It’s Christmas. What a week!
I wasn’t sure I would get to write another blog this term (I promise I will keep it short) but I had to share with you a few things from the past few days.
T
he week has been full of our students thinking about others and finding ways to raise money for those less fortunate. We have delivered loads of food parcels, gifted lots of collections of foods and non-perishable items to various charities and spent much of the week reflecting on what it means to be kind, to empathise and to want to make a difference whenever and wherever we can. In today’s world those things can often be forgotten.
The week has also been full of learning experiences within and beyond the classroom. We have had careers panels for some students in Year 10, a magistrate’s mock trial for our Post 16 students who won through to the next round and were brilliant, our Christmas dinner which was hugely popular and a whole host of other things happening that make our school fizz with an energy and excitement that is part of what we call the Beckfoot Buzz. Schools are incredible places to work in because it is a privilege to work with young people every day and this week has proven that in so many ways.
Talking about the Buzz we shared our Beckfoot Buzz magazine with students and families this week. I love the way it reflects the wide variety of activities and experiences that we provide for our students over the course of the term. It is the result of staff and a very special group of students working hard to create a method of communication that is truly authentic and seeks to celebrate our school, our community, our uniqueness. I am so grateful for all the work that has gone into it and I hope you enjoy the read.
Also shared this week was our Futures newsletter. Through this publication we have sought to share with you all the incredible volume of activities that are taking place all the time to make sure our students are future ready young people who will thrive beyond Beckfoot. We have had mock interviews with local and regional and national employers for our Year 9, Careers Panels for Year 10, our Careers Fair and so much more. At Post 16 we have had our Careers month in November which saw us play host to over 60 employers and businesses as well as over 40 universities all of which were designed to give our students maximum exposure to the wealth of opportunities available to them once they leave us. I have never felt so positive about our work in this area and the difference it is making to our students, their aspirations and determination to have the good lives they each deserve.
This week also saw us hold our annual Beckfoot Student Leadership (BSL) elections. Every student in the school visited E13 to cast their vote in a polling booth and, in doing so, experience what it is like to take an active roll in a democratic process. The candidates have canvassed for weeks now and shared their various manifestos. Later this morning we should know the results and I wish each of them the very best of luck.
Over the next two weeks we have asked students to try to take a well earned break from school and their work. However, for our exam students that is not entirely accurate and I would urge them all to get the balance right between work and rest. A Level and GCSE exams are drawing ever nearer and holidays represent a time when any and all work done will make a significant difference and is ultimately an investment in themselves and their future. I know work is being set for those students but has also been planned to allow for rest, family time without losing any of the momentum that has been built over recent weeks.
Finally, I want to mention a couple of thigs about the Creative Arts in school. Firstly, James in Year 10 got the result of his Grade 8 piano exam this week. He was awarded a Distinction with a high mark of 138. The really interesting thing with this is that the piano is his second love and area of musical study. He is already a wonderfully talented violinist and part of the National Youth Orchestra. I love being able to share these types of successes and I am delighted for him as we all are.
The biggest event this week has been the Christmas Concert aptly named ‘Merry Becksmas Everybody’. Over 220 students took part and provided a wide range of performance each of which was spellbinding and truly magical. We have Year 7 students involved fort he first time to Year 13 students taking part in their very final one. 
The night was 3 hours long and it was incredible. For me, it was by some margin, the best I have ever know in over 20 years. The talent, commitment of the staff and students must never be taken for granted. It is very special and very much a part of Beckfoot. Long may that continue.
Finally, I want to say goodbye to Mr. Cooley and Mr. Donlan, two very special colleagues. Luke is taking up a post at a school nearer to home and Darren is leaving the teaching profession completely to pursue his dream career as a bespoke joiner. Both have been with us a while and will be missed greatly. They have given everything to our school and students and they have, without question, made a difference to the lives of so many along the way. We wish them every success and happiness.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Take care.
Simon Wade, Headteacher
