Category : Headteacher’s Blog

 

We’ve had a great time with World Book Day. Yesterday teachers across the school led ‘drop everything and read’ sessions where they shared with students an extract from a favourite book, article or poem which was relevant to their subject before having a discussion about why it is important to them. There was a great variety and the possibility of students being inspired to read further. Examples include the Maths team who shared Humble Pi by Matt Parker. If there was ever an answer to the question, ‘Why is Maths important?’ then this book is it. Students heard about the consequences of mistakes made in Maths, some funny, some ridiculous, some almost unbelievable but ALL true! Students heard how a drinks advertising campaign ended up in court when the company refused to give away a Harrier Jet, how a building in London set fire to things, how the deepest saltwater lake in Louisiana was created by accident and how a bridge between Germany and Switzerland didn’t meet in the middle!

 

 

Up in Geography, Mr. Atkinson shared with his Year 9 and Year 11 classes, a section of ‘Moving to Higher Ground’ by John Englander. The passage highlighted the importance of sustainability and resilience in order to better manage the impact of sea level rise and that “plastics in the oceans” isn’t the entire battle. It also helped our young geographers to understand the difference between Climate Change and Ozone depletion.

Mrs. Ennis in History used three poems ‘First They Came’ by Pastor Martin Niemöller, ‘Never Shall I Forget’ by Elie Wiesel and ‘Completion’ by Vera Schaufeld with Year 9 to explore the feelings of Holocaust survivors and the importance of challenging discrimination.

With Years 10 and 11, in History, Mrs. Town shared an extract from ‘The Spy who came in from the Cold’ by John le Carre. Students are studying the Cold War and this was written whilst based in Germany in an office overlooking the Berlin Wall. It’s particularly effective at recreating the atmosphere or tension and mistrust that the Cold War is known for.

 

 

 

Miss Bargewell, in English with Year 7, shared an extract from one of her favourite books, The Shadow of the Wind. In the extract, Daniel’s father takes him to visit the cemetery of forgotten books. The setting of the cemetery of forgotten books is a powerful symbol as it is a sanctuary where stories, even those deemed unimportant or forgotten, are kept alive.

 

 

 

 

In the Intervention Room, with Mrs. Mannion,  25 students in Years 7, 8 and 9 made a fantastic display of the books that they’re currently reading using the ‘I’m reading’ website templates. They then enjoyed ‘The Wild Robot’ by Peter Brown, Chapters 1 to 11. This book was chosen by one of our Year 9 students. The main character has some autism traits and there is a theme of kindness. 

Years 10 and 11 have started the second series of Progress Exams today with the French speaking exams taking place earlier in the week. This all forms part of our Raising Achievement strategy. Thanks to the parents and carers who attended the Information Evening about Wellbeing and supporting students with exams. We’ll be sending out the information if you were unable to attend.

We had a visit from our Senior Education Adviser on Tuesday with a focus on teaching and learning across the school. He reported that ‘The school should be recognised for the positive impact of the improving behaviour strategy across the school. Behaviour across lessons was generally excellent. Similarly, there were no issues of pupils out of lessons and the atmosphere across the school was calm and conducive to learning.’ and our recent focus on questioning was also recognised, ‘Pupils were generally working constructively across all lessons visited. There were some excellent examples of teachers using a well chosen blend of volunteers and cold calling during questioning activities.’

 

In assemblies this week, we’ve explored future careers which has complemented the Options Taster sessions for Year 9.

In sporting news, Mrs. Cheeseman reports that ‘Year 7 netballers played Ripon Grammar School yesterday. This was another opportunity for some students to experience their very first fixture. The girls played 40 minutes of netball against both the A & B team from RGS. Although, we were not able to come away with the win, it was a great learning experience. The girls showed resilience and did get stronger throughout the game and started to make interceptions. The players of the match were Rova and Eliora and there was good effort from all.’

Tickets are on sale for the Friends of Boroughbridge High School, Quiz and Chilli night – Friday 21st March 7p.m. for a 7.30p.m. start. Please use this link https://www.pta-events.co.uk/boroughbridgehighschool/

You’ll need to create an account with PTA events and when you go to the ticket page remember to add a quantity for the tickets even if it is just 1 ticket – it’s not very clear sometimes! Thank you in advance for your support. We’d really appreciate your support with this as all proceeds come directly back to school.

A reminder that it is Year 9 Parent/Carer Options evening on Wednesday (12^th) from 6-8.30p.m. and then we have a Professional Development Day on Thursday (13^th March) when students do not attend school.

Have a lovely weekend!

Despite the mixed weather over half term, students returned sharing stories of how they’d made the most of their break. They returned with a positive attitude, prepared for the half term ahead and quickly settling back into routine.

We’ve been preparing for World Book Day (6^th March) in assemblies with Mr. Grierson talking with students about feedback from young people across the country. The national survey identified the things that young people find most challenging about reading are

• I haven’t found things to read that I like
• I get distracted by other things – like games and screens
• Adults want me to read things I don’t want to
• I’m not a good reader and
• I don’t like to sit still on my own

Some suggested solutions were to create a time of day to look forward to when you read just for fun, maybe at bedtime or first thing in the morning. Find quick and easy reads like comics, poems or blogs. Read while you’re on the go. Listen to an audiobook.  There was a reminder from World Book Day that ‘reading comes in many forms, from audiobooks to graphic novels, poetry to comics. It can be solitary or social. And you can read wherever you want!’ You’ll hear more of our event to celebrate World Book Day next week.

Year 9 prepare for the start of the next part of their educational journey next week when they have their Futures week. This includes opportunities to experience new subjects that they may wish to choose as options. During the following week, they’ll have their Parent/Carer evening before making those all important choices.

Students in Years 10 and 11 are preparing for their second series of Progress Exams which start on Friday where they’ll be able to see the progress that they’ve made since the first series before Christmas. We wish them well.

You can now purchase your tickets for the Friends of Boroughbridge High School Quiz and chilli night on Friday 21^st March at 7p.m. The website link for booking tickets is www.ptaevents.co.uk/boroughbridgehighschool

You’ll need to create an account with PTA events and when you go to the ticket page remember to add a quantity for the tickets even if it is just 1 ticket – it’s not very clear sometimes! Thank you in advance for your support.

Next week we have our Parent/Carer information evening which has a focus on Wellbeing and supporting students with exams. This will be particularly relevant to parents and carers of students in Years 10 and 11. It takes place at 6p.m. on Thursday 6^th March. Please e-mail schooladmin@boroughbridgehigh.com if you wish to attend.

Have a lovely weekend!

Year 9 breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday afternoon as their exams came to an end. Not only will the exams demonstrate student progress but the whole process including revision, preparation and the exam helps students to develop the skills that they’ll require for their GCSEs. After half term, they’ll be starting to think about their Key Stage 4 curriculum and the options that they would like to take.

Thank you for your responses to the behaviour survey which show improvement in all areas. This feedback forms an important part of our evaluation now that we have completed our work with the DfE Behaviour Hub. It will also help us to shape our future work with Positive Regard as we continue to drive forward our standards.

Over 90% of parents and carers agreed or strongly agreed that they regularly checked MCAS. Over 80% agreed or strongly agreed that they were clear about behaviour expectations, understood the school’s behaviour policy, knew where to find the school’s  behaviour policy, supported the school giving out sanctions when their child had not met behaviour expectations and knew who to contact if they wanted to get in touch about behaviour. Over 70% of respondents felt that on a typical day behaviour was good or very good. The lowest scorings are related to understanding how rewards work in school.

This feedback forms an important part of our evaluation now that we have completed our work with the DfE Behaviour Hub. It will also help us to shape our future work with Positive Regard as we continue to drive forward our standards.

This week in sporting news, Mrs. Cheeseman reports ‘On Wednesday, eleven Year 7 girls played King James’s School in a football fixture at home. I was very impressed with the organisation and intuition of the girls to get ready and warmed-up for the game promptly. I have to commend the girls’ resilience and ambition shown in only their second football fixture, compared to a well-rehearsed opponent. KJS dominated the game from the start with a win in the end but I do have some positives to report. Firstly, well done to our two players of the match, Mili and Genevieve. Mili made a cracking save where she jumped at least her body height off the ground in an almighty stretch for the ball! Genevieve really came alive in the second half supporting the attacking play. Secondly, overall the whole team was significantly more cohesive, determined and fluid in their play compared to their last game. After the half term, there will be a KS3 girls only lunchtime extra-curricular football club on a Tuesday.’

 

 

Meanwhile the Year 8 boys forced a 2-2 draw against Rossett. Mr. Field said that they played really well and showed great resilience throughout the game.

 

 

 

A reminder that the Friends of Boroughbridge High School are organising a quiz and chilli night at BHS on the evening of Friday 21^st March. Teams of up to 6, bar and raffle. Further information on how to buy tickets will follow shortly.

We hope our students have a great half term break and have a lovely weekend!

 

Last weekend was an incredibly successful one for Austin (Y9) who, competing in the English Karate Childrens and Veterans Championships in Sheffield secured a fantastic Silver and Gold medal. What an achievement!

Keeping a focus on success, in assemblies this week Mr. Scott (Head of Science) has been exploring with students future opportunities and the likelihood that, due to the development of technology, our students will have jobs that don’t exist at this moment in time. Therefore, he talked about the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects and the addition of an ‘A’ for ‘Arts’ to make STEAM which encourages students to think critically and creatively and to use engineering or technology in imaginative designs or creative approaches to real world problems. Students were left in no doubt of how their current learning would link to their futures.

Over the last few weeks our Year 11 students have been thinking beyond GCSE, visiting local post-16 provisions in Harrogate and York and, this week, a group went across to King James’s School for the Taster Day where they met staff and students and experienced lessons across the post-16 curriculum.

It was great to welcome so many people to the Year 8 Parent/Carer evening on Wednesday.  Along with lots of productive conversations around progress, it was good to have many general conversations about the positive experiences that Year 8 are having at Boroughbridge High School.

In sporting news, Mr. Field reports, ‘The Year 8 boys took on King James’ School on Thursday night in the much anticipated 2nd round of the District Cup.  The boys were eager to put the recent exit from the ESFA Small Schools Trophy competition behind them with this local derby.  The start of the match did not unfold as intended with the boys not showing the ambition that they had shown in abundance in previous games.  There were flashes of attractive football which showed that they still had an ample skillset to take on the federated opposition.  The first half ended with the boys 4-1 behind, a nice lobbed goal from A. Farnworth instilled some belief as they came into the break.  A refocusing of mindset during the half time team talk proved to be very beneficial as the boys played with ever growing confidence and started to take the game to their rivals.  Wave after wave of Boroughbridge attack poured pressure onto the King James defence forcing them to concede a large amount of corners.  Unfortunately the pressure did not come to fruition and the game ended with the King James’ team progressing to the quarter final winning 5-1.  Valuable lessons were taken from the performance with an understanding and belief that, as a team, they are very capable of causing any team problems and the importance of focusing on their performance to ensure they play at their very best.’

Year 7 girls were involved in a Bench ball tournament this week. Mrs. Cheeseman reports ‘On Wednesday eleven Year 7 girls travelled to Thirsk School to take part in a Benchball tournament. Well done to, Alice, Ruby, Josie, Charlotte, Matilda, Maddy, Lyla, Benedita, Amelia, Esmae and India. The school games event was aimed at providing an opportunity to increase wider engagement and participation in sporting competitions. We placed 3rd and all who took part got a fancy medal to celebrate. A special mention to Maddy, who was awarded MVP (most valuable player) for her nifty defending skills and to Josie, who was awarded an additional medal for her enthusiasm and determination displayed in the games. Lastly, I want to highlight how brilliant Charlotte was, she was getting interceptions left, right and centre!’

A reminder that we’re currently collecting feedback about the progress that we’ve made with behaviour as part of our work with the Behaviour Hub programme. It’s helpful for us to have as many responses as possible as this gives us a more accurate picture. The survey will remain open until Monday so you still have time to give your feedback. You can complete it at https://forms.gle/pq8bMxFgEbrYGu8h8 Thank you if you’ve already done so.

Next week Year 9 have an important week ahead as it’s Year 9 exam week. We carry out exams with each year group so that they get used to the rules and regulations of the exam room in preparation for their GCSEs.

A date for your diary, the Friends of Boroughbridge High School are organising a quiz and chilli night at BHS on the evening of Friday 21^st March. Teams of up to 6, bar and raffle. Further information on how to buy tickets will follow shortly.

Have a lovely weekend!

With our current focus on aspects of Teaching and Learning as part of our Raising Achievement Strategy, questioning has been at the fore this week. Staff have been using questioning sequences to assess student progress, provoke thinking and deepen understanding.

Examples of this across the curriculum include Miss Bargewell’s Year 7 English class who were involved in Travel Writing. Miss Bargewell reports ‘Students were asked to agree or disagree with the statement ‘this advert would persuade me to go on holiday’ after watching ‘Simon the Ogre’ from Thomson. Through whole class questioning, all students offered an initial response to the statement. By using a combination of cold calling and probing, students developed their initial ideas and also built on the answers of others, sometimes challenging another student’s point of view! The general consensus was that the advert was not as effective as it could be because it ‘didn’t really have any words, only images’ which was a perfect introduction to writing our own advert voice overs.’

In Year 8 PE where students were playing volleyball, Mrs. Cheeseman reports ‘ Questioning with hands down approach was used to retrieve knowledge from previous lessons. We had covered dig and set hits in volleyball previously. Students were selected to tell and show key teaching points of the hits. Where appropriate they were asked to explain why they had given that answer. When introducing a new element of the game, serving, they were given time to discuss prior knowledge with a partner and then hands up was used to gauge confidence levels and prior knowledge.’

 

In Year 8 Art, Mrs. Hunter reports ‘Students were asked to look at the illustrations of Tim Burton before describing his style using keywords initially as individual work. Wider questions were then asked about similarities across several media showing his work both stop motion animation characters and his simple sketches. Students were asked what type of mood his work created. We then discussed how to achieve the same effect in our own work and broke this down into a 3 part simple process. We then discussed techniques and simple tips in which to achieve this in their own work. Individuals were targeted initially but then opportunities were opened up for those that felt we had missed anything additional in our summing up.’

 

 

In Year 8 DT where students were looking at mechanisms, Mr. Groves reports that he discussed with groups the uses of mechanisms in the wider world. Students were asked to give examples of where mechanisms might be used and how they would be used in those devices, machines or structures. The responses were wide ranging and thoughtful.

In Year 10 English where students were studying Act Two of ‘Macbeth’, Mrs. Wellock reports that ‘This week, we have been considering: How does Macbeth’s internal conflict and Lady Macbeth’s influence escalate following Duncan’s murder? Closed questions were used to retrieve key information from the play and a range of open ended questions including the key question above were used to deepen our understanding of the play.’

Finally in GCSE Business Studies and Computer Science, Mrs Sands reports that ‘As part of retrieval, students were asked to respond to a range of written questions which link to their forthcoming practice for the mock. Prompts were given for students who needed support and students were selected to give information before further questioning challenged students to answer in more detail.’

As part of our Quality Assurance, on Tuesday, one of our Governors visited and went into classes across the school to see questioning in action.

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day on 27^th January 2025 with the theme this year being ‘For a Better Future’, Mrs. Ennis has led assemblies with all year groups. Having shared information about the Holocaust, Mrs. Ennis talked about more recent genocides which have taken place before exploring how our young people can create a better future by challenging prejudice and discrimination and how they should never underestimate their capacity to make a positive difference.

In sporting news this week, the Year 8 boys football team played Ashville College with BHS finally winning on penalties with a BHS penalty converted and one of Ashville’s missing. The boys demonstrated excellent team commitment and spirit and showed great resilience as they came back from behind and secured the win!

It’s Year 8 Parent/Carer evening from 4-6.30p.m. next Wednesday (5^th February). We’ll look forward to seeing you there.

Have a lovely weekend!

We were incredibly grateful to the First Responder Team who came into school on Wednesday for our ‘Restart a Heart’ day. Years 7, 8 and 9 participated and with Years 10 and 11 carrying out the training last year, our school community is now fully trained in CPR. You can find out more about it at https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr

As part of our Raising Achievement Strategy, we’re systematically focusing on aspects of Teaching and Learning.  We’re currently looking at questioning in classrooms which also links into our Phases of Learning. We’ll be talking with students of the value of questions in checking understanding and supporting students’ thinking and how this enables teachers to adapt their teaching to move the learning on. It also gives students an opportunity to show their ‘Ambition’ by actively participating and contributing in lessons whilst also developing ‘Resilience’.

Years 10 and 11 have had feedback on their progress at our Parent/Carer evening on Wednesday. Thank you for your attendance. We also took the opportunity in Year 11 assembly on Friday to present students with their Progress Exam results as if they were receiving them in August so that they can reflect on the approach that they need to take in the coming months.

In Assemblies this week, through our value of ‘resilience’ Mr. Grierson has focused on peer pressure looking at both the positives and negatives. He explored the factors that make groups behave in certain ways and shared strategies that students can use to support them in making positive choices.

In sporting news, Mrs Cheeseman reports ‘This week we had two fantastic football opportunities for Year 7 & 8 girls. For many it was their very first fixture representing the school. On Monday, Boroughbridge High School hosted the indoor area Year girls 5-a-side tournament. All teams participated excellently well demonstrating high levels of skill. All games were low scoring and extremely close. The BHS team came 3^rd with Harrogate Ladies College  1^st and Ashville College 2^nd.

Wednesday saw two teams travel to Ripon Grammar School to play in a Year 7 and 8 fixture. This is the first time both teams have played together. They showed an immense amount of respect for each other. Well done to Alice, who scored a goal in the Year 7 game and player of the Year 8 match, Ava. I was particularly impressed with the girls’ resilience to preservere even when the score was against them. A highlight was the ‘carpool karaoke’ (I’m not joking) on the way home. Thank you very much to the Boroughbridge Community Care Minibus team and our driver Nic for providing us with transport to the game.’

It was also lovely to see our Year 9 Sports Leaders stepping up to the mark on Wednesday supporting a cross country event for our local primary schools hosted at BHS.

Coming up in the next couple of weeks is Year 8 Parent/Carer Evening on Wednesday 5^th February and Year 9 exams begin on 10^th February.

Have a lovely weekend!

Ambition has been the focus of our assemblies this week as we’ve considered future careers by looking at the alumni of Boroughbridge High School and their many and varied destinations. We have former students who have gone into dentistry, veterinary science, events management, the arts, architecture and teaching to name but a few! We talked about the importance about being ambitious for what we can achieve during our school years along with our future lives.

Year 11 have been thinking about their next steps visiting Sixth Forms and colleges to experience their post-16 provision so that they can make an informed choice. Parents and carers will have the opportunity in the additional online Parent/Carer evening next week to discuss the progress that they’re making.

We’ve had our first Local Adviser visit of the term this week with a focus on students with SEND and Pupil Premium students. As ever, as we continue on our journey of improvement, we value all feedback so that we can chart our progress and continue to improve. This is the first time that this adviser has visited BHS and he commented on the high standards of behaviour. As you’ll be aware, whilst behaviour will continue to be a priority, we are at the end of our work with the Behaviour Hub and we’ll be sending out a questionnaire next week to capture your feedback on our progress.

Today a group of our Year 10 students have taken part in a public speaking workshop working with the Speakers Trust charity. Students have participated in activities to give them the skills and confidence to develop and deliver a speech on a topic that they feel passionate about.

In sporting news this week Mr. Field reports, ‘Wednesday saw a return to football fixtures for the PE department as the District Cup Competition gathers pace. The Yr11 boys, with assistance from some Yr10 boys, made the arduous journey to South Craven to play this round of the Cup.  The long journey did not phase the boys and they started positively against the home team dominating early proceedings.  A. Nunns opened the Boroughbridge account finishing well from some intricate passing play from the midfield.  The home team were on the back foot after conceding as Boroughbridge pushed for the second goal before half time.  South Craven worked their way back into the match and despite some fine defensive play they broke through the Boroughbridge ranks to equalise before half time.  The home team started the second half with their tails up which soon led to them scoring a deflected goal giving them the lead.  The game ebbed and flowed providing great entertainment for those on the sidelines.  In the dying moments of the game I. Burland forced an opening and capitalised with a lobbed finish to draw the game level.  The game entered the tense final minutes with penalties looming to settle the draw.  The inevitable end to the game presented itself as penalties were needed to settle the tie.  Boroughbridge started the shoot out positively netting the first spot kick, South Craven struck the woodwork handing the advantage to the visiting team.  Both teams took some great penalties but it was the home team who managed to hold their nerve and secure the tie winning 8-7.  The boys played some fantastic passing football and are hopeful for their next fixture before the exam season kicks in.’

Have a lovely weekend!

I hope that you had a lovely Christmas break and we send our best wishes for 2025. We certainly returned with an icy blast on Monday and it was lovely to see how one of our students and his dad had been helping in the community.  Settling straight back into routine, we had assemblies to reinforce our values (ambitious, respectful, resilient) and expectations ensuring a smooth start to the Spring Term. Uniform standards were high as usual and we thank you for your support with this. Mrs. Godsell- Wright has continued to reinforce our values in assemblies by thinking about the year ahead and how we can approach it to maximise impact.

We’ve been delighted to welcome Miss Bargewell (Second in English), Mrs Valentine (Maths) and Mrs Downes (GTA) to our school community and congratulate Mrs Wellock as she takes up the post of Head of English.

By the end of week one, we’re now firmly settled back into routine. Students in Years 10 and 11 are fully aware of the successful areas of their progress exams and what they need to do in the few months leading up to their next progress exams in March and their final exams in the Summer. As part of our Raising Achievement strategy, high quality teaching, interventions and revision sessions continue to support students to maximise their achievement. You’ll be able to discuss their progress with teachers at the virtual Parent/Carer evening on Wednesday 22^nd January 2025.

Mr. Field reports, ‘It’s been a positive sporting start to 2025 for the Boroughbridge High School PE department with record breaking participation rates in extra-curricular activities.  Despite the cold spell pupils have turned out in their numbers to partake in the extensive extra-curricular programme on offer at school.  We are pleased to announce that 175 pupils have attended the eight activities that have been on offer this week – a new record which we are very proud of.  The new extra-curricular timetable is out now so hopefully this will entice more pupils to get involved in some of the activities on offer.’  Please click the following link to view the extra-curricular timetable – https://www.boroughbridgehigh.com/general-letters/

Have a lovely weekend!

Wednesday was a triumph of a day! The inter form Tug of War competition took place for different year groups throughout the day. Everyone was involved including those participating and those supporting. Mr. Field and Mrs. Bradford had taken on the serious Christmas challenge as you can see and Festive music was played throughout with an occasional moment where all in the year group came as one to sing and dance. Points were awarded for wins and the quality of the support, resulting in an excellent event where our school values of being ambitious, respectful and resilient were seen in action.

At lunchtime on Wednesday, Christmas dinner was served with students also enjoying Christmas music and a celebratory cracker. 176 Christmas lunches in total were served and our thanks go to the catering team.

Finally, in the evening, it was our Awards Evening where we welcomed back the class of 2024. It was lovely to welcome ex-students and families back into school and to see what they’ve been up to since they left in June. Certificates were given out and prizes presented by members of our local community to students for their remarkable achievements.

And so to our whole school assembly this morning. As you’re aware, this has become a Boroughbridge High School tradition where we gather to celebrate our achievements, sharing many photos and awarding many certificates. We also announced the winners of the annual Christmas Door competition which has grown to new competitive heights particularly this year with Dr. Lefley’s form 8CL receiving a specially created award due to the brilliance of the idea and clever execution by all members of the form. There were also awards for Mr. Woodward’s form’s (11SW) BHS Actually door and the Pastoral Team door. Well done to all, it’s been great fun.

As you’ll have seen in the Headteacher’s update, today we’ve said thank you and farewell to Mr. Cockerill, Head of English, who as many of you will know, has been at Boroughbridge High School since 2003, teaching some of you as well as your children. During that time, he has had a number of roles, transforming the English curriculum to engage our young people. We wish him well as he leaves us to take up the post of Director of NATE (National Association for Teaching of English).

We’ve also thanked and said farewell to Miss Davies who teaches Maths and Miss Kelly who, along with teaching English, has led whole school PSHCE and developed the School Council who initiated the great Hide and Seek events. We wish them well as they move on to their new ventures.

Thank you for your support with the Friends of Boroughbridge High School chocolate raffle. £271 was raised which is a fantastic amount. The eight winners will now be enjoying their prizes.

Thank you too to everyone in our school community who has contributed to our reverse advent. We have collected two large boxes of food donations for the local food banks, raising money through cake, chocolate and sweet sales and have purchased a Crisis 9 day place, 2 Salvation Army family packages along with a £60 donation to The Harrogate Homeless Project. 

On behalf of the Boroughbridge High School team, I hope that you and your family have a very Happy Christmas and we send our best wishes for 2025. The Spring Term starts on Monday 6^th January 2025.

Following the Progress Exams a couple of weeks ago, Year 10 and 11 have been receiving their results. There’s been a sense of clear focus and ambition in follow up lessons where students have been reflecting on what’s gone well and what they can do to improve. Our second Parent/Carer evening for these year groups will be on January 22^nd where their progress will be discussed further. It’s an online event and you’ll receive further information of how to book appointments in the New Year.

As we creep towards the Christmas break, in Mr. Woodward’s assemblies he’s been exploring Christmas and Yuletide with students learning about connected traditions to indicate which festivals we’re celebrating. The heart warming conclusion was that both of these festivals are based around hope and new beginnings.

As anticipated, the Christmas Concert on Tuesday evening was a great event with a range of fantastic performances. We heard solo performances from James (guitar), Charlotte (piano), Larisa (vocal) and Rosey (piano), before hearing duets from Charlotte (vocal) and Rosey (piano) and Olivia (vocal) and Darcy (vocal). Austin (Piano), Bodie (drums) and James (guitar) gave a band performance. The Keyboard Club showcased an Abba classic and the Pop Choir showed their ever increasing confidence with harmonies in a number of songs. The student technical team made sure that all ran smoothly and for the finale the audience was invited to participate in ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’ so we finished with joyous singing all round. Well done to the students who participated and we thank Mr. Jackson for organising the event.

There is still time for you to buy raffle tickets in the Chocolate raffle organised by the Friends of Boroughbridge High School. Here’s the link. https://www.pta-events.co.uk/boroughbridgehighschool/index.cfm

With the final week of the Autumn term ahead of us, we have a number of festive events in the week ahead. We’ll be having an inter-form Tug-of-War competition on Wednesday 18^th December. Also on that day, Christmas Dinner will be served at lunchtime. Then on the final day of term (20^th December), students will be able to wear non-uniform with a Christmas theme if they wish. We’ll be having a whole school assembly during lesson 3. A reminder that school closes at 1.30p.m. on that day.

Have a lovely weekend!