I hope that everyone enjoyed the weekend. I’d like to start this bulletin by saying well done to Year 13 in terms of their conduct and effort in the assessments last week and by wishing Year 11 all the best for the assessments they will be sitting this week.
The latest ‘Student Wellbeing Newsletter’ is accessible via the link below:
WB. 10th May Wellbeing Newsletter 13
Online homework for Year 7 and 8
This week Year 7 and Year 8 students have received a letter with information about the intended progression from paper-based to online homework. From 7th June onwards homework will be set using the Google Classroom online learning platform, something that many students were used to in primary school. This has already proved to be very beneficial for our KS4 and KS5 students given that it allows for a variety of supporting documents to be used eg. videos, narration and links to further information. It also provides the opportunity for immediate feedback to students for a number of tasks. Students will still complete and submit their homework using a blended approach of both paper-based and online but the tasks will be set online. If you have not received a letter or if you would like further information, please contact Mrs Short. eshort@ahs.pmat.academy
Exciting extra curricular music opportunities
I’m delighted to highlight additional extra-curricular music opportunities available over the coming weeks. This is thanks to collaboration between Mrs Morrison and the Arts Council. This is on top of the already extensive extra curricular offer provided by the AHS Music Department.
Two exciting new musical opportunities for Primary and Secondary students to take part in at AHS after half-term, beginning on Monday 7th June. They will run as a pilot scheme for 6 weeks on Mondays from 5-7pm in the 6th Form block. All students are welcome to apply but places are limited and will be on a first come first served basis. For more information please contact Mrs Morrison: cmorrison@ahs.pmat.academy or visit the rockgodacademy website for more details: www.rockgodacademy.com
Head of Year Awards
| Thomas Iddon | 7CY | Well done for your outstanding Whispering House Project. You’re hard work here is inspiring. Keep it up, Miss Kincell. |
| Jess Cavanagh | 7HV | Thank you for showing our school value of compassion by consistently donating books for your form reading box. Keep it up, Miss Kincell |
| Sarah Norman | 8Pi | For being so kind, caring, compassionate and hardworking. Well done! Mr Arthur |
| Rhys Coop | 8ABt | For insightful and passionate contributions to the News item discussions this week. Well done! Mr Arthur |
| Phoebe Clark | 9Wb | For being so kind, caring, compassionate and hardworking. Well done! Mr Avery |
| Eva Van Der Zee | 9MSt | For being so kind, caring, compassionate and hardworking. Well done! Mr Avery |
| Ambrose Cheung | 10By | For living the school values into being by helping a new starter settle in to school life. Miss Turvey. |
| Ellie Holliday | 10EMo | A delightful student who seeks to overcome all obstacles to her learning and works consistently hard every lesson. Miss Turvey. |
| Josh O’Neill | 11Hm | Josh has consistently displayed diligence, a superb attitude to work and reliable and mature behaviour always. Well done Josh – Mrs Avey |
| Jonathan Wilson | 11Ob | Jonathan has consistently displayed diligence, a superb attitude to work and reliable and mature behaviour always. Well done Jonathan – Mrs Avey |
| Millie Stevens | 12HGa | Well done for working hard across the board with lots of teacher shout outs, especially in English. Miss Cox |
| Evin Blundell | 12Kt | Well done for working hard across the board with lots of teacher shout outs – Maths & English. Miss Cox |
| Carissa Jones | 13Bm | For being focussed and working hard in preparation for all her Yr13 assessments – well done! Mr Charlton |
| Kayleigh Gayles | 13Ala | For being kind and thoughtful in sharing your psychopathology revision materials with the class – a lovely gesture! Mr Charlton |
Head of Year Updates
Miss Kincell and Year 7
This week in Year 7 we have been focusing upon being our best selves and this has been used in assembly too. We discussed this in two ways- being our best selves in school and being our best selves out of school. Some suggestions we discuss of how to be our best selves in school included:
-Wearing smart, correct uniform
-Being sensible and quiet on the corridors
– Sticking to the hands off rule
– Not littering (or if you see it pick it up)
– Living the school values, be kind and polite to all staff and peers
– Trying your best in class
– Always doing your homework
– Not using any discriminatory language-
– Following the Covid guidelines
Some suggestions on being our best selves out of school included:
– Be sensible on the roads – especially on bikes
– Remembering that when in uniform you are representing the school
– Being vigilant and sensible on social media
– Living the school values everywhere you go
– Helping your parents around the house
– Doing your homework
– Following the Covid guidelines
– Not using any discriminatory language
– Being kind to your siblings
And I can hand on heart say that the overwhelming majority of Year 7 are showing their best selves each and every day. Some examples are the winners of our Gold Awards and Students of the Week below.
Well done to our Gold Award Winners:
- Thomas Iddon: Well done for your outstanding Whispering House Project. Your hard work here is inspiring. Keep it up, Miss Kincell.
- Jess Cavanagh: Thank you for showing our school value of compassion by consistently donating books for your form reading box. Keep it up, Miss Kincell
Well done to our Students of the Week:
7Cm: Tilly Mills-Wood
7Cy: Caitlin Moffat
7CAd: Lucy Johnson
7Hf: Angus East
7Hv: Charlie Carr
7Gr: Fearn Powell
7Cmp: Tilly Platten
7Mr: Sophie Bloomfield
7Nth: Bea Garrett-Craig
7Wno: Amy Luck
Library Newsletter
May is National Share-a-Story Month. It is a celebration that takes place every year throughout the month of May. It is to remind us about storytelling and how powerful it can be. A different theme is used for each year and this year’s theme is “Myths, Magic and Mayhem”. Which book would you choose to read to someone this month, will it be Myth, Magic or Mayhem?
On the theme of Magic, Harry Potter would be an obvious one. I’m sure lots of you have seen the films, but how many of you have read the books? Why not open the link below and read the first chapter? Even better, read it out loud to someone else.
Some of you will be looking at Myths and Legends in English lessons. One of the texts might be The Story of Beowulf, an ancient Anglo-Saxon story. It’s a really tricky read, but if you are up to the challenge then the whole book is available by clicking on the link below.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/50742/50742-h/50742-h.htm
An example of Myths and Mayhem is Fly by Night by Frances Hardinge. This is available from the library in the Fantasy section. (Quiz 219393. Level 7.1 Yellow) In a cut-throat world of highwaymen, spies and smugglers, and insane rulers in silly wigs, runaway Mosca Mye and her goose companion have uncovered a dark plot winging its way towards the city. Soon mischief and mayhem will lead to murder.
As the realm struggles to maintain an uneasy peace after years of civil war and tyranny, a twelve-year-old orphan and her loyal companion, a grumpy goose, are about to become the unlikely heroes of a radical revolution. Mosca Mye is on the run, heading for the city of Mandelion. There she finds herself living by her wits among cut-throat highwaymen, spies and smugglers. With peril at every turn, Mosca uncovers a dark plot to terrorize the people of Mandelion, and soon merry mayhem leads to murder . . .
Usual reminders
You can still sign up to a free ten minute read by clicking on the link below.
https://www.10minutereads.com/?fbclid=IwAR0xW-KHf0fDythHRiAT4BTh4st3vD2MYFYWi3CATrq-Qo-Y0fUEuF_UPu4
Don’t forget to complete a quiz for any books you have read. You can access Accelerated Reader quickly by using the following link: https://ukhosted83.renlearn.co.uk/1893564
York libraries are now open for browsing and borrowing. Those with reading café’s such as Tang Hall library will also be offering a table service for refreshments outside. If you have any questions or concerns about your child in Year 7 please do not hesitate to get in touch
Mr Arthur and Year 8
It might not feel like May at the moment with the low temperatures and the wet weather, but a new month brings with it new hope and optimism. I very much hope that students in Year 8 will be taking as many ‘Opportunities’ as they can, looking at the extra-curricular timetable for different activities they can get involved in. If you wish for someone to speak to your child in school and encourage them to take part in more extra-curricular activities, then please do get in touch via the email addresses at the bottom of this bulletin.
A key focus for Year 8 at the moment is the completion of homework. Staff are working hard to ensure all measures have been taken to make homework meaningful and accessible. Students should be receiving homework on paper currently as we are in the process of organising KS3 students to be set homework on Google Classroom after the May half-term break. Non-completion of homework will result in an after school detention the following day, and I very much hope that Year 8 will begin to set the standard for making sure homework is completed consistently and to the best of their ability. Homework club will also be running for Year 8 in ML2 for anyone that is struggling to complete homework and needs extra support. This can be attended on a voluntary basis, or myself and Mr Deamer may be in touch to discuss if your child may need to be in compulsory homework club if they are failing to meet deadlines consistently.
Further to this, I would like to include a reminder from something I mentioned last week regarding punctuality. This is a key contributor to the success of students . It is important that students are sat in their form rooms ready to start the day before 8:45. This means that students must ensure they arrive on school site well before then – form rooms will be open from 8:30 for them to ‘drift in’ on a morning, and there are wellbeing resources available for when they arrive. This will also ensure that any important messages that are relayed to students during morning Tutor Time are given to all of the students. Furthermore, it is also vitally important that students arrive to lessons on time. Studies have shown that re-capping on old content through low-stakes testing is crucial to consolidating their learning. The first few minutes of a lesson is where most re-caps take place. It is therefore vitally important that students arrive to lessons promptly and ready to learn to ensure they maximise the input that is given to them by teachers across all subjects.
Congratulations to the winners of the Head of Year Award this week – they are…
Sarah Norman 8Pi For being so kind, caring, compassionate and hardworking. Well done! Mr Arthur
Rhys Coop 8ABt For insightful and passionate contributions to the News item discussions this week. Well done! Mr Arthur
Well done – a £5 Amazon Gift Card will be on its way as soon as possible!
Thank You for taking the time to read this bulletin. If you have any issues regarding your child in Year 8, please contact me on aarthur.ahs.pmat.academy, or Mr Deamer (PSW For Year 8) on rdeamer@ahs.pmat.academy
Mr Avery and Year 9
This has been an excellent week for Year 9 students, who seemed to have benefited really well from the bank holiday break. This week many of the students had their immunisations, with the students being very brave and understanding the importance of it. I tried to calm many of them by retelling stories from my own experience of this immunisation, however as some (brave) students pointed out that was a very long time ago! The nurses were wonderful and did a much better job at calming the students than I did, and we successfully immunised the vast majority of the year group in one day. If your child missed the process, please feel free to contact the school and we can arrange for them to receive one at a later date.
It has been really good to see so many of the students in Year 9 begin to take part in the extra curricular opportunities on offer to them. Having spoken to many students this week, the chance to use the brand new gym we have, and take part in team sports such as basketball, football and netball has been a very welcome change. I would encourage parents to promote these clubs with students, as this is a great way to say fit, make new friends and improve wellbeing.
I am delighted to see the students continue to thrive in their lessons, with many of the teachers of year 9 continuing to praise their hard work and determination. It’s becoming a real challenge to select a student for the Head of Year award. This week I have selected Kate Newton and Ben Pomfrett, who took part (along with a number of students) in the ‘Whispering House Challenge’ that required the students to research the History of their house and the families who lived there. The students then turned this information into a piece of art, a song, a poem or another form of creative expression. Rory Eckers, also of Year 9, produced excellent work on this project, and it was fascinating to learn about the History of the students’ homes. Well done to all involved.
I wish you all an enjoyable weekend. As always if you wish to contact me, please feel free to do so on navery@ahs.pmat.academy.
Miss Turvey and Year 10
Y10 Parents Evening on Wednesday 12th May. Your appointment will only open at the time you have booked. Please do not worry if your technology fails, contact school and we will do our best to ensure that you have a new appointment. Face to face or telephone appointments will occur with those of you who are at work Wednesday evening.
Mrs Avey and Year 11
This week sees our year 11 students sitting their final assessments to help inform their holistic final Teacher Assessed Grade. They have been well supported preparing for these assessments, which are either of an hour’s duration or less. They must arrive in plenty of time, in school uniform and with all the necessary equipment. When our students return to their lessons, teachers will further support the students by allowing them to use the time before the next assessment to do some final independent revision. We send them our best wishes for this week and hope that they all do themselves proud.
We have had pleasure last week in already loaning out some prom dresses and suits as part of Project Prom and still welcome and encourage any other students who would like to have a look through and choose – we also have shoes, bags and shirts – to come and ask us and we can arrange a time to facilitate this.
Our prom committee, comprised of student volunteers, has been busy collaborating with Mrs Mennell on how to raise some extra funds for the Prom. This includes a non uniform day, Friday May 21st, where the theme will be hoodie and jeans day. The money raised will be split with half going to charity – which one to be confirmed- and the other to support the Prom. Car washing, bake sales and form games are also being pursued ( time permitting) and you will also receive a letter explaining about a Just Giving page which you may feel that you would like to contribute to.
Good luck to all our year 11 students this week.
Miss De Lashley and Post 16
Year 13 Transition
For the rest of the academic year, post-May half-term break, we want to utilise the time to provide opportunity and wellbeing for a year group that have been deeply impacted by the uncertainty and inconsistency the pandemic presented. We have released a menu of options for students to pick and choose from for as little or as much time as they want and can spare. The vast majority of this year group missed out on Work Experience at the end of Y12 and our menu offers a wealth of options to participate in to gain hands on or a shadow experience or areas they may not have even considered exist inside a school. Please see the student menu below. We will write a full reference for each student experience to support employment and education admissions. We really look forward to spending this time with your sons/daughters.
| Option | Overview | When | |
| 1 | Y11 Transition Support
| Support departments delivering Post-16 Transition Sessions to Y11 during their transition period. Sign-up for any duration | Mon 7th June – Fri 25th June |
| 2 | AHS Enrichment Week
| Support staff/departments with the facilitation of Enrichment Week | w/c 19th July |
| 3 | AHS Sports Day
| Support staff/departments with the facilitation of Sports Day | Fri 22nd July |
| 4 | Subject Support
| Support classroom teachers in lessons Support departments with planning Sign-up for any duration | Mon 7th June – Fri 16th July |
| 5 | Peer Mentoring
| Support students with pastoral and academic needs Sign-up for any duration | Mon 7th June – Fri 16th July |
| 6 | Staff Shadowing
| Gain experience of specific job roles Pastoral, Curriculum, Operations, Office, Teaching School, MAT Primaries, Catering, Site Sign-up for any duration | Mon 7th June – Fri 23rd July |
| 7 | Operations Support
| Gain work experience in-role Pastoral, Curriculum, Operations, Office, Teaching School, MAT Primaries, Catering, Site | Mon 7th June – Fri 23rd July |
| 8 | HE Prep Workshop | Information and support with expectations: Lectures, Seminars, Time Management, Long deadlines, Punctuality, Grading
| TBC |
| 9 | Professionalism Workshop | Information and support with expectations: Office Dress, Office Conduct, WFH, Discipline, Working with Colleagues, Assertive Discussions | TBC |
| 10 | Independent Living Workshop | Money management Nutrition on a budget Upcycling your wardrobe Reduced storage solutions General SOS—re-wiring a plug, sewing on a button Staying safe and savvy | TBC |
| 11 | Careers Support
| A scheduled careers appointment | Mon 7th June – Fri 23rd July |
| 12 | Creative Workshop | Creative liberty with a range of mediums across Art, Music and Drama | Mon 7th June – Fri 23rd July |
Y13 Leaver’s Celebrations
Prom is on. We have been working with our Prom venue to ensure that it can go ahead in a safe manner. We are still aware that there may be changes to government legislation but we are assured by Hilton York that our current plans can go ahead with the government road map. Formal invite letters with payment details will be issued this week. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Y12 Progress
Following analysis of the Y12 assessments that took place on our return after the Ester break, we have identified some students that need some support to ensure that they make the necessary progress to meet their progression goals. Please don’t be alarmed if you are invited for a parental meeting with myself of Miss Cox. These meetings are supportive in nature to determine effective plans for your son/daughter to continue making progress. We understand the challenges this year group have faced and the lack of necessary experience they have had in formal assessment. We have an uphill journey ahead but we will ensure students are exam ready, confident and aspirational.
Y12 SFS
Due to Y11 Assessments taking place across school this week, we are re-locating Y12 Subject Study. This will still be taking place but in different rooms. Students will be reminded each morning of the day’s locations. Thank you for everyone’s patience this week.
Y12 Shout Outs
| Who… | Where… | Why… | By… |
| Josh Reynolds, Tom Smith, Millie Stevens, Emma Walton | English Language | Well done for all your hard work and effort so far this year. You’ve made great progress! | Mrs Holmes |
| 12C1 RE | RE | Always working your socks of and wanting to achieve the very best. I have been so impressed with your work recently especially your 20 mark essays. Well done! | Miss Harper |
| Sean Bazira, Camron Carter, Ben Gilroy, Cole Stockwell, Adam Fells, Evin Blundell, Brad Lightfoot, Anna Pattichi, Lucy Weld, Tizzy Bridge, Callum Childs, Izzy Lofthouse, Oliver Pugh, Oliver Shepherd | Mathematics | Well done to all the above who either surpassed their target grade or achieved an A* in the recent Y12 assessments. Keep up the outstanding work. | Mr Dodson |
| 12A/Ch1 | Chemistry | Absolutely nailing the mechanisms, it’s genuinely amazing to walk around and be able to have conversations about real Chemistry! | Mr Thompson |
| Abi Ashby, Grace Pickering, Isabelle Simpson, Hannah Townson, Ben Wedge | Applied Law | An excellent first submission for Assignment 1 | Mr Skelton |
| Tizzy Bridge, Iffy Lofhthouse, Anna Pattichi | Further Maths | Well done on regular attendance of P6, a fantastic attitude that will lead to great success. | Mr Dodson |
| Jessie Howarth | Media | Excellent work on magazine design. Well done. | Mr Shaw |
| Millie Stevens | English Language | Superb class and homework – very impressive! Well done. | Mrs Edmondson |
| Evin Blundell | English Language | Superb class and homework – very impressive! Well done. | Mrs Edmondson |
| Maddy Hatch | English Language | Superb class and homework – very impressive! Well done. | Mrs Edmondson |
| Alex Kemp & Will Frost | HOY | For responding well to intervention and showing improvements in effort and meeting deadlines. | Miss Cox |
| Isabelle Simpson | Applied psychology | For working hard on coursework | Miss Cox |
| Connor Booth | Applied Psychology | For responding to feedback and improving coursework focus. | Miss Cox |
| Student Leaders | Paired Reading | it’s been absolutely beautiful to see you all engaging with paired reading and the younger students have loved it. Well done. | Mrs Short |
Y13 Shout Outs
|
Archbishop Holgate’s School Chaplaincy YouTube channel
The channel has material connected to whole school worship and Collective Worship. There are also moments of Reflection from the school Chaplain and items reflecting our School Values. The address is:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC68i0uL4LZNIIVcu8B03iqw/about or you can search the name.
There you’ll find the latest weekly reflection. This explores the theme of Justice in the bible and our lives, and the recent events where Judges in the Court of Appeal quashed the convictions of 39 former postmasters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luY-CyPVozs
You will also find last week’s reflection about the Resurrection appearances of Jesus to Thomas and then to Peter on the shore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEa__lkffLw
Collective Worship
This week our form tutor collective worship considers the wonder of the human body and how as a community we are like a body. Our daily quotes consider what our purpose is in life.
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” – Charles Dickens, 19th C. English writer
“God made you on purpose, for a purpose.” – Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church
“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” – Albert Schweitzer 20th C. French-German theologian and philosopher
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” – Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan people
“Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.” 1st letter of Peter ch4: v10, The Bible