Welcome to this week's newsletter.
Thank you to all Year 8 parents/carers who attended Parents' Evening on Wednesday. It was great to see so many being able to discuss their child's progress.
This week we have had assemblies delivered on two important topics. Careers and vaping/smoking. Although very different topics, they are equally as important in terms of the messages delivered.
Last week was National Careers Week with the theme of 'Own your future'. The basic message being, not ‘wait for your future’..., not ‘hope for your future’....but 'own' it. That means taking small steps now that shape the life you want later. Students were asked to consider The Safe Future, The Dream Future and The Surprise Future. The exciting message for our children is that some of the jobs they may do in the future do not even exist yet. Technology, climate change, health, creativity, engineering, AI, all areas are expanding faster than ever! The future isn’t something that happens to them, it’s something they build. They don’t need to have all the answers, they just need to start to build the skills and good ethic. Live our values of ambition and courage.
The other message was that secondary school is a time when young people make choices that shape their health and wellbeing. Vaping may seem harmless, but most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can affect developing brains, concentration, and mood. It can also make it harder for young people to break the habit later on. We encourage families to talk openly about vaping, support children in making healthy choices, and remind them that being vape-free helps them stay focused, active, and ready to learn. The Isle of Wight Council has a very useful website, linked here, offering advice and support.
Today we celebrate #TECHOGNITION 2026, a day dedicated to recognising 
the incredible contribution of technicians working across education. Their work may often happen behind the scenes, but the impact they have on teaching and learning, health and safety and student experiences is enormous. Thank you!
Next week our Year 11 students start their Food Technology practical exams – we wish them well!
Please remember that on the last Friday of this half-term, we finish at 12.45pm for the Easter break.
Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Paul, Mrs Mursell and Mrs Sandiford
Executive Headteacher and Co-Heads of School
