Hello and welcome to the first Blacon High School blog. This is a new idea born out of the school’s response to Covid 19.

Last year, we made great progress in the way we communicated with parents and carers. Additionally, we were able to welcome so many more of you into the school building with the introduction of our termly rewards assemblies that complimented other events that have always been on the school calendar. Although we will be unable to continue to host these occasions for the foreseeable future, we will endeavour to communicate any news, events and reasons to celebrate via this blog.

Firstly, Rachel Hudson, Headteacher said: ‘I was delighted to welcome our new Year 7s to school this week and also welcome back Years 8, 9 10 and 11. We are looking forward to a return to the ‘new normal’ from next week. As the situation changes, routines in school may also evolve in order to meet the latest government guidelines in our response to Covid 19. However, I know that the staff and students at Blacon High School will meet all of the challenges they may face.

In other news, the builders are finally on site! Yes, that’s right, after a number of unforeseen delays, our new, purpose built addition to the current school building is underway and we can be confident that we will be moving into it in September 2021.

You will be aware that, during lockdown, the school remained open for the children of keyworkers. One of the projects they were involved with was a vegetable garden. Have a look at some of the produce we have been able to harvest. Fantastic work guys!

Mrs Appleby would like to remind everyone about ‘DEaR’ or Drop Everything and Read. Students will begin all lessons with a few minutes of reading and will be issued with a book to enable this. However, she is keen that students ‘want’ to read so is encouraging them to bring in a book of their own or even a magazine. It would be great if parents and carers could support the school with this new initiative.

Head of PE, Mr Cairns’ and his team have made it their priority to ensure that PE lessons are Covid safe. The end of September will see the re-introduction of PE clubs; extra-curricular examination Dance will start first. Additionally, there is the potential for football and netball fixtures to recommence in October.