New Year Letter
Monday 3rd January
Dear Parents and Carers,
I wish you all a very Happy New Year and I hope that your Christmas breaks were both restful and enjoyable.
Please see below the updated plans for the new year. The only significant addition is that masks now must be worn at all times while indoors. This policy is being reviewed by the Government on the 26th January and I will write when I have more information.
The new year
We look forward to welcoming all students back on Wednesday the 5th January. The day begins at the usual time.
Covid tests
When we return to school, students will be tested per the schedule below - please note that although Tuesday 4th January is INSET day, testing will be conducted at the times stated for students in Years 10 up to Year 13:
Year Group |
Date |
Time |
Location |
|
Year 13 |
Tuesday 4th January |
08:30 |
Assembly Hall |
|
Year 12 |
Tuesday 4th January |
10:30 |
Assembly Hall |
|
Year 11 |
Tuesday 4th January |
13:00 |
Assembly Hall |
|
Year 10 |
Tuesday 4th January |
15:00 |
Assembly Hall |
|
Year 9 |
Wednesday 5th January |
08:30 |
Assembly Hall |
|
Year 8 |
Wednesday 5th January |
11:15 |
Assembly Hall |
|
Year 7 |
Wednesday 5th January |
14:00 |
Assembly Hall |
If you have not given consent for your child to be tested at school, please complete the online form here
More information regarding the testing arrangements are included in the letter below, 'COVID testing Spring Term 2022', from Chris Green, our Operations & Safeguarding Manager.
Covid safety measures
Stricter COVID measures have returned and we are back to wearing masks while inside at all times. All students are expected to wear a mask. Re-usable masks are available from Student Services at a cost of £1 which should be paid via ParentPay. Students should bring proof of payment when they come to collect a mask.
Deep Learning day
I was delighted to see the wide variety of activities that took place last week for this term’s Deep Learning Day. As well as trips, we had 7 different events incorporating 26 different activities and over 40 external visitors from a variety of backgrounds and careers including the police, army and paramedics. Students in years 7 and 8 went on educational trips to the Science Museum and Hampton Court. They had a splendid time experiencing science and history in the real word. Year 9 students were visited by members of the criminal justice system, including the police, prison service and judges. This session is designed to make sure all students are fully informed as to how the justice system works. Year 10 enjoyed a careers' day, with visiting experts explaining their future options and how to achieve them. Year 11 had a mock interview day whereby visitors to the school and some current staff, conducted mock job interviews in preparation for university. Sixth form students completed their UCAS applications, enjoyed some wellbeing activities and English students were lucky enough to visit the Globe Theatre in London.
Newsletter and news and events page
You can see all of the events and activities that take place at school on the school’s website. The news and events section can be found by clicking here.
UCAS
We are very proud of our sixth form students who are applying to university in record numbers. We hope to exceed the record number (94%) of students going to university this year. Very pleasingly 8 students have been shortlisted for interviews at the highly prestigious Oxford and Cambridge universities.
Christmas Lunch
Years 10 and 11 enjoyed a Christmas celebration, with a full roast dinner, crackers and some party games.
The new school library
We have made significant investment in our library which has undergone a complete refurbishment and is now an even better place to study. We are looking at extending the opening times to give access to students wishing to complete homework or research in a quiet space which may not always be available at home.
School clubs
This term we established our Character Curriculum with a variety of clubs catering for a wide range of interests. The uptake has been tremendous and thank you to those staff who have given up their time to run them. Approximately 350 students on average are attending each week.
Student detentions
Please remind your children to be on time to their lessons. Any child who is late to class in January will be issued with a detention. Parents will receive a text message notifying them when a detention has been set.
End of term arrangements
The school breaks up for the Christmas holiday on Friday 17th December. We will stagger the dismissal of students by year groups as detailed below. Please do make a note of the timings for your child/ren.
Year 11 - 10.50am
Year 8 & Year 10 - 11.10am
Year 7 - 11.30am
Year 9 - 12.10pm
I very much look forward to working with all families of Barnhill in 2022. May I wish you all a restful and enjoyable break. Please do contact the school if you wish to discuss any matter regarding your child’s education.
Yours sincerely,
Mr J Jones
HEADTEACHER
