Dear Parents & Carers

The Spring Term is well under way and we are delighted with the current performance of the Year 11 students who are hoping to produce the best results in the history of the school.

They have just completed their trial examinations, which are extremely important as these grades will from the basis for discussion at forthcoming college and work interviews. Some students still have to increase their efforts in Maths, English and Science to be able to reach their target grades, particularly when a few marks in a module test or extended answer can make such a difference to their overall grade.

We feel confident that with the extra effort and focus, our Year 11 students will achieve their potential. They will arrive home on Monday 26^th January with their results slips, please support us by discussing the grades with them.

A group of Year 10 students have been trained as researchers to discover what motivates leaders and managers. This is a nationwide project, whereby 5 groups of young people have been elected to interview senior workers in Childrens' Services to find out more about their day to day working life and what is important to them. The Childrens’ Workforce and Development Committee intend to launch their website and include the ideas that student researchers have discovered. The Freeston group were invited to London on 14^th January to present their findings to the National Body. This is the first time I have had the privilege to accompany students to such an event. They presented and led activities in a confident manner in front of 30 senior leaders and were a real credit to the school. Feedback from the Chair of the group described our students as "enthusiastic and brought so much life and excitement to our discussions". The students were rewarded with a session at the Ice Rink outside the British Museum.

The trip to New York is only 3 weeks away. May I thank the parents who attended our briefing to complete the immigration waiver form on line on 22^nd January 2009. Students are stocking up on warm clothes as the temperature is currently below zero!

Senior students and prefects are in the process of organizing an Environmental Green Day on Friday 13^th February. Students will be asked to "Be seen being Green"! Watch this space for more details to follow.

Gill Metcalfe