Blog # 5 – w/c 01/11/21 

HI All, 

Well, we managed to get to the end of the half term almost unscathed. This is largely testament to the resilience of staff and students, and is also a reflection of the ongoing support from parents and carers. 

Following our return to school in September after approximately eighteen months of disruption, we adopted a very much ‘back to basics’ approach to our expectations around attitude to learning, behaviour, uniform and homework completion. This was needed to settle our students back into school life and to encourage the sense of stability that is a feature of what we strive to deliver each and every day at Blacon High School. As a result, I am pleased to say that, for the most part, there is  now a really settled atmosphere in and around school. 

Ofsted Inspection

As you will be aware, on 26th and 27th of October we were visited by Ofsted; our last inspection was in January 2016. 

An Ofsted inspection is always a challenging couple of days in any school but, following on from the comments about ‘back to basics’ above, I am happy to say that the inspectors were massively complimentary about the behaviour and attitude to learning of our students.  

As you may be aware, inspectors have absolute freedom to go anywhere in the school and chat to any students, including during break and lunchtimes as well as during scheduled meetings. I am delighted to report that our students were a credit to the school. I would also like to thank parents and carers for the overwhelmingly positive feedback that you shared with inspectors.  

The final report will be published in about four weeks’ time. 

Race Night

On 29th October after a very busy half term, staff, along with members of the community, enjoyed an evening of lively entertainment at our Race Night. 

There were several lucky winners, but the biggest winner was the school. The evening raised approximately £1500 for school funds, which will enable us to support a range of additional enrichment activities both in and beyond the classroom for our students. 

A massive thank you to Miss McHale for organising the event, for the team of staff and PTA who helped, and to everyone who supported the evening by attending. 

Keep your eyes peeled for further fundraisers.

Narrative Writing Competition

Mr Stockdale’s Year 11’s have been developing their narrative writing skills in preparation for Component 1 of their English Language GCSE. Specifically, students have been encouraged to include a range of dynamic vocabulary and a variety of relevant literary and linguistic devices to create effect, whilst maintaining a high level of technical accuracy. At the end of the week, students listened to the best six narratives and voted for the winner.  

Congratulations to Isabella Warren for a fantastic story that was packed full of all of the features that an examiner will be looking for. Isabella won a £5.00 prize to spend on a book of her choice. 

Year 8 Coffee Morning

Parents, carers and relatives of Year 8 students are invited to join us for a Coffee Morning on Monday the 8th November from 9:30am – 10:30am. There will be a short presentation in the Hall followed by an opportunity to celebrate a successful return to school, and the chance to have an informal discussion about how we can best support your child’s progress in the coming months over a cup of coffee, a croissant and a cake. Please click the link on the invitation to the Year 8 Coffee Morning on ParentPay, or on social media, to let us know that you will be joining us. Alternatively, you can also confirm your attendance by scanning the QR code on the paper invitation that your child will have brought home with them.    

We look forward to welcoming you into school on Monday. 

Climate Change Conference – 23^rd October

Geography teacher Mr Roberts is incredibly proud of a group of students who represented Blacon High School at a climate change conference hosted by Chester University. Jenna Greagh, Andrea Fanca, Yasmine Jones and Ruby Davies were an absolute credit to the school. Please see the personal response from the organisers following the event.  

Dear All 

Thank you so much for your contribution to the conference today. 

I know it takes a lot of preparation to speak for 5 minutes. It was really great to have Blacon High represented – you were a credit to your school, 

I do hope you enjoyed it – I really appreciate the effort and maturity that you all brought to the day. 

Thank you SO much.  

Jane 

Jane Brooke Canon Missioner and Vice Dean Chester Cathedral 

Covid 19

The situation with our response to Covid is, as always, directed by the local authority and Public Health England. It would seem that infection rates are on the increase, with the most significant rise being among secondary school aged children. 

If infection rates continue to rise, there is every chance that masks in schools may once again become mandatory. Please keep your eye on the school website, the blog and on social media for the latest updates and advice.

And finally,

As the second half term of the academic year gets underway and we begin the run up to the Christmas festivities, as the temperature falls and the days get shorter and darker, let’s remember that we all share a common goal and our students remain at the heart of everything that we do. 

Thank you, as always for your continued support. 

Have a great weekend and stay safe.