Dear Families,
I hope this update finds you in good health. We have had an unusual week at the academy with school closed to most students on both Wednesday and Thursday due to industrial action. As such, we have a slightly shorter update this week.
UCAS Discovery Fair Derby
On Friday our Year 12 students travelled to Derby Arena for a UCAS Discovery Fair to explore their post-18 options. Over 130 universities, colleges and apprenticeship organisations from all over the UK were on hand to offer students information, advice and guidance. In addition to the free pens and tote bags the students collected, they also managed to explore the sheer breadth of opportunity that exists for them when it comes to higher education. Some of the feedback from students already indicates that there has been a “lightbulb moment” where discussions with a university representative has highlighted a career path they had never before considered or even knew existed. Other students researched entry programmes, academic and sports scholarships, and widening participation opportunities that will help focus their approach to Year 13 and beyond. Overall a very successful visit for our Year 12s.
Year 11 Update
Year 11 Parents Evening will be held on Wednesday 29th March and bookings are now live on SchoolCloud. Students will receive their mock examination results at the parents evening to replicate the ‘results day moment’ they will experience in August. Additionally, we will be sharing the arrangements for the Easter revision sessions and helping you to support your child in the final run into the summer examinations. If you have any difficulty making bookings, please contact the Year 11 team.
Following the summer exams, we run our farewell Graduation Celebration for Year 11. Further details will follow after student consultation but we can confirm that the date for this event is the 29th June. This is after the final exam and the ‘contingency days’ that the exam boards hold in place for emergencies.
Duke of Edinburgh
We are rapidly approaching the first outing of the year for DofE. The Silver group are out on their Practice Expedition from Friday 24th to 26th March and Bronze group will be undertaking their Training Weekend 25th to 26th March. Fingers crossed for good weather. If you have not yet completed the online consent form please take time to do this as soon as possible to ensure your child is able to attend.
Sports Update
On Tuesday, our Y7 football team enjoyed their first league fixture, coming up against Derby Cathedral at home. The team started really strongly with IM scoring in the first 5 minutes. The team kept the pressure on scoring another 4 before half time. Unfortunately, the game was stopped due to inclement weather but the team should be very proud of how they performed and their team spirit in difficult conditions. Goals came from IM, OP, TH and MG. Next up is Leesbrook away on Monday.
Careers Update
This week’s job of the week is a ‘Social Worker’.
Derby Moor Dispatch: The next Derby Moor Dispatch will go out next Monday to all students in Year 11, 12 and 13. However, attached is the last Dispatch which contains a wide range of opportunities for work experience, summer schools, careers related webinars and so on. Please do have a look at the latest edition. The Dispatch is emailed to the students’ school email address so it is important that they check this regularly on a Monday.
‘Unlock Oxford:’ A group of year 12 students are currently taking part in a residential at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford University along with students from some other local sixth forms. Unlock Oxford aims to equip students with knowledge about higher education opportunities, increase students’ confidence in their ability academically, and to support them in making competitive applications to top universities like Oxford in the future.
Derby Scholars Programme: A number of Year 12 students visited Derby University this week as part of the Derby Scholars Programme. This is a collaborative programme between Derby University and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Students took part in an ‘Academic Skills’ day, helping them to prepare for academic study, should they choose to attend university after their sixth form studies.
National Apprenticeship Webinar Programme: Parents and students are invited to book your place for the first event in the National Webinar Series. This month features guest speaker Pete Milsom from UCAS to talk about apprenticeships and the application process, alongside Tia Holland and Monique Mackenzie from Virgin Media O2. Book your place here.
Unifrog: Students in Year 10 have been trying out Unifrog as part of the tutor programme. This is a platform that helps students compare every university course, every apprenticeship, and Further Education courses – then apply successfully. It also includes a wide range of tools and things for students to explore. You can take a look here.
Final thoughts
Following an unusual week this week, the next week sees a number different activities for students and visitors on site from industry and educational partners. It is also the beginning of Ramadan for many of our students who will begin their period of fasting. To all our Muslim families, I wish you a blessed month. Ramadan Mubarak.
Wishing you all a relaxing weekend,
Scott Doyle
Principal
