Bees, Exams, Sport and Goodbyes
Welcome back following the Easter break. I very much hope that you managed to get some much needed rest. I have loads to share this week but with a tinge of sadness as we prepare to say goodbye to Mr Darling after 19 years at Beckfoot.
This week our students have been sitting end of year assessments across the subject range. Nothing new there. However, we have been trialling the opportunity for all year groups to sit at least some of their exams in the sports hall which, as you know, is the venue for most GCSE and A Level exams. The rationale for this is to provide as many opportunities as possible for our students to experience the venue, the rules around public exams and to demystify the process so that by the time they are ready for public exams, they are more than ready and know exactly what to expect. All of our students from Years 7 to 10 and Year 12 have been in this week and I have been thrilled with their approach and response. It matters to them and they want to do their best. The conversations with so many of them have been wonderful and also hugely reassuring because they have worked hard to prepare for their exams in order to be the best they can. The learning from these exams is also hugely important because it provides information for staff, students and families about what they know, what still needs work and also next steps. I am very grateful to our exams team, to our staff and most especially to our students who got it so right this week. Well done.
Continuing the theme of exams, I had the privilege to spend time with lots of Year 11 students since our return to school. Last week we had our French speaking exams which also marks the beginning of exams for me. Despite nerves our students were brilliant throughout. It really matters to the that they do well for themselves and their teachers. The levels of trust and encouragement between staff and students last week was very special and I loved watching (from a distance of course) our students prepare themselves and then go and do the exam. This week our A Level linguists have been doing similarly and they too have been a joy to observe. The thing that really strikes me is how much it matters to them. And what I mean by that is that being the best version of themselves in important. How they represent themselves, their teachers and the school matters and I love that.
I also had the pleasure of listening to the almost finished musical compositions of our GCSE music tech students. Reggae was the theme and I was blown away by the levels of talent and creativity from each of them. I was also humbled that they wanted me to listen and tell them what I thought. That bit was easy for me!!
Our students continue to shine in all they do and there have been some notable things happening in recent weeks. A first for our school involves Joanna in Year 10. Recently, she applied for a place to represent England in an international youth beekeeping competition called IMYB. This year IMYB is a competition and meeting of over 40 counties in Slovenia. Joanna attended the selection day at the British Beekeeping Association Headquarters and was successful at gaining a place on a team of three to represent England in Slovenia! The event involves written papers, practical assessments as well as events like honey identification. It is also heavily focused on interaction with different cultures and will offer her the opportunity to communicate with so many other young people who don’t speak the same first language. It is a very exciting opportunity for her to continue to learn and compete with other beekeepers and it is an incredible achievement to represent your country. We wish her well.
Charlie, again in Year 10, who has been mentioned in my previous blogs, is a very talented rugby player who, a few months ago, was selected to be mentored by full England international, George Furbank. Over the Easter holidays, Charlie was invited down to Northampton Saints to watch them train, learn about life as a professional rugby player, have a 1:1 training session with George, a tour of the facilities and stadium and some time just talking to George about all manner of things. Speaking with him this week, Charlies loved the time spent with George and the opportunity to watch, first hand, what life might be like for him in a few years of he continues to work hard. He was inspired by everything he saw and noted and wants more. He is a tremendous talent who is already playing for Yorkshire. He now has a better understanding of what is required to fulfil his dream and I have little doubt he will do all he can to make that dream a reality.
Continuing the sporting theme, I want to tell you about another very special achievement this week. On Tuesday, our table cricket team travelled to Headingley to take part in the Yorkshire championships with the promise of a trip to Lords, the home of cricket, awaiting the winners. For many years we have sent teams to this event and for many years we have ended our interest at this stage. Most of this year’s team had some experience last year and they learned so much from the experience. On Tuesday evening we hear the news that they has played four games and won all four. They were Yorkshire champions and were going to London. Seeing them return to Beckfoot on Tuesday evening and being allowed to hold the winner’s trophy surrounded by the team was very special. It is rare that I am so moved but Beckfoot is a very special school that is interested in all students and wants each of them to have a moment they will never forget. This year, our table cricket team will make memories that will last a lifetime. No matter what happens at Lords in July, I am so proud of each of them. I want to say a huge thank you to Mrs Macdonald, Mr Hines and Sixth Form students Lois, Jade and Bryn for their commitment to preparing the team and supporting them through the past few months.
Finally, today we will say goodbye to Tom Darling after 19 years at Beckfoot. I am one of the few who remember Tom when he first arrived as a trainee History teacher all those years ago. Frustratingly, he has not aged a bit since then unlike the rest of us. What struck me about Tom way back then was his ability to relate to young people. They immediately liked him, knew he cared and wanted to do well for him whether that was in his lessons or his tutor group. Whenever I wanted to trial something, get some fresh eyes on a plan or document, I often went to Tom. Whenever there were struggles with technology it was Tom. Whenever a young person needed anything it was often Tom. His talent shone through right from the start and that eventually led him to a role on the leadership team at Beckfoot. Tom is one of the goods ones, always has been. He has helped to transform our approach to such things as tutoring, behaviour, rewards, attendance and pastoral care. He has been invited to share his work at local and national level and has also been invited to support the work of other schools and Multi-Academy trusts through partnerships and sharing of the best practice he has developed.
Today is a sad day. We are losing a brilliant teacher and leader. We are losing a trusted colleague who cares about very little other than the welfare of young people. But most of all we are losing a friend. Tom is relocating down south and has secured a deputy head position in a school that will only benefit from his expertise, approach and determination to improve the life chances of all those in his care. We will miss him but we are also so grateful, for the time he has spent with us and the impact he has made.
Take care.
Simon Wade, Headteacher
