Headteacher Update

Dear parents and carers,

I would like to start this update with a massive well done to everyone involved in the School Show. We are really proud of the efforts of students and staff and the support we have received from families. Thank you. It was not lost on us that the opening night was almost exactly two years from the beginning of the first lockdown and it is really gratifying that the school community is now able to come together and focus on those vital extra curricular opportunities that are so important to school life.

I would also like to thank families for the positive feedback around British Science Week and the ‘EAL Afternoon Tea’ event that was held last week, both of which were really positive occasions. We have also been impressed with the uptake from both Year 7 and Year 8 for Bikeability and the conduct and effort of the Year 7 students who visited the University of York last week to be part of the technology conference. I would also draw families attention to all the extra curricular PE achievements that are discussed in the latest copy of the AHS Newsletter. We are also extremely grateful for the generous donations we have received for the York Food Bank, thank you.

We are very much looking forward to the second Y11 Parents Evening this week which will be held in person. We would really encourage as many families as possible to attend this event as it provides another key opportunity to support young people as they approach the summer exams. We also have our revision skills evening taking place on Tuesday 5th April at 5:00pm, which should provide some helpful resources and information to support parents and students trying to manage GCSE revision.

Did you know about the free MAX discount card?

If you are a parent or carer of children aged 0-19 (or up to 25 years if the child/young person has a disability or additional need),and you live in York, did you know you can apply for a free MAX discount card? By confirming your child’s disability or additional need you will automatically receive the Max Card and be added to the City of York Council’s disabled register. You will receive regular newsletters and information relating to disability and additional needs in York.

The Max Card scheme gives children, their carers and other family members free or discounted access to some of the most exciting attractions across the UK. The scheme is designed to help parents and carers of disabled children and looked after children save money on great days out at castles, zoos, museums and more.

To join the FIS Newsletter and the Max Card Scheme, apply online to receive the FIS Newsletter or contact the York Family Information Service on 01904 554444.

Head of Year Awards

Head of Year Updates
Year 7 – Miss Kincell, Miss Powell and Miss Cooper
We have had a lovely, bright and busy week in Year 7, we have so much to be proud of!

33 of our year 7’s attended a trip to The University of York on Wednesday. They learned about how important technology is and all the opportunities it can open for us in the future, as well as how to stay safe when using technology themselves. In the afternoon, they had an opportunity to put their tech skills to the test and made their own websites using coding and TV advertisements.

We rounded off our Bikeability training, and now we have over 70 children trained in safe and effective bike riding in York. The cycling course has now began with Y8.

But the biggest treat was the Year 7 team attending our school musical Matilda, we were absolutely blown away by the standard of the show, but especially the performances of Year 7s. This includes those on stage and those supporting back stage or on tech support. You were all incredible, a huge well done to:

Brooke Cooper as Alice
Emily Bower as Hotensia
Tilly Hendon as Amanda
Kartikeya Pulakanam as Eric
Thomas Bettany as Tommy
Lily Anderson
Elinor Bevan
Aden smith
Amie Shaw
Lily Goldsmith
Amelie Hetherton
Olive Edwards
Sam Bastow
William Gelisson
Finlay Mcintyre
Sophie Bolwing
Poppy Cooper

Well done to our Students of the Week:
ANn: Lucy Norman – For all of her hard work with backstage club to support the production of Matilda this week. Well done.
ASU: Lily-May Hartley – For always being keen to engage in class discussions.
Bl: Elinor Bevan – Well done for taking part in the school play ‘Matilda’
Cy: Laila Stuart For always keeping up to date with work and having an organised planner.
Gr: Amie Shaw & Tommy Bettany – For being fabulous in the school play Matilda!
Hf: Daniel Ajulo for an excellent start to AHS. Very polite and kind to others.
Hv: Emily Brown- Superb listening during form time
MLn: Olive Edwards – For always volunteering and “joining in”, especially with your involvement in Matilda!
MPe: Bryan Biji – for being helpful during drift-in. Well Done!
Mr: Jeannie Lamb for living out the school values
SMf: Jake O’Connell – For his fantastic character, humour and approach to all form discussion. Well done!

Well done to our Head of Year Awards:
Hollie Brierley 7Hv – For her efforts swimming 200 lengths to raise money for Ukraine! Well Done!
Jacob Ashby 7Cy – For brilliantly leading the news during form time! Well Done!

The Library Newsletter
This week we have been making Mother’s Day cards, colouring in diplomas and bookmarks for our mums. Mother’s Day began in the 16th century. On this day, three weeks before Easter Sunday the tradition was for every one to return to their ‘Mother Church’ for a family celebration. The gatherings reunited families and gave children who worked as domestic servants, or as apprentices away from home (from as early as ten years old), the opportunity to have the day off to join their family and see their mother. The service would give thanks to the Mother Mary. Usually those away in service would visit their nearest church, known as their ‘daughter church’ so everyone looked forward to Mothering Sunday as this day meant they could spend a rare day with family. This day has now changed into what we know as Mother’s Day, when we can appreciate all mothers, nannas and anyone else who looks after us.

The Illustrated Mum
The Illustrated Mum by Jacqueline Wilson (Quiz 203047. Level 4. Colour Purple) is a touching tale about two daughters coping with their unconventional Mum. Dolphin thinks her intricately tattooed mother is amazing, but Star, the older sister finds her mum cringingly embarrassing. You can read the first thirty pages by opening the following link. https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Illustrated_Mum/ndP5agDNMHQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

National Scribble Day
Ah, me and my national days! National Scribble Day (March 27th) encourages children to be artists. We had a go in the library this week by creating a scribble circle and adding googlie eyes to make it into a character. That’s what’s so wonderful about scribbles – anyone can make them no matter their ability. This means everyone from nanna to the youngest family member can join in. Why not have a go on Sunday if you are spending time with your family and you are among a wide age range of people.

National Shakespeare Day
It is also National Shakespeare day this week. Normally we look at a mixture of Shakespeare lines and hop-hop lines to see if we can distinguish between the two, however, we have had a really busy week in the library so we haven’t had our usual week-long Shakespearian event. If you would like a Shakespeare/hip hop sheet I can either give you one, or email one to you.

Shakespeare was also the king of the one liner and insults. “You have such a February face, So full of frost, of storm, and cloudiness.” Much Ado About Nothing (Act 5, Scene 4). Have a listen to author Michael Rosen reciting his ten favourite Shakespearian insults, including one from Macbeth by opening the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDI_gFMCsq0 Have a go at writing a couple of insults in the style of William Shakespeare. I’d love to hear what you can come up with!

Year 8 – Mrs Avey, Mrs Mennell and Mr Handley
Firstly we’d like to inform parents and carers that attendance in Year 8 has yet again been the strongest in the main school (this is a regular occurrence). We are really grateful for the support we receive from parents and cares in terms of attendance and that the importance of this is also emphasised at home.

This week in the character and culture section of form time students have been looking at gender stereotypes. This involved an in depth look at the colours blue and pink and why they are associated with boys and girls. The students learned the history about how these colours became associated with these respective genders and how this has changed from many decades ago. This led into a longer talk about gender stereotypes in general and students discussed problems around stereotyping based on gender. As ever it was great to be able to pop into forms and witness mature discussions taking place with the school values of compassion and justice at the heart of it all.

This week has also brought the school’s production of ‘Matilda’. This will be mentioned in many other sections of communication home to parents but it would be wrong for us not to acknowledge the hard work that has gone into the school show from a large number of year 8 students. The show was excellent and the hard work put into it has absolutely paid off. We hope as many parents as possible were able to get along to see it – the Year 8 team thoroughly enjoyed it. We want to pass on a massive well done to the Year 8 students involved: Band: Yoonroh Lee; Carine Ko and Max Moody. Backstage: James Dillon; Edward Smith; Alfred Davies; Blaine Wright-Smith; Alex Driffield; Hannah Birkenshaw; Alex Grist; Jack Lawrence; Noah Smee-Brown; Thomas Bate. Cast: Thomas Graham; Sam McBride; Hannah Mcfarlane; Angus East; Jess Wray and Aiden Smith

We are really pleased to have been able to get students started on their Bikeability training this week as well. The first group started on Thursday 24th and really impressed the instructors with both their skill level but also their manners and attitude. This will continue into next week – students have been made aware in forms when it is their turn but if any parents would like to enquire about when this will be please do get in touch with the Year 8 team.

As ever, thank you for your continued support. If you have any issues regarding your child in Year 8, please do contact school reception to get in touch with Mrs Avey (Head of Year 8), Mr Handley (Assistant Head of Year 8) or Mrs Mennell (Year 8 Pastoral Support Worker).

Year 9 – Mr Arthur, Mr Deamer and Mrs Deacon
On behalf of the Year 9 Pastoral Team, I very much hope this bulletin finds you and your family safe and well, and that you have enjoyed the lovely weather this Mother’s Day.

The second week back after Easter sees the final round of the Year 9 Cultural Experiences Visits. As I have mentioned previously, Year 9 is an important transition year within school and we firmly believe it is important that every child has the opportunity to explore their personal development and deepen their cultural experiences. These trips are an opportunity for students to not only review a local arts exhibition as part of the Silver Arts Award, but help students to progress on their AHS Journey, with the focus for Year 9 being on ‘Understanding yourself and others’.

The locations for these three trips are…

• Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
• The National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
• The Royal Armouries, Leeds

The final rotation of these trips will take place on Thursday, 5th May and all students in Year 9 will be out of school for the day. This is a mandatory visit as part of the student’s Silver Arts Award Qualification. Here is a reminder of the important things for students to remember in preparation for their final visit…

• Students must arrive to school in their uniform, however they can wear comfortable footwear (trainers) if they so wish.
• Students travelling to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park will need to ensure they wear boots/wellington boots or footwear they do not mind getting muddy as they will be outside on grass for most of the day. Students on this trip must also ensure they wear plenty of warm clothing (although I am very much hoping that for this rotation, the weather will be sunny and dry!).
• Students must bring their own packed lunches to school for the day. Students who are Free School Meals will have a packed lunch provided for them by school. Students must also not bring any food with them that contain nuts as some students on the trips do have allergies to nuts.
• Students arrive to school at the normal time, and they will register in their form rooms. Students will then be making their way to the Main Hall where we will head off to the buses for the different trips.
• Each coach will have a supply of face masks and we strongly encourage that students wear face masks on the coach and in crowded indoor spaces. However, the wearing of masks will not be mandatory on this trip in line with government guidance.
• Students must bring any medication/inhalers etc… they need with them – they will be their responsibility for the duration of the trip. If they need support from a member of staff, they should let the bus/trip leaders know as soon as possible.
• The buses will return to school for 3pm in time for students to make their usual way home from school.

Medical and consent forms will be posted home sometime this week. Please ensure these are returned ASAP to ensure your child can take part in these exciting cultural experience visits.

I wanted to also take this opportunity to mention homework, which is a significant part of academic life at AHS. Not only does homework allow students to make progress outside of the classroom environment, but it will get students into good working habits that will be extremely beneficial as they move up through the school (not forgetting that student’s have already begun preparing for their GCSE during this Year 9 transition year). Staff are also working hard to make sure students are sufficiently supported with homework, and that it is purposeful and recognised through marking and feedback in lessons. The majority of the year group are coping with the demands of homework extremely well, and the shift to using Google Classroom – and this is excellent to see. Myself, Miss Deacon and Mr Deamer are keen to maintain the highest possible standards with homework, and we are continuously supporting students in order to make sure they are meeting deadlines and producing homework of an excellent standard. We thank you for your continued support as we strive to instill a strong work ethic at home that will help students to make continued progress as they progress through the school. If your child in Year 9 needs any support with their homework, or if there is any problems regarding access to homework through Google Classroom, please do get in touch.

Finally, a big congratulations to the students winning the Head of Year Award last week – this has been the toughest week yet to pick winners, and has prompted the team to think a little creatively about how we can reward so many students in Year 9 who did fantastic things last week…

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.

Year 10 – Mr Avery, Miss Johstone and Miss Montagu
The good weather always seems to lift the mood around school and now Spring seems to be here. I hope we have more good days moving forward. I have spent this term popping into Y10 classes to keep an eye on their academic engagement and progress, and It was really nice to see the students working hard and engaging in their lessons. I keep reminding them in assembly that ‘hard work pays off’ and I hope they keep this in the forefront of their minds over the next couple of months before the mock exams. The students have responded really well to the ‘5 fundamentals’ we have been promoting since the start of the new term, and I have noticed a significant improvement in uniform, timekeeping and conduct across school.

The Act of Collective Worship this term has been focussed on ‘Individual Liberty’ a core British value. We have come together as a year group to focus on the invasion of the Ukraine as I felt it was important to explain to the students the origins of the conflict, who NATO are and what the people of Ukraine had been experiencing since the invasion. By doing this I hoped they can engage further with the stories they are seeing on the news. This also links well to our British value for the half term which is ‘individual liberty’ and the students were informed that we must never take our democracy or individual liberty for granted. I was delighted with the response of the students, who seemed equally horrified, compassionate and angry about the situation in the Ukraine. I know that many of our students and families are working hard to collect medicines, food and aid for Ukraine, which is absolutely fantastic. The students were informed that should they have any worries, concerns or questions about the ongoing war in Ukraine, they can speak to any teacher or member of the Year 10 pastoral team. Linking to the idea of ‘Individual Liberty’, we have also looked at the idea of being a feminist, and what this word means. We dispelled myths about the word, and explained the importance of equality in society between genders. The students we then taught about the evolution of feminism, and how women’s rights had made significant progress across the 20th century, but more was needed to be done even now in 2022. I was really pleased with the impact this had on our students, and enjoyed discussing the matter further with a few of them after the assembly.

I am really pleased to see the student’s uptake in extracurricular activities continue in a variety of areas. I was delighted to see that a number of students in Y10 were in the school production of ‘Matilda’ which has been running this week. I really enjoyed seeing the show, which was one of the best productions I have seen during my time at AHS. I congratulate the students involved, as I know the extensive commitment of their own time they have put toward making the show so spectacular. Many of our students are also taking part in a range of sports both in and outside of school. I always look forward to hearing how they have got on, competing against the other schools in the district. I have enjoyed watching the boys play football this half term, despite a disappointing loss! It has also been great to see the boys playing rugby (combined with y11 students) and putting up a valiant effort against Manor school in rugby union (which I am assured is the wrong code!) I know that the girls have also had success playing in an indoor cricket tournament this term, and representing the school impeccably. I congratulate all our students involved in representing the school, in any format, and I am proud of the commitment they are showing to our school community.
Thank you for all the hard work you are doing at home to continue to support your child, this is having a very significant impact toward their success at school. The Year 10 pastoral team are always available to help with any questions or queries you may have.

Year 11 – Miss Turvey, Miss Reeder and Miss Chambers
As we approach the Easter holiday, students are continuing to work hard and it’s great to see so many of our Year 11s beginning to revise consistently at home as well as in school.

A particular shout out this week to Media students who have been completing their BTEC exam. Well done to the following students for all of their hard work in rising to this extra pressure: Freddie Boardman, Harry Bostock, Imogen Bradbury, Minnie Cotton, Kimberley Ellis, Jack Farrow, Brodi Garrett-Craig, Damyi Kim, Ben Kinder, Isabelle Marron, Beth Mason, Noah Metcalfe, Grace Morris, Jonte Robinson, Finley Saunders, Georgia Sutcliffe and Joe Taylor.

This week we have our Year 11 section in the School Newsletter so there will be more individual subject shout outs to follow.

Media BTEC exams will continue this week on Tuesday 29th March (morning), Thursday 31st March (morning and afternoon) and Friday 1st April (morning) which will be the final day.

Our most important event this week is Parents Evening taking place on Wednesday 30th March. This is a face-to-face event taking place in school and you will be welcomed to sign in via Main Reception. There will be staff and students on hand to greet you with appointments taking place in the Main Hall, Gym and Courtyard Café. The evening will run from 3:45pm – 7:15pm and students have made appointments with their subject teachers. As usual, students are invited and encouraged to attend alongside their parents where possible – we appreciate that a small number of students will be away on a Drama trip. We are very appreciative of all of your efforts to ensure you are able to attend; please do let us know if are unable to come or have any queries or concerns.

On Friday 1st April we will be running the ‘Teacher Discomfort’ Assembly for the year group for which Form Tutors have generously volunteered to take part in. Students are currently voting with donations in their Forms for which members of staff they would like to see being involved. Form tutors who receive the largest donations will undergo the ‘discomforts’ of Karaoke, Leg Waxing, Pie in the Face and Eating Challenges on the school stage. This will hopefully provide a light-hearted and fun assembly for the end of term, however we are also looking to raise money for the ‘extras’ for Prom such as decorations, photo booth and balloons. There is no minimum or maximum (within reason) donation here and we are urging all students to bring in loose change they might have lying around to support this event. A reminder that the school has committed to paying for the Prom itself, with a Free ticket for all those who have over 300 merits and 90% attendance.

Post 16 – Mrs De Lashley, Mrs Walton, Miss Balmer and Mr Charlton
BTEC Winter Exam Results – A huge congratulations to our BTEC students across Year 13 and Year 12 that received results this week. Results were excellent and testament to hard work and commitment at a challenging time. These results are the first real exams for most of them. Results were for all Y13 BTEC subjects and Y12 Health & Social Care, Applied Law and Uniformed Protective Services. Meetings are still ongoing to ensure that students, and in many cases parents, are clear on what we advise to receive the best possible outcome. We do not expect anyone to stand-down unless they are on target due to there still being another opportunity to improve their grades in the summer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Y13 position – Students will continue to receive results for their March Mocks. These will inform us as to how best to support our next steps for intervention. The final interim data report for Y13 will be sent home next week predicting positions for the Summer.

Attendance – Year 12 have turned a corner and are really showing a mature approach to study and a commitment to being in school. Year 13 are still struggling to appreciate the impact that absence has on their progress and staff ability to support. Please continue to support us with this. Last week saw many Year 13 students take appointments during the school day. It is very difficult to support them during this really busy period leading to their final exams.

REMINDER: Sixth Form Challenge TRIPLE continues

• Y13 – We are offering a prize for any student with 100% attendance between now and Easter. This is still going strong with over 100 in the running
• Y13 – we are offering a prize for any student with 100% attendance to P6 between now and Easter. Students are attending more and more sessions. This could still be improved.
• Y12 – we are offering a prize for the most read books alongside a brief review on our National Book Tokens challenge. Book are being borrowed, I eagerly await the reviews.

REMINDER: Y13 Leaver’s Celebration

Thank you for the reply slips coming in to confirm your attendance to this evening. We are delighted that the Archbishop of York has been able to accept our invitation to the evening (Thursday 19th May) and so we have moved the start time ever so slightly to accommodate (7pm-8pm). It is an honour and I hope you can join in celebrating your son/daughters.

It’s not too late to book tickets for prom!

Shoutouts

Collective Worship
This week the theme of our Form Tutor Collective Worship is entitled Be Bold. This is part of the Way Maker series. It will take us on a journey through Lent, reflecting on Jesus’ ministry and his example of being a “way maker” and serving others.

Quotes
Monday: “If we are to better the future we must disturb the present.” – Catherine Booth; 19th C, co-founder of The Salvation Army
Tuesday: “The Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” – The Bible; Deuteronomy 31:6
Wednesday: “Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” – The Bible; Psalm 54:4
Thursday: “Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart.” – The Bible; Luke 18:1
Friday: “Put a grain of boldness in everything you do.” – Baltasar Gracián; Spanish priest, writer and philosopher

The Wellbeing Newsletter Issue 48