Dear Families
I hope this update finds you in the best of health. The end is in sight for many of our students in Year 11 and 13 as the examination season enters its final stages. For many students, their last exam was today, giving the day an ‘end of term’ feel for some. There are still a number of exams next week after which our Year 10 and Year 9 mock series’ will begin.
As we enter the final stages of the academic year we begin planning for the next and you will see some changes over the remaining weeks as we trial some adjustments ready for September. We are also busily preparing for our transition days where we will welcome Year 6 students to the academy for 3 days in preparation for their move to Derby Moor in September.
New Student Entrances
We will be trialling a change to the morning routine next week and changing which doors students use to enter the site. There are also changes to tutor bases which have been shared with students this week. The details about the new entrances are below:
Y7- Drama studio door
Y8- Main entrance
Y9- Main entrance
Y10- Main entrance
P16- HR entrance
Doors will open as usual at 8.30, giving students time to come inside, use the facilities and move to form rooms. Doors close promptly at 8.40.
We will be trialling a change to dining arrangements before the end of term too. At present this is scheduled for the week commencing the 26th June. Again, this will be shared with students in advance and there is no action required from families. Start and end times of the day will remain unchanged.
Derbyshire Healthcare Experience for School Leavers
An amazing opportunity has arisen for a small number of Year 11 students who are interested in a career in NHS. Details can be found here. Essentially it involves a one-week work experience placement in a Healthcare setting, helping students to gain valuable insight into a career in the NHS and experience they can use in future applications. Places are limited so early applications are advised.
Should students have any questions regarding it please encourage them to get in touch with Mrs Hrncic.
Student Leadership
The process for identifying the new Student Principals (from Current Yr12 students) and Student Voice/Prefects from Current Yr10 students is now underway. The details of this process have been sent out to students on Satchel (SMHW) and have been e-mailed to the respective Year group parents.
Student Leadership and Student Voice are vital functions for the school and are hugely influential in shaping the wider school experience. If you could discuss the opportunities with your child and encourage them to consider and apply for the positions advertised it would be helpful, sometimes they just need a gentle nudge to give them the confidence to take on roles like this. It is a great learning experience and opportunity to develop a range of additional skills that future employers or further education settings value, as it demonstrates an ability to lead and contribute beyond the mainstream curriculum.
International Women in Engineering Event
Rolls Royce are hosting an event to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day 2023. The intention is to inspire the next generation, celebrate all of the fantastic engineering activities at Rolls-Royce and offer you the opportunity to bring young women to learn more about Engineering within Civil Aerospace. During the event, there will be stalls focusing on how Rolls-Royce design, develop, manufacture & service their products as well as the exciting opportunities that the future holds for the company. To book a place, please visit this link.
Insight into University Experience
We have been contacted by the Engineering Development Trust who are offering places on a course to give a virtual insight into University study. This allows students to explore STEM studies at university and the career opportunities that these subjects lead to. It provides access to information on university and student life, STEM projects and activities set by leading UK universities and global STEM companies, first year undergraduate lectures, live interactive sessions with academics, admissions tutors, employers and current students. The course does cost £85 but there are some funded places available if this is a barrier. You can find all the information on their website here. Applications remain open until 19th June.
National School Sports Week
National School Sports Week is back for 2023 (19thJune), with the aim of encouraging all children in the UK to be active for the recommended minimum time of 60 minutes a day.
Here at Derby Moor we will be offering a variety of sporting opportunities throughout the week that students will be able to participate in during form, lunch and after school. Students will be able to select activities from the timetables shared during form time on Friday and each day next week. Those who attend 6 or more activities over the course of the week will be entered in to a prize draw to win an Amazon Voucher.
Year 7 Parents Evening
Year 7 Parents Evening takes place this Wednesday evening. You should have received an invitation via email regarding booking appointments through our Schoolcloud software. If you have not received this or are having difficulty, please contact the Year Team for assistance.
Parent Survey
As we begin planning for the next academic year, we would like to ask for feedback from our families that we can use alongside our earlier surveys. You can find the link to the Parent Survey here and on the Satchel noticeboard.
Careers Update
Job of the week: This week’s job of the week is a ‘Kitchen Assistant‘
Derby Moor Dispatch: You can also view this week’s Dispatch via the Careers page of the Derby Moor website. A link to the Parents’ section of the website is here.
Keele University Session: On Wednesday, our Year 12 students had a presentation from the Student Recruitment and Access Officer of Keele University about ‘Confidence, well-being and resilience’. It focussed on some really important themes about self-esteem and mental well-being and gave some advice and tips about helping to focus on how to overcome self-doubt. The timing was helpful as our Year 12 students are preparing for their mock exams and will then be turning their attention to focussing on their post 18 plans.
Keele University will be back on the July drop down day to lead a presentation on UCAS and everything university related. The following week, Year 12 students will be having a mock interview with an employer and then will have the opportunity to take part in preparation for work project.
Final Thoughts
I received a Thank You card today. This is not unusual for this time of year with students in examination groups coming toward the end of their time with us. This card was a little different though. It was from a member of the public whose husband had fallen off his bicycle on Moorway Lane. They wanted to praise four of our students who checked on the gentleman, divided themselves up so two could stay with him and two could get help. Our First Aid team duly assisted until an ambulance arrived and our students stayed, and helped keep his spirits up during the wait. A nice feelgood Friday story. Well done to Ayann, Waleed, Shaheer and Armann. We are proud of you for acting calmly and responsibly in the situation.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Scott Doyle,
Principal
