders after this date will be sent to your home and there will be a delivery charge for this from Tempest.  Any students who missed the photos will have theirs taken on 26 October. 

    • We use a biometric print for our cashless catering till system. We wrote to you about this last term, but if you require information please contact us. Any student with permission from parents to have the biometric image, who are yet to have this taken will be caught up next week. Consent can be given on the Arbor Parent Portal. 

    • On Tuesday 26 September we are holding a Year 7 Parent/ Carer information evening. It will be a chance to see how your child has settled and for us to share key information with you. It is also a chance to meet Mr Fielden and me, along with our school leadership team. 

    Please praise your child on their fantastic start to life at Hessle High School and know that we will be there at any time to help you and your child. 

    Until next time, take care and stay safe. 

    Mrs Todd

    Head of Year 7

    Mr Fielden 

    Assistant Head of Year 7

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