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Headteacher’s Letter – November 2022

8th November 2022

Dear parents and carers,

As we now find ourselves entering the months of winter and colder weather, I would like to offer my continued thanks for your support in ensuring such high levels of student attendance, smartly worn school uniform and completion of homework tasks at Stepney All Saints. Over 12,000 achievement points were awarded last half term, which shows the hard work and effort demonstrated by our students. This was particularly evident at the Prize Giving Evening where I was proud to see so many recognised for their outstanding achievement.

Mock Examinations Year 11

Our Year 11 Mocks are already underway and as always, students have been exemplary in meeting the demands of the formal regulations and have approached the mock exams with positivity and determination.  We continue to approach all assessments with an attitude of great purpose. Mock exams are designed to give students and teachers a clear idea of comparative strengths and weaknesses, in order to focus work and revision on the right areas in the final months of each course. Grades are important, of course, but it is crucial to note that Mock grades are a foundation on which to build success.

If parents or students have any subject specific questions regarding progress in courses, they can contact the relevant subject teacher and their Head of Year.

Enrichment activities

The importance of activities beyond academic work is well established. They help students to learn about themselves, to use their skills and knowledge in different contexts and to develop as well-rounded individuals. It is important to recognise that employers and universities frequently give preference to those who can demonstrate that they have acquired the key employability skills that participation in enrichment activities develop. Consequently, showing that you have regularly taken part in enrichment activities can give you an edge over others.

The sessions offered at Stepney All Saints provide students with opportunities that they would not encounter in their normal day-to-day experience in school and it is our expectation that all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 take part in enrichment activities for all of the reasons outlined. We are monitoring attendance and this will be reflected in students’ reports. We want our students to excel in all aspects of their school life and attendance at enrichment activities is a key element. 

An updated list of afterschool and lunchtime clubs is available to view here – https://www.stepneyallsaints.school/content/uploads/2022/11/SASS-Enrichment-2022-23-Nov22.pdf . Please note that this half term new additions include Debate Mate, additional skateboarding sessions and a fencing taster class.

Attendance – reminder

Our school has high levels of attendance and this is vital to help children achieve and get the best possible start in life.  Children who frequently miss school fall behind and there is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results. In order to maintain high levels of attendance, if your child presents themselves to you as ‘unwell’ please send them to school regardless. At school our medical needs coordinator will be able to assess students. We will, of course, contact you if your child continues to feel unwell and cannot stay for the full day. Please note that colds, coughs, runny noses and sore throats are common and do not require that children stay home from school. A mask may be worn if so wished.  

Anti-Bullying Week 2022

This national anti-bullying week starts on Monday 14th November and we will be delivering a range of pastoral input through assemblies and tutor time regarding this important subject. As a school, we are committed to ensuring that every member of our community understands what bullying is, and each of our responsibilities in creating a school culture, which is respectful, considerate and supportive. 

We are completely certain that we will always act on concerns and issues, and take all necessary steps. We have a strong track record in resolving issues, and ideally like to know about concerns as early as possible, so if students or parents do have any concerns whatsoever please do contact the relevant Head of Year.

I am aware that many parents also like to support the school’s input on pastoral content, as one of the key features of an anti-bullying culture is one in which every single member of the school community is clear on what they can do to eradicate bullying. There is a full pack of information, specifically for parents and carers that can be downloaded HERE.

Key Events for this Academic Year

Please note that the Year 11 mock examination are currently taking place and the full timetable can be found on the school website HERE. In addition, the Year 13 Parents’ Evenings take place this week.

Other key dates for this half term are as follows:

The full set of term dates for the academic year are available on our website, https://stepneyallsaints.school/our-school/term-dates-school-hours/.

I will write again in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please check our website and social media feeds @StepneyAS for updates on what is taking place at our school.

Yours sincerely,

 

Paul Woods

Headteacher