Posted 4th July 2025
We met the future this week, celebrated talent and the King seems pleased with us too!
Year 6 transition
After weeks of primary school visits and huge numbers coming into Beckfoot for smaller tours, we finally got to meet our new Year 7 cohort and their families on Monday evening. It was a lovely event that involved them meeting their form tutors, hearing more about their new school and beginning to prepare themselves to leave their respective primary schools. On Wednesday they spent the day with us getting involved in lessons, enjoying break time, experiencing an assembly and spending more time with their tutor. I spoke to them first thing about the importance of first impressions and urged them to really get stuck into the day ahead. They did not disappoint and were utterly wonderful throughout. Indeed, we were thrilled with their 100% attendance on the day and I want to thank them for their courageous approach and determination to succeed. They are already living our values of Enjoy, Learn, Succeed and we are excited to welcome them officially in September.
Saying thank you with ice cream!
On Monday we also had our student Ofsted celebration. Throughout the day every child was given the opportunity to have an hour off timetable and enjoy time with their friends in the sunshine. We provided ice creams and ice lollies just to add a little something else as a means of saying thank you to each of them for how they are every day in school and to demonstrate just how much they matter to us. Our school community, for me, is a special one and we are so fortunate to be surrounded by the most amazing young people who want to do well, who want to be successful and happy and who take responsibility more and more for their actions and efforts. I loved spending time on the field with them and I will never take for granted the smiles and thank yous throughout the day. It was a small thing that I hope meant a lot.
Sporting history
As you know I love to hear about and celebrate the achievements of our students both in and out of school. This week I learned about the history making achievements of some of our students and their Bingley Juniors U14 Athletico football team. The club has always had strong links with Beckfoot and I was thrilled to learn about their incredibly successful season winning the Garforth Division 1 U14 league title, the Bradford District Cup, the Craig Pearson Memorial Cup and the County Cup! To win anything in a season is special but to win the quadruple is a rare achievement and I am delighted for the club and the Beckfoot contribution to their success. A huge well done to Will, Ned, Oliver, Harris and Josh on a most memorable and successful season.
Sports Awards
Continuing the sporting theme l was very lucky to be able to attend the annual Beckfoot Sports Awards, a celebration of the incredible sporting talent of our students. As always the event was very professional and beautifully co-ordinated by Mrs. Lawal and the PE team. Their passion for sport and young people simply oozes out of them and their ability to inspire and promote sport is both remarkable and humbling. At a time when school sport is in the media for often the wrong reasons Beckfoot bucks the trend with unprecedented numbers involved in practices, fixtures, Sports Day, sport beyond school and so much more. 
To have approximately 600 students take part in our Sports Day is just one example of what I am taking about. The time, dedication and support given by the faculty is hugely appreciated. Last night record numbers of young people were recognised and rewarded for their efforts and achievements. Highlights included the Team of the Year going to the U16 boys’ football for reaching the last 16 of the English Schools competition, the Head of PE award going to Alice in Year 11 and the Sports Personality of the Year going to Alanah in our new Year 11. The thing that really struck me last night is what each young person has in common and it is a relentless drive to get involved, to be committed to a goal or a collective, to be the best version of themselves and to be just fundamentally decent young people. I loved the evening, as I always do, and I am grateful to our students and staff who make sport such an integral part of our school each and every day.
A Biology Olympiad
Some of our Y12 Biologists completed in the Biology Olympiad a couple of weeks ago. The Olympiad is a global competition where students complete an on-line 60 minute exam involving very demanding questions. They did incredibly well with all students involved doing enough to receive certificates. The students are:
Joanna - Silver Award
Sragvini, Hannah, Aisha and Kaiya - Highly Commended
Zahra, Evie, Idres, Zuzanna, Daniyal and Louis – Commended
A huge thank you to Ms. Langdon and the Science team for providing such opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zones and complete on a global level.
Amaan continues to impress
Over the past few months, Amaan in Year 12 has been taking part in the Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge, which was started by Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire. Out of hundreds of people aged 16–26 who applied, only 20 were selected to take part. The challenge was to create innovative solutions to real issues in society including such things as mental health, employment and the uses of social media. Amaan focused on mental health in schools and how social media misuse can affect students. He spent weeks involved in research seeking information and solutions to the problems surrounding social media misuse. 
He then pitched his views to a panel of judges. This week was the final event and celebration where he had the opportunity to give a speech to the assembly including the Mayor herself. Amaan’s work was recognised through various awards but the highlight was the mayor making it clear to him that she really loved what he had to say. She then invited him to work with her and the Combined Authority which is so exciting. Speaking to the Sixth Form team, Amaan really believes that the support from school has been the catalyst for his involvement because of the confidence he has gained since joining last year and because he is encouraged to pursue his ambitions safe in the knowledge that we are right behind him should he ever need us. Of course he doesn’t! We are immensely proud of him and the young man he is becoming.
The King has been in touch again!
Earlier this year I spoke about the First Give charity final at school and the work that Year 8 were doing to support various charities both locally and nationally. At the time I shared the incredible efforts of Mr. Metcalfe and his form 805 (now 905). Unbeknown to me at the time he wrote to King Charles to let him know about the special efforts of the school, Year 8 students and his form group. Last week he brought me a letter that came from the palace to indicate the King seems pleased with us. What a lovely thing for our school and students.
Simon Wade, Headteacher
Showcasing talent
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.
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.
Josh, also in Year 9, is a regular in my blogs. Last weekend he travelled to London having been invited to take part in the Junior London Marathon as a para athlete. British Athletics looked after his travel and accommodation such is his talent and he headed south to just enjoy the experience or so he told me. Anyway, he won!! He finished first taking home the prize for U17 men’s ambulant winner. He shared photos of himself with Joe Wicks and was also given sports kit as well as the trophy. We are immensely proud of Josh and the lad he is.
Both Year 11 and Year 13 have now had their respective Prom nights at the Mercure Bankfield hotel and both have been wonderful occasions. These evenings are one of the highlights of our year and represent an almost rite of passage for those that attend. The arrivals were spectacular especially last night at the Year 11 event. We had sports cars, classic cars, luxury cars, a fire engine and a convoy of mobility scooters! We had awards, dancing, chatting and a coming together of incredibly special young people to mark their time at Beckfoot. They looked stunning and made memories that will last a lifetime. Last night especially we had more parents then ever attend the arrival and I want to thank them for adding to something that was already very special. I felt proud of them all and a little humbled by how amazing they were and always will be.
Almost three months ago we returned to school, following the Christmas break, to face some of the worst weather conditions in years. It seems a long time ago that we were getting to school at 4am to try to get the place open each day that week especially when you consider the temperatures we have enjoyed this week. Despite that start it has been a special term for us all. We have had more trips and visits than ever, more careers focussed opportunities, more exam focussed support than ever, our best recruitment statistics in recent years, more students getting it right than ever, Ofsted, a Culture’s Week and we came runners up in the category of Secondary School of the Year at the Bradford Teaching Awards last night. I know I always say that our school feels special but it so does and even more so than ever in my view.
Cultures Week
This week, since Wednesday, we have sought to celebrate the many different cultures and communities that are part of our school by bringing them to the forefront of our curriculum and wider school experience. On Wednesday it was all about the influence and impact of other cultures on every area of our curriculum provision. Yesterday it was about some of the countries and languages that are part of our school with the main focus on the big six of Punjabi, Urdu, Polish, Chinese, Greek and, of course, English.
Today is Culture's Day for all staff and students from Years 7-13 dressing up in attire that represents their culture and sense of belonging. As I write I am wearing my Ireland rugby hoodie and green trainers. I am proud to be Irish and I very much hope these past few days have allowed our community to think about what culture means to them, to feel proud of who they are and where they come from and to enjoy being part of our school community, city and country. I am grateful to Naffie for never giving up and I am so grateful to all the staff and students who have made this week work and something to build on in the years ahead.
Their mission is to ensure every young person leaves school with the knowledge and confidence to take control, make positive choices that avoid becoming involved in crime, stay safe and realise their full potential. They also work to help young people develop peer respect and realise the many dangers that they can inadvertently be subjected to. In today’s world that is more important than ever and is the reason this day is one of the most popular and memorable for our students over many years. Throughout the day they listened to firsthand accounts of real life situations from serving prisoners, prison officers, medics and many more. They experienced a real prison cell and could not believe that young people are locked up in such a small and basic space for 23 hours each day. They were forced to really think about the dangers that could be presented to them each day and how to make the right decision to keep themselves and others safe. I always enjoy this day and I am grateful to all who made the day possible. 
I want to conclude by talking about a couple of students doing amazing things beyond school. Firstly, Lauren in Year 11 continues to shine brightly in her athletics. She has been nominated, alongside two other athletes for Young Disability Sportswoman of the year at the Bradford Sports Awards 2025. She is such an amazing young lady and we wish her well.
On Monday morning I was sat in a meeting with my Business Manager when a number of my team came to the door to tell me the Ofsted call had finally come. It was surreal to be honest though I was acutely aware it was imminent. Having said that I have been thinking that for over 5 years now!
This week I found out that Isla in Year 8 has been working with BBC radio doing some recording with them. She is a huge talent and so humble. She has totally immersed herself into our creative arts faculty and is a regular in our various music and singling groups as well as being involved in all our school productions. I cannot wait to find our more and am hopefully going to hear some of the vocal singing recordings she has been doing which will be a real treat. We are enormously proud of her and all she is doing for our school and beyond.
When I became Head of Beckfoot way back in 2019 there was clear evidence that our students were not reading enough, that their ability to access work and exams was weakening and that they would be at a disadvantage for life if we didn’t seek to address those concerns. Over the past 5 years, under the leadership of Mr. Parkinson, we have transformed our provision not just in English but school wide. Literacy now features in tutor time, in all lessons, in our Teaching and Oracy strategies, in our writing strategies and in so many more aspects of our work. Our Sixth Form students are supporting more younger students than ever with their reading and comprehension and our recent reading age data suggests that the impact has been huge. For example our Year 8 students have made over 18 months of progress in 9 short months whilst our Year 10 students have made 25 months of progress in 21 months. More students than we have ever known are now reading at their chronological age and we are excited about how this will help to shape their futures well beyond our gates. We are determined in the months and years ahead that every Beckfooter will read, write and speak with confidence. The exam data suggests that is not an unrealistic vision given that our English Language results, and all others, have never been stronger at Beckfoot. Our work in this critical area of education is making a difference and the support we are receiving from families and our local community is not to be underestimated.
Continuing the theme of literacy, last week saw the annual return of World Book Day. This day is important because it helps to inspire and educate our students about to the power of books. It helps to promote a love of reading and raises awareness about the different types of books available here at Beckfoot, in local libraries, in shops and online. As you know reading fuels the imagination and that is always a positive for young people in today’s world of technology, social media and gaming. For all those reasons our staff find the time every year to dress up as their favourite book characters and spend time reading to students in every lesson of the day. The idea is that each class will read a chapter of a book in every lesson and complete the story by the end of the day. It is a lovely idea and helps to reignite a spark in many of our students when it comes to books and reading. Indeed, the spike in the number of books being loaned from our LRC is always uplifting. A special mention goes to our wonderful LRC team who go over and above every year to drive the importance of World Book Day and transform our library into the set of something wonderful. This year it was 101 Dalmatians.
Many of you will recognise the name because I often share news of what Josh is doing in the world of sport. This time I learned that Josh recently competed in the National Indoor Para Championships at the English Institute for Sport. Such is his standing at this level, British Athletics provided his accommodation to allow him to be at his best for the meet. And they were not wrong! Josh secured three Gold medals with 3 personal bests over the weekend. He is such a humble and positive young man that I have to almost summon him to my office to hear all about his exploits and success. I am thrilled for him and his family and I am looking forward to what he will do next this summer. Well done Josh.
Last night I, once again, had the pleasure of attending our annual Iftar in school. Iftar is the fast breaking evening meal that our Muslim students and families enjoy each evening. This event is now in its third year and is led by our Sixth Form students for Sixth Form students. It is such a lovely event and it is very special for me to spend time with our young people at any point but especially when I am invited at their request. The importance of belonging has never been more critical for all our students and the variety of events and enrichment opportunities we provide help with that I hope. In three short weeks from now we will hold our whole school cultures day and our students are excited about that, so excited that they have already provided me with a range of ideas of what I should wear as an Irishman……well one actually!
Finally
Beckfoot and the manner in which they are prepared for life beyond Beckfoot is something that makes us very proud. Under the leadership of Dr. Wright and his team we are building a very special provision at Beckfoot. It is exciting and very much focussed on students, their next steps, their personal and social development and their aspirations. Beckfoot School continues to thrive. Our school is one of the top performing in the city and county, with students who excel in terms of learning, attitudes, behaviour, personal development and so much more. They breathe life into our building each morning and they are such a pleasure to work alongside.
Christmas is now a distant memory and the first half term of 2025 whizzed by in an instant. The February break is often a busy one for us mainly because so much happens at Beckfoot in terms of trips and visits as well as all the usual site maintenance work that has to wait until the building is empty. This year was no different.
Also over half term over 40 of our students from across the year groups headed to Austria for this year’s ski trip. We waved them off on the Friday morning and they looked happy and excited. They skied for 6 days and immersed themselves in the culture of the sport and the country. They all attended 5 hours of ski school instruction each day according to their ability levels. Each one had the most wonderful time and all were more than proficient skiers at the end of a busy week. Dr. Wright, trip leader, felt the group were probably the best he has ever worked with over the 8 day period and was grateful to his team of staff and the students for a most incredible week. On a personal note I am grateful to staff who give up their holidays and leave their own families to make these trips and visits possible. I must also admit to being very relieved when everyone gets back home safe and sound!
On Tuesday we had our annual Safeguarding audit led by an external sector expert who looks at all our safeguarding policies and practices. A lot of work goes into preparing for the process but it is our culture of safeguarding over many years that matters most and the thing that shines through at Beckfoot. As part of the process our consultant spent a considerable amount of time looking at our website, policies and previous reports in order to be able to use the day to really apply a razor sharp focus to his work. On the day he spoke with staff, senior leaders and students from Year 9 to 11. He walked our building, observed learning, watched students transition to lessons first thing in the morning and between lessons, observed break and lunch times and spent the day really interrogating our practice day to day. Last night we received the draft report and it is a stunning summary of just how strong our approach is at Beckfoot and the value we place on this area of school day to day, year on year. There is nothing more important in my role than ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students and I was really proud of our school. The thing I guess I am most proud of are the following quotes from our students when asked how they felt in school;
Yesterday, after months of planning and fund raising, our Year 8 students took part in the First Give final. First Give is a charity we have been working with for a number of years now and their programme for schools is designed to ignite a spark of social conscience in young people. Each tutor group chose a charity to work with, raise money for and represent at the final. All nine tutor groups presented about their work in recent months, the work of their chosen charity and their learning throughout the programme. We were joined by Geoff Winnard and Eve Haskins form both Bradford and Bingley council as well as Kirsty Dwyer, my Cluster Business Manager, who acted as judges alongside myself and Mr. Midgley. 
The quality of the presentations was the best I have ever known in all the years we have been involved. They were so well informed, passionate and incredibly aware of the issues being faced locally and nationally in terms of such things as Food Poverty, Homelessness, Mental Health, the work of Children’s Hospices, the Housing Crisis and so much more. I want them to be socially and morally responsible. I want them to be aware of what is happening around them in their city, their country and the world and I want them to make a difference whenever and wherever they can. Yesterday they shone brightly as they stood and presented for us. In the end it was tutor group 802, represent the charity Forget me Not, who took the £1000 prize to hand over to them. It is always a special event but yesterday we were all moved by our students desire to be heard and to make a difference. Thank you to the judges, to the first give charity, to Ms. Sears and Mr. Mehmood and to our wonderful young people for making us immensely proud yesterday. Well done.
Young Musician of the Year
The winners on the night were:
In the end, it was Olivia in Year 11 who won the title of Beckfoot Young Musician of the Year 2025 for her performance of the French hit Voila sung by Barbara Pravi at the Eurovision in 2021. It is a beautiful song performed brilliantly on the evening and worthy of any venue anywhere in my opinion. A huge thank you to the creative arts team specifically, Mr. Lee, Mr. Stimpson, Mr. Ratahi and their team of peri staff who do such amazing work with our students year on year. What we saw on Wednesday evening is not normal. Most schools do not do what we do nor do they have the talent in abundance that we have. Beckfoot is unique for what we do across the Creative Arts disciplines and that will always be important to me whilst I am leading this school.
It was our Beckfoot Student Leadership elections last week too. What a feat of organisation that was. The whole process began with lots of students applying to be considered to take part. Those successful in their applications were invited to present to the whole school via our assembly programme and have their names and areas of focus shared on our ballot papers. On Wednesday 18 January over 1600 students came in a very organised fashion to cast their vote in polling booths in E13. Our Sixth Form student helped Ms. Senyk throughout including the counting of votes and getting the results ready to be shared. It was a complete joy to see the whole thing run so well and for our students to be so respectful of the process. In the end the following students were elected and will work alongside school leaders to help shape the direction of travel of our school for the next 12 months:
Monroe (Year 7) – focus on EDI
We wish Nell well for the rest of the season with West Yorkshire and school and we are so proud of her and all she is doing.
Continuing the theme of Bradford, Capital of Culture 2025, several of our students have been secretly busy in recent months preparing for the launch RISE event in Centenary Square last weekend. Despite the cold, more than 20,000 people came over two nights to see a most incredible show. We had Flo and Monroe involved in the aerial and dance performances and Dorian playing the young magician Stephen Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo). Dorian is a long-term budding magician and actor and was thrilled to be given the honour of playing the part in the opening ceremony, RISE.
Our incredibly busy final few days of 2024 began last Friday when we hosted other Trust schools to take part in a Modern Foreign Languages Spelling Bee competition in both French and German. The challenge was to take part in timed spelling trials against other students in the hope that you would make it through each round until only two are left. I can tell you it was unbelievably exciting and a little stressful to watch. After multiple rounds and spell offs, it was Eliza in Year 7 who won through the final against a student from Beckfoot Thornton. The final ended in a draw and went to a spell off where Eliza’s brilliance shone through. She won the Spelling Bee 2024 in some style and was the epitome of calm and confidence throughout. She was incredible and the most deserving winner. Thanks to Mrs Lee and the team of Ms Briosa and Dr Wright for making this happen and a very special event for all those involved.
This week, despite it being the last week of term has been one of the most exciting, emotional and memorable in my 31 years in education. To begin, yesterday a number of our Year 8 students travelled to Huddersfield to visit Kirkwood Children’s Hospice. For a few weeks now, as part of their First Give charity work, the students have been collecting donations of teddy bears to bring with them to share whilst they were there. They were incredible throughout the visit which was, as you can imagine, very emotional. They returned to school to an email from the hospice that thanked them for visiting. It shared the view that everyone that met them in the hospice said how well-mannered they were and what a credit to Beckfoot they are. The children absolutely loved the toys and saw the personal messages on each of them as such a thoughtful touch. In a week where it is even more important to think of others, I am very proud of tutor group 802 and grateful to Mrs Shaw for giving them the opportunity.
Beginning with more amazing news, we were crowned Bradford Panathlon Champions on Wednesday. Our students, Barisht, Yusif, Caitlin, Jacob, Ryan and Danika, took part in Curling, Ten Pin, Standing Long Jump and Speed Bounce. They amassed 85 points to take the title and will now represent Bradford in the West Yorkshire finals to be held in Leeds in February. Panathlon provides competitive sporting opportunities to children with disabilities and special educational needs and last year alone gave over 65,000 young people the opportunity to take part in competitive sport. Their sporting programmes, which include multi-sports, swimming, football, 10-pin bowling and boccia, give participants the opportunity to represent their school in sporting competition that they are so often otherwise denied. Not at Beckfoot of course! We are so proud of them, and we can’t wait for the trophy to take pride of place in our reception area from next week.
In other news we have been staging our Model UN days for a couple of years now. We have always kept it to our older students in Years 11, 12 and 13 and it has always been a huge success. Thie year we decided to see how our younger KS4 students in Year 10 would cope with the programme. 
They were quite simply incredible and we need not have worried. The culture throughout the day was special and created by our students because of the mutual respect they showed to one another and the process, their ability to listen, consider and argue in a very controlled yet passionate manner. The theme for the day was the Myanmar genocide with a particular highlight coming from Jack who was advocating for funding for refugees and challenging Myanmar on stripping citizenship rights. It was another special day and one that has convinced us to bring the programme into KS3 and perhaps look at the theme of climate change. We will see.
And so to Downing Street and specifically Arlo in Year 10. Arlo has been taking part in a project at Cartwright Hall as part of a partnership with Bradford Museums and Galleries and the Government Art Collection. As part of Bradford’s Capital of Culture year 2025, he has been working with over 125 young people across the Bradford district to co-curate and co-produce an exhibition which will be on loan from the Government Art Collection, and on show in Bradford from January 2025 – May 2025. As part of Arlo’s work, he provided feedback on the artworks, created a response to the work and helped write the interpretation panels for the show. As part of the project the group are exhibiting some artworks from Cartwright Hall’s fine art collection in Downing Street and were invited down as part of the 125-year celebrations of the Government Art Collection. Arlo visited on 5th December for a tour and afternoon tea and to speak about 2 of the paintings exhibited in Downing Street itself. His speech about a David Hockney painting and was utterly brilliant and very well received. What an opportunity for him and one he took in his stride. Well done Arlo and thank you.
The past few weeks have been busy at Beckfoot. In Year 9, the X Band side of the year group were involved in practice interviews with a wide range of local, regional and national employers. It was a great morning and our students were amazing. Those business and other sector volunteers were extremely impressed with what our students had to say and how confident they were with each one very much wanting to work with us again. I was in the room a few times during the morning, and it was so nice to see so many of them dressed for the opportunity in smart business attire.
They were nervous beforehand (and that’s a good thing because it mattered to them) but once on camera they just went for it. They were polite, interesting, personable and determined to show that they are special young people who want a good life beyond school and understand that hard work and a good attitude will go some way towards supporting their dreams and ambitions. These opportunities do so much good, providing invaluable experience. They give our young people confidence that they can do it, have much to offer and they plant the seed in so many about what might be available to them in this area and more widely into the future. Josh, Ruby, Joe and Ella were some of the stand outs mentioned but there were so many more including Tobias who described himself as quiet and thoughtful and one not to overlook! Thanks to Sarah, Molly and the wider team for making this happen.
We finished our Post 16 Careers Month on Wednesday. Over 60 employers, universities and other sector volunteers have visited our school throughout November. They have provided such a wealth of opportunity and experiences for our Sixth Form students that would be hard to match elsewhere. They demonstrated first-hand what they are looking for in young people, what opportunities exist in their areas, how to get involved and the skills and qualities that makes someone hard to overlook. Our students had the chance to attend talks from a wide variety of sectors including business, law, sport, music, public services, health and medical, education, IT and so much more. I am so thankful to Ms. Bannon, the Sixth Form team, our Careers team and so many more for making this happen. I am so proud that our school goes way beyond the normal to ensure our students will have the best life chances and be exposed to the wealth of choices that exist for them. 
This is about enriching their lives whilst also being clear that they are entitled to the best if they are willing to work for it and put themselves out there in the most proactive of ways.
Lastly around the theme of careers we began our Key Stage 3 (Years 7/8/9) Medical Mavericks provision this week. We have been working with them for a while now and invited them back into school to run a series of workshops designed to be fun and interactive where students were be able to take blood from a fake arm, record their own ECG, try keyhole surgery, see inside their body with an ultrasound machine, take a picture of the inside of their eye and much more.
Every student got their own medical observation sheet to fill in during the workshop which for some will undoubtedly spark an interest that may well define their career path for life whilst for others it will simply get them to think more clearly about this area of study and the huge number of specialisms that are available. For me that is more than ok.
Our Sixth Form offer has really evolved over recent years through our curriculum, our incredible personal development programme, our specialist team of tutors and the way they have a real say in how their Sixth Form operates. We have our Sixth Form Open Evening next week (Thursday 14 November) and it would be lovely for you to join us on the night to hear all about it first hand from staff, students and the Sixth Form team.
This week we had speakers from the worlds if IT, music, Sport, and industry (including some of our parents who are leaders and employers in a wide range of areas). We have three more weeks that are laden with the most amazing speakers and opportunities for students including work from West Yorkshire Ambulance who will train all of our students on CPR and the use of a defibrillator. For me, the opportunities we are providing for our students to be exposed to the world that lies beyond Beckfoot is hugely important. To get them to think about themselves, their talents, interests and ambitions on a regular basis is what we are striving to do constantly. What could be more important than that?
I guess the most important part of our Sixth Form is the manner in which our relationships with our students ensure that they understand the importance of being self-determined and really aware of the things that will make the biggest difference to them and their dreams and aspirations. The journey to becoming more independent and mature does not happen over the six-week holidays, how could it? It is a process that we understand fully and plan for. Our students know the quality of teaching they will get with us, the quality of support that goes alongside that, the levels of challenge, the multitude of opportunities we will give them and the expectations that they are always striving to be better every day. They know that we will care for them no matter what, that we will listen to them when they most need that from us and that we will never give up on them. Our Sixth Form is an incredibly special place, full of the most amazing and special young people. Our Sixth Form team, led by Dr Wright, understand the privileged position they have in school and they are the most ambitious and hard working staff I could wish for. The Sixth Form is really fizzing with an excitement in recent years and, in terms of our planning, we are only just beginning. There is so much more to come!
I want to begin my final blog of this half term with a thank you. I want to thank our staff, students and families for the part they each play in supporting our school and for the incredible eight weeks that have passed since our return in September. I know that the June 2 June timetable helps but this year it has felt even more special and that is down to the culture at Beckfoot and the relationships that support our vision and values each day. It has been the strongest start to a year that I can recall and one we can maintain throughout I am sure.
Since last week we have had so much happening across school. On Tuesday we had our first Wider Learning day for Year 7 students. It was the turn of the Science faculty to bring their subject to life in the challenge to determine which of my leadership team was a sporting cheat by using performance enhancing drugs in their respective sports. I am convinced that lots of the students were pointing the finger at me at first but as they progressed through the day and began to use their scientific knowledge and skills they soon discovered the truth. Mrs Ickringill let herself down and her future at Beckfoot is in doubt! It was such an incredible day filled with fun and learning and I am hugely grateful to Mrs Ludlum, the Science team and the students for making the whole experience work so well.
Finally, as you know, we have the most incredible and nationally celebrated and recognised careers provision at Beckfoot. Each year I wonder how they are going to be better for our students in their planning and delivery of opportunities throughout the year. I needn’t have worried. On Wednesday we hosted our annual Careers Fair in the main hall. 
Over 45 companies and education providers came into school to meet our students. A planned programme of access for all year groups was shared prior to the event and our students were advised as to how to navigate the fair, what questions to ask and how to seek advice and guidance around any particular provider they were interested in. Over the course of the day, over 1600 of our students accessed the fair with so many brilliant conversations taking place, contacts being made and Work Experience places being organised. These days are essential to connect our students with their next steps and future plans. These are things we are getting right increasingly at Beckfoot and I could not be more pleased.
To begin I want to share the news that James, in Year 11, has just been offered a place in the 1st Violin section of the National Youth Orchestra 2025 and a subsidiary role as one of the String Leaders. 
James had the privilege of playing with the National Youth Orchestra for the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in August with the concert being shown on BBC1 and currently on iPlayer. It is such an incredible thing for James to be a part of and it is very much down to a combination of his talent and hard work that has led him to this point.
Finally, I want to end with news about one of our Teaching Assistants, Viv Mcdonald. Viv decided to retire and, in doing so, end her Beckfoot adventure yesterday. Viv started at Beckfoot with me in 2002 and has been a favourite with staff, students and families for over 20 years, She is one of the most positive, honest and caring people I have ever worked with. Her dedication to our students, many of whom have been our most vulnerable, has been humbling. She cares deeply about young people and her work has always been about providing the best possible support and experiences to those in her care whilst at Beckfoot. She leaves us on the highest of highs having led our table cricket team to the national title this summer at Lords, the home of cricket. Viv is a special person and the reactions to her leaving tell the story. There have been lots of laughs and lots of tears. There have been lots of contact from families and staff many of whom have left Beckfoot for many years. She has left her mark on our school and she will be missed hugely. Goodbye Viv. Enjoy the journey that lies ahead and thank you for everything.
I want to extend a special welcome to our new Year 7 students who, I have to say, have made a brilliant start to their Beckfoot journey. On day one they were thrown straight into a series of lessons and challenges all based around one of our curriculum drivers which is seeking to develop our students as Confident Communicators. The sessions were based around our 6 Ps which are Punctual, Prepared, Proactive, Polite, Positive and Proud. These are the things that matter a great deal to us at Beckfoot and we wanted to ensure that we deliver these sessions using a variety of Oracy opportunities, games and teamwork. It was a fantastic day with so many of the Year 7 students stepping out of their comfort zones, getting involved and making new friends.
Yesterday the remainder of the school returned and the building felt alive once again. It was really busy first thing and it was lovely to see so many of them happy and smiling. It was lovely to welcome them and chat to them before they headed off to lessons. Walking around the school during period 1 yesterday, I was reminded of the power and purpose of our June to June timetable because learning began from 8.30am with students knowing their timetables, knowing where they should be and ready to learn right from the start. There was no wasted time first thing and that was just wonderful to see.
A Level – the best results in the history of Beckfoot School
We are hugely proud of all our students and staff who have worked so hard to ensure more of our young people are achieving what they need to secure their next steps in education, further education and employment.
We began last week with an evening for our new Year 6 students and their families. They got to spend time with their new tutor, listen to students about their Year 7 experiences as well as a few words from me. It was a lovely evening and an absolute delight to meet so many new faces. That was quickly followed up on Wednesday when those new students came to spend a day with us at Beckfoot. They had tutor time, engaged in a number of lessons, experienced break and lunchtime as well as a couple of assemblies throughout the day. They were superbly looked after by our Sixth Form buddies and staff and I was thrilled by the manner in which each young person presented to us on the day. They were brilliant and we are really looking forward to their arrival as Beckfooters in September.
During last week and this week we, for the second year running, held our Model UN event. We took a slight risk this year in that we ran the event last Thursday for our new Year 11 students looking specifically at Refugees & the UN Migration with a focus on Myanmar & Rohingya. The students worked solidly from 9am to 3pm seeking resolutions to issues in a diplomatic and political manner. They took their individual roles seriously and worked in a determined but respectful manner as they sought to agree to the solutions that would make a difference to the people and countries involved. Yesterday we ran a similar session with Year 13. This time we asked them to work on the refugee crises because of the Israel and Palestine conflict. We knew it would be a difficult and emotive topic, but we also knew that our students would be able to cope and they did so brilliantly. They worked hard all day seeking to agree a way forward for the most vulnerable whilst also seeking to find a resolution to the conflict as a United Nations (UN). At times things got heated, at other times the issues grew wider than the topic but overall they were utterly amazing. The skills on show such as listening, the use of powerful and considered language, the art of compromise and so much more left our students wanting more and I am hopeful we can help them out with that in the months ahead. A huge thank you to Ms Ashraf and Mr Ullah for the work and organisation that went into the day, the prep sessions and the care for our students over both days.
Continuing the political theme we held our own General election last week across school. We taught the students a little about each political party mainly through their manifestos which culminated in each tutor group voting, as individuals, for their party of choice. This also happened in several other trust schools in order that we could report results as individual schools and as a Trust. At Beckfoot, Labour triumphed but across our Trust it was the Green Party who came out on top. It is so important to try to engage our students in these types of experiences. They support our work on such things as British Values and gives our young people a real sense of the importance in using their voice for stability or change when needed and I am grateful to Mrs Ratahi for making this happen. The political agenda then continued into this week when, yesterday, we took four Year 13 students down to the houses of parliament to meet up with our newly elected MP, Anna Dixon as part of the Celebration of Democracy event. Anna spent a long time talking to our students and even did a mini interview with Milla for her vlog, picking up on some of the issues our students talked about when she came into school a few weeks ago. The group then headed to the Science Museum to see a model of the first ever calculator (it is over 6 foot tall) - this was all beamed back into school via a video call to Ms McLean’s Y13 Maths class. What an experience it was for Mila, Amy, Felix and Harrison.
A few weeks ago I shared with you the news that we had received a grant from the Alfred Sharp Fund (a local charity doing wonderful work in education in the area) to support our drive to level up reading at Beckfoot School. Thanks to their donation, we have been able to purchase a staggering 2000 books. This means every student in the school will read, from cover to cover, 15 works of quality literature in their time with us. Literacy opens eyes, minds and doors for students, and we can't wait to get deep into reading in the new academic year. It is so exciting and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to fast track our plans as a result. The difference this will make to our students for years to come cannot be underestimated both in terms of their love of literature and reading but also their ability to access their education, perform well in exams and be more prepared than ever to do amazing things in their lives beyond our gates.
Finally, I want to share news of the achievements of a special young man, Josh, who has just moved into Year 9. Last weekend Josh took part in the national Junior Para Championships in Warwick. He won 3 gold medals for long jump, 1500m and 800m and achieved personal bests for both running races. The icing on the cake, though, had to be his time in the 800m which saw him break a long established national record for that event. We are so proud of him, of all his achievements but mainly because of the young man he is. Well done Josh!
Every Thursday night I meet with my leadership team for a few hours to discuss lots of things that are happening in school and beyond. Yesterday, as we were walking into that meeting, we all received a message from Mrs Macdonald to let us know that our Table Cricket team were National Champions!! I couldn’t believe it. The team began their journey, as they do every year, many months ago when they travelled to Headingley to take part in the Yorkshire finals. They won that event and that led to another trip to the national finals event at Lords which took place yesterday. We made it through to the final last year losing narrowly by just six runs to finish runners up. The students and staff were devastated and vowed last year to go one better in 2024. For most of them their journey to London began just after 5am when they got up and ready to meet in Shipley at just after 6am. They headed to London full of hope and a little nervous in truth. They were delayed at various stages along the way meaning they were a little late to the venue which was not ideal. Nonetheless they played their first rounds of matches against teams from all across the country and eventually faced last year’s champions in the early stages. 
They won and began to think the dream was now something that they could achieve. They held their nerves in the semi-final and went into the final yesterday afternoon full of hope and determination but knowing that they have been in such a position just one year ago and what to expect. They were magnificent as a team and a wider group of staff and students and they won. They were crowned National Table Cricket Champions for 2024 and I could not be prouder of them. They have worked so hard with and for each other for months. They practice weekly and have been incredibly focussed on being better players and really understanding the game.
On Wednesday, our Post 16 students had their Futures Day. This is now an annual event where our new Year 13 students spend the day thinking about their next steps in University, Apprenticeships or work. They begin to consider their achievements and experiences to date and construct a profile of themselves that will be useful when it comes to writing UCAS applications, completing applications and just selling themselves and brilliant individuals who are willing and ready to change the world. They had a great morning listening to advice and guidance and forcing them to really think about who they are, what their ambitions and dreams require to make them a reality and what lies ahead in terms of experiences and opportunities. In the late morning and 
early afternoon we were joined by over thirty local employers and universities who interviewed each of our students and provided yet more experience that will help them into their futures. The feedback from those employers was humbling with each of them saying really nice things about our students, their manners, communication skills, confidence and personalities. Some were even offered further work experience over the summer and contact details to support them in whatever way they need over the next few months and years. It is an incredible day and the Sixth Form team, led by Mrs Bannon are dedicated to delivering the best experiences possible to push our students to believe in themselves and feel they can achieve the most amazing things if they are willing to work hard, step out of their comfort zones from time to time and take every opportunity and experience available to them.
Finally, I want to shine a light on Sarah Wilson who is our Careers Co-ordinator and works with our Careers team who do wonderful work with our students’ week in week out. On Tuesday she was invited, alongside Holly McLean, our careers leader and head of the Maths faculty, to the annual Skills House Careers and Technical Education Awards (CTE). Sarah won Secondary Educator of the Year award in recognition for the fantastic work she does supporting our students with their futures and it is thoroughly well deserved. Just last year our Careers team came runners up in the national awards for pre 16 careers provision losing narrowly to the NHS. For me that meant we were the best school in the country for our work and this award further proves the incredible quality of their work and just how fortunate we are to have such a team in our school. I am thrilled for Sarah and the wider team and grateful for all they do.
I was completely blown away by the talent that walks the corridors of our school each day, by their humility and their sheer dedication to being the best they can. We heard stories of accomplishment at local, regional, national and international level. There were examples of this is such a wide range of sporting activities that I felt honoured to be a part of such an incredible celebration of our students. I wanted to evening to go on and on and to hear more and more stories about the endeavours of our students because that is the thing I love dearly.
I talked at the end of the evening about our PE team. I talked of their love of sport and physical activity, about their genuine care and interest in our students both in school and beyond. They are a wonderful team who go above and beyond at Beckfoot to provide a wealth of experiences and opportunities for students. They build relationships that allow students to be comfortable to get involved and often out of their comfort zones. That shone through in Theo (Yr12) who won the Sports Personality Award. He is the epitome of what we believe sport and sporting values should represent and it was so fitting that he should receive his award from Sian, last year’s winner who is also the most incredible role model for our young people.
To finish, the PE staff are all exceptional leaders. They invest in young people and they make it ok to just get involved and be happy through sport. They work with the most invested and talented group I have ever know in a student body and they want to celebrate them whenever possible. For me great leaders create leaders and not followers. Last night I saw masses of young leaders and I am excited about the future because they are Beckfooters!
On Wednesday we had Sports Day. It was phenomenal, filled with stunning efforts and impressive individual and collective performances. The weather was kind and the organisation of the day meant that events flowed easily throughout the morning and afternoon sessions. I loved walking from event to event and lending some advice to students as I went. Days such as Sports Day remind me of my time as a teacher of PE. I miss them sometimes, but Wednesday was just another reminder that the faculty is in much better hands now and I am so grateful to each of them. A couple of things really stood out for me though and each one clearly demonstrated the culture we have established at Beckfoot. 
The first one relates to the students. 
Over 550 students (I know. It is unbelievable!) took part. They were incredible. Some wanted to break records others just wanted to take part and do their best whatever that was. Some wanted to challenge themselves and some just needed to be part of something special. Sixth Form students helped enormously throughout and the whole thing involved over 600 students both taking part and supporting in the running of the day. We should never take that for granted. The other thing that stood out was the relationships that were so clearly evident between staff and students. It felt like one big team who were working together to make everything work and that is the thing that will stick with me most. A huge thank you to Mr Sykes and team PE for making the day so memorable and wonderful. Thank you to all the students who took part, who won medals, who broke records, who helped in any way they could. Thank you to the legions of staff who came to watch and support and thank you to the site team who made the school and our facilities ready for our students to enjoy the day.
Last night we held our Year 7 Beckfoot University celebration and, once again, I was humbled by the efforts and commitment made by our students to complete the various challenges set for them. Over 94% of the year group passed and graduated last night and we couldn’t be prouder of them and the start they have made to life at Beckfoot. Speaking to many of them, they have really enjoyed their year and have completely forgotten about their old schools. On Monday they go into Year 8 and they are excited about that. They are a really strong group and we are optimistic about what they can achieve in the years ahead. Thanks to everyone who attended and to the Year team for making the night memorable and special.
Last night we held our preparatory meetings for Enrichment Week which is only 5 weeks away. Those students who are travelling abroad or within the UK as part of that week came into school to hear a little more about the trips and ensure that all aspects of travel were ready in advance. It was exciting for us because we have run this week at Beckfoot for over 25 years and it is a very special part of our annual calendar. There are over 20 other activities that will be based locally or in school that week and there will be more information to follow in relation to those in due course. I am hugely grateful to the staff who have planned each activity and to Mrs Wintersgill and Mrs Mullaney who have co-ordinated the entire operation since last October.
In other news, our Year 11 and 13 students have had a busy week of external GCSE and A Level exams and they have been wonderful throughout. Many of those exams have been tough as you would expect but the students have felt well prepared and supported to do their best and that is all we ever ask of them each morning and afternoon. In a week, the majority of Year 11 students will have finished and can enjoy a much-deserved break at the end of a very long and challenging process. They are tired and we can see it. Not in the sense that they are complaining or feeling sorry for themselves, more so in the signs are there that it has been a tough few weeks and they are ready for the end. Now is the time for each of them to really dig deep and find the energy, determination and resilience to give the next 5 or so days everything they have got. I know they will and if there is anything more we can do to support them please let us know.
That told, I need to remind myself that the students in younger years are also amazing young people who continue to do the most incredible things. Only yesterday, two of our Year 12 students, Amy and Charlotte participated in a youth voice panel at the Royal Armouries in Leeds as part of the UKREiiF Conference. They were part of an interactive panel and Q&A in collaboration with Mott Macdonald, Ahead Partnership and the West Yorkshire Mayor's Office. They were simply amazing! They answered questions confidently and articulately and were praised by everyone for their opinions and knowledge of mass transit and the impact on young people. We are really proud of them. Here they are pictured with Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire.
As you know I love to hear about what our students are getting up to outside of school. A number of our Year 10 students travelled to Hamm in Germany last week as part of a type of exchange programme with a football club over there. They played football, took in the culture and spent a day in a German school with their host students. They had the most wonderful time and I have loved hearing all about the school system over there and how different it is to what we know. I am also thrilled that they represented their club and families so well and that their sporting prowess shone through as they finished 10th out of 40 teams overall. Well done lads!
Our Year 13 had their prom at the Mercure Bankfield last Friday night and, once again, lots of staff were there to welcome them and spend a little time with them on what was to be a very special evening. There were lots of highlights for me in the few hours I stayed but I guess the most special thing was the chance to just chat with students who have been with us for seven years. We reminisced, laughed and took the opportunity to just enjoy an evening that reflected the culture we have at Beckfoot. It was also wonderful to see over thirty students who left us a couple of years ago after GCSEs to pursue interests and courses away from Beckfoot.
The evening itself was wonderful. The talent we have at Beckfoot under the guidance of Mr Stimpson, Mr Lee and their team is incredible and the energy they bring to these evenings is palpable. The music was wide and varied with superb song choices a feature of the evening alongside, of course, amazing musical ability made up of soloists, ensembles and duets.
It was a wonderful day summed up as follows by Jack, "Sir, it was Interesting, valuable, engaging, insightful and enjoyable.’ Equally as important the PMNW staff had the following to say about our school and students: "The students here are a credit to the school, they have been fantastic all day" and "This is the best school that we have worked in since last year".
Finally, on the sporting front, I want to share with you the news that our table cricket team travelled to the Yorkshire Indoor cricket centre this week and came away as Yorkshire champions for a second year running. They were ecstatic! They work so hard each week to prepare for such opportunities and they are so focussed on enjoying themselves and doing their best. They travel to Lords, the home of cricket, in a few weeks and we are excited to see if they can go one better this year. Again, we are so proud of them and the staff that make these things happen for our students.
In music I would like to remind you that our Senior Concert is on next Thursday with just a few tickets remaining. The Senior Concert is a highlight of our Creative Arts calendar and promises to be a wonderful evening.
pastoral work is of high quality and the best it can be. The consultant spent the day with us talking to staff, students and looking in depth at our systems and policies. Whilst we await the report, I want you to know that he loved our school and the work we are doing to look after our students. I know I remind you all regularly that I know we are not perfect but we are getting so much right here every day and that will not change. If anything, the audit only served to make us even more determined to be a world class provider of support at such a critical time for many of our young people.
Since my last blog we had the First Give final for our Year 8 students. First Give offers our young people an opportunity to speak about the social issues impacting their local communities, encouraging them to be more socially active, altruistic citizens. The core programme takes students on a journey as we ask them to identify a social issue that matters to them and pick a suitable local charity to support. From there, they carefully research and develop their own thoughtful social action projects in aid of their chosen charities. That very often means meeting those involved with the charity followed by huge amounts of fundraising from each tutor group. It really is quite special seeing them invest so much time and energy into their projects which culminated in the final last week.
In the end Ms. Lowde’s tutor group won the £1000 for their charity POPI based in Keighley which will make a big difference for that organisation. However, for me there were a few more highlights. Firstly, the year group raised well over £2000 for local charities because of their efforts. Secondly, our students will never forget the importance of putting others first at times in their lives and lastly, it was humbling to watch them speak to a hall of over 300 people about something that mattered to them. In and amongst that there were also a few incredibly special moments from individual students that will live long in the memory. I want to thank each of them for what happened last week and through the winter. Amazing.
World Book Day took place yesterday and, yet again, it did not disappoint. The library was transformed into the Wizard of Oz film set with its very own Lion and Tin Man. More staff than ever dressed up to demonstrate the importance of reading and the power of books for us all. We had quizzes, competitions, reading, free books for Years 7 and 8 and book tokens for everyone in school. Reading is such an important aspect of our work and sharing our collective love of reading with our students yesterday will make a difference without doubt. 
The follow up in lessons will also support that work and give students a greater understanding of the importance of reading to such things as their vocabulary, imagination, writing and so much more. For me though, reading also allows them to travel to places in their minds like nothing else can and instils in them a sense of curiosity and wonder. For many of our students that is so important. Again, I want to thank everyone who made the day possible and who supported it in whatever way they could.
Over recent weeks over one hundred and fifty students auditioned for this year’s final which took place last night. The level of interest annually is always something that makes you catch your breath because it is a stark reminder of a couple of things for me. Firstly, that our Creative Arts faculty is flourishing at a time when lots of schools are making cuts to this area and, secondly, just how fortunate we are to have this ‘conveyor belt’ of talent that just keeps coming through our school.
Last night was a sell-out. It was also the first time that we had the opportunity to test our new air conditioning in the hall which, for those of you who have experienced the heat in there, was a most welcome addition! Regardless, 
I have not enjoyed myself as much or been entertained to that level for quite some time. It was spectacular.
Key Stage 4+, which was similar in terms of content with the addition of a string’s performance.
The evening entertainment ended with a three numbers from our Soul Band which was a real treat and included the 80s song, Smooth Operator by Sade. Amazing!
Most improved (voted for by Music Teachers): Evie
I spend each day watching these young people do the normal everyday things like go to lessons, eat lunch and be with friends but they are not normal, anything but. They are incredibly talented and special and thankfully we have a school full of such young people. I was in awe of each of them last night and immensely proud too. I am so grateful to the Creative Arts faculty let by Mr. Stimpson, to the music team in particular led by Mike Lee and the incredible team of Peri staff we have who make such a difference to us all. It was an incredibly special evening and we must never take these things for granted.
Throughout this week we have been focussed on the mental health of our school community with lots happening for staff and students each day. Activities for staff have included badminton, walk it Wednesday, breathwork coaching, staff social and an Acts of Kindness raffle. For our students they too have had loads on to highlight the importance of looking after your mental health and being comfortable to talk about any issues they have. Since Monday they have been involved in breathwork coaching, Inner Voice activities, Games and Chat with our local care home residents, The Big Sing with our Samba Band and a special mental health and well-being assembly for each year group. We have shared the incredible impact of our Place2Be provision from the students who have benefitted. 
Loads have taken part in the ‘Your Voice Matters’ oracy competition in tutor time and huge numbers have entered the ‘Stop the Stigma’ creativity competition to tackle the often stigma around mental ill health. 
The statistics we have been able to share around the importance and benefits of simply talking have been overwhelming and a stark reminder that we are doing lots of things right at Beckfoot to support our staff, students and families. I want to thank the staff, Place2Be and of course our students for the support they have provided for this work all week. It has been humbling and a source of great pride.
Speaking of pride, those of us who were fortunate enough to be part of our Games and Chat event with local care home residents, saw, first hand, just how incredibly brilliant our Sixth Form students are. They worked really hard to prepare an event for those residents that involved a Tombola, Bingo, music, prizes, tea, coffee and lots and lots of cake. It was great fun but also a rare opportunity to talk to the most amazing and interesting people. 
Two were past students of Trust schools, Beckfoot and Beckfoot Thornton, and they told us stories of their school days which had our students gripped. They told of their efforts during World War Two and how they lived their lives as parents, colleagues and friends. The room was awash with history, story telling and laughter. I loved every minute of it and really want to do something similar again. I can’t thank our students enough for their generosity, warmth and care for those they met and talked with. They were amazing.
They have been great to work with and I hope they get the results and feedback that will build their confidence towards the real thing in the summer. They want to do well and they certainly have the right attitude in most cases. What I hope is that they will digest the information they will get back from staff and use that to propel themselves forward in their preparations for both GCSE and A-Levels in May.
In sport a number of students in years 7 to 11 took part in the recent Bradford Schools Cross Country Championships. They represented school brilliantly, running with real determination and grit in freezing conditions. Lara in Year 11 finished in 1st place in the intermediate girls race and Caden in Year 10 finished 3rd in the intermediate boy’s race. In the junior races notable performances came from Bella in Year 7 and Harry in Year 8 with both finishing 5th in their respective races. Other fantastic runs came from Sam, Harrison, Violet, Isabelle, Yelyzaveta and Lilly. As a result of their performances the following students have been selected to represent Bradford at the West Yorkshire Championships later this month: Lara (Yr. 11), Caden (Yr. 10), Sam (Yr. 9), Harry (Yr. 8), Harrison, Violet, Isabelle and Bella (Yr. 7). Ms Lawal, the PE team and everyone at school is beyond proud of their efforts and positivity. We cannot wait to see how they get on next.
Ethan in Year 9 has also being making the headlines in recent days. 
In debating our Post 16 students Lilia, Ruby and Halima (all Y12) took part in the second round of the ESU Mace debating competition. The girls debated in opposition to abolishing the House of Lords and came up against some fierce competitors from a number of other schools from Leeds, Bradford, York and more. Their argument was around the idea that we should reform and not abolish and gave superb arguments about how this should be accomplished. They spoke with conviction, persuasion, and nuance with most in the room relieved that they were not competing against them. Despite the strength of competition from both the state and private sector they WON and are now through to the northern regional finals, one stage away from the nationals. All three were stunning and showed the importance of oracy, listening and self-determination. Seeing them in action is an inspiration to so many and they are leading the next generation of debaters each week in school. Brilliant.
In school Mr. Braid organised a Maths themed wider learning day for Year 7. It was a huge success with the energy and enthusiasm never once waning throughout the day. The students used Maths to break codes, solve murder mysteries, complete morse code puzzles, deal with money and a wide variety of Maths based quizzes. The day allowed students to better understand the contextual importance of Maths but, more importantly, it instilled a love of learning in the subject for so many. It provided so many opportunities for our students to be challenged by the use of Maths in everyday life situations but also giving them knowledge and skills that will be so useful for them in their learning of Maths for years to come. As many of you know, I love these types of curriculum experiences and the positive feedback meant a lot to the Maths team who are already planning the next one!
In Year 9 our student have been busy this week picking their options for GCSE study from June. My leadership team have worked with the Year team to meet each student for a chat about their thoughts and aspirations over the next few years. It has been a privilege to meet so many young people who have taken the process really seriously and were able to articulate clearly why they have made the decisions they have for GCSE study. At 13 or 14 years old I could barely tie my shoelaces! I was happy to chase a football around and didn’t really have the maturity to deal with anything that was about school or my future. The students I met this week were the complete opposite. They were bright, interesting, well informed, ambitious and just a pleasure to spend time with. If I have one dream for them it is simply that I want them to be happy, to be able to hold their own in any situation anywhere in the world and to always believe in themselves because they have talent and are entitled to a good life. That will take lots of effort and resilience on their part but I am determined that we will be shoulder to shoulder with them throughout and championing their exploits and efforts along the way.
Finally, I want to share with you some of the successes of our Place2Be mental health support provision in school from the Autumn term. From September to Christmas the P2B team have continued to be an integral part of the school community. Place2Talk continues to be a very well utilised service, with 187 sessions undertaken throughout the term. The one-to-one counselling has been supporting Year 11 students in helping them feel confident and able for their upcoming exams. It has also helped Year 7 students deal with the transition to secondary education and finding their voices and feet for themselves. It has been a privilege to see how well these two groups of students are doing and the ownership they are taking over their own mental wellbeing. Parent partnership is something that will continue to develop this term, by reaching out to parents and carers who we know need support, having seen students in one-to-one or Place2Talk. The team have delivered resilience workshops to students and are building their resources with more presentations being delivered across the school to support the universal Place2Be offer. It is hoped that this will enable all students to feel more in control of their own mental wellbeing. Our P2B team continue to meet their 48 hour turn around for Place2Talk when students refer themselves through the post box which is quite simply amazing. They are now focussed on delivering more group work on the theme of exam stress to Year 13 and Year 11 students. We are proud to have the level of investment that we do at Beckfoot. Whilst we are far from perfect, we are doing our best each day to look after our young people and, in doing so, show them clearly that they matter, that we care and that they will be ok and ready to make a significant difference to the world.
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.
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”
Rugby continues to thrive and our students are doing some amazing things. Charlie in Year 11, who I have mentioned in previous blogs, had the most amazing news over the holidays. Over the past year Charlie has been mentored by George Furbank of Northampton Saints and England. Through the Mintridge Foundation, he has thrown himself fully into the mentoring programme and has spent a lot of time with George. As a result Charlie was selected to receive the Anna Horrell Award which is presented to an individual, or group of individuals, that have demonstrated to their elite athlete ambassador a proactive nature and infectious enthusiasm throughout the programme whilst also showing great potential in their chosen sport. The foundation praised Charlie for the journey that he went on with his mentor and noted that it was very special to witness. Charlie travelled to Northampton Saints with his family and was presented with this year's awards following a Northampton Saints victory over Sale Sharks Victory and a Captain Fantastic Man of the Match Performance from George himself! It was an incredibly memorable day for Charlie, his family and everyone associated with the foundation. We are very proud of him.
In other sporting news Josh in Year 8 has recently featured heavily on the CP Sport website. CP Sport is the national disability sports organisation supporting people with cerebral palsy to be able to access and enjoy being physically active throughout their lives. In it he talks about his involvement with Bronte Tykes, Bingley Harriers, Keighley RUFC, School rugby team and School athletics. He talked about his involvement in sport throughout 2023 in Rugby, Running, Athletics, Cycling – MTB, Road and Cyclocross. He highlighted some special moments such as participating at CP Sport National Athletics Championships and winning coaches’ player of the year at rugby. What I loved most though was his view of the importance of sport and physical activity in his life and how the range of sports he’s involved with helps work his muscles in different ways as well as being good for his mental health. In 2024 Josh aims to keep getting better and has an ambition to go through classification for cycling and athletics and take part in more disability sports competitions. Somehow, I think he will do those things with ease. Well done Josh.
Moving on to music, James in Year 10 who has recently secured a place with the National Youth Orchestra, was featured in the T&A over the holidays. It is a fantastic read and 2024 promised to be a wonderful year for him. We wish him well.
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.
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.
A few weeks ago I was receiving lots of visits from students who are concerned at what is happening in the Middle East. They have often been confused, angry but mostly determined to do something to shout about their concern for others. After a lot of discussion and debate we finally agreed on adopting a humanitarian approach and, in doing so, focussing our efforts on children in that part of our world. The students set about with the help of Ms. Ashraf, Ms. Rashid, Ms. Ahmed, and so many more staff, to create a unique fundraising event that would give the opportunity for many to get involved and contribute in any way they could. Meeting after meeting took place and the numbers of students grew to over 80. Eventually they decided on a week-long series of activities that would bring our school community together and show our collective support for children across the Middle East whilst at the same time raising money for The United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
Events took place all last week during both break times. There were a few events that allowed students to throw things at staff (always popular!) and I was very happy to have wet sponges thrown at me in the freezing cold if it meant a few extra quid could be raised. So many staff did likewise. The students held countless bake sales and sold the most amazing street food. They sold books, arranged raffles, hosted charity sporting events, colouring events and so much more. I have never known anything like it and I am so proud of our staff and students for making this happen in their own way. They are the ones who wanted to do the work to raise money and they are the ones who did just that. I am so proud of them all and our entire community for getting behind this initiative but also for raising over £2000, a record for our school over the past 30 years.
In cricket, last week saw Mrs Macdonald attend a very prestigious dinner at Yorkshire Cricket Club where she was presented with a trophy for our Table Cricket team who were national runners up at Lords in the summer. At that dinner Beckfoot and those incredible students were spoken about in the most glowing terms. We made sure we celebrated with our students and staff last week and showed them the various Table Cricket prizes as well as the trophy of course!
Continuing the theme of sport, our girls continue to achieve the most wonderful things. This time it was the turn of our U16 football team who won the Bradford Schools tournament last week. They were fantastic both as individuals and as part of a collective throughout and were worthy winners overall.
In sport, our netball and table tennis teams continue to do incredible things. Last week our Year 10 netball girls won the Bradford tournament for only the second time in twenty years. We invited them into our staff briefing on Friday and they received a very loud and enthusiastic round of applause from their teachers for what they have achieved but also for the manner in which they did it. They are amazing young women who are the very finest roles models our school could ask for. They are Daisy, Alice, Ella, Arianna, Annie, Amy, Charlotte.
On Tuesday we held our Beckfoot Trust 10 year celebration concert at St. George’s Hall in Bradford. The evening was a showcase of the talent of our students across our 10 schools. It was an amazing event with over 80 Beckfoot students involved. The place was packed with the audience made up of families, staff, directors and LSC members and a huge number of old yet familiar faces. As I sat I in the audience I was filled with pride for two reasons. 
Firstly, that we are a part of an organisation that cares deeply about young people and this city but also because of our staff and students who lit up the entire venue each time they performed. I am indebted to Mr. Lee without whom this event could not have happened but also to Mr. Stimpson, Mr. Jackson, James in our Sixth Form and so many others who gave their time to make this event special for all. I cannot believe it has been 10 years and I am excited for what lies ahead of us.
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
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.
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.
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!
Last week we held our annual Open Evening for prospective students and families. It always comes around so quickly at the start the new school year. Each year I feel that we could not possibly do any better than we have done previously. How wrong I am every time.
Indeed, we had just over 375! students return to school to help us in a variety of roles including tour guides, faculty support, car parking and information providers. They were amazing.
There are lots of reasons for our school community to be grateful. Firstly, we have an incredible building which has been cleaned, painted and polished with great care over the past six weeks. In the fine weather it’s gleaming and a fit and proper environment for our students to work and thrive in. Secondly, we have welcomed 277 new Year 7 students into our community and they have been amazing all week. Lastly, our staff and students have breathed life into our school once again and I have missed them. It has been wonderful to meet and chat with so many of them. Despite being understandably tired, they are on great form and ready for the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead.
In sporting news, I want to tell you about Lauren in Year 10. On 25 August she travelled to Birmingham to take part in the England athletics under 17 and under 15 events. Due to injury, she could only participate in the shot putt and reluctantly withdrew from her specialist running event. Despite that she managed to win Gold. It is an incredible achievement and is a result of years of hard work and dedication. We are immensely proud of her.
In other news, one of our new Year 11 students, Joanna, 
This week we have also welcomed our new Year 7 cohort. We had the full cohort of Year 6 students from our feeder primary schools into school on Monday evening with families and again yesterday. They spent a day with us experiencing life as a Beckfooter. They were magnificent and have very quickly understood the standards we work to here and the importance of meeting those standards. They met lots of our Year 13 students who looked after them throughout and were the most amazing role models throughout. I love Transition Day because you see the future and there is an excitement about new beginnings. I guess, when I look at the new students, I am hopeful more than anything else that they will be happy and successful at Beckfoot over the next five to seven years.
In other news there has been so much going on that I want to share. On Monday, following weeks of planning and training, we held our very first Model United Nations (UN) day with students from Year 10 to Year 13. The event began with welcome speeches followed by 2 short videos from the British Ambassador to Afghanistan and the Political Advisor to the UK peace keeping envoy to Africa. Ms. Ashraf has family that are linked to the UN and who helped by providing clear principles for the day that would help our students understand the intricate working of the organisation and their goals for the world stage.
As the morning progressed, the students assumed roles of various world countries and quickly learned of the issues those countries face and how the UN would work with them alongside all other member states. At the end of the afternoon, they were in full swing participating and chairing a UN meeting with the most incredible arguments being motioned and debated by all those representing their countries and those who were assuming the roles of UN presidents and vice presidents. The dynamics between countries was evident as were the skills needed to present issues at a national level to understand how they could be resolved, or not, at UN level. The language used was utterly professional and advanced and the skills of oracy and listening were never better displayed in my time at Beckfoot then they were on Monday. I am so grateful to Ms. Ashraf and the fifty or more students who made the day such a success. It is an event that is here to stay and will only get stronger (if indeed that is possible!).
At Post 16 last week we held Futures Day where our students were involved in learning and interviews from organisations such as HAYS, TransUnion, NHS Pharmacy, NHS Blood and Transport, Charles Kennedy, ITV, Bradford College, Morrisons, Medical Training, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, Altogether Financial, Bevan Britten Law, AI Gas Tech, The Firm and Expect Distribution amongst others. They were also given the opportunity to listen to university ambassadors, who delivered talks and supported students with their UCAS applications. Every Year 13 student ended the day with a first draft of their Personal Statement and the ‘All About Me’ letter that needed to be sent to their tutors. 
They also completed a huge section of the UCAS application which is the earliest we have ever sough to prepare our students for life beyond Beckfoot. We were thrilled with their effort and focus throughout the day. Some even secured work experience and a number asked to consider working for the various organisations that they were involved with over the course of the day such was the impression they made. What a very special day.
Moving to another area of our work I want to let you know that throughout the year, eighteen year 11 Art Textiles students have been working with the Design Lab Nation project. This has seen them take part in numerous museum visits including the V&A London, Cartwright Hall and the Industrial Museum working on a brief linked to rituals and traditions. The project also linked with an industry partner which allowed students to see how products are designed for the mass market at Melrose Interiors. Students have investigated their own rituals and traditions as well as looking at the cultures within Bradford both past and present. They created numerous practical pieces of work and completed with their own practical piece that has been celebrated through an exhibition launched at Cartwright Hall this week. Our students were recognised for their creativity, passion, maturity, and commitment. The leadership of Mrs Young has enabled our students to be a part of something unique and special that will hopefully inspire them onto greater things and give them the confidence to know that they can achieve whatever they want if they are willing to work hard enough.
The opportunities for our students continue to come thick and fast. Last week, our Table Cricket team left Shipley train station just after 6.30am to travel to Lords, the home of cricket in London. They were so excited to travel as Yorkshire champions and were determined to do their best no matter what. 
Mrs Macdonald and Mr Barnes kept the information flowing throughout the day about their progress and staff were glued to their screens eagerly anticipating the next piece of news about how the games were going. They won the first game, then the second followed quickly by the third. We were getting excited! They eventually made the national semi-final and were unbeaten. They were drawn to play the favourites, last year’s national champions. There was a delay in the proceedings and eventually the news came through that they had won comfortably and were in the national final. Incredible! By the end of the day the staff were exhausted and anxious. It came down to the final ball and Beckfoot needed to score a 6 to win. Alas, it didn’t happen and we were pipped by the narrowest of margins. We were national finalists and runners up. What an incredible achievement and I am so proud of them. They came to briefing on Monday and I was humbled at the reaction of the staff to the 8 students and three sixth form students who stood before them with their medals. It was very special for us all. A special thank you to Mrs Macdonald and her team including three Sixth Form helpers for creating the opportunities for students to dream and for the experiences they had along the way.
On Thursday, we held our annual Beckfoot University graduation event at Victoria Hall in Saltaire. It is a wonderful venue to recognise the commitment to enrichment and leadership opportunities through their first year at our school. The majority of the year group managed to complete the challenges set and qualify to graduate. Some went way above and beyond what was required with three students in particular amassing over 500 hours of commitment to both. It is such a special event and seeing the faces of those families present when their children arrive into the main hall in their graduation gowns and mortar board hats. Mrs Douglas and Ms Sears reminded us all about the impact each student has made at Beckfoot and how they have grown throughout the year. Each of them received their certificate of graduation and finally we got the all-important photos of them throwing their hats in the air at the end. It was a very special night to mark the end of their first year at Beckfoot. They are a fabulous group of students and I am excited to see what they will achieve in the years ahead.
On Wednesday we held our annual Sports Day. In 21 years at Beckfoot I have never seen so many students take part. The day began with Mr Sykes setting up the field from 6:00am. The morning session was the field events with students taking part in Javelin, Discus, Shot Putt, Long Jump and Triple Jump. They then had a break from the sun as they had their lunch and the afternoon field events took place. The noise levels on the field were really quite something as each race was greeted with cheers and whistles. 
The sportsmanship and camaraderie on show spoke volumes to me about the culture the PE faculty have created with their students. It is often usual for a record to be broken and many of our records have stood for many years. What is most unusual is to have 11 records broken such was the talent on show all day. It really was a wonderful day and reminded me why I first became a PE teacher all those years ago. I miss it often but especially so on Wednesday. A huge thank you to Mr. Sykes, the PE staff and all the volunteers from staff to Sixth Form students who made it possible.
On Monday the 15 May the exam season began in earnest. Every year it seems to arrive more quickly than the last and I am always worried about whether we have done enough with and for our students; have we prepared them well enough; have we instilled a confidence in them that they can do this and do they know, I mean really know, how much we care. This year I needn’t have worried.
Saying goodbye to Year 11 on Wednesday was special and very emotional. After their GCSE English exam they allowed themselves the time to relax and reflect on the past five years. There was lots of shirt signing, lots of hugs and more tears than I can ever remember. In the afternoon, the students came together for the very last time to listen to us speak to them, to receive awards, listen to their friends play music and indulge Mr. Donlan as he sang a Killers masterpiece! Mrs. Wade, Ms. Mallinson-Powell and Mrs. Harris told them how much they would be missed and reminded them of their legacy at Beckfoot and it was a really lovely event. They stayed well after 3pm to eat food, drink and just spend time together and with their teachers. As I watched I was reminded that we get a lot right at Beckfoot and that we care more here than anywhere else I can think of.
I managed to compose myself to say a few things to them because it is important to me. I reminded them that all I ever wanted for them at Beckfoot and in life was four things:
On Monday the GCSE and A Level exam season begins. I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone and my strong desire is that our Year 11 and Year 13 students are ready to do their very best and achieve everything they are capable of and more. They are incredible young people who deserve success and the right to a good life. They have worked with us over the years and understand their responsibility to make that a reality more so now than ever.
Last week we held our Prom nights for Year 11 on the Thursday and for Year 13 the following day. Both events took place at the Mercure Bankfield Hotel and were a huge success. I tend to think about the success of these type of events in very simple terms. Firstly, did our students have a wonderful time and create lifelong memories and secondly did they represent themselves, their families and Beckfoot brilliantly. For me they were even more amazing than I thought possible.
Both evenings began with the usual array of entrances. Some arrived in vintage cares, some in cars that cost 
more than most houses, some on foot, one or two in an ambulance and then there was Harvey! They came dressed in style too and each of them looked wonderful. These events matter to them and they want to spend a fantastic evening in each other’s company for possibly the final time. They talked, they danced, they laughed and cried and they made sure they would remember their evening for years to come. They were respectful, considerate and kind and I felt very proud to lead a school full of such amazing young people. As I said earlier, they deserve the very best life has to offer them and I hope the next few weeks will be full of opportunities for them to shine.
On Friday we then took our Year 11 students to Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire. They had the most brilliant time and loved the fact that they did not have to queue for anything. They spent time with each other away from the pressures of the looming exams and were free for a few hours enjoying all that the park had to offer. We asked them to have a great time and to respect other visitors and the park. They did that and so much more and, again, I felt proud knowing that they are ready for their next steps and will be able to navigate the next few weeks and months with ease because of how they have grown and matured over their time at Beckfoot.
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.
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.
A few months ago, I became aware of the Geoff Rofe Young Volunteer of the Year award. This award recognises the work being done across the country in the world of badminton and is incredibly prestigious. Sian Phillips, who is often mentioned in my blogs, was nominated and I had the great pleasure of being able to support that nomination as her headteacher. As the weeks went by, I absolutely know that I became a little annoying because I was asking her almost daily if she had heard anything. Anyway, just a couple of weeks ago we got the news that she had won. I was thrilled as were Sian and her family. Here are a few things that were said about her at the ceremony.
Since achieving her Level 1 coaching qualification, Siân volunteers every week at the Bradford Kobras Performance Centre in Yorkshire, helping to coach and inspire younger players.
Talking of weekends, I want to thank Mr. Sykes for his commitment to ensuring all of our students get to have their moment in the limelight through sport. Over the past few weekends he has given up his Saturdays to take our swim team to the Bingley schools gala and his Sundays to support our wonderfully talented rugby players. He has also now diversified into golf. Yes, golf! Last week our students came first and runners up in the West Yorkshire schools golf tournament. The team made up of Lachlan, Tom H, Tom B, Fergus, Ben and Josh will now represent West Yorkshire in the Yorkshire schools’ finals. I am so happy that we can facilitate these opportunities for our students to get involved in such competitions. A special mention to Lachlan, Tom B and Tom H who won overall, to Tom B and Fergus for finishing second and to Tom H for winning overall.
Continuing the sporting theme Charlie P in Year 9 has been selected for West Yorkshire schools once again but, this year, has gone one step further in his development by being selected for the England Schools U15 indoor cricket squad. Charlie has a few more training sessions to go before a final team selection ready for the World series in Dubai. He has put an enormous amount of time and effort into this and his humility is an example to us all. We wish him well over the next few weeks and want him to know how proud we are of him.
Last week we held our annual Beckfoot Young Musician of the Year finals in the school hall. It did not disappoint. Before I go into detail, I want to thank all those students who did not make the finals. The standard is so high that not everyone can make it through but their talent is never in question and they will be back next year I know. On the night a full house was treated to the most amazing talent. There were singers, bass guitarists, ensembles, rock bands, soul bands, pianists, sax players and so much more. The show began with James (last year’s winner) playing the violin and I wondered how on earth we can top that but we did. It was a very special night. Winners included:
Most improved (voted for by Music Teachers): James C
I have been in this country since 1989 and I remember thinking as a 17/18 year old that I would spend three years in London, get my degree, play a bit of football and just enjoy the experience. Well, almost 34 years on, I am still here and very happy to be. I don’t often miss home these days but at this time of year when my friends and family are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, I often find myself wishing to be back there once again for just a few days. Anyway, for those of you that celebrate, I hope you have a lovely evening and weekend. I also hope for a decent performance from our rugby team in Dublin tomorrow!
Continuing the theme of placements at Beckfoot. Over the past few weeks we have been interviewing our own Year 11 students for a place in our Sixth Form which is such a special part of our school. I love having them here and I love the influence they have on the aspirations of our young people every day. They model our standards and expectations in all that they do and they demonstrate, all the time, the importance of hard work, independent learning and what it means to be motivated to succeed in education. The interviews have been a breath of fresh air in that they have allowed many of my team and I to sit and have the most wonderful conversations with incredibly talented, driven and bright young people. They want to stay with us. They know the quality of education they will get with us, the opportunities to get involved in all manner of things from leadership to work experience and a super curriculum that will enhance their future aspirations. I am thrilled that over 70% of them are hoping to join us in September and I am even more thrilled that they feel we are the best option for them.
Culturally, Beckfoot continues to grow and thrive. Our students have been busy getting involved in all manner of things such as World Book Day, charitable sporting and creative events, and today getting involved in raising money for those less fortunate through comic relief. Our Beckfoot Student Leaders group (BSL) continue to be the driving force for much of this work but so too are our Sixth Form students who provide the ideas, opportunities and guidance to the younger ones to make a difference. I hope today is a great day and another opportunity to think about putting others first and the importance of such qualities as selflessness.
I am so grateful to Mr. Parkinson, the LRC staff and the entire Beckfoot community for embracing the opportunity to highlight such an importance aspect of our work and the undoubted impact it will have had on our students.
Finally, on Wednesday next week we have our Young Musician of the Year event. It is always such a special few hours on our calendar because of the incredible talent we have in our school. I cannot wait and I hope to see so many of you there. It has been really important to us to reschedule this and so I thank you for your understanding and patience. The snow caused some issues for our community last week and, if I am being honest, I care little for snow and how it can impact our lives and the education of our community so quickly. I thank you for your wonderful understanding and support for the decisions I have had to make. It is hugely appreciated as always.
Over half term over fifty staff and students travelled to Austria to enjoy a week of skiing and other ski related activities. They left school on the Friday we finished for the holiday and returned over the weekend. The feedback from staff, students and families has been phenomenal and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I am so grateful to the staff that planned and led this trip, to the students who represented Beckfoot so brilliantly and to our families who provided incredible support and feedback and gratitude for the opportunity. The most important thing is that everyone returned home fit and well and keen to return next year.
Finally, I am very excited to let you know that we have been the recipient of yet another national award this week. We were informed, on Wednesday that our application for accreditation of transforming practice in wellbeing has been successful. This means that Beckfoot has met the highest standards of the Framework for Exceptional Education and that your work in this area is amongst the most effective practice nationally. We are thrilled, given our commitment to wellbeing over the past three years especially. This work has been led by Alex Denham and Aieshah Ickringill and supported by numerous staff and students over the past 6-8 months. For me, the process allowed us to really consider our provision and practice but also have it tested out via external moderation. That moderation involved staff and students who were incredibly proud of what their school is doing in this area. Our students were so articulate about the importance of the work being done around wellbeing and the impact it has had on family and friends especially since lockdown. The report we received this week was a moment to stop and reflect on what we do here and why we do it. It was also a time to really consider next steps in order for us to be better tomorrow than we are today. That is our determination.
It is Children’s Mental Health week and so much has been happening across school. As you know we are heavily invested in supporting our entire community in terms of mental health. We have four days each week of Place2Be and an additional four days of provision from the Mental Health Support Team giving us the equivalent of eight days per week of bespoke support for our staff and students. In addition, we are very open about our views on mental health through such things as tutor time, assembly time, notice boards and display, our curriculum, our enrichment programme and so much more. I very much want our students to feel that they belong at Beckfoot and that they are cared for and matter the most. I want them to know that it is ok not to be ok sometimes and that we are here to help in any way we can. I think they know that because so many have benefited directly or indirectly from what we do here. Indeed, we have had the privilege to support over five hundred families and a great deal more students over the past two years especially. 
The impact is a more settled student population, increased attendance and more aspirational and happy young people. For those of you that know me, you will be very aware that I do not believe that we are perfect. My fundamental belief is that we do a great deal that is right but we also make mistakes which we are determined to learn from. Our school is a happy place for most. At times we need to do more for our students but the determination and strategy to do just that is there and I am very proud of that. This week has enabled us all to think about our mental health and to be more aware of the impact on ourselves and others. That will always be a good thing.
This week our commitment to our Religious Education curriculum and wider provision has been assessed by a national provider following our application in 2022 to be recognised as a RE Quality Mark school. The application was led by Ms. Noble and ably assisted by Ms. Towler and Ms. Lowde. The application itself took months of work and indeed was a very strong submission. It was followed this week by an incredibly rigorous interview process which involved staff, students and the Leadership team of the school. We were really hoping to achieve this award so to be told just this morning that we have achieved the Gold Standard has meant the world to us. We have always felt our provision here is second to none and delivered by some of the most talented teachers that you would hope to work with anywhere. This award is testament to our commitment to ensuring our curriculum is as strong, challenging and aspirational as possible not just in RE but across our school. I am thrilled.
Finally, I had the honour of being a judge at the Year 8 First Give presentations afternoon yesterday. Normally, as part of our enrichment provision across year groups, we would run the First Give programme in Year 9. This year, given the quality of our year 8 cohort we felt that they could cope with it a year earlier. Since Autumn each tutor group has chosen a charity they wanted to work with in the hope of raising the profile of their work in Bradford and nationally. They got involved in various social action campaigns over the past three months and raised over £800 for their charities. They were expected to learn as much as possible about the work of their chosen charity, who they work with, how they support others, where their funding comes from and what they could do to help. They invited the charities into school to talk with them, educate them and begin to form a bond that will last for many years. The culmination of the programme was yesterday when every Year 8 student came into our main hall to listen to each tutor group present on their chosen charity and win a prize of £1000 would mean so much to them. It was a simply stunning afternoon where I and other guest judges, including Adam from Year 10, got to listen to our students talk with such confidence, passion and knowledge about their work, the work of their charity and why what they do is so important. 
In the end it was 805 who won the £1000 prize for The Bradford Curry Project. This money will go a long way to feed hundreds of people hot meals over the next few weeks across the city but will also provide some much needed positive publicity that can only help their work in the future. Other charities supported included Pink Paws, MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease), two Autism charities, Bradford Night Stop, Down Syndrome association and many more. I absolutely know that our young people are capable of doing the most amazing things in their lives. All we have to do is provide them with a continuous flow of opportunities, care, guidance and support and then watch them fly. They were amazing yesterday and it was very special to be a part of it once again.
Firstly, I want to congratulate Fearne in Year 10 who has recently been selected to represent West Yorkshire’s U15 County Netball Squad. This is in addition to her selection for Bradford Schools and her wider commitments to netball in school and beyond. Netball is in her family and Fearne has worked extremely hard to gain this selection and recognition. She is dedicated to her sport and is incredibly humble about her ability and successes. I am thrilled that she will have the honour to represent her county this year and I wish her every success for the season ahead.
On Tuesday we had a Year 7 Maths based curriculum day. Normal lessons were suspended and replaced with a day focussed around the development of maths skills and a focus on instilling a love for the subject through different experiences. Well, what a day which began with the students taking on the task of being Codebreakers of Bletchley Park. This was followed by a maths murder mystery, the maths of the Aztecs; the maths in Morse Code and finally a maths based quiz. The levels of engagement were wonderful as was the sheer enthusiasm of the students to get involved and enjoy everything the day had to offer. I want to thank Mr. Braid, Mr. Mallatrat and the entire maths team for making the day such a phenomenal experience for our students.
Wellbeing 
Last week, under the guidance of Ms. Kernohan, we held a Languages Day for our Year 8 students. It was awesome! The day began with a Chinese dance demonstration that was colourful, fun and showcased something we have never seen at Beckfoot. The students enjoyed exposure to a variety of languages from around the globe and appreciated the opportunity to gain an appreciation of other languages and cultures. The world is getting smaller all the time and our students will become global citizens that will see the opportunities to succeed not just in Bradford or in the UK but from a much wider perspective. They will be more future ready than ever before and even better communicators as a result.
The Options Evening last night was amazing. We had such a Buzz in the hall and the atrium. Students and their families came in to find out as much as they could to make the right choices for their GCSE studies. Our current Key Stage 4 students were on hand to support the teachers in communicating the details about courses and the things that are important when it comes to being successful. As I walked around the building last night I was thrilled with the quality of engagement between families, staff and students. It is very special and I very much hope our students now have all the information they need to make positive choices about their next steps.
Finally, we had a very special visitor to school on Wednesday. George Furbank, current Northampton Saints and England Rugby Union player spent the day in school with us. His visit was part of the work of the Mintridge Foundation’s work to enhance sports participation, life skills and wellbeing for young people. He took part in lessons, provided coaching sessions, led an assembly, signed autographs and just spent time with our incredible students. He loved the day and loved the school. He was blown away by the kindness and respect shown to him throughout the day by everyone he met.
George talked a lot about ambition, resilience, being proactive and taking opportunities presented to you. He talked about himself and his path through education into professional sport. He was inspiring. I guess the thing that really stood out for me was his humility. He was such a nice lad, very down to earth and genuinely interested in our school and our students. At the end of the day he read a lot of truly inspiring and heartfelt letters from students about themselves, their personal and sporting ambitions and decided to mentor two of our students, Alfie and Charlie, for the next 6 months. He will meet with them remotely every two weeks until the summer in the hope of giving them further guidance and motivation to be the best version of themselves possible. I loved having him with us and I am so grateful to Mr. Sykes and Ms. Holmes who led this from start to finish. I am also grateful to George for taking the time to be with us, for being an incredibly decent young man who modelled the values, skills and qualities we are trying to build in our own young people but also for being interested and caring about them.
This week has also been very reassuring in terms of 
Last week we held our Red Carpet reward events and it was really great that over 1300 students were rewarded for what they contribute to our school and their learning every day. The excitement was building for a few weeks and when the reward options became clear the students told us what they wanted access to as part of their rewards. They chose from things like Computer Club, Art, PE, music, film and pizza. All those that were involved were fully deserving of their treat and I want to thank them for what they bring to our school every day and remind them of the impact of attendance and attitude on their learning, growth and development as really decent young people. A huge thank you to Mr. Darling and his team for the co-ordination of the events last week and a huge thank you to our students who work so hard every day to make a difference and live our values.
In student news I want to let you know about the work Ayla, in Year 7, has been doing since the summer. She, alongside her brother and a friend wanted to raise money for Ukrainian refugees. In the heat of the summer months, they made lemonade which they sold on the side of the canal. It was a hit and they then had a stall at the Eldwick gala where they sold more lemonade and also made some badges to sell. They raised over £380! They contacted the Ukrainian centre in Keighley and were informed about their Christmas event. The centre asked if the children would use the money to buy things for their gift bags for the refugees. They spent the money on a variety of shower gels, socks, gloves, baby wipes, colouring books, pencils and blankets. The centre collected the goods last week and gave Ayla and her friends some small traditional Ukrainian gifts as a thank you. That is pretty special stuff and I absolutely love that she thinks about others and that she is willing to not sit by and leave it to someone else. She is thoroughly selfless in my view and we are very proud of her, her brother and their friend.
On Wednesday 23 November the polling station was ready; it had booths, voting slips, instructions for voters and candidate information. Each class took turns to visit the station and cast their votes. Our entire school community took part and their approach to the process was impeccable. Earlier this week the votes were counted and recounted. The excitement was unbearable until we eventually discovered those who were chosen to make up our next Beckfoot Student Leadership group (BSL).
This week also provided opportunities in the world of work. As part of our futures programme, we took forty-three 6th form students to the PWC offices in Leeds on Tuesday. Students worked closely with volunteers from the firm on an 'Apprentice' style activity designed to develop their listening, problem solving and teamwork skills. The final presentations were excellent and students faced challenging questions from both the volunteer panel and each other. The experience gave students a key insight into industry, office life and the many career opportunities offered by PWC. These events and days are very much part of our Outstanding careers provision across school and I am so grateful to my staff and the staff at PWC for their commitment to broadening horizons for our students and enabling them an insight as to what is possible for each of them locally, regionally and nationally. These days make an incredible difference to us all. Thanks to our Careers team for making this possible.
I want to shift the focus to our students and families if I may. A few week ago, I wrote as part of my Blog about Raees who sadly left us three years ago this month. He is so fondly remembered and missed. I also wrote about the trees we were planting as part of the legacy our last Year 11 cohort wanted to leave the school. The final tree, the tree for Raees, was planted last week by his mum and sisters who came to school to help us and see for themselves where and how he will always be remembered at Beckfoot. 
As I come to near the end of this Blog, I wanted to share with you some information about the assemblies I have been delivering this week on Bullying. I wanted to lead these myself and share with our students the horror that is bullying and the effects it can and does have on young people at Beckfoot and across the UK. I know that it happens here and I hate that. I wish that it could be eradicated completely and I wanted our students to think about how to help us stamp it out and for them to demonstrate their ability to be more active in their stance against this horrific behaviour. We talked about the fact that across the UK, 20% of young people are affected by this each year. We talked about the types of bullying that happen and why young people can be targeted. We talked about those involved and what their role says about them to themselves and others. We simply asked them to Reach Out and help us put an ends to this, to Reach Out and let us know when it is happening and to Reach Out and take care of one another better than perhaps has been the case. Our entire staff and student community have listed intently this week and I hope it makes a difference. Already, we have seen our students use the STOP email to help us and I am proud of each one who has been brave enough to say enough is enough!
Continuing the theme of exams, I had the very great pleasure of seeing our Year 11 performing arts students deliver the most amazing performances as part of their exam on Wednesday. The students were "buzzing" (their words) after their performances. I know they have worked really hard at applying lots of different performance skills to their pieces but also on their confidence in delivering the most spectacular acting and dancing pieces I have seen for years. It was a real privilege to be there and to get to share in their success and happiness. 
As a follow-up to my last Blog, we welcomed Rugby League Physical Disability World Cup winner, 
This week began on Sunday actually and the opportunity for me to represent Beckfoot School as part of the Bingley Remembrance Sunday celebrations. It is my first opportunity as headteacher to attend this event and I am so very glad I did. The first thing I noticed was the sheer numbers of people that were there. It had the most incredible community feel as it was lively to be a part of it. I also noticed the incredible numbers of our students that are part of that community through their involvement in local clubs and groups. Everywhere I looked I saw a friendly face and it gave me another insight into why our students are so special. All last week we did our best to remember those who have given their lives over many years to protect our freedom and allow us to live as we do. 
On Wednesday we had yet another first for our school. Last year’s GCSE (Year 11) class of 2022 have wanted to leave their mark on Beckfoot and decided to raise money to plant some trees in memory of their time at school. This week Mrs. Powell, who was their Head of Year, alongsi
de 15 students planted 26 trees just behind the ATP. They also installed a wooden plaque that the students made by hand to commemorate their time at Beckfoot. It was so special. 
needed a courageous and determined group of young people to pick student leadership up by the scruff of the neck and drive it forward to ensure our young people have a voice and a genuine part to play in the direction of travel of their school. I could not have wished for a more self-determined group of pleaders and yesterday we came together to acknowledge their work but also to share a very special moment with them. 
week. These range from netball to hockey, football and rugby, from gymnastics to trampolining, cheerleading and fitness, from badminton to basketball, table tennis and so much more. Last night as I returned from my daily place at the school crossing, I passed what seemed like hundreds of students, all in PE kit, busying themselves and excited about the practice or games that lay ahead for the evening. It reminded me of my own school experience and I have to admit to being just a little envious. I am so grateful to the staff who provide their time, energy and enthusiasm to facilitate such opportunities for Beckfoot students and that very much includes all the other extra-curricular provisions available through the Creative Arts, Debating, Chess and Games clubs and everything else that happens here weekly.
took part in the Yorkshire Senior restricted in both ladies and mixed doubles badminton. Her outstanding performances over half term means she has been selected for the Yorkshire senior county squad and will be playing for them in addition to being selected for the U19 1st team this season. She should be rightly proud of what she has achieved which also includes using her Level 1 coaching badge to help coaching the junior section at the Bradford Performance Centre and being involved with the Badminton England Youth Forum. Sian is an incredible young lady and a shining example of what is possible if you are willing to work hard enough both in terms of her academic and sporting ambitions.
World Champions having beaten New Zealand 42-10 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington. It is an incredible achievement for Harvey but also a huge honour for Beckfoot given that one of our own is now a world champion. We are really proud of him and again he is a wonderful example of our belief in limitless possibilities for all if you are willing to work hard enough, aim high and be resilient in all you do.
Each student has spent months working with their mentor to prepare for yesterday. They each assembled their presentations onto display boards in the hall and invited their mentor to question them at length about their project ranging from questions about the project itself to the process involved and the impact on their learning and future readiness for either university, an apprenticeship or the world of work. Following that, the entire sixth form visited to view the projects and talk to the students about their work and findings. Other year groups were invited to attend and do similarly during their breaks. It was an amazing event and, on a personal level, I was in awe of each student, their work, passion, energy and enthusiasm. They were simply brilliant in their delivery and warmth. I was hugely proud of them all and I hope they achieve the tops marks they deserve for the work they have put in.
I will start by telling you about Matilda the Musical that has been performed here each of the past three evenings. I went to the final performance last night and for ninety minutes was transported to someplace magical where I completely forgot I was watching a school production in Beckfoot. I know we have a school bursting with very special young people but last night was a totally different level of proud for me personally. The cast, crew, directors, supporters and so many more, came together over the past months to create something that was really wonderful, incredibly professional and a complete showcase for the talent we have in this school. I loved that we had so many students involved and it was perhaps the most inclusive and diverse production Beckfoot has ever known. At one point, when the students were performing a number call, ‘When I grow up’, I looked around the audience and there were more than a few tears in evidence. At that point I was really struck by the job we do here at Beckfoot and the limitless opportunities we must provide for our young people as they progress through our school. I want them to be happy, successful and ready to take on the world when they leave us. For those involved this week, they are capable of doing amazing things in their lives. Of that I have little doubt. A huge thank you to the Creative team led by Ms. Kyle, Ms. Bannon and Ms. Hammond and to everyone who made the show come alive.
We had our Careers Fair this week which was held in the Creative Arts block. It involved over 50 organisations coming in to school to share with our students the opportunities that they can aspire to in years to come. We had guests and stalls from local businesses, universities and colleges, the police, the RAF, the Royal Navy and the Army. We had lots of information about apprenticeships and careers in the NHS, the beauty industry and so much more. It was, as always, an amazing event with students coming throughout the day in the year groups. 
For me, what I loved most about the event, is seeing how our students engage with the staff who come in to talk to them. They are polite, engaged, curious and determined to be informed of what’s out there for them. For so many it is yet another opportunity to consider their futures and their readiness to go and fulfil their dreams and ambitions. It’s a highlight of the term for me and I am very grateful to Ms. Wilson, Ms. McLean and Ms. Money for their organisation of such opportunities for our students.
Continuing the theme of post 16, our Geography students spent four days on residential in the Lake District this week as part of their A Level course. They have spent time getting ready to choose their independent coursework focus by practicing a variety of fieldwork methods in different locations. After deciding on their hypotheses, they have spent a day at the beach collecting data. Last night focussed on how to effectively present their data and analyse their data using statistical analysis methods. Every single student has been absolutely superb, collecting their data efficiently, displaying excellent teamworking skills and all whilst working in the rain! Apparently, we are not to feel too sorry for them as the weather all week has been beautiful. They return today and will be ready for some home comforts this evening I’m sure. I am hugely grateful to Ms. Carter and Ms. Roberts for their time and commitment.
They spoke with warmth and passion about helping others and the variety of ways that can we could help. They spoke about the links between our school community and what is happening in that part of the world. They were well researched, well informed and the delivery was absolutely spot on. In short, they were brilliant and a wonderful example of self-actualised young people who did not sit back and leave this to someone else. They did it and stepped out of their comfort zone every day this week to make a difference. I want more of this and I know our student leaders do too. We truly have a special group of young people at Beckfoot doing amazing things to help keep our school moving forward and being better every day.
Yesterday we took seventy Year 11 and Year 13 students to an 
I want to also remind you that you can follow our school on 
Finally, we believe that Ofsted will visit our school at some point this year. It has been eight years since they were last with us and that resulted in a grading of Outstanding. I will never forget that day! The new inspection framework is very different but it is very important to us that we do all we can to retain our Outstanding status as I hope you agree. To do so, we need your help. Please visit and fill in the 
The past week was also full of opportunities for our students to reflect on the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II. They asked lots of questions and thought a great deal about civic values. They considered her length of service and her dedication to such things as her country, her faith and her family. Seeing the events of the past few weeks has provided a great deal of comfort and hope to many. We were able to remember her as a school community last Friday as we came together to observe a two minute silence. Every member of our community conducted themselves brilliantly and I am grateful that we able to do something as a mark of respect. These things are important.
Last week I wrote my blog not knowing if we would be re-accredited as a World Class School once again but I have to admit to being quietly confident. That confidence did not stem from anything other than knowing the quality of our bid and the students that were going to present on our behalf. They were amazing and I am so proud of them and the wider student leadership group who have made this one of their goals since last September – well done!
This week I have taken the opportunity to reflect on the past year and to consider what we have achieved as a school over that time. Highlights include a full return to our enrichment provision including sport, the creative arts, debating and so much more. We have been able to celebrate our students through events like Senior Concert, Young Musician, Summer Serenade, Sports Day, Sports Awards, Creativity Fortnight, University Visits and a Careers Programme from Year 7, MFL, English, Maths, Science and PE Super Learning Days, Prison Me No Way, Guest Speakers and so much more. We have won a Careers Mark Award for Outstanding Practice, a Principled Curriculum Award from the SSAT, a Research Led Practice Award, again from the SSAT, for our commitment to research informed practice in our approach to teaching and learning and now World Class Schools. Beckfoot is not a perfect school but we are doing so much to make it a very special place to learn and work, and we are determined to be even better as we continue to move forward together.
On Tuesday, I attended the Summer Serenade concert and it was breath-taking. The talent at Beckfoot never ceases to amaze me but it is the culture of the school and more especially the creative arts faculty that is the thing that stands out the most. There was a huge range of musical genres on show and the numbers of students involved were as high as they have ever been. I guess what I really love is the enthusiasm and bravery of our students to stand up in front of a packed house and deliver performances that are so special. I love these events and I am thrilled that 2021-22 has allowed to get back to normality and allow students to showcase their talent so brilliantly.
Next week is also very special because our Year 11 students are going on Work Experience. I love the idea of our students spending a week in employment (so to speak) and to gain an invaluable insight into what life may be like for them in the years ahead. Work Experience will help them focus their efforts for Year 11 as they approach GCSE exams and it will also help with the decisions they need to make about what it will take to achieve the dreams and ambitions they have for themselves. I wish them well and look forward to visiting some of them in the workplace throughout the week.
I am always amazed when it comes to the determination of our students to get involved in the life of their school with the aim of making it better for both themselves and those to follow. A few months ago, Lucas and Sarah, alongside a few other students, wrote a paper to me outlining their concerns around food provision in school. The paper was utterly brilliant. In it they provided a very balanced view of the current situation with menus and options for all students at Beckfoot. 
They were worried about many of our young people feeling that they mattered and belonged because of this. Indeed, they provided exceptional balance to their argument suggesting much of what is already on offer is very good and needs to be kept. We sent that paper to our provider whom we have a very good relationship with. They read it and decided that they wanted to work with our students to do something about their concerns and help them make a difference. Last week that happened when over thirty of our students were joined by our catering providers and head chef to look at and taste some suggestions for additions to our menus. It was incredible. Our students tasted a whole range of food options and fedback, honestly, their thoughts. They were overwhelmed with the results and are very excited to see their choices become part of our food offer from the Autumn. I am so proud of Lucas, Sarah and the others for their leadership of this across school. They are making a difference and providing a valuable voice for our students.
On Tuesday this week our Beckfoot student leaders, Adam, Poppy, Amy, Jasroop, Eden and Mia went to London, accompanied by Ms. Ratahi and Ms. Khaliq, as part of the final stage of our 
Finally, on the theme of student leadership, we are almost half way through our Creativity fortnight. Mr Lee, the creativity team and our students have planned an incredible array of activities for this week and next. Earlier this week our students were treated to a live Bollywood style music performance outside during break times. They loved it with dancing, chanting and lots of joy and laughter on show. 
As part of the planned activities we held our Creativity Awards and Showcase Event last night which is a special event that celebrates the talent and work of our students in such areas as art, music, dance, food, painting, photography, illustration, animation, modelling, sculpture, tapestry and much more. It is an event that celebrates the arts and recognises the contributions of our students some of whom have now left us. It was very special and I am so proud that we are a school that continues to champion the Arts and seeks to provide an astonishing number of opportunities for our young people to get involved both through our curriculum provision and beyond. The fortnight, and all that it involves, has brought our school to life in a very unique and uplifting way this week and I cannot wait to see what is planned for Monday onwards. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the leadership of this and got involved in any way to make it special.
Last week, Tracey Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, was in school as part of our students leading the Bradford wide 
It was a celebration of new opportunities and an excitement about what these young people will bring to our school in the years ahead. That was followed by the transition day on Wednesday where the students spent the day with us to experience life at Beckfoot first hand. They attended an assembly, spent time with their tutors, went to Science, PE and Design & Technology lessons, had break and lunch with us and then went home. As is always the case many arrived in the morning a little anxious and nervous but they left us feeling excited about their futures at Beckfoot and the next stage of their educational journey. We cannot wait to see them in September.
I want to thank you for your unbelievable support for 
On Tuesday, we held our first Sports Awards celebration for three years. It was amazing. No, it was more than that. It was incredible, special, emotional and so much more. I sat and watched and listened to the various members of my PE staff talk with oodles of care and passion about young people who live and breathe sport and leadership, who take opportunities and want their school experience to be incredible and full of enrichment and excitement. It was amazing.
I sat with three ex students who were our VIP guests for the evening. Evie, Adam and Max came back to school having left us in the last two years themselves. They were given awards for their various contributions to PE and Sport in their time at Beckfoot and they then spent the evening handing out awards to our worthy winners. That, too, was special and it was just great to see them again.
Finally, many of you will be aware that the Beckfoot Trust lost a very special person yesterday. Jeremy Richardson, who was the headteacher of Beckfoot Thornton, died following an accident as he cycled to work on Wednesday morning. We are devastated. He was, in my words, a really great bloke. He loved his family and he loved his school. He has done the most incredible job at that school in recent years and he will be hugely missed by that community of staff, students and families. He leaves behind his wife and three children and we are so sorry for their loss. I will miss him. I will miss the pressure I would feel because he was so dapper. I will miss that he felt I could never get way with wearing brown shoes and I will miss his counsel and support. He was one of the good ones and our light shines a little less brightly because he is gone. Please remember him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Today our Year 11 and 13 students leave us. Today they will attend their last lessons of the year and, for many, the final time they will step into a classroom at Beckfoot.
For our year 11 students, I know they are going to do amazing things. I could not have wished for a better group as we emerged from lockdown and faced the reality of a return to GCSE examinations. Many are returning to us in September and we are very excited about their potential. They will, alongside our plans for Post 16 next year, ensure that our Sixth Form will not only thrive but go from strength to strength because they have chosen to be a part of it.
They are the ones that we said goodbye to on the 20th March 2020 with just a couple of days notice. I will never forget that assembly on that Friday afternoon. Some things will never leave you and that is one of those for me.
Our GCSE and A Level students are now fully immersed in their exams and it has been a huge relief to most to have started. The anticipation is often difficult but especially so this year given everything these young people have faced in recent years.
We will break up for half term today and whilst it will be an opportunity to recharge for most, for our exam students it is an opportunity to get a great deal of work done. At this stage, with the end in sight, students should be committing at least four to six hours per day to their revision. I have always believed that you get out what you put in and hard work not only makes a difference but it always pays off. I would urge each of them to give these last few weeks everything they have got and a little more. Rest will come and when it does it will be well earned. I am proud of each of them. They are amazing young people who deserve great things in their lives.
Our Year 10 students have not been immune to the learning that exam season brings either. On Wednesday, they gathered in the hall and were spoken to about their futures and the importance of hard work, resilience and ambition. Our sixth form team and careers staff spoke to them about the opportunities and challenges of the next twelve months. They listened. We then handed them their mock results in the same format that GCSE results will take next summer. This was an opportunity to reflect on their current progress and attainment. It was a chance to think clearly about next steps and whether or not they were on track for success. It was a reality check with the caveat that now was the time to change what they are thinking and change what they are doing to guarantee success in their GCSE exams next year. What I do know is that we will be with them every step of their journey and will be doing everything we can to support them, challenge them and look after them. That is our job and our privilege.
Over the past couple of weeks, we have been doing a number of 
Yesterday, our Year 8 had their 
For the past few weeks there has been a steady increase in the levels of excitem
Last night was simply incredible. It was my first Prom since I left in 
Our students came with families, in Limos, supercars of all varieties, 
Throughout the evening our student
I am also very fortunate because many students and families are keen for me to know about exploits beyond Beckfoot and I love that. Sian is mentioned regularly in my blog because she is hugely involved in her sport outside of school. Over Easter she took part in the Inter Counties Tournament, the pinnacle of junior county badminton nationally. I am reliably informed that it's been 10 years since Yorkshire Badminton won that particular competition. Sian was part of a very strong Yorkshire team and after three days they made it to the final three which included Yorkshire, Leinster and Cheshire. Yorkshire, including Sian were triumphant winning all their matches and lifting the trophy. It is an immense achievement and we are thrilled for her. She has given years of her young life to achieving this success and it is hugely deserved.
Continuing with the sporting theme, two of our students travelled to Florida over the Easter break to represent Team England in the International Cheer Union World Championships. Georgia and Scarlett represented team England against many other nations, competing against the world’s most elite cheerleaders such as USA, Mexico and China. The team placed 7th in the world which is incredible. I am in awe of such talent. To be good enough to be picked to represent your country in amazing in itself but to rank 7th in the world is incredible. Again, both girls have committed huge amounts of time to their sport. They have made sacrifices along the way to do what they have done, and we are hugely proud of them both. You can watch Team England in action below!
Music and the Arts have always been a big part of what we do here every day, but I cannot remember a week which has involved so much activity as this one. Last Saturday a combination of dance students from years 10, 11 and 12 performed at Fresh 22 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. It has been a really exciting and challenging few months for the girls who not only had to choreograph a dance routine but then had to perform it a number of times in order to qualify for the event. Not only did they qualify but they did so for the main event in the evening on centre stage. They worked so hard every day in the lead up and were incredibly self-critical and determined to perfect their routine in advance of the performance. They danced as Footfall Dance company and were brilliant on the night. Special memories for a special group of students led superbly by Darcie and Laila.
Also, this week, two other major events took place involving Beckfoot’s Creative Arts staff and students. On Wednesday evening our students were involved in a National Theatre Connections performance at the Theatre Royal in York. Following a competitive bid to be part of this project, our students were given the opportunity to work with a professional playwright and perform a new one-hour play that the playwright had written especially for this project. For anyone who has ever had to memorise a speech, lead an assembly, or similar, I think it is fair to say that it is not easy and takes incredible courage. It was wonderful to see another group of our students involved in a project on this scale. What stood out on the evening was the focus, determination, professionalism, teamwork and all round Beckfoot magic that was oozed from our students - both on stage and backstage afterwards. Most have never performed before and the memories and experiences this kind of project provides is just phenomenal. I want to thank Ms. Kyle and her team, the students of course and those staff and families that were there to support.
Each tutor group had representatives that spoke about their chosen charity, why it was important to them and why they exist. They each chose a different one to support in the hope of winning the £1000 prize for their chosen focus. I stood and watched each tutor group talk about the work of their charity and why it was important to them. The students spoke about work in our city aimed at supporting those with mental health issues, homelessness, employment, and animal welfare to name a few. It was humbling and I can only imagine how proud their tutors were of them.
Wednesday was proving to be a busy day and Mr Lee was determined not be outdone. He, alongside Mr Stimpson, took a group of forty-five students to perform in the Bradford Proms at St Georges Hall. Our Senior band opened the show with a bang, leading the way for a brilliant evening of performances from schools across Bradford. Our Juno singing group then performed as part of the Bradford Blast Choir with and sang with confidence and maturity. Indeed, our students shone brightly throughout the evening and were all absolutely brilliantly brilliant as both performers and young people. To perform on such a big stage in front of a packed-out audience is not easy, but our students loved it and represented themselves, their families and our school wonderfully, leading the Bradford district with two stand out performances. Again, I want to thank the staff, the students and those staff and families that were there to support.
I would like to start by sharing the news that we were informed this week that we have been successfully accredited by the SSAT (Schools Students and Teachers Network) for two key areas of our work around the quality of education provided at Beckfoot. These awards recognise that our practice is amongst the most exceptional nationally under the SSAT's Framework for Exceptional Education. The two areas we have been awarded transforming practice in are: 
A few months ago, we shared the decision to make changes to our curriculum in order to ensure every child had access to a breadth of study that would allow them to stand alongside any student in the country and compete for the best jobs and university places. In doing so we will ensure every child will study the core subjects, a humanities subject and a modern foreign language. We are excited by this decision and very much want to ensure our students get the very best teaching and experiences possible as we seek to develop them as young people with a deeper knowledge of such things as cultural capital. Last week we held a modern foreign languages Wider Learning Day for Year 8. Despite the fact that we teach French and German here, we did not allow them to utilise those languages throughout the day. Instead we asked them to communicate in so many different ways ranging from sign language to a whole host of other languages including Urdu, Punjabi, Spanish and Ukrainian. There was also a little bit of Gaelic (Irish language) thrown in by me for good measure. It was a wonderful day and I am so grateful to the MFL team and all those visiting staff who supported the day including colleagues from Hazelbeck. 
In sporting matters most of you will know the amazing things our PE staff do here each week. There are so many opportunities to get involved in a huge range of activities before, during and after school. This year we have added to those opportunities in the form of a Hockey club run by two members of our English department, Ms. Senyk and Ms. Ratahi. This week they played their first competitive fixture as a mixed sex and mixed age group. They were brilliant and won the game 4-0. They were thrilled but not as much as the staff. I love seeing new things happen at the school and continuing to provide those moments that students will never forget even when they reach my age! 
To finish I want to highlight a few students who are doing amazing things at Beckfoot. Firstly, Lois in Year 12. Lois was employed as a Youth Peer Researcher for a report commissioned by the 
Sian, also in Year 12, is no stranger to my Blog. She continues to excel in the sport of Badminton. She has recently been selected to represent Yorkshire U18 at the Inter Counties Tournament over the Easter Holidays to be held at Nottingham University. In junior badminton this is seen as the pinnacle for any young player at county level. There are only 5 girls & 5 boys in the team and selection was based on performance during this season. Her selection is an incredible achievement in itself. Sian is also on the Badminton England National Youth Forum. She put forward a video with ideas and thoughts on what she believes Badminton England should do to improve the sport at junior level throughout the country. They were impressed & invited her on to the forum as an ambassador for junior badminton nationally. She has already been invited down to Milton Keynes later this year to discuss ideas and how to implement them. I have little doubt she will make a difference to the work that will follow in the sport for years to come and we are proud of her because of all she does and will do well into the future.
On Friday last, we asked our students to really think about others and, in doing so, try to better understand what it is like to live in the shoes of someone less fortunate, even if just for a few minutes. 
I listened to the KS3 and KS4+ finalists and then to the various ensembles with some Groove Tubes and Soul Band thrown in for good measure. It was amazing, and I loved every minute of it. I guess what really struck were three things. Firstly, the talent we have at Beckfoot and this was only just a small representation of that talent. Secondly, the commitment of staff and students to the arts and the hours that go in to being able to play, sing and perform. And thirdly, the relationships that were so clearly evident on the night between staff and students. I felt very proud of that especially. That is culture and doesn’t just happen. It takes years to build that trust and care and we have it at Beckfoot in abundance.
This week was also very special because this was the week that we delivered our STOP assemblies. Those assemblies were about Safeguarding our students and ensuring they understand their right to a happy and safe childhood, their right to be free from abuse of any kind but also their duty to help us to do that work well and look after each other. The assembly talked about those things but also about the '
When I wrote my last Blog on 18 February we were breaking up for half term and the world was a very different place. When we returned last week, things had changed because of the humanitarian crises in Ukraine. We have all watched with unenviable sadness the situation unfolding and the impact it is having on the country. We have staff and families with links over there and we all very much wanted to do something as a community. We liaised with several local charities and communities to find out the best way to offer support. We began to collect essential items that will make a difference to those families and children displaced from their homes. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity that has been shown over the past week from all of you. It has been humbling, not only because of the amount of support that has been shown, but because it matters so much to our staff and students. Thank you.
Finally, I wanted to tell you about 
Last week we were reminded of our role as a community school when we received a letter of thanks from 
Reading is a gift and such an important skill to nurture and develop. A love of reading is something that I want to develop in all our students for lots of reasons but mainly because it has the power to provide a wealth of experiences, feelings and emotions that can often not be found in any other way. For some it has the power to transport you to another world, for others it is about the emotion of the text and for the likes of me it facilitates a complete break from everything else and allows me to learn, to feel and to be taken on a journey that is so completely different. I love to read sporting autobiographies and I am currently reading Siya Kolisi’s book 'Rise'. He was the captain 
of the South African Springboks rugby team that won the world cup in 2019. His is a fascinating story of hardship, resilience and self-belief. He very much reminds me of our belief in ‘Limitless Possibilities for All’ because he represents the view that you can achieve most things in life if you are willing to work hard enough, have someone believe in you and, most importantly, believe in yourself. There are lots of things planned for World Book Day and the staff get a little giddy too! More to follow.
We had a very special and thought provoking curriculum collapse day on Monday for Year 9 students. It was based on the work of the 
Firstly, Lara and Logan in Year 9 have been selected to represent West Yorkshire in the upcoming English Schools Cross-Country championships in Kent. They have been selected from hundreds of young people across the county and it is an incredible honour and achievement for both of them.
In other news I want to thank Poppy in Year 9 for her leadership of the Time to Talk week that has been taking place in school since Monday. Poppy and her team of students have talked in staff briefings, organised health professionals to be available and visible all week, planned a whole host of activities to raise awareness of mental health and created badges and stickers so that almost two thousand staff and students could show their support for anyone that doesn’t feel ok. Indeed, she has driven home the message that it’s Ok to not be OK. Thank you to Poppy and everyone who made this week special.
they support students to make decisions about their life after school. It is given to schools who are continually working to improve the chances and opportunities of all its students. Achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard demonstrates, clearly, how we all embrace, promote and endorse quality careers education and recognise the part it plays in the overall success of our school and students. Because we offer a high-quality programme to all students from Year 7 to Year 13, we were graded as Outstanding, the highest possible judgment that can be awarded. Our ambition is to continue to provide world class careers opportunities for our students, continue to introduce them to the world of work and support them fully to make decisions about life after school whatever they may be. I am hugely grateful to Holly McLean and Sarah Wilson for leading on this work and for all they do every day to make a difference to the lives of our young people.
We have had two parents’ evenings since I last wrote. Both were held virtually, and both had attendance of over 97%. Lockdown forced us to think about events such as parents’ evenings differently and the feedback from lockdown gave us the confidence to know that the system is preferred by the vast majority (not all of course). The feedback has been hugely positive, and it is, for me, a real indicator of the strength of our community. I have worked in many schools over the years and the support and challenge we receive from our parents is very rare and hugely appreciated. Thank you.
blessed with here is truly staggering and I am so fortunate to have Mr. Lee, Mr, Stimpson and an amazing, dedicated group of peripatetic staff who give time to share their love of the Creative Arts and performing. What we saw over two evenings was emotion, passion, dedication and joy. We had so many involved from Year 7 to Year 13 and the future for the Arts in school looks exciting. As I said last night, areas such as these are what gives a school it’s ‘soul’ and I could not have been happier or 
amaze you with their selflessness and a determination to put others first. They were adamant that we would make this year’s Children in Need day one to remember and they didn’t disappoint. We had raffles, bake sales (the best ever cakes in my view!), sports activities, staff activities and so much more. We also had our traditional non-uniform day and the students raised over £1500 for the charity. We even got a response to our Tweet from the director of the event that evening! For me the day has always been about putting others first and our students have always understood that. Despite all that is going on in the school, they know they need to get it right in lessons and maintain the highest standards of themselves. They stand up for
what they believe in and put so much work into making the day special. CIN day is about our students working together as community contributors and making a difference. They certainly did that last Friday and I am very proud of them. Special thanks go to Mrs. Dobson and her team of student leaders.
Last Friday also saw Beckfoot students contribute to the follow up Pandemic Recovery Summit which involved schools from across Bradford focussing on the key themes of Anti-Racism, Mental Health, Poverty and Disadvantage, LGBTQ+ and Student Voice. Beckfoot was asked to lead on an area of focus for both our school and the city in helping to determine next steps to support young people to recover from all things Covid-19 related. It also focussed on lost opportunities as a result of the pandemic and ways to better provide support to address 
those going forward.
It has also been a challenging few weeks in terms of dealing with the on-going pandemic. A relatively small number of students have had to isolate due to Covid and others remain anxious about how the nation is addressing the problems that are still present every day. That is understandable. What I would say, however, is that school is where students should be because it is a safe space where learning is our priority. Teaching face to face is what makes the biggest difference to young people and they need to be in school in order to make progress. I cannot stress that enough. Indeed, our GCSE and A Level students understand more than most the additional stress that school absence can bring. So, if it is a decision between being at school and not, choose school every time!
We had our Year 11 Aspirations day last week also. We had some very cool young people with us for the day having travelled up from South London the night before. They are called Revolution Hive and they spent the day with our Year 11 students talking to them about their aspirations, hopes and dreams. More importantly, they worked with them to think about their attitude, their mindset and strategies to be successful not only in their GCSEs but also in life. It was a fantastic day and our students got a great deal from it.
discern who was the sporting cheat from Ms. Denham, Mr. Cooley, Mr. Darling and myself. They analysed a variety of samples and looked closely at other forms of evidence as they strived to reach a conclusion. In the end, most identified Mr. Darling as the cheat and they were right! That evening, our Year 7 parents and carers were invited into school to hear about the day from staff and students. They also got to see some of the school and visit a science lab which is where students did most of their work earlier in the day. Again, it was a very special event and it was really lovely to welcome families into our school once again.
maturity of our young people and their determination to learn well. They have been engaged and happy to contribute fully to lessons which is exactly what we expect of them. Beckfoot has a special ‘soul’ and I have seen this at every turn.
Our Open Evening last night was an overwhelming success. We had our busiest ever evening with huge numbers of prospective students and their families coming to visit. Our building fizzed with excitement because we are proud of our school and we love to show it off. We had over 200 students who attended as volunteers to help throughout the evening. They were so happy to be with us and the feedback already has highlighted the role and impact they had on our guests. Our faculty areas came to life with all sorts of interactive activities and the whole event had a warmth about it that we are proud of.
Over 1100 students were rewarded for their outstanding behaviour and attitude to learning They get it right every day and are doing amazing things at school. We were thrilled with the weather and each student got a 99-ice cream with a drink. They were then able to relax on the field in the sunshine with friends. Their appreciation and manners were humbling, and they very much deserved the treat.
Over 100 students initially signed up to complete the challenges as part of the programme and, last weekend, they completed the Bronze expedition by walking to Blackhills campsite. On the Friday, the students spent the day on our front field learning how to pitch tents and cook for themselves. When I first learned of the activities, I was a little concerned that few of them would manage to eat given they were in charge! How wrong I was.
As I visited each group I was staggered to find that they had cooked, washed up and cleaned the area around their tents ready for the next challenge. They were cooking pasta mainly, but some groups were stirring in all kinds of wonderful sauces and some were even adding things like chorizo! However, one group left me staggered. As I approached them, I could see punnets of strawberries. They had finished their meal by melting large bars of chocolate and then dipping their fruit into the chocolate to eat. Amazing. I want to thank all the staff that supported both days especially Ms. Roberts, Mr. Owan, Mr. Hines, Ms. Osborne. I also want to congratulate our students and their families for their enthusiasm, good spirits and care for one another. I am thrilled that we have been able to continue to deliver this Award in school and I know many of them will now go on to achieve their Silver Awards and possibly even Gold in the years ahead.
Finally, I want to let you all know that we have taken delivery of and installed a memorial bench for Emma Taylor who sadly died last summer. The bench is at the front of school and it has already been a joy to see it being used by our students. Emma was an amazing young lady and her family have worked with us to ensure she is never forgotten as a most wonderful and special person and student.
Over 100 students have signed up to complete the challenges as part of the programme. Last weekend, joined by Ms Roberts, Mr Owan, Mr Hines, Ms Osborne and several other staff, the students set off walking from school at 9am and finished at 3pm. This was their first experience and will be followed after half term with 2 days of challenges culminating in a walk to Blackhills Camp. It promises to be an eventful and exciting few days and I hope they enjoy the challenge and all the Award has to offer over the coming months.
On a similar theme, our Duke of Edinburgh award scheme is back. Last week over 100 Year 9 students signed up for the Bronze Award and many other in older years are continuing with their efforts to secure Silver and Gold awards. Ms. Roberts and her team do an incredible job and their efforts have never dwindled throughout lockdown with so many students completing a variety of tasks and challenges and gaining much coveted awards that will always demonstrate their commitment to leadership, consideration of others and care for their local area. I’m excited to see what our new cohort get up to on their journey with the scheme. Watch this space!
inches off her hair in aid of the Little Princess Trust and the premature baby unit in the NHS. She has a close connection with both and decided to do something to help. Eva initially wanted to raise £150 but has, to date, already exceed that target with over £1000. She is a shining example of what we are trying to create at Beckfoot. She is selfless, caring, driven and totally determined in all she does. She is also very persuasive and has managed to get a good number of staff to donate. That in itself is impressive! Well done Eva.
I cannot quite believe it’s October.
I am sure many of you will be wondering how we intend to communicate with you when it comes to parents’ evenings and I am happy to say we have a plan. After conversations with several of you, we have decided to carry out virtual face to face meetings with teachers. Each meeting will last 5 minutes to maximise the number of parents/carers a member of staff can see. The technology we will use will end the meeting on exactly 5 minutes and move the member of staff on to the next appointment automatically. Appointments will be made on a first come first served basis and, although not everyone will get every appointment they require, it is a much more personal way to operate these evenings. As always, we will ask for your feedback after the first evening to see how we can further improve. This will be a first for us, so your patience and support will be greatly appreciated.
You are aware that we, like most schools across the UK, have had a few confirmed cases of Covid 19. We have followed the guidance as set out by the DfE and PHE. We are immediately asked to identify ‘Close’ contacts and ‘Social’ contacts and we use our classroom seating plans software to support that process. Once we are clear which students are potentially at risk, and therefore need to self-isolate, we ensure all families affected are spoken to personally about the situation, how to access work from home and when they can return. The support we have had from families of those affected and more widely has been phenomenal. For those that have ongoing concerns I have tried to ring each individually to provide reassurance. These are the times we are living and working in and I hope the communications are helpful. I know it can be frustrating that the exact details cannot always be shared.
I cannot pass on the opportunity to remind you of our Health and Safety obligations. We require all staff and students to wear a face covering in communal areas. We ask that hand sanitiser is applied on entry to school and each lesson and we also ask that the 2-metre rule is observed wherever possible. We ask students not to mingle in groups of more than six at social times and when walking to and from school. We ask students to wear face coverings on school and public transport too. All these measures help to minimise risk, so I feel they are reasonable requests. Your support in reinforcing this message is appreciated.
Finally, I was delighted to welcome to school on Monday, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, parents of Emma Taylor who sadly passed away over the summer. We had a lovely chat about lots of things but mainly about Emma. They very generously presented me with a cheque for £5000 in her memory. We have agreed to spend the money in several ways. We intend to purchase a bench to be placed at the front of school so staff, students and visitors can remember her every day. We will purchase an award, to be presented annually to a deserving Post 16 student who contributes so much to our school. 
