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Head of Year 9 Blog

MR L JULIAN

I am very proud to be the Head of Year 9.

If you wish to contact me, please email HOY9@hessleacademy.com

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  • WEEK 24 - Friday 15 March 2024

    Published 19/03/24

    Hello and welcome to this week’s Year 9 Blog. 

    On Friday, the 22 March we welcome back the Prison Me No Way team, who aim to raise awareness on the causes, consequences, penalties and impact of crime. Originally set up by three Prison Officers from HMP Hull they have now been delivering their exceptional programme for thirty-one years and worked with over one million students. The Prison Me No Way experience remains one of the highlights of our school calendar and I am sure the Year 9s will find the day very valuable. 

    Congratulations must also go to Isabelle A. in Year 9 who has recently won a dance competition, which sees her qualify for the European Championship in Blackpool. Their success, hard work, perseverance and determination has been recognised with the girls getting interviewed and filmed by the local news agency this Friday. We wish Isabelle and all those involved in the competition the very best of luck. 

    With the weather finally starting to feel like Spring, I hope to see the arrival of warmer weather in time for the Easter Holiday. Hopefully, the weather will continue to improve allowing me to complete some much-needed gardening and tackle the excessively long grass. I also have several flowers, herbs and vegetables to start planting and I do find gardening to be therapeutic and rewarding. 

    I hope that you all find the time to take advantage of the milder temperatures by spending more time outdoors. The opportunity to go for a hike, have a picnic or simply take a leisurely walk to appreciate the blossoming flowers and budding trees. 

    As I mentioned in my last Blog, the students of Year 9 should now have made their Option Choices in preparation for their future Pathway. If you have any questions relating to Option Choices or Pathways, I urge you contact school before we break up for the Easter Holiday. 

    As always, if you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

    Regards 

    Mr Julian

    Head of Year 9

    Mrs Green 

    Assistant Head of Year 9

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  • WEEK 22 - Friday 1 March 2024

    Published 04/03/24

    I am pleased to inform you that we will, once again, be holding an activity day run by the Prison! Me! No Way! Trust for all Year 9 students.  

    The day focuses on a variety of presentations and workshops targeting issues affecting young people today including drugs, the crime prosecution service, anti-social behaviour, fire safety and first aid etc. Though these are sensitive topics for discussion, the delivery has proved to be very popular with our students in the past, with positive feedback on how they found the experience informative, enjoyable and inspiring.  

    The activities will be held all day on Friday 22 March starting with an assembly before students continue in smaller groups. Due to the timing of the day, the students will be on the second break and lunch, and will finish at 3pm, in order to access their normal travel arrangements.  

    Please note that one of the workshops usually includes input from a low-risk prisoner, as part of their community reintegration work towards the end of their sentence. The prisoner’s contribution is an integral element of the workshop and is always a valuable part of the day’s experience.

    We would encourage parents to discuss their child’s experience after the event.  
    If you require any further information about any of the issues presented during the day, please contact us or visit the PMNW website at www.pmnw.co.uk.  

    Mr Julian 

    Head of Year 9

    Mrs Green 

    Assistant Head of Year 9

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  • Week 16 - Friday 12 January 2024

    Published 12/01/24

    Hello and welcome to this week's Year 9 Blog. 

    Firstly, I would like to wish you all an incredibly happy and prosperous New Year and hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas. 

    As we start the New Year, and plunge into our New Year Resolutions I would like to request that you discuss with your child/children ‘what school related area could they improve.’ Whether that is to improve their attendance, punctuality to school/lesson or join one of the many extracurricular activity clubs available. 

    This week the Year 9 Assembly focused on two principal areas: 

    Student Expectations – What does it mean to be part of Hessle High School? What do we expect from every student that attends our great school and what can they do to ensure they achieve the best grades available to them? 

    Introducing Option Choices – Year 9 is a pivotal year and in a short period they will be expected to discuss their option choices and moving forward to their GCSEs. Never has their attendance and punctuality been as important as it is now, and I must once again ask that every effort is made to ensure that your children attend school.  

    I am sure you will all agree, the thought of having to discuss their Option Choices seems to have arrived incredibly quickly and it feels like only yesterday that I took over this Year Group. 

    I am also very conscious that I have mentioned the importance of attending school multiple times within this blog, however this is an area that I would like to improve with the current Year 9 cohort.  

    Some of the many reasons why attending school is important include: 

    Education and Knowledge: School provides a structured environment where students can acquire a broad range of knowledge and skills. It offers a curriculum designed to cover various subjects, providing a well-rounded education. 

    Socialisation: School is a place where students interact with their peers, teachers, and other staff. Socialisation is crucial for the development of interpersonal skills, communication abilities, and teamwork. 

    Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Schools encourage students to think critically and solve problems. The curriculum often includes activities and assignments that require analytical thinking, helping students develop essential cognitive skills. 

    Discipline and Time Management: Attending school helps students establish a routine and learn discipline. They have a schedule to follow, work to complete, and deadlines to meet, teaching them valuable time management skills. 

    Preparation for the Future: School prepares students for future challenges and opportunities. The knowledge and skills acquired in school lay the foundation for further education or entry into the workforce. 

    Extracurricular Activities: Schools offer extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and clubs. These activities contribute to the overall development of students. 

    Character Development: Schools play a role in shaping students' characters by promoting values such as responsibility, respect, integrity, and empathy. Interactions with teachers and peers contribute to the development of a well-rounded individual. 

    Legal Requirements: There are legal requirements for compulsory education, mandating that children attend school up to a certain age. Adhering to these requirements ensures that students receive at least a basic level of education. 

    As always, if you have any questions or queries, please contact me. 

    Regards 

    Mr Julian 

    Head of Year 9 

    Mrs N Green 

    Assistant Head of Year 9 

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  • WEEK 14 - Friday 15 December 2023

    Published 18/12/23

    Hello and welcome to this week’s Head of Year Blog. 

    This week we have been looking at the word’s community, belonging and pride and what this means. Belonging to a school is important for several reasons, as it plays a crucial role in personal, academic and social development. 

    What are the reasons why belonging to a school is important? 

    Structured learning: Schools provide a structured environment for learning, with a curriculum designed to cover various subjects and skills. 

    Qualified Instructors: Trained teachers guide students in their academic journey, providing expertise and support. 

    Peer interaction: Schools provide opportunities for students to interact with their peers, fostering social skills and relationships. 

    Diversity: Schools are often diverse environments, exposing students to people from different backgrounds and cultures. 

    Teamwork: Collaborative activities and group projects teach students the importance of teamwork and cooperation. 

    Discipline: School environments instil a sense of discipline and responsibility, helping students develop good habits. 

    Extracurricular activities: Participation in sports, clubs and other extracurricular activities contributes to well-rounded personal development. 

    Life skills: Schools help students develop essential life skills, such as time management, problem-solving and communication. 

    Career preparation: High schools and colleges often offer career guidance and counselling, preparing students for future educational and professional pursuits. 

    Belonging: Being part of a school community provides a sense of belonging and identity, fostering emotional well-being 

    Support System: Schools often have support services, such as counselling and mentoring to help students navigate challenges 

    While formal education can happen in various settings, schools provide a structured and purposeful environment for learning and personal growth, shaping individuals into well-rounded members of society. 

    With one week left before the Christmas break, I would like to wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. I hope you all have a wonderful break. 

    Regards. 

    Mr Julian

    Head of Year 9

    Mrs Green

    Assistant Head of Year 9

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  • WEEK 12 - Friday 1 December 2023

    Published 04/12/23

    Hello and welcome to this week’s Head of Year Blog.

    Continuing from the previous successes witnessed within Year 9, I am pleased to inform you of further students deserving praise and acknowledgement.

    Last weekend S.Avison participated in an Archery Double Portsmouth Round in Sandburn Hall Sports Centre. This involves the archer shooting 5 dozen arrows in ends of 3 arrows on a 60cm target. I am very pleased to say that S.Avison came first in her age group scoring 433 and 405. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

    I am also pleased to announce that H.Bridges had his first amateur fight at 50kg beating a very good fighter from St Pauls Amateur Boxing Club on points. He now looks forward to his second fight this weekend against another St Pauls Boxer. Good luck Harrison.

    The five Y9 girls picked to represent Yorkshire at the National Street Dance Championship in Dorset also managed to achieve several noticeable wins, including: coming 2nd as Team overall, Harriet and Maddie came 5th in their Duo, Mia and Scarlett came 2nd in their Duo, Maddie managed 6th in her solo and Scarlett had two 3rd places in her solo.

    Mia placed 2nd in her solo and 3rd in her L&L Category and finally as a ‘Quad’ they reached the Semi Final. An unbelievable series of victories and successes, well done to all girls involved.

    Finally, the Year 9 Football Team played in a recent tournament playing Cottingham (1-0 loss), Wolfreton (4-0 Win), Howden (1-0 Win) and a draw with Hunsley. Well done to those involved.

    Both Mrs Green and I continue to be pleased with how well the Year Group have returned to school and we have witnessed a massive improvement in the maturity of our students. I hope that they continue to grow into successful, hardworking and proud young people.

    They have certainly shown what potential they have when given the opportunity to shine.

    Regards

    Mr Julian

    Head of Year 9

    Mrs Green

    Assistant Head of Year 9

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  • WEEK 8 - Thursday 26 October 2023

    Published 06/11/23

    Hello and welcome to this week’s Head of Year Blog. 

    As we approach the end of a very long term, I would like to highlight some of the amazing success we have witnessed within Year 9 since returning to school in September. 

    The Year 9 Rugby League Team have started the term well, having already played three games and sit at the top of the league beating South Hunsley 22 – 4, Withernsea 30 – 20 and Hornsea 24 – 0. 

    The Year 9 Football Team beat Driffield in a very tense and competitive game in the first round of the East Riding Cup. The game finishing 1 -1 and the boys finally winning 5 – 4 on penalties. They progress to play South Holderness in the next round of the cup. 

    This week saw five Year 9 students participate in the East Riding Schools’ Athletic Association Cross Country Championship at Cottingham High School. Competing against more than 100 runners in each event I am incredibly proud to say G. Wright placed 1st, L. Christie 6th, A. Foulston 10th, N. Rusling 47th in the boy’s category and C. Wright 36th in the girl’s category. This is an unbelievably tough event made worse by the terrible conditions they faced, well done to all students and their hard work and determination. 

    I have also received confirmation that four girls within Year 9 will be representing Yorkshire in the National Street Dance Championship in Dorset. The girls currently dance for the Urban Youth Dance Company, and it is through their hard work and dedication that they have been selected to represent Yorkshire at this level of competition. 

    On Wednesday Hessle High School entered two girls’ teams into the Tigers Trust Football Tournament. Both teams progressing through the group stages and progressing into the quarter finals. Hessle A beating Sirius West and Hessle B beating Cottingham, now seeing the teams move through to the semi-final. During the Semi-final Hessle A beat Driffield and Hessle B beat Wolfreton, the final now being an all-Hessle affair with Hessle A eventually beating Hessle B. The girls showed fantastic skills and sportsmanship and were an absolute credit to the school. 

    Finally, I would like to finish with information relating to one student in Year 9 who, after speaking to his mum has given me permission to raise attention and awareness to his story. 

    Leon McNeil started playing rugby at the age of 7 for Hull Wyke although suffering from injury he lost all confidence. 

    After several assessments at Hessle High School, it was recognised that Leon had some learning disability and decided to join the Hull FC Disability Rugby Team (LDRL), Leon fit in well with the squad and Leon made a number of new friends. After playing at St James Park as part of the Magic Weekend, Leon was asked if he would like to try the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) to which he agreed. 

    Leons first PDRL festival, was on July 15th, at Hull University, and admits he was “really nervous”; players under a certain age or certain disabilities wear red shorts which indicates if the players are just tagged, or black shorts which indicate full contact. Leon said his coaches were fantastic and soon put his nerves at ease. His first game was against Salford, and although he was nervous the coaching staff really encouraged him and helped him. The second game was against Hull K.R and Leon become the hero of that game, managing to tag the Hull KR player as they went over the try line. Winning man of the match that game gave Leon such a confidence boost and he admits he was so happy with himself. 

    Having now played Warrington, Wakefield, Castleford, Bradford and Wigan, scoring several tries Leon is growing in confidence and enjoying being back involved with Rugby League.  

    More recently Leon had the opportunity to meet Her Royal Highness Princess of Wales which was a real honour and something that he could never imagine happening. Leon heaps praise on the amazing coaching staff and teammates who have made his time playing both LDRL and PDRL so enjoyable. 

    To say that I am proud of these achievements is a massive understatement. 

    Both Mrs Green and I have been so pleased at how well the Year Group has returned to school and we have witnessed a massive improvement in the maturity of our students. I hope that they continue to grow into successful, hardworking and proud young people.  

    They have certainly shown what potential they have when given the opportunity to shine. 

    I hope that you all enjoy the well-earned half term holiday, and we will see the students back on the 6 November to continue their journey through Year 9. 

    Regards 

    Mr Julian

    Head of Year 9

    Mrs Green 

    Assistant Head of Year 9

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  • WEEK 6 - Friday 13 October 2023

    Published 16/10/23

    Hello and welcome to this week’s Head of Year Blog.

    In life we are constantly faced with choices, big and small. From deciding what to wear to choosing a career path, our lives are shaped by the decisions we make. Making the right choices can lead to fulfilling and successful life, I hope the practical tips mentioned in this week’s blog will help the young people make informed and wise choices as they navigate their educational journey and beyond.

    Understanding the decision making:

    Before we delve into making the right choices, it is essential to understand the decision-making process. Explore the steps involved in making good decisions, identify the problem, gather information and consider your options.

    Set clear goals:

    Knowing your goal is key to making the right choices. Whether it is preparing for an exam or choosing a Sixth Form or College. Having a clear sense of what you want to achieve will guide your decisions.

    Make informed choices:

    Making decisions without enough information can lead to regrets. Consider strategies for gathering information, such as seeking advice from parents and carers, career interviews and conducting your own research.

    Avoid impulsive decisions:

    Impulsive decisions can have serious consequences. Students must learn techniques to avoid making hasty choices and methods for practicing self-control.

    Cope with fear and uncertainty:

    Fear and uncertainty often accompany big decisions. Managing these emotions and building the courage to meet these decisions head on is crucial.

    Handling peer pressure:

    Peer pressure can influence your choices in school and beyond. Developing strategies to resist negative peer pressure and make decisions that align to your values.

    Mistakes happen:

    Mistakes are part of life, and they offer valuable learning. Learn to embrace failure and bounce back from any setbacks.

    Making the right choices is a lifelong journey that begins in school and continues throughout our lives. Making the right choices is not about being perfect; it is about being thoughtful, adaptable, and resilient in the face of life’s challenges. Choices today will shape your future, so choose wisely.

    Regards

    Mr Julian

    Head of Year 9

    Mrs Green

    Assistant Head of Year 9

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  • WEEK 4 - Friday 29 September 2023

    Published 02/10/23

    Hello and welcome to this week’s Head of Year Blog. 

    Attendance is a fundamental aspect of a student's life that often goes underestimated. It is not merely about being physically present in class; it signifies a student's commitment to their education and personal responsibility.  

    Recognising the connection between attendance and responsibility and how these two elements are crucial for academic success.  The Link between Attendance and Responsibility: 

    1. Punctuality Matters: 

    Being on time for class is the first display of responsibility. It shows respect for your teachers, fellow students, and the value of the education being provided. Arriving late disrupts the learning environment and reflects poorly on your sense of responsibility. 

    2. Consistency is Key: 

    Regular attendance fosters discipline and consistency. It is a demonstration of your commitment to learning and achieving your academic goals. The responsibility lies in maintaining this consistency throughout the academic year. 

    3. Accountability: 

    Taking responsibility for your education means attending classes even when it is challenging. Whether it is a difficult subject or a busy schedule, accountable students find a way to be present and engaged in their learning. 

    4. Active Participation: 

    Attending classes is not just about sitting quietly. It is about actively participating in discussions, asking questions, and seeking help when needed. This level of involvement showcases a responsible attitude towards your education. 

    The Benefits of Attendance and Responsibility: 

    1. Improved Learning: 

    Regular attendance allows you to stay up-to-date with subject material, making it easier to understand and retain information. Responsible students actively engage in the learning process and, as a result, perform better academically. 

    2. Preparation for the Future: 

    Being responsible with attendance sets a valuable precedent for the future. The workplace values punctuality and accountability, making these traits essential for career success. 

    3. Stress Reduction: 

    Responsible students experience less stress because they are well-prepared and organised. Knowing you have attended class regularly and engaged in your studies alleviates the anxiety that can come with procrastination. 

    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

    Have a great weekend. 

    Regards 

    Mr Julian

    Head of Year 9

    Mrs Green

    Assistant Head of Year 9

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  • WEEK 2 - Friday 15 September 2023

    Published 15/09/23

    Hello and welcome to my first Year 9 Blog. 

    I would like to welcome you back and trust you all had a restful and enjoyable Summer Holiday. Typically, it seems to have passed in a whirl and the best weather saved for our return to school. 

    However, as we already reach the end of the second week back, I have been incredibly pleased and proud at how well the Year 9 students have settled back into the school environment and we have witnessed the young people ready and focussed on their learning. 

    I would also like to welcome Mrs Green as the new Assistant Head of Year 9, who has already had a tremendous impact on the year group. Mrs Green is an integral part of the Year Team, and her caring and compassionate nature is already serving our students well. 

    Year 9 is a crucial year, and our expectations remain high. During the Year Group Assembly, I spoke about the importance of ‘routines’, ‘being ready’, and being ‘prepared’. I have been incredibly impressed with how well the students have returned, uniform correct, punctual and following the school behaviour policies. 

    Over the course of the year the students of Year 9 will be involved in making their option choices, career-based events and an even greater focus on their GCSE exams. Therefore, attendance remains a key priority, and I must stress the importance of attending school and being punctual. 

    Communication is crucial, and as we move through Year 9, I believe that by maintaining communication we will be able to best help the young people. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

    Both myself and Mrs Green are excited for the year ahead and look forward to working with you as the parents and carers of year 9. 

    Regards 

    Mr Julian

    Head of Year 9

    Mrs Green

    Assistant Head of Year 9

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  • Head of Year 9 Blogs 2022/2023

    Published 04/09/23

    To view Year 9 Blogs from 2022/2023 please click here.

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  • Head of Year 9 Blogs 2021/2022

    Published 08/09/22

    To view Year 9 Blogs from 2021/2022 please click here

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  • Head of Year 9 Blogs 2020/2021

    Published 17/09/21

    To view Year 9 Blogs from 2020/2021 please click here

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