Headteacher's Weekly Update
Dear Families,
This week, our Year 11 students have been working exceptionally hard as we continue supporting them in the build up to their mock examinations after half term. In maths, we have been putting them through their paces with a refreshed approach to homework designed to strengthen core skills and ensure students are consistently revisiting key topics. Alongside this, students took part in a walking, talking mock, a powerful revision strategy where teachers guide the cohort step-by-step through exam-style questions in real time. This helps students understand not only the methods needed, but also how to interpret questions, structure their answers, and manage time effectively.
We are delighted with the maturity and engagement students have shown throughout this process. Next week, we will be replicating the same high-support model in English, and we are already incredibly proud of their work ethic and commitment.
A huge thank you to the Friends of Aureus for hosting another successful meeting this week. I was pleased to hear that we welcomed some new members and about the exciting discussions taking place. Every penny raised by FoA goes directly back into enriching our school community. With their dedication and your support we are hoping to begin fundraising towards the long awaited 3G pitch, pending council approval. Please support FoA events, volunteer when you can, or simply spread the word. Every contribution truly makes a difference.
Thank you also to all the families who attended the Year 9 Progress Evening. With the options deadline approaching next week, it has been wonderful to see so many thoughtful conversations taking place between students, families, and staff. Our Year 9s have approached this decision making process with great maturity and reflection. A polite reminder that options must be submitted by Wednesday 11th February.
Finally, a reminder that it is Year 10 Progress Evening next week, and we look forward to welcoming families into school to discuss how students are progressing with their GCSE studies.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Kirsty Rogers
Headteacher
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| FOA Quiz Night | 07/02/26 |
| Year 10 Progress Evening | 12/02/26 |
| End of Term 3 - students finish at normal time | 13/02/26 |
| Start of Term 4 - all students return | 23/02/26 |
| Iftar Dinner - all families welcome | 24/02/26 |
| Year 11 Mocks | 23/02/26 to 04/03/26 |
| Year 8 Human Library | 02/03/26 |
| Performing Arts Showcase | 13/03/26 |
| Year 10 Masterchef Competition | 17/03/26 |
| Year 10 Career Fest | 18/03/26 |
| HPV Catch up vaccinations | 18/03/26 |
| Year 10 Vertex Trip | 19/03/26 |
| Move It Trip | 20/03/26 |
| Year 11 Progress Evening | 26/03/26 |
| End of Term 4 - early close 13:05 | 27/03/26 |
Term dates up to 2028 can be found on our school website.
Current Personal Development Time Clubs
| Clubs | Year Groups | Teacher | Day and Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Club | All Years | Miss Ellaway - Canteen | Weekdays 08:00 |
| Morning Basketball | All Years | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Weekdays 08:00 |
| Basketball | All Years | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Monday after school |
| Football | Year 7 & 8 | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Tuesday after school |
| Netball | All Years | Mrs Adams - SH2 | Tuesday after school |
| Street Dance | All years | Ms King - DH | Tuesday after school |
| Keyboard Club | All Years | Mrs Burbage - SG04 | Tuesday after school |
| Magic: The Gathering | All Years | Mr Baker - E209 | Tuesday after school |
| Football | Year 9 & 10 | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Wednesday after school |
| Girls Football | All Years | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Wednesday after school |
| Science Club | All Years | Mrs Poulton - E204 | Wednesday after school |
| Mock Magistrates | All Years | Mrs Nicholls - S107 | Wednesday after school |
| KS4 Dance Rehearsals | Year 10 & 11 | Ms king - DH | Wednesday after school |
| Cornerstone Rehearsals | All Years | Ms King - DH | Thursday after school |
| Badminton | All Years | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Friday after school |
| Contemporary Dance | All Years | Ms King - DH | Monday 13:05 |
| Brass Group | Year 7 & 8 | Mrs Burbage - SG04 | Monday at 13:05 |
| DT | All Years | Mr Butler - NG04 | Monday and Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Eco School | All Years | Mr Rayner - S106 | Monday at 13:05 |
| Crochet Club | All Years | Miss Cockburn - Bridge Room | Monday at 13:05 |
| Orchestra | All Years | Mrs Burbage - SG04 | Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Craft Club | All Years | Mrs Cockburn - Bridge Room | Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Axiom Maths | Year 7 | Mr Gunputhram - N207 | Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Dance | Year 9 | Ms King - DH | Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Boys Dance | All Years | Miss King - DH | Wednesday at 13:05 |
| World Challenge | All Years | Mr Wilkinson - E207 | Wednesday at 13:05 |
| Sparx Homework | All Years | Mrs Kaur - N202 | Wednesday & Thursday at 13:05 |
| Axiom Maths | Year 8 | Mr Gunputhram - N207 | Thursday at 13:05 |
| Voices of Musical Theatre | All Years | Mrs Powell - SG04 | Thursday at 13:05 |
| Cornerstone Rehearsals | All Years | Ms King - DH | Thursday at 13:05 |
| Dance Club | Year 10 | Ms King - DH | Thursday 13:05 |
| Jazz Dance Club | All Years | Ms King - DH | Friday at 13:05 |
Current House Competitions
In response to families asking to see things students can get involved in, please see below the current house competitions:
| Faculty | Competition | When |
|---|---|---|
| Performing Arts | Collect a monologue from Ms Powell, learn it and then perform it | 29/01/26 |
| Performing Arts | Singing competition. Register with Mrs Burbage | 11/02/26 |
| Languages | Design a valentine's card that says "I love you" in a foreign language | 13/02/26 |
| Art |
Create a piece of art of tulips, bluebells and/or lavender to decorate 3 rooms at the JR neonatal unit. This is to support SSNAP charity who would like to make the rooms look more homely. |
13/02/26 |
