As we approach the end of the first full week of the 2023/24 academic year, I am pleased to share some College highlights and upcoming events with you.
A warm welcome
The start of a new academic year is an exciting time for students, staff, and parents/carers alike, and, as a College, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition into the Autumn Term. With this in mind, I am looking forward to welcoming parents and carers of our Year 7 and 8 students to our Welcome Events on 20 September. This will be your opportunity to learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), our 1:1 Chromebook device scheme, our iCAS programme, and more. You will also be able to ask any questions about your child(ren)’s studies and life at the College.
We are also hosting a Welcome Event for parents and carers of our Year 12 and 13 students on 21 September.
As a parent only event, you should have received your invitation and booking link via email. If for any reason you have not, please contact .
New term. New iCAS activities!
All of our students participate in iCAS, which provides an opportunity to enhance their personal and interpersonal development through co-curricular activities during the College day. Founded on the Creativity, Activity and Service element of the IB Diploma Programme, our iCAS programme offers our students access to more than 40 different activities. This year, your child(ren) can choose from new experiences including Greek, Astronomy, jigsaws and card games. Stay tuned for further details.
Communication is key
Strong teacher/parent relationships are proven to support students’ personal and academic development significantly and I am always keen to explore ways in which we can build even stronger communication between both parties. This year, we have launched a new form for parents to raise any questions or concerns with us and last week we distributed our termly information Sways that include information on the curriculum as well as videos from the lead practitioners for each year group. Please email if you would like this re-sending.
A ‘field’ trip to remember
Recently, a number of our Sixth Form Environmental Systems and Societies students have been volunteering their time to support the local Abbey Fields nature conservation project. Supporting local, national and international projects is part of their International Baccalaureate Service Learning requirements.
Through their volunteering, they conducted their own surveys of the local ecology and wildlife and have returned to the College feeling excited to protect our local fauna and flora.
Zen Gardens – update
Our IB Middle Years Programme students designed their own Zen Gardens with the winning idea being built on the College grounds later this year.
I am pleased to share that the winning model is now on display in the promenade alongside the designs of the three runners up. Please visit and enjoy seeing the designs for yourself as they really showcase our talented students’ creativity and design skills.
Stretch, Sculpt, and Dance your way to learning a new skill!
Providing learning opportunities for our community outside of the College walls is one of our founding principles and, with this in mind, I am delighted to share that our Community Learning Programme will relaunch on 18 September. If you are interested in weekly Pottery, Yoga and Ballroom Dancing classes, you can learn more about the programme via HI HUB.
September 15, 2023
