Some good news.
We are not expecting any further disruption caused by industrial action this term.
The teaching unions are uniting to focus on the issues of recruitment into the profession, the retention of those in it, and teachers’ working conditions.
All are urgent issues and industrial action will resume in the Autumn if there is no progress.
Only last week, the Department for Education released data which showed it had missed its teacher recruitment target by 26%.
The numbers required to halt the ever-increasing impact on the classroom are getting bigger.
We need to attract more young people into teaching. We have children here who will be considering teaching as a potential career.
We need to make it a much more attractive profession for them, and others in later life switching careers.
This area of the country struggles more than others to recruit good and outstanding practitioners at all levels.
The recruitment issue should have been addressed before now and we have a potential crisis looming if it is not addressed urgently.
We are looking ahead and planning our induction days and transition for September’s Year 7.
Those Year 6 children with a place at the Academy, barring those with appeals, will have been contacted.
I would encourage those who know those families to share this blog with them on Facebook. We want to keep those new to the Academy well informed of the plans for their children.
Those young people will have started their SATs yesterday. We know all about exams and the pressures they bring.
Those children will have been really well prepared by their teachers and we thank those primary staff for those considerable efforts. We wish children and teachers all the best with their tests.
We have the results of a children’s lifestyle survey conducted in North Lincolnshire.
The results suggest a big area of need for young people is a quiet place to work outside the Academy. This is something highlighted during the pandemic too.
We have been reflecting on the feedback and are looking to respond, adding to the facilities we provide after hours. I will keep you posted.
We are completing the options process for Year 9, with just a handful of replies outstanding.
Our software package used to build the timetable is suggesting 93% of children will be studying their first three choices in September, which is brilliant.
The figure demonstrates how well the options process has worked and I have been impressed by Year 9s’ choices and the reasons behind them, around careers and aspirations.
It has been one of the most successful options processes in recent years and I thank all involved.
We announce the head prefects in a prestigious event tomorrow between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. All will be presented with badges and ties. I am looking forward to their work as leaders following the ceremony.
On Monday (15th), six weeks of exams start for Year 11.
It is a trying and testing process for young people to go through and, at times, can feel oppressive with no apparent end in sight. We understand that and our support programmes continue.
Those Year 11s who want to come early into the Academy before exams, have a free hot drink and a bite to eat, are welcome to do so.
They will be a chance to spend time with staff who will reassure them and help calm the nerves. It is a great opportunity and I’d recommend Year 11 take it up.
It goes without saying we wish our Year 11 the very best during a difficult time.
It will come to an end and I’m confident there will be more good news in the summer.
