As half term approaches there is so much to share
Before I get into the main section of this week’s blog, I want to thank you all for your support over the course of this first half term. I have been incredibly grateful for your overwhelmingly positive feedback and your continued offers of support on a wide range of issues. I feel very lucky.
I am going to start this week with sport and share with you some news. Fergus in Year 12 is running 60km in October and again in November as he tries to raise awareness of the 60 men lost to suicide each hour, every hour across the world. He has asked me to remind you all that should any pupil wish to speak to anyone about their mental health, or any member of staff, Beckfoot has trained professionals at Place2Be and students can book an appointment by going to their Head of Year office or emailing: place2be@beckfoot.org
In Year 10, Toby, Max, Alfie, Ben, Cass & Will attended trials for the u15 West Yorkshire Rugby Squad. I am reliably informed that it was a gruelling process with 150 boys in attendance. Will and Cass were able to progress to the final round of trials culminating in the news that both have made the West Yorkshire squad for the forthcoming season. We are very proud of them all and are so glad that each of them feels that they enjoyed and valued the experience.
Continuing with the sporting theme, Joshua in Year 8 travelled to Warwick for his first experience of the Cerebral Palsy Sport National Athletics Championships. He performed superbly in the 100m, 1500m and Long Jump and although he couldn't officially place until his classification is finalised, officials and organisers were so overwhelmed by his ability, they awarded him with a medal and invitations to compete at a number of other national competitions. This is really special and we look forward to hearing much more about Josh in the weeks, months and years ahead.
Switching to the curriculum and specifically our work around personal development, we have continued to be busy seeking to provide a wide range of opportunities for students to benefit from. This week and last, our geographers at GCSE and A Level have travelled to Hornsea and Blencathra respectively to engage in fieldwork as part of their studies. In Hornsea over one hundred Year 11 students completed their work over two days and were utterly brilliant in their approach but also in the way they represented our school. This week our A Level students have spent four days working on the fieldwork element of their coursework. They have been wonderful company for the staff and have worked so hard to make the most of the opportunity. They also had the customary photo at the Beckfoot sign which we look forward to every year. I am so thankful for the effort that has been put in by the staff and students and I know their work will be rewarded in August.
We have been busy with all things careers too. Last week we took our Year 13 students and selected Year 11 students to Elland Road to the UK University & Apprenticeship Fair. It was a great event because it gave students a chance to speak to universities, training providers and employers and to attend seminars from experts on a wide range of subjects including the UCAS Personal Statement & Application Advice, Why take an Apprenticeship? Choosing a University Course, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships and Student Finance.
That work was quickly followed this week with our annual Careers Fair which was held in the Creative Arts block yesterday. It was a great morning with lots of engagement from our students talking to over 40 companies and education providers. We had lots of local universities and colleges, the police, all branches of the armed forces, various local apprenticeship providers and companies as well as careers specialists. The volunteers were really impressed with our students and wanted to thank everyone for inviting them into school. Many said it has been the best event like this they have been to, mainly down to the behaviour and engagement of our students from Years 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13. A huge thank you to our own team for making this happen.
Over the past few weeks we have been saddened by the events in the Middle East. It has affected a number of our young people and families in many ways and we wanted to do something about that in terms of education. Last week we welcomed the charity Solutions NOT Sides into school to give a lecture to our Sixth Form students. They listened to the perspective of two young people, one from Palestine and one from Israel. They were respectful, asked brilliant questions and learned a great deal because they were interested and willing to listen to first hand accounts of life for young people in that part of the world. We have since followed that up with staff hosting drop-in sessions for students to ask questions and share their thoughts. Today we will send out some advice sheets for families who may choose to engage in difficult conversations with their children in the hope that it might help; that is certainly the intention. Again I am grateful to the Sixth Form team for making this happen at such short notice.
I want to acknowledge the wonderful collegiate approach from our entire community when we held a fire alarm practice last week. It was yet another humbling experience to see almost 1700 students vacate the building in total silence and show respect throughout the process before re-entering the school and getting back to learning. In the words of a visitor on the day it was a ‘wow’ moment.
Finally, I want to talk to you about the Creative Arts. At the beginning of the week I learned about the exploits of three Year 10 students, Ave, Isla and Lana. The girls performed in the Wharfedale Festival of Piano which involved several solos and the three girls performing a trio piece which I am told was quite incredible. On top of that, Isla was awarded the Cavendish Trophy for Artistic Interpretation, and the girls’ trio placed second, taking home a Distinction and the silver medal. They are three amazing young people and I am thrilled that they are sharing their talents widely.
And then there was the show We will Rock You which has been performed all week. I attended the final performance last night which has seen the cast entertain over one thousand people over three nights. I was so excited to see the show because I had heard so much about it from staff and students. I was not disappointed. 
Over twenty years I have seen lots of productions but I was genuinely taken aback by what I had to privilege to see last night. Over 150 students were involved either as part of the cast or the band providing the music. It was as professional a show as I have ever seen and one that showcased the talents of so many of our young people. At times I was very emotional and filled with pride, at others I was clapping and singing along, lost in the music and thoroughly engaged in the acting. I loved every second of it and I felt the most incredible pride as Head of this school. The show was led by Miss Bannon and ably supported by a whole range of staff including Mr Lee, Mr Stimpson, Miss Hargreaves, Mr Jackson and so many more. It was a huge team effort and I can’t wait to see what is next!
Finally, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Beckfoot Trust in November. To mark the occasion there is a concert taking place at St. George’s Hall in Bradford on the evening of Tuesday 7 November. It will involve all ten Trust schools and is being directed by our very own Mr Lee. It promises to be a very special event with over 70 Beckfoot students involved. Tickets can be purchased using this link and it would be lovely to see you there.
https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/beckfoot-trust-10th-anniversary-concert
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing our students return to school on Monday 30 October 2023!
Have a wonderful half term.
Take care.
Simon Wade, Headteacher
