
Dear parents and carers,
I hope families have had a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Weekend. As you will have seen from Newsletter 414 we have had a busy and productive return to school. We are looking forward to the Beauty and the Beast School Show Premier on Monday evening and are busily planning for the return of the Christmas Fayre on Friday 3rd December. We are also currently exploring how best to match the Ice Rink which was the whole school Christmas Reward last year and I look forward to updating families on the outcome of these deliberations next week.
I would also like to thank everyone who attended the Post 16 Open Evening on Tuesday which based on the feedback given by families was very well received. We will continue to support Year 11 both with their preparations for the forthcoming mocks and their Post 16 choices in the weeks ahead. On Friday Miss McDermott and I (mostly Miss McDermott!) delivered the Y11 assembly where we tried to keep things really simple, stressing that the most important thing in the mock exams is trying your best. We explained that students can do this by:
1. Attend school every day possible
2. Ensure they are working as hard as they can in lessons
3. Complete their homework, which will be linked to revision
4. Attend Period 6 in the period up to the mocks. We are recommending two or three a week.
We were also very clear that students are in very safe hands at AHS, we are really good at supporting students through the next six months and that this will be a key priority for everyone in school.
I am also delighted that we have been able to return to Bewerley Park this year with the first of three Year 7 trips taking place last week.
As ever the latest Wellbeing Newsletter is attached which we hope you find helpful.
Head of Year Awards
Please find the Head of Year Awards for this week below:
Year 7 – Miss Kincell, Miss Powell and Miss Cooper
What a lovely first week back we have had, very eventful and ending with some beautiful weather ready for bonfire night.
Our first week back has consisted of our first trip to Bewerley Park and the students’ first experience of UK Parliament week. Please make sure to check our twitter to see all of the adventures Year 7 have been getting up to on their residential.
In school we have been focusing on the British Value of Democracy and school value of justice. The theme for this Year’s UK Parliament Week has been Small Actions lead to big changes. We thought this was especially pertinent for young people, as sometimes it may feel that they may not have an influence over politics and big issues in the country and the world, but we are trying to show them how everything can have an impact and add up. We have shown this through assemblies, through Acts of Collect Worship, film club and quotes each day. A quote which illustrates our message perfectly:
For want of a nail the shoe was lost,
for want of a shoe the horse was lost;
and for want of a horse the rider was lost;
being overtaken and slain by the enemy,
all for want of care about a horse-shoe nail.
Well done to our Students of the Week this week:
7ANn – Evan Nobel – for demonstrating fantastic debating skills at the Parliament Week debate. Well done!
ASU – Ollie Bradbury- Well done for Getting involved and trying new things at Bewerley park and always being helpful
Bl – Leo Deighton – being part of the school football team and taking part in the cross country competition.
Cy – Jacob Ashby – for being compassionate to others in form time.
Gr – Jonas Norman – Thank you for really trying and working so hard this term.
Hf – Kian Murray – For enjoying his reading and always being polite and kind.
Hv – Lucas Berry-D’arcy – Working hard and always polite
MLn – Oscar Dawson – For having the highest number of merits last half-term and his amazing participation in Cross-Country.
MPe – Meyra Mehmed – For having the highest amount of merits for Half Term 1. Amazing work!
Mr – Toby Coyle – for his sporting activities in and out of school. Showing perseverance and resilience when taking part in challenges.
SMf – Amelie Hetherton – A brilliant passion for learning and really establishing herself as a valued member of Year 7 in her peer group.
Well done to our Head of Year Award winners this week:
Well done to Liam Woodward in 7ANn for showing compassion to the school in thanking us for your first half term, we are so glad you have enjoyed yourself and hope you enjoy the next half term just as much.
Well done to Joe Fenwick in 7SMf for your letter addressed to York City Council about deforestation and climate change. The effort and quality was exceptional, and the writing was so passionate. Well done also for your attendance and contribution to Eco Club!
Library Newsletter:
We have a very busy month coming up in the library. We will be celebrating Bonfire Night, reading the Spooky Story entries, recognising Remembrance Day and observing National Tongue-Twister Day. We have eased our way into this half term by colouring in firework posters. The main message is to enjoy yourself and stay safe.
You might want to read The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Phillip Pullman. (Quiz 201620. Level 5.3. Colour Green). A young girl faces danger and adventure in her quest to become a firework-maker like her father, Lalchand. Despite her talents, Lalchand believes this is an unsuitable job for a girl. Lila disagrees, and journeys to get Royal Sulphur from Razvani the Fire-Fiend at Mount Merapi, as all aspirant firework-makers must do. You can read the first chapter by clicking on the link https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/children/2018/oct/the-firework-makers-daughter-by-philip-pullman-extract.html If you enjoy audio books then you can listen to the first chapter by clicking on the following link. https://youtu.be/a5hkaO_iRSw Maybe you would like to listen to it and read along at the same time.
Hopefully no one in York will be burning a Guy on their bonfire. Guy Fawkes was born in York and went to St Peter’s School. St Peter’s have never had a guy on their bonfire as they don’t think it appropriate to burn an ex-pupil!
As it is Remembrance Day on Thursday, we will be looking at activities and books on the theme of war. We have a good historical fiction section in the library, many of which are based on truth. Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo (Quiz 204917. Level 4.6. Purple) is just one example. The book is based on the experiences of children evacuated out of the cities to live in the countryside which was deemed safer. Evacuated from London, David and Tucky feel like the war is a long way away from their new life in the countryside. Then one night the skyline of the moor is lit up with gun flashes, and the distant sound of bombing miles away brings the war to them. You can listen to chapter one by clicking on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZoU0OmQxIw
The other obvious book to read is War Horse, also by Michael Morpurgo (Quiz 204089. Level 5.9. Green) We have several copies of this book, so maybe a few of you could arrange to read it together. In 1914, Joey, a young farm horse, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges towards the enemy, witnessing the horror of the frontline. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey’s courage touches the soldiers around him. You can read the whole book by clicking on the link below. https://somerford.dorset.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/warhorse-1.pdf
Competition Time:
For a chance to win book tokens, click on the link below and enter your email address. This was sent via my library email so you can enter with your AHS email account. https://caboodle.nationalbooktokens.com/1000-of-national-book-tokens-to-be-won?utm_source=caboodle&utm_medium=email&utm_content=trust-the-token&utm_campaign=20211027_trust-the-token
Write a Tongue Twister
It is National Tongue Twister Day on November 14th. Have a go at saying the one below, as fast as you can, but so that others listening can hear each word clearly. Then have a go at writing one! Thank you to parents for your ongoing support of the school, if there is anything further we can do please do not hesitate to contact us.
Year 8 – Mrs Avey, Mrs Mennell and Mr Handley
Albeit a few days late, the theme of the year 8 ACW last Friday was Black History month. Unforeseen circumstances had delayed the delivery of the ACW but it was deemed too important a subject to not be delivered. The key question, ‘ How far back does Black History go?’ was explored and there was a specific reference to the ‘Iron Bangle Lady’ whose remains were found in 1901 near Sycamore Terrace. Her remains dated from the Roman times and illustrates that this woman’s story does not fit into the ‘normal narrative’ of black history in Britain and demonstrates that black people are an integral part of our island’s rich history.
This week the year 8’s will receive their first interim report and the extra curricular programme for the half term officially starts in full. It is the turn of the year 8 contribution to the Newsletter this week which will feature some sporting updates and news on the development of form identities and opportunities.
Year 9 – Mr Arthur, Mr Deamer and Mrs Deacon
It was a pleasure to welcome Year 9 back to school after the half term break and to see positive attitudes, particularly in the classrooms towards the students’ ownership of their learning! As Mr Arthur mentioned in last week’s bulletin we are continuing with the ‘back to basics’. As a team, we talk to students in Year 9 a lot about ‘focussing on the fundamentals’ to ensure that we can be successful in school.
Students had an extended form time this week along with items being mentioned in assembly to make sure they are successful at getting the following right:
- Attendance – to be in school every day.
- Correct uniform every day – including shoes, hair and jewellery.
- Being on time to school and throughout the day to all lessons and form time.
- Covid-19 requirements – such as regular hand washing and mask wearing.
We are here for students to make sure they are successful in all these areas, please let any of the team know if there is anything we can do to support your young person in school to ensure their success.
This week’s assembly was based around our British Value of Democracy – COP26 has started in Glasgow bringing together 25,000 delegates including world leaders to tackle climate change, we know this is something our young people are passionate about therefore it was well placed to demonstrate democracy in action.
Already at COP26 world leaders have agreed to end deforestation, become carbon neutral and reduce methane gas levels. This highlights to our young people that despite differences we can come together and help one another, a key skill as they move forward in their journeys through school is collaboration and it is crucial to demonstrate this in the real world.
We also emphasised that even though these agreements have been made, it does not mean the solutions are there, time and team work will be needed along with resilience when times are tough to truly come together and make a difference to the planet. This is applicable to a range of scenarios even if that is getting through a difficult assessment at school or an issue at work in the future. Students should push through when times are difficult, even if that is having a go when not sure or seeking out help, whether that is with school, home or friends.
Furthermore, Year 9s goal for their journey this year is ‘Understanding themselves and others’, discussing conferences such as COP26 demonstrates how students can bring their viewpoints forward in appropriate forums as well as taking the time to listen to other’s viewpoints. We encourage students to get involved in discussions whilst being respectful of others opinions and listening openly, these skills transition well academically but also further down their journeys in school and out, I have certainly seen this demonstrated in some lessons and I look forward to seeing how students demonstrate these skills even further.
Thank you for taking the time to read this parent bulletin. If you have any issues regarding your child in Year 9, then please do get in touch by emailing aarthur@ahs.pmat.academy (Head of Year), mdeacon@ahs.pmat.academy (Assistant Head of Year) and/or rdeamer@ahs.pmat.academy (Pastoral Support Worker); or alternatively, you can call Main School Reception and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you – Miss Deacon
Year 10 – Mr Avery, Miss Johstone and Miss Montagu
It has been great to welcome our students back to school and to hear what they have been up to over half term. So good to see them coming back relaxed and refreshed. Our first week after half term has gone very well and we are delighted at the effort they are putting in to their lessons. We encourage everyone to continue maintaining a high attendance record.
Our River Trip before half term was a highlight. We took all the geographers to the river Maybeck to do some field work. For many it was the first opportunity to do an out of school trip for 18 months. Something different, fun and exciting! Getting into the water and seeing some of the geography we have been learning about come to life.
In ACW this week we had our ‘celebration’ assembly. It was a moment to celebrate the achievements of our Yr 10 students and to recognise their hard work. It is also very positive to see so many of them involved in sports and extra-curricular activities. There are lots of opportunities at AHS and we encourage everyone to have a look and see what they can do.
Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact either Mr Avery, myself or Mrs Johnstone (Pastoral Support Worker) and we will be happy to arrange a phone call or a face to face meeting in school.
Year 11 – Miss Turvey, Miss Reader and Miss Chambers
It was lovely to see so many of you on Tuesday night at the Sixth Form Open Evening and I hope it was useful in helping your young people think and reflect on their Next Steps. As you will know from the talk given by Mr Daly and Ms De Lashley on the evening, or from reports across various printed and social media, AHS Sixth form is an exceptional place to study; however, it is all too easy for a Y11 student to drift into the sixth form at the school where they have previously been learning and I would again advise that you look at other sixth form providers in the city so that your young person is making an active and researched choice to proactively decide to come to Archbishop Holgtae’s Sixth Form.
You hopefully received a copy of the Y11 Mock Examination timetable; if not then please let me know and we can email a copy across to you. There is also a copy of the mock timetable attached to this newsletter. The examination period is quite intense and it is completely normal for those taking exams to exhibit signs of anxiety or concern.
Research by Yerkes and Dodson hypothesized that “as arousal increases, the ability to form a habit or perform a task well also increases. It gives you sufficient motivation. But that works only up to a certain point, known as the optimal level. As arousal surpasses that point, your performance begins to deteriorate”.”Optimal arousal is a psychological construct referring to a level of mental stimulation at which physical performance, learning, or temporary feelings of wellbeing are maximized (Smith 1990). It can also be described as the degree of energy release and the intensity of readiness”. This basically means being concerned about the mocks is good, as it should motivate Y11 to revise.
There are many opportunities in school for your young person to receive extra input into their personal revision programme.
- L32 is staffed and has computer access from Monday to Thursday from 3.10pm until 4pm if a quiet work environment is needed;
- the Resource Centre (new library) is available every break time and lunchtime if students wish to fit revision into their school day.
- Period 6 sessions will be taking place in the following subjects, on the following days and are taught sessions run voluntarily by AHS teaching staff from 3.10pm until 4pm.
DAY | SUBJECT |
Monday | Maths, Art, Textiles, Media |
Tuesday | History, Music, RE, Engineering |
Wednesday | Science (Triple), PE |
Thursday | English, Sociology |
A short burst of revision repeated many times has been shown to be the best way of retaining information; this is known as the Pomodoro Technique ~ see diagram below for how it works.
As ever, if you have queries, questions, would like a face to face conversation then please do contact any of the Y11 Pastoral Team on the school phone number or email reception@ahs.pmat.academy Thank you, Miss Turvey.
Post 16 – Mrs De Lashley, Mrs Walton, Miss Balmer and Miss Cox
Sixth Form Open Evening and Pathway Meetings
Thank you to all those that attended Tuesday’s Open Evening. It was a pleasure to welcome existing and new families to AHS for the evening. The Sixth Form building was busy, positive and productive.We can’t wait to get to know the incoming cohort and look forward to the 1-2-1 meeting we will be having with Y11 from wc 15th November. If you have not yet given feedback from your time on Tuesday, please respond to the link you were sent this week. As ever, if you have any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch fde.lashley@ahs.pmat.academy.
Y13 A Level Mock Exams
Y13 commence their exams this week and we are excited to see the fruits of their labour and initiate the support them may need. We will discuss outcomes with you at parents evening in December. There will be in-class BTEC assessments next week in advance of their external exams in January.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
08:50 | RE (2hrs) German (1hr) | History (2hr) | Biology (2hr) | Chemistry (2.5hr) Media (2hr) | Chemistry (1.5hrs) |
11:10 | Sociology (2hr) English Lit (2.5hr) Geography (2.5hr) | Maths (2.5hrs) | Psychology (2hr) | Politics (2hr) English Lang (2.5hrs) Further Maths (2.5hrs) | Theatre (2.5hrs) Physics (2hr) German (2.5hrs) |
New Student Leaders
Applications have now closed for the new cohort of Student Leaders and we look forward to hearing their ideas for the year ahead. Further information will be released shortly about the recruitment of our next School Captains.
Shout Outs
Who…? | By…? | Where…? | For…? | |
The Paired Reading team | Mrs Short, Mrs Breare and Miss York | Y12 | Paired Reading | Thanks for your commitment, kindness and generosity in supporting your fellow readers. You’re making a real difference. |
Karen Walters | Lv | Y12 | Biology | Just a great start to A-Level Biology. Committed, mature, enthusiastic and hard-working!! Well done, Karen. Lv. |
Hannah Leach | Mr Young | Y12 | Sociology | You have been putting some serious effort into Sociology. Making big gains! Well done. |
Georgia Handley | Miss Gavin, Miss Jennaway, Miss Cox | Y12 | Health and Social Care | For starting off year 12 brilliantly. You have worked so hard Georgia, well done! |
Jessica Simpson | Miss Gavin, Miss Cox, Miss Jennaway | Y12 | Health and Social Care | You’ve transitioned to year 12 brilliant Jess – kept on top of all your work and excelled with your coursework in particular. |
12A Applied Law | Miss Brown | Y12 | Applied Law | Well done to my lawyers for absolutely bossing their first draft of solicitors letters! Well done. |
12C History | Miss Brown | Y12 | History | Well done to my mini historians for bossing their exam skills this week. It is amazing to see you do so well – keep it up! |
Chloe Whitwell and Kitty L-Ogden Fri P3 | Lucy Park | Y12 | SFS Sport + Eng lang | for working so quietly in SFS sport + Eng lang when the majority of the class are chatty kathys! Didn’t have to talk to them once! Forgot they were in the class until the end so amazing effort |
Adam Wong | E Montagu | Y12 | Geography | Such a great start in Geography- well done! |
Chloe Firth | E Montagu | Y12 | Geography | Such an amazing start in Geography- well done! |
Ben Hields | E Montagu | Y12 | Geography | Some really great answers in Geography |
Jessica Firth, Hannah Kirkman, Abbi Calpin | Miss Cox | Y12 | Psychology | Thank you for supporting Psychology in the Open Evening – you were awesome 🙂 |
Chloe Harwood | Miss Cooper | Y13 | English Literature | Thank you for your help at Open Evening – you were fab. |
Lucy Austin | Mr Gibson | Y13 | German | Did such a fantastic job being an ambassador for Languages |
Evin Blundell and Chloe Rowan | Mrs Holmes | Y13 | English Language | Absolutely superb ambassadors for English Language on Open Evening! Thank you!! |
Daisy H Sophie W | Gs | Y12 | Sport | Such a massive help at Open Evening! Thanks |
Vivian Almeida | Katie Kellett | Y12 | Chidcare | Thank you so much for your help on Open evening, you were fab! |
Jasmine Hunton | Mrs Kellett | Y13 | Childcare | Thank you so much for your help on Open evening, you were fab! |
Libby Goulton | Miss Cox | Y12 | H&Sc | For being consistently great & committed to doing well. Keep up the hard work. |
Eldho Alias | Miss Lawrenson & Mr Pennock | Y13 | Engineering | Thank you for your great work and support on Open Evening in Engineering! |
Sophie Watkins | Miss Montagu | Y12 | Geography | Fantastic support during Open evening- talked to so many parents with such confidence and a great smile. |
Chloe Firth | Miss Montagu | Y12 | Geography | Fantastic support during Open evening- talked to so many parents with such confidence and a great smile. |
Eldho Alias | Mr Pennock | Y13 | Engineering | Thank you for your superb support at the sixth form open evening. It was busy, and it was very useful having you there. |
Daisy Hardy & Sophie Warburton | Mr Brannigan | Y12 | BTEC Sport | Daisy and Sophie were fantastic ambassadors of BTEC Sport. They not only gave up their time but were also very helpful and were happy to talk to students and parents alike. |
Dan Onyett | Mrs Dobson | Y13 | Pathways | Thanks for helping out at Open Evening, you were awesome and you made our visitors feel so welcome. |
Annie Toye | Mrs Dobson | Y13 | Pathways | Thanks for helping out at Open Evening, you were awesome and you made our visitors feel so welcome. |
Jess Chase | Mrs Dobson | Y12 | Pathways | Thanks for helping out at Open Evening, you were awesome and you made our visitors feel so welcome. |
Victoria Martin | Miss Jennaway | Y12 | Sociology | Thank you for your assistance and help on 6th Form Open Evening it was very much appreciated! |
Hannah Leach | Miss Jennaway | Y12 | Sociology | Thank you so much for supporting the 6th Form Open Evening – you did a fab job! |
Niamh Foster-McGlynn | Miss Jennaway | Y12 | Sociology | You have shown excellent motivation and engagement since the start of September – excellent, keep up the good work! |
Ivy Tegetmeier | Miss Jennaway | Y12 | Sociology | You have shown excellent progress since starting the course and always step up when answering the more challenging questions – fabulous! |
Daryl Stockwell, Ben Soulsby, Jake Fewlass | Dr Osman | Y12 | Chemistry | Thankyou for great support and enthusiasm at Open Evening! |
Kirsty Harrison | Dr Osman | Y12 | Chemistry | Great work over half term, really thorough and diligent. |
Evin Blundell | Mrs Edmondson | Y13 | English Language | Thank you very much for your superb support, advice and enthusiasm during our 6th Form Open Evening. You were amazing! |
Chloe Rowan | Mrs Edmondson | Y13 | English Language | Thank you very much for your superb support and help explaining why studying English Language is a great A level to take. Much appreciated! |
Fenton Griffiths | JillArmes | Y12 | French | Thank you so much for stepping in & helping us out! |
Fenton Griffiths | Katia Leplatre | Y12 | French | A fantastic ambassador of the French A-Level course! Thank you for sharing your experience in such a positive way. |
Onett Perera, Matty Burn, Robbey Morgan | Miss Gray & Mr Webb | Y12 | Physics | Thank you so much for helping at Open Evening. You were just yourselves and a real credit to the subject, thanks. |
Inuki & Malay | Miss Parkes & Mrs Harris | Y12 | SFS | Please can we give a shout-out to Inuki and Malay for helping us take the chrome book trolley back from courtyard cafe to Gg5! |
Aycan Aksarsu & Alex Kemp | Miss Cox | Y13 | Psychology | Well done for actively contributing in revision lessons and asking excellent Qs |
Collective Worship
This week our Form Tutor Collective Worship is entitled ‘I am Legend’. It links the sacrificial actions of the hero of that Hollywood film, to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and then to the sacrifice of those who we remember annually on Remembrance Day.
Monday – “They died for the future, for an ideal world that we could live in, an earth at peace. Now it is our turn to strive for peace on earth.” – Michael Davis
Tuesday – “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.” – A.J. Muste, Dutch-born American clergyman and political activist
Wednesday – “If we ourselves remain always angry and then sing about world peace, it has little meaning.” – The Dalai Lama, Monk and spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism
Thursday – “Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46, The Bible
Friday – “God will settle arguments between distant and powerful nations. They will pound their swords and their spears into rakes and shovels; they will never again make war or attack one another.” – The Prophet Micah chapter 4, verse 3; The Bible