The weather seems to have turned to autumn and as the nights draw in, I sense that both staff and students are tired. It is a long half term at eight weeks and a lot has been achieved.

We have been conducting a review of teaching and progress in the sixth form and it has been a real privilege to be in lessons talking to staff and students. Over the past three weeks we have also been looking at student work and monitoring marking and books for students in year seven. You will be aware that we have introduced a new policy of RAR (Read And Respond) across the school. Teacher comments and requests are evident in books and files, often in green pen. Please do help us by monitoring books at home encouraging students to act on all requests. It is evident that students are working hard on their organisation and presentation but again, many need help at home. Please do encourage them to organise their work so that they can use it for revision later on. Half term is the perforce opportunity to catch up and get organised. You will often find lessons on the VLE if students have missed work.

We welcome parents of students in year 11 to an information evening tomorrow. I do hope parents will be able to join us for the inter house music concert on Wednesday and I know how much year 8 are looking forward to the disco on Friday!

Thank you for not driving into the square particularly at the end of the day. It is making a real difference. Students this week are writing to the local authority to request a closure of the square.