Music, Sport and Exams have been a feature this week
Exams
The exam season is well and truly underway. It is a time when I am always in awe of our students who seem to just take them in their stride but also demonstrate a quiet yet steely determination to do their best each and every day.
This week we have had lots of exams for both A Level and GCSE students. The school day changes a little at this time with our absolute focus on making sure those who are sitting exams have plenty of time to eat as well as time to just spend with their teachers for 20-30 minutes before going in. This is critical time to just reflect and recall key advice and guidance mainly on how to navigate the paper, how to structure their time and to be reminded how special they are and that they are ready. Our exams team and staff are determined that students are welcomed each day with a warm smile and a caring approach to anything that is needed. The little things can often make such a difference and therefore they are important. We are there at the end of each exam just to make sure each student is ok and, for the most part, they have emerged each day fairly happy with their work and an acknowledgement that the test was fair and they could do it. They are growing in confidence and they know we are right behind them and there for them should they need anything. This time of year serves as a timely reminder to me just how incredibly special they are but also how vulnerable they can be. They key is that we each want the best possible performance and outcomes so that those crucial next steps are going to be there for them in August and September. Regardless though, I am so proud of them and I hope they know it.
Music
Last week we had our penultimate concert of the year, our Senior Concert. The best talent across key stages 4 and 5 come together to give us an array of performances ranging from solo artists to ensembles, duets to groups. It was a very special evening but also a little sad. I say that because for some of our Year 11 and 13 students, it is the final time they will perform at Beckfoot. Some have been doing this for seven years, some for five and a few of our newer sixth form students, for two. They have contributed so much to our school over the years and they will be deeply missed. Listening to them recall their time at school with such love and affection makes me feel we get a lot of things right here and we must continue to provide opportunities for more and more students to have their moment and shine. I am so grateful to Mr. Stimpson, Mr. Lee and their incredible team who do so much throughout the year and I know the students appreciate them hugely.
Our reputation in music circles across the city and beyond is strong and often leads to incredible opportunities for our students. Over the years our musicians have performed locally, regionally, nationally and on the international stage. They have performed a number of times at St. George’s Hall, The Alhambra, Leeds Playhouse, Halifax Piece Hall. The Royal Albert Hall and yesterday at Cartwright Hall where they performed for King Charles as he arrived. It was wonderful to be chosen to be a part of such an historic visit and yet another opportunity for our students and school to showcase their talent. King Charles stood for a while to listen and was obviously very pleased and impressed because he gave them a thumbs up which was very well received. The feedback once again is that they were utterly wonderful and represented our school and their city brilliantly throughout the afternoon.
Sport
Finally, in sporting news, Betsy in Year 9 was recently selected to represent Yorkshire in Cricket. She is obviously an incredible talent and she showed her class whilst on a selection weekend with the county earlier this year. We wish her every success for the season ahead which promises to be a busy one for her as a result of her club and county commitments. Well done Betsy. We are very proud of you and look forward to hearing how you get on over the coming months.
Take care.
Simon Wade, Headteacher
