Taking control (despite the cold!)
It has been really cold across the country this week and I am always amazed at how that impacts on our school year on year. On a personal note I have complained to anyone who will listen about how cold it is on duty. Stood outside on duty or at the crossing numerous times each day in a bright fluorescent jacket should be a joy. It is usually but this week I have felt the cold and I need to take my lead from our students whom for many the weather is irrelevant. Many have little need for any item of clothing with long sleeves and their determination not to admit defeat to the elements is always astounding. I know they are cold; they know they are cold but to admit that is never going to happen for many. Others are the complete opposite and many of those young people have described their love of winter and all things cold. No matter what they are so funny to listen to and that is just one of the things that is special about working at Beckfoot and our amazing young people.
Our female footballers have been grabbing the headlines once again this week and we could not be prouder of them. Paige in Year 11 has recently been selected for Bradford City’s U21 women’s team. She loves sport and most especially football. She is totally dedicated to her craft as a goalkeeper and is willing to work as hard as is needed to keep progressing in the game.
Eva in Year 9 has also hit the headlines this week. I have mentioned her in a previous blog because she was selected to represent Bradford Schools in netball in the Autumn term. She is an incredibly talented athlete and also has a passion for football having spent many years playing locally for Eldwick Lionesses. Her talent was spotted by a Bradford City scout and she was invited to train with their U14 squad in recent weeks. That led to her making her debut last weekend against Notts County. The game ended 4-4 but Eva could not have wished for a better start. She scored two goals and her all round contribution to the team was described as fantastic. We are delighted for her and, as with Paige, we will keep a close eye on her progress in the weeks and months ahead.
On Tuesday our Year 8 students were taken out of their normal lessons to take part in a Creative Arts Wider Learning Day. They took part in a huge range of activities ranging from Music to Drama, Art, Textiles and Food Technology. The students and staff worked so hard to make it a very special day full of new and exciting experiences and learning. I want to thank Mrs Hargreaves and the Creative Faculty for the planning that went into making this day happen for our students. Some quotes from the day included:
“The cooking was eye opening because we got to learn about food from other cultures”- “I loved music because I got to bang out a really loud song!”
- “The Bhangra dancing was great. I loved stomping to the beat”
- “It was nice to concentrate on creating the stitching”
- “I found the needlework very therapeutic”
- “I wish I had longer in Art……I ran out of time!”
Finally, we had our Year 9 Options evening last night. I was so delighted that over 95% of families attended in person but I was also thrilled that a few of our students attended on their own because it was important to them to get the process right and be able to talk to staff about their interests and questions. Mrs Tatlock and I spoke twice to a packed hall about the process and importance of getting it right for each individual. We spoke about the importance of gaining knowledge and skills over the coming years to support our students through their GCSE courses and exams but also to give them the best possible educational experience and one that will allow them to compete with any students anywhere in the country when the time comes.
The levels of interest and engagement with the individual subjects was superb and I am really excited about the future and the successes that these young people will work hard for. I said last night that I believe my generation has forfeited the opportunity to change the world. For us it’s too little too late. For our students they have the power to change the world for the better and I hope that because they are Beckfooters, they will.
Simon Wade, Headteacher
