160321 - whole school newsletter - EASTER

Staff updates March 2016 Dear parent/carer, As the end of term is rapidly approaching, I am writing to update you on a number of developments. STEPS and LEVELS Thank you for your support with our new behaviour system. The whole purpose of this is to ensure that learning can take place without interruption and should pupils not adhere to the expectations, there are a clear set of consequences. The vast majority of our pupils probably have not noticed any difference at all in that they have not received any points from the new system. For the minority who have, they have had to face the consequences of their actions completing teacher set sanctions, after- school detentions and even Saturday morning detentions. New academic year All pupils (years 7 – 13) will return to school on Monday 5th September. This may mean that those families who wish to take advantage of cheaper holiday prices during the final week of the holiday, may wish to do so! School uniform Our Pupil Governors have recently discussed possible changes to the school uniform for September 2017 (there are no changes for this September). It is hoped that we can decide on a way of clearly identifying membership of each of the five houses through the new design. Changes will have to be agreed by our full governors with a timeframe of October 2016 to inform you of any changes for the following year. In the meantime, please remember that our uniform policy as it stands should be adhered to at all times. This includes: Plain black trousers/skirt – no jeans/denim Plain black shoes – not canvas One pair of stud earrings is permissible Thank you for your support in ensuring high standards of uniform. School production Our end of year production this year is We Will Rock You. Performances take place in the week beginning 11th July. Please help us to sell tickets and to ensure that each performance is a ‘sell-out’ – our pupils deserve this. Staff Sadly, we are saying farewell to two of our teaching colleagues. Miss Kirsty Jenkins who teaches maths is leaving us to take up a post at Pontarddulais and Mr Wyn Richards is leaving us to pursue other interests. We wish them well and thank them for their contribution to Bishop Gore School. Mr Michael John will be replacing Miss Jenkins and Mrs Ruth Williams and Mrs Rebecca Matthews will share the teaching of Mr Richards’ timetable until his permanent replacement (Mr Anthony Russ) joins us in September.As the number of pupils attending our school continues to grow, so does the need to employadditional staff. We are currently undertaking a very successful period of recruitment andwill update you further at the end of the next term.

Attendance and punctualityIt is important that pupils make every effort to attend regularly. If possible, please try toarrange medical appointments outside school time although it is recognised that, in somecases, this may be difficult.Pupils should arrive on the school premises by 8.40am at the latest. Our new behavioursystem means that pupils who are late, are given a ‘Step 2’ (2 points). Pupils with poorpunctuality quite easily find themselves on 10 points and having to complete a detentionafter school on Monday evening.Sixth FormIt is pleasing to be able to report that we have received a record number of applications tojoin our sixth form in September (135 to date). This demonstrates the faith that these pupilsand their families place in us as a school. It also helps to ensure the sustainability of the sixthform with class sizes now being more viable. If this trend continues, the further expansion ofour sixth form provision will be necessary.ExaminationsOur y11, 12 and 13 (and some of our y10) pupils are busy preparing for theirexaminations. Easter is a particularly busy time as there are many revision sessions takingplace in school with the timetable being available on our website. Many practicalexaminations have already taken place and will continue to do so on our return. The mainexamination period starts on May 16th and continues until the end of June. Results will bedistributed as follows:AS and A2 results Thursday 18th August (from 9am)GCSE results Thursday 25th August (from 9am)Good luck to all pupils sitting examinations – they really are a credit to the school anddeserve to do well.Summary of Key Dates:Wednesday 23rd April Break up for EasterMonday 11th April All pupils returnMonday 2nd May May Day bank holidayMonday 16th May+ Main examination periodFriday 27th May Break up for half termMonday 6th June All pupils returnMonday 11th July We Will Rock YouWednesday 20th July Break up for SummerThursday 18th August A level resultsThursday 25th August GCSE resultsMonday 5th September School opens (all years)Thank you for your support. I hope that you and your family have a restful Easter holiday.Best wishesRyan DaviesHeadteacher