Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Autumn Term 2. I hope all is well with you. I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our new families who've joined us over the last few weeks. It's been great getting to know your lovely children.
It has been wonderful to welcome our pupils back after the half-term break. I am delighted to say that they have returned with a positive mindset and excellent attitudes to learning. Across the school, pupils have settled quickly into routines and there has been a calm, purposeful atmosphere in lessons.
Vote of Confidence in Danebury
Following the closure of applications for Year 7 entry in September 2027, we have now received our provisional application numbers, and we are absolutely delighted with the outcome.
We have received:
These figures represent a significant milestone for our school. When I look back just three years ago, we had only 38 first-choice applications at this stage. This remarkable growth reflects the rapid school improvement journey that Danebury has been on and is a testament to the hard work of our staff, pupils and wider community.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you for your part in this success. Your positive support, encouragement and recommendations to others are greatly appreciated. While we know that we do not always get everything right, we are committed to continual improvement and always welcome your feedback as we strive to provide the very best education for our pupils.
Recruitment
Recruitment has gone well so far this term. I'm pleased to report we have recruited:
- Miss Mclellan, Teacher of English (permanent position commencing in January)
- Mrs Smith, Attendance and Admissions Officer (permanent position commencing in December)
- Miss Kane and Miss Collins, Learning Support Assistants.
We are excited to be strengthening our team and look forward to working alongside them over the coming weeks. As our numbers continue to grow, I am now planning staffing for next September. Adverts will go out for an additional Science, Maths and Technology teacher in the coming weeks.
Year 11 Mock Examinations
Our Year 11 pupils have truly demonstrated our school values this week. They have been nothing short of excellent during the first week of their mock examinations.
The resilience, determination and maturity they have shown has made us incredibly proud. Mock exams can be a challenging experience, but our students have approached them with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
We wish all our Year 11 pupils the very best of luck as they continue their examinations next week.
Year 9 Army Problem-Solving Morning
On Wednesday, our Year 9 pupils took part in a problem-solving morning delivered by representatives from the Army.
It was fantastic to see pupils working together to tackle a range of challenges, exercising their collaboration, analysis, communication and critical thinking skills. These activities encouraged pupils to think creatively and persevere when faced with unfamiliar situations.
These are exactly the skills that young people will need in future education, employment and life beyond school. We are committed to weaving more opportunities into our curriculum that help pupils develop and practise these important attributes.
Personal Development Curriculum Consultation
Many thanks to all parents and carers who completed the Personal Development Consultation Survey distributed last week.
We have recently launched our new Personal Development Curriculum, which has been carefully designed in line with the latest Department for Education guidance. However, we are keen to continue developing and enriching the curriculum further through both parent and pupil feedback.
Your views are invaluable in helping us create a programme that reflects the needs and aspirations of our young people, and we appreciate the time you have taken to contribute.
Teaching and Learning Focus
This term our teaching and learning focus continues to build upon strengthening our adaptive teaching practice, supporting all pupils to achieve success.
During our INSET Day last week, Sarah Dunn and Anna Collins led staff training focused on:
- Whole-class reading strategies
- Vocabulary exploration
- Reading comprehension
- Text analysis skills
Over the coming weeks, they will be sharing a short video with parents and carers explaining some of the approaches we use to support reading across the curriculum. We hope this will provide useful insights and practical ideas if you are supporting your child with reading and learning at home.
Vital equipment needed for learning
All pupils need to come to school with pens including a black or blue whiteboard pen, pencils, a ruler, highlighter, whiteboard pen, their planner and scientific calculator. Please can you check your child has these pieces of equipment in their pencil cases each day. If you need any financial support with purchasing these, please do let us know.
Sporting Successes
Year 9 Football Team
Our Year 9 football team put in an excellent performance on Thursday, securing a 4-2 victory against Rookwood. Well done to all involved for their teamwork, determination and sportsmanship.
National Champion!
Huge congratulations to Victoria S, who won two national titles at the National Championships for Working Equitation during half term.
What an incredible achievement. We are immensely proud of you and look forward to celebrating your continued success.
Upcoming Events
Children in Need Day Friday 13 November
Pupils are invited to come to school in non-uniform in exchange for a £1 donation to Children in Need.
Activities during the day will include:
- Bake Sale at Break 2
- Colour Run during Lesson 5
Pupils have been emailed a link to sign up for the Colour Run. Bags of coloured chalk powder can be purchased for £1 each.
Please note that pupils taking part should wear old clothes, as the colour powder may stain clothing. Have a wonderful weekend.
Warm wishes
Nicky Goodridge
Head Teacher
