Dear Families,
I hope this week’s update find you and those closest to you in good health. I write to you on the back of the sad news that Her Majesty the Queen has passed away. Events like this can bring out a range of emotions and responses in communities and we have seen nationally an outpouring of collective grief but also a recognition of the tireless work Elizabeth II did in service of our country. A truly inspirational role model for us all. In school we have observed a minutes silence at Midday alongside the ringing of bells in Westminster. We know those who have suffered personal loss in recent times may find the next few days a little more challenging and we will keep a close eye on them having offered additional support to students and colleagues where necessary today. If you feel your child could do with a little extra support please do contact their Year Manager.
Class Charts
You have hopefully received an email with your login details for Class Charts. If you have not received, this, please check your junk folders and then contact school. Class Charts is set to become our main tool for communicating with families about how your child is getting along each day at the academy. We presented this at the parents events we held this week and explained that it will show all the positive recognition your child receives, examples of where they have demonstrated employability skills as well as where things haven’t quite gone to plan. It is vital that you access Class Charts either on the web, Apple or Android app so your child can see that you are engaging with the system and so you can help to encourage their personal development from home. We have spent this week coaching the students into how the system works and have been issuing rewards and corrections around the site. The aim is to ‘go live’ with both the rewards and corrections next week once students are familiar with how things work and families have had chance to take a look at the information from home. We will begin to phase out the text message system this half term as Class Charts will replace this for communicating things like lateness, detentions (now called corrections) and missing equipment/uniform. If you are having difficulty logging on or need further guidance, please contact school and ask to speak to your child’s Year Team.
Art, Design and Technology Competition
The ADT Department are running a competition to design a logo inspired by the recent achievement of Derby’s Harpreet Chandi, the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition in the Antarctic. The winning logos will be decided by Harpreet, printed as stickers and will be placed on her sled for the duration of Phase 2 of the expedition. She will be announcing the winners live on the ice! If student’s would like to get involved, please see the posters around school or speak to a member of the ADT team for more information. Entries can be handed to Miss Defoe or Mrs Bahia in the Art rooms no later than Monday 19th September and you can find out more about ‘Polar Preet’ on her website.
NHS Cadets Opportunity
The NHS Cadets are currently recruiting young people aged 14-18 years to be part of their programmes starting in September. NHS Cadets is a new scheme created by St John Ambulance in partnership with the NHS, providing opportunities to explore skills, knowledge and volunteering roles within healthcare. It is aimed at young people aged 14 to 18 and offers health awareness sessions, courses to develop leadership and communication skills and an experience in volunteering within the NHS. You can find out more about the NHS cadets on their website.
Careers Update
All of our Year 11 and Year 12 students have been introduced to one of our Careers Advisers from Luminate Careers. The students have seen a short video on what to expect at a careers session (see attached) and have completed a ‘Future Plans’ form which helps us to target support throughout the year. One-to-one careers sessions will begin next week for our Year 11 students. They will be meeting with one of our Careers Advisors Kat Garland, Jessica Townsend or Flavia Ojok. They are in school on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday running a range of workshops and 1:1 sessions with our students. Luminate also have an excellent website with a wealth of useful information. Please have a look at the link: https://luminatecareersandcoaching.co.uk/
Year 7
Our Year 7s have been a joy this week. They have adapted to life at Derby Moor wonderfully well and taken on all the challenges of moving around our site, learning routines, sharing the building with over a thousand other young people and, most importantly, choosing their lunch (!) with a smile on their face. The last two days have required them to find their own way to lessons more frequently and they really have taken this in their stride. They look so smart and are brimming with enthusiasm. Thank you to our Year 7 families for preparing them so well and supporting them this week. I think they will sleep well tonight.
Final thoughts
We have had a really positive start to the new year at Derby Moor and it has been a pleasure to welcome students and families back to the site as we begin the next phase of development for your child and our school as a whole. There have been a number of key changes this summer which are working well and were shared with families and students during assemblies this week. We are really clear that our aspiration if for your child to be the best in their field, we will help them secure the achievement they need to fulfil that potential and will hold the highest expectations of them along the way. Together we can aim for greatness. Together We Succeed.
Finally, our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this most difficult of times and with members of our community who have or are still dealing with grief. The loss of a family member of friend is never easy and grief manifests itself differently for each individual. I hope as we reflect upon the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and how she connected with and enriched this live of so many, we will find collective solace as a nation.
Best wishes,
Scott Doyle
Principal
